2021-22 Season Discussion and Speculation

[Bogyo]

Is there any realistic way we could get in on the Christian Wood sweepstakes? That would take something meaningful for sure. Are we ready to give that up to make our 2 year window even bigger? It would also salvage our future a bit, and not sure about chemistry... Also, I'm not sure what the other offers would be, but... CamJo+Jalen(+whatever picks) for Wood works in the trade machine...

Don't go crazy on me, I'm not even sure I would do it, and I'm 99,99% sure either the Suns wouldn't do it or Houston would have a better offer. Just Saturday night and a few beers in, and got me thinking 'cuz we were talking about getting better and getting a small-ball C and/or 3/4... And I REALLY want to win it all this year!

What you think fellas?

[pj0tr]

I am most worried about Payne. Over 50% from 3 in the bubble to 44% last year to under 33% last year and from 2 down to 44% which is lower than his last year in the NBA before going overseas. It's not a terribly small sample size either. Was last year and the bubble (which if you add those 8 to last year regular season it's still less than a whole season) an anomaly? I sure hope not. What he was doing from 3 since joining us was definitely not sustainable but he had really regressed to where he was before he left the NBA before.

We NEED a solid backup pg. His play or playing Payton at backup PG is not enough if we are going to compete and withstand guard injuries. It has been nice to overcome it so far but not sure if that continues as teams get healthier and add key guys back down the stretch and then the playoffs. We are still among the best but need that backup especially with the chance of a Paul or Book injury. He won't play as bad as he did last night often but he wasn't playing good at all overall this season anyway. I hope his work ethic outside of games didn't go down after getting his contract.

I'm not too worried about Payne right now - the bench rotation has sort been in flux for much of the season with the Ayton injury, the Kaminsky injury, and now the Booker hamstring.

Its a marathon, not a sprint. Payne playing his worst game as a Phoenix Suns player against a 19-3 team on hte 2nd night of a B2B without Booker isn't cause for alarm.

The Warriors literally decided to pickup CP3 full court from the get go without Booker playing - if Booker is playing, that is not happening lol

[bwgood77]

I am most worried about Payne. Over 50% from 3 in the bubble to 44% last year to under 33% last year and from 2 down to 44% which is lower than his last year in the NBA before going overseas. It's not a terribly small sample size either. Was last year and the bubble (which if you add those 8 to last year regular season it's still less than a whole season) an anomaly? I sure hope not. What he was doing from 3 since joining us was definitely not sustainable but he had really regressed to where he was before he left the NBA before.

We NEED a solid backup pg. His play or playing Payton at backup PG is not enough if we are going to compete and withstand guard injuries. It has been nice to overcome it so far but not sure if that continues as teams get healthier and add key guys back down the stretch and then the playoffs. We are still among the best but need that backup especially with the chance of a Paul or Book injury. He won't play as bad as he did last night often but he wasn't playing good at all overall this season anyway. I hope his work ethic outside of games didn't go down after getting his contract.

I'm not too worried about Payne right now - the bench rotation has sort been in flux for much of the season with the Ayton injury, the Kaminsky injury, and now the Booker hamstring.

Its a marathon, not a sprint. Payne playing his worst game as a Phoenix Suns player against a 19-3 team on hte 2nd night of a B2B without Booker isn't cause for alarm.

The Warriors literally decided to pickup CP3 full court from the get go without Booker playing - if Booker is playing, that is not happening lol

I was worried before that game though. I had mentioned it. Still was playing bad for the season. His whole career has been bad until last August-July. I expect him to get better but it's not guaranteed given his large sample size of play before that. His #s just suddenly increased dramatically for a year for no real apparent reason.

[pj0tr]

I am most worried about Payne. Over 50% from 3 in the bubble to 44% last year to under 33% last year and from 2 down to 44% which is lower than his last year in the NBA before going overseas. It's not a terribly small sample size either. Was last year and the bubble (which if you add those 8 to last year regular season it's still less than a whole season) an anomaly? I sure hope not. What he was doing from 3 since joining us was definitely not sustainable but he had really regressed to where he was before he left the NBA before.

We NEED a solid backup pg. His play or playing Payton at backup PG is not enough if we are going to compete and withstand guard injuries. It has been nice to overcome it so far but not sure if that continues as teams get healthier and add key guys back down the stretch and then the playoffs. We are still among the best but need that backup especially with the chance of a Paul or Book injury. He won't play as bad as he did last night often but he wasn't playing good at all overall this season anyway. I hope his work ethic outside of games didn't go down after getting his contract.

I'm not too worried about Payne right now - the bench rotation has sort been in flux for much of the season with the Ayton injury, the Kaminsky injury, and now the Booker hamstring.

Its a marathon, not a sprint. Payne playing his worst game as a Phoenix Suns player against a 19-3 team on hte 2nd night of a B2B without Booker isn't cause for alarm.

The Warriors literally decided to pickup CP3 full court from the get go without Booker playing - if Booker is playing, that is not happening lol

I was worried before that game though. I had mentioned it. Still was playing bad for the season. His whole career has been bad until last August-July. I expect him to get better but it's not guaranteed given his large sample size of play before that. His #s just suddenly increased dramatically for a year for no real apparent reason.

I get what you're saying, but I just am not worried about it - right now anyway.

Cam Payne played very well for the most part in the playoffs, at least until he turned his ankle against the Clippers in Game 3 I think.

I'm just not worried about struggling play of a guy who came up huge in several big playoff moments last year in December in Game 22.

[Saberestar]

I am most worried about Payne. Over 50% from 3 in the bubble to 44% last year to under 33% last year and from 2 down to 44% which is lower than his last year in the NBA before going overseas. It's not a terribly small sample size either. Was last year and the bubble (which if you add those 8 to last year regular season it's still less than a whole season) an anomaly? I sure hope not. What he was doing from 3 since joining us was definitely not sustainable but he had really regressed to where he was before he left the NBA before.

We NEED a solid backup pg. His play or playing Payton at backup PG is not enough if we are going to compete and withstand guard injuries. It has been nice to overcome it so far but not sure if that continues as teams get healthier and add key guys back down the stretch and then the playoffs. We are still among the best but need that backup especially with the chance of a Paul or Book injury. He won't play as bad as he did last night often but he wasn't playing good at all overall this season anyway. I hope his work ethic outside of games didn't go down after getting his contract.

Cam Payne is fine. He is the perfect backup PG for this team IMO.

He played a fantastic game against the Pistons but he was off against GSW.

His percentages are a bit down but he will improve his numbers. He had an injury at the start of the season and played some games rusty.

His personality and his scoring punch are huge for this team. Underrated defender too.

[Saberestar]

Is there any realistic way we could get in on the Christian Wood sweepstakes? That would take something meaningful for sure. Are we ready to give that up to make our 2 year window even bigger? It would also salvage our future a bit, and not sure about chemistry... Also, I'm not sure what the other offers would be, but... CamJo+Jalen(+whatever picks) for Wood works in the trade machine...

Don't go crazy on me, I'm not even sure I would do it, and I'm 99,99% sure either the Suns wouldn't do it or Houston would have a better offer. Just Saturday night and a few beers in, and got me thinking 'cuz we were talking about getting better and getting a small-ball C and/or 3/4... And I REALLY want to win it all this year!

What you think fellas?

I wouldn't trade Cam Johnson for Wood.

[pj0tr]

Is there any realistic way we could get in on the Christian Wood sweepstakes? That would take something meaningful for sure. Are we ready to give that up to make our 2 year window even bigger? It would also salvage our future a bit, and not sure about chemistry... Also, I'm not sure what the other offers would be, but... CamJo+Jalen(+whatever picks) for Wood works in the trade machine...

Don't go crazy on me, I'm not even sure I would do it, and I'm 99,99% sure either the Suns wouldn't do it or Houston would have a better offer. Just Saturday night and a few beers in, and got me thinking 'cuz we were talking about getting better and getting a small-ball C and/or 3/4... And I REALLY want to win it all this year!

What you think fellas?

I wouldn't trade Cam Johnson for Wood.

Cam Johnson is infinitely more valuable to this team than Christian Wood would be.

[bwgood77]

I am most worried about Payne. Over 50% from 3 in the bubble to 44% last year to under 33% last year and from 2 down to 44% which is lower than his last year in the NBA before going overseas. It's not a terribly small sample size either. Was last year and the bubble (which if you add those 8 to last year regular season it's still less than a whole season) an anomaly? I sure hope not. What he was doing from 3 since joining us was definitely not sustainable but he had really regressed to where he was before he left the NBA before.

We NEED a solid backup pg. His play or playing Payton at backup PG is not enough if we are going to compete and withstand guard injuries. It has been nice to overcome it so far but not sure if that continues as teams get healthier and add key guys back down the stretch and then the playoffs. We are still among the best but need that backup especially with the chance of a Paul or Book injury. He won't play as bad as he did last night often but he wasn't playing good at all overall this season anyway. I hope his work ethic outside of games didn't go down after getting his contract.

Cam Payne is fine. He is the perfect backup PG for this team IMO.

He played a fantastic game against the Pistons but he was off against GSW.

His percentages are a bit down but he will improve his numbers. He had an injury at the start of the season and played some games rusty.

His personality and his scoring punch are huge for this team. Underrated defender too.

Hope so. He surprised me with how good he was last year but this year he just hasn't been good outside of a few games similar to his career to date previous to last year.

I expect him to be better because I was really high on him after his start and continued play last year. And I know other players have struggled too, perhaps with the ball change or whatever.

[bwgood77]

Is there any realistic way we could get in on the Christian Wood sweepstakes? That would take something meaningful for sure. Are we ready to give that up to make our 2 year window even bigger? It would also salvage our future a bit, and not sure about chemistry... Also, I'm not sure what the other offers would be, but... CamJo+Jalen(+whatever picks) for Wood works in the trade machine...

Don't go crazy on me, I'm not even sure I would do it, and I'm 99,99% sure either the Suns wouldn't do it or Houston would have a better offer. Just Saturday night and a few beers in, and got me thinking 'cuz we were talking about getting better and getting a small-ball C and/or 3/4... And I REALLY want to win it all this year!

What you think fellas?

I didn't even realize there was a sweepstakes and he was on the table. Will be interesting to see where he ends up.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/264917/Damian-Lillard-Would-Like-To-Go-To-Knicks-If-Traded

It appears that "Dame dolla" might be softening his stance on being traded? Might reach that point next summer even?? Anyways, still kinda
sucks that he's considering New York!
Good for them, but bad for us really. I was hoping that between his friendship with Booker and affinity for Bridges, that he'd at least consider taking over the mantle for Paul if the timing coincides. At the very least, I was hoping we'd on his shortlist.

[Ghost of Kleine]

ً (@swaveyquis) Tweeted:
https://t.co/9sf0aT3jwW

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[bwgood77]

ً (@swaveyquis) Tweeted:
https://t.co/9sf0aT3jwW

Read on Twitter

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Yeah, people really have a hard time shooting over him or seeing or whatever when he gets in front of him with that hand up. I noticed JaVale out guarding Bjelica on a 3 and didn't even put a hand up which could have made all the difference, but he's not used to guarding on the perimeter which is likely why we didn't play him much since Bjelica can stretch the floor.

[BobbieL]

I am most worried about Payne. Over 50% from 3 in the bubble to 44% last year to under 33% last year and from 2 down to 44% which is lower than his last year in the NBA before going overseas. It's not a terribly small sample size either. Was last year and the bubble (which if you add those 8 to last year regular season it's still less than a whole season) an anomaly? I sure hope not. What he was doing from 3 since joining us was definitely not sustainable but he had really regressed to where he was before he left the NBA before.

We NEED a solid backup pg. His play or playing Payton at backup PG is not enough if we are going to compete and withstand guard injuries. It has been nice to overcome it so far but not sure if that continues as teams get healthier and add key guys back down the stretch and then the playoffs. We are still among the best but need that backup especially with the chance of a Paul or Book injury. He won't play as bad as he did last night often but he wasn't playing good at all overall this season anyway. I hope his work ethic outside of games didn't go down after getting his contract.

Cam Payne is fine. He is the perfect backup PG for this team IMO.

He played a fantastic game against the Pistons but he was off against GSW.

His percentages are a bit down but he will improve his numbers. He had an injury at the start of the season and played some games rusty.

His personality and his scoring punch are huge for this team. Underrated defender too.

Hope so. He surprised me with how good he was last year but this year he just hasn't been good outside of a few games similar to his career to date previous to last year.

I expect him to be better because I was really high on him after his start and continued play last year. And I know other players have struggled too, perhaps with the ball change or whatever.

My biggest problem with Payne has always been if he doesn't make one of his first few shots - it seems to affect his entire game that night. He is truly a 6th man - feed him when he is hot; don't let him shoot when not. But last night, Booker was out, Bridges had the injury though he came back, cannot play Paul a lot of minutes. So stuck with Cam Payne shooting 17 times and making 3.

Thats just the way his game is - he is kind of up and down as his shot goes. And if his shot goes in, I think he is better on defense, better passer, everything. But if not, I think it affects him on defense, etc.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Cam Payne is fine. He is the perfect backup PG for this team IMO.

He played a fantastic game against the Pistons but he was off against GSW.

His percentages are a bit down but he will improve his numbers. He had an injury at the start of the season and played some games rusty.

His personality and his scoring punch are huge for this team. Underrated defender too.

Hope so. He surprised me with how good he was last year but this year he just hasn't been good outside of a few games similar to his career to date previous to last year.

I expect him to be better because I was really high on him after his start and continued play last year. And I know other players have struggled too, perhaps with the ball change or whatever.

My biggest problem with Payne has always been if he doesn't make one of his first few shots - it seems to affect his entire game that night. He is truly a 6th man - feed him when he is hot; don't let him shoot when not. But last night, Booker was out, Bridges had the injury though he came back, cannot play Paul a lot of minutes. So stuck with Cam Payne shooting 17 times and making 3.

Thats just the way his game is - he is kind of up and down as his shot goes. And if his shot goes in, I think he is better on defense, better passer, everything. But if not, I think it affects him on defense, etc.

Agree with this fully!
Payne is best served in a 6th man role honestly. Our biggest priority is still finding a legitimate replacement ( Lead guard) to take over for Paul eventually! Not sure if the suns front office believe " Point Book" can truly be that solution. But this should be an absolute point of emphasis! Although if not Booker as a solution, What Avenue is really most realistic for us to find Paul's replacement?

I'd kinda prefer Lillard, But could also be intrigued by Dejounte Murray or Brogdon or Van Vleet or Rozier or Smart + assets back or perhaps Shai or Fox or whoever in a trade using Ayton IF that becomes a legitimate consideration contractually?? Otherwise, IF we're looking to keep Ayton, I still think we absolutely look to pursue:

1- Dejounte Murray.
2- Malcolm Brogdon.
3- Fred Van Vleet.
Any of these three ( especially Murray) I like defensively alongside of Booker!

Just not sure what legitimate packages we could put together for any of these 3?

Any ideas??

[bwgood77]

Cam Payne is fine. He is the perfect backup PG for this team IMO.

He played a fantastic game against the Pistons but he was off against GSW.

His percentages are a bit down but he will improve his numbers. He had an injury at the start of the season and played some games rusty.

His personality and his scoring punch are huge for this team. Underrated defender too.

Hope so. He surprised me with how good he was last year but this year he just hasn't been good outside of a few games similar to his career to date previous to last year.

I expect him to be better because I was really high on him after his start and continued play last year. And I know other players have struggled too, perhaps with the ball change or whatever.

My biggest problem with Payne has always been if he doesn't make one of his first few shots - it seems to affect his entire game that night. He is truly a 6th man - feed him when he is hot; don't let him shoot when not. But last night, Booker was out, Bridges had the injury though he came back, cannot play Paul a lot of minutes. So stuck with Cam Payne shooting 17 times and making 3.

Thats just the way his game is - he is kind of up and down as his shot goes. And if his shot goes in, I think he is better on defense, better passer, everything. But if not, I think it affects him on defense, etc.

I wonder if his confidence is down because they didn't seem to have confidence in him. They subbed in Wainwright before him which I wondered about...and was saying seemed ridiculous especially missing a ball handler. So he was more like 8th man....that is, if he came in before McGee...otherwise he was 9th.

[Revived]

i'm still one of those who believe this is all cp3, so i believe more in phx than i do in booker and ayton

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2143098&start=20#p95213814

It’s funny to see comments like this. Before coming here, CP3 never sniffed the Finals once in his entire career and was seen as a playoff choker. Then last season he gets traded to Suns and in his first season with the team, he finally after a million years in the league finally gets to the Finals.

[bwgood77]

i'm still one of those who believe this is all cp3, so i believe more in phx than i do in booker and ayton

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2143098&start=20#p95213814

It’s funny to see comments like this. Before coming here, CP3 never sniffed the Finals once in his entire career and was seen as a playoff choker. Then last season he gets traded to Suns and in his first season with the team, he finally after a million years in the league finally gets to the Finals.

Well, he was always stopped by that juggernaut Warriors team before, and I think at least once by the Thunder when they had KD, Serge and Westbrook. Can't remember if they ever ran into the TD/Kawhi Spurs.

[bwgood77]

i'm still one of those who believe this is all cp3, so i believe more in phx than i do in booker and ayton

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2143098&start=20#p95213814

It’s funny to see comments like this. Before coming here, CP3 never sniffed the Finals once in his entire career and was seen as a playoff choker. Then last season he gets traded to Suns and in his first season with the team, he finally after a million years in the league finally gets to the Finals.

Well, he was always stopped by that juggernaut Warriors team before, and I think at least once by the Thunder when they had KD, Serge and Westbrook. Can't remember if they ever ran into the TD/Kawhi Spurs.

[Slim Charless]

i'm still one of those who believe this is all cp3, so i believe more in phx than i do in booker and ayton

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2143098&start=20#p95213814

It’s funny to see comments like this. Before coming here, CP3 never sniffed the Finals once in his entire career and was seen as a playoff choker. Then last season he gets traded to Suns and in his first season with the team, he finally after a million years in the league finally gets to the Finals.

Well, he was always stopped by that juggernaut Warriors team before, and I think at least once by the Thunder when they had KD, Serge and Westbrook. Can't remember if they ever ran into the TD/Kawhi Spurs.

He just had some bad luck. That 1st rocket team had the KD Dubs beat and probably would've gone on to take down Bron.

Those things happen and him and Harden are beloved by fans. Everyone hated the KD warriors

[bwgood77]

It's amazing how many teams have big name players out. Just looking at box scores, no Bam, Butler or Giannis in that game, no Luka, KP or Ja in their game, Jaylen Brown and Lillard were out of their game, Towns was out last night, and of course Kawhi, Klay, Murray, Porter Jr, Simmons, Kyrie, etc, have been out. LeBron was out for awhile. We had Ayton out and now Booker plus a few other deeper bench players.

The Warriors were not missing anyone else tonight though and lost to the Spurs, so we are tied with them now. They probably get Klay and Wiseman back within a week....Booker for us too.