2021-22 Season Discussion and Speculation

[BobbieL]

Well I'd love a healthy TJ Warren but he's a starter quality player.

As I've said, personally, I think we are set with our 9 man rotation and emergency players after them.

Though I would love it if we had Desmond Bane (if not Tyrese Haliburton).

I think we are more in need of another ballhandler that can defend and shoot than a wing or big or PF. If we could get both or someone who had size and could playmake (Thad started doing this last year), that is ideal, but my biggest fear is an injury to CP3, Book or Payne. If we have to rely on another current guard, we are SOL in the playoffs. Having to play a few minutes of Nader isn't as bad and we can always just play more Cam at PF if Crowder gets hurt or Cam at SF if Bridges gets hurt, or our starters more if Cam gets hurt, with an emergency lineup of Book at the 3 with CP3 and Payne or Shamet.

Obviously if Ayton gets injured we are in big trouble too so that is where Thad could come in and start at C or at least come in for JaVale and play more minutes and likely finish games.

TJ's returning from being injured for a year and half, heading into free agency. I don't think we'd keep him beyond this season - hence the mercenary label. We'd bring him in to get his legs back and show what he can do on potentially the biggest stage. We get a ring, then he jets off to get his bag this summer. Win-win. That's my thought, at least, if the Pacers were willing to accept just draft considerations and a year of Dario's salary on the books. A rebuilding team might be down with that. IDK. Might be a daydream, but if Sabonis lands with Golden State, we'll need to upgrade to compete, and Thad Young just ain't it.

I don't know if a big playmaker is what I'd be looking for. I think we could really use another long perimeter defender who can knock down perimeter shots, like Justin Holiday. Booker's got the longest wingspan of our rotation guards. Mikal's the only long perimeter defender we have on the roster. I'd like another.

I guess you say big playmaker since we're not imagining a future that doesn't involve Cam Payne, and none of our forwards are playmakers unless you count Saric - and I don't, since his feet are stuck in mud, making him an undersized C who is only useful when he's hitting the 3 ball, which he only ever did for us in the bubble. Kaminsky if healthy might be the better player at this point. Which is why I'm down to trade Dario along with draft assets if necessary to get an upgrade, even if it's just for one season.

So, I see why you're interested in a big playmaker. I just don't see an available player who fits that description who is also good at basketball. I don't think Thad Young can play C at all unless the other team's going small - and even then, I'd just go with Crowder or Cam or Frank if you don't like the way McGee matches up.

I haven't brought it up because I doubt we'd consider it, but there's a little corner of my mind that wonders if dealing Ayton for Sabonis isn't totally bonkers. We lose continuity and defense, add scoring and playmaking, but don't lose anything in terms of rebounding. The real gain would be the roughly $17 million we'd save each year... and keeping Sabonis out of the Bay Area. Ayton, Saric and Smith for Sabonis and Warren or Holiday works under the cap. Hard to imagine, but I'm not sure this doesn't make us a better team. Sabonis is a helluva player.

You sure you're not really McD?

I think Ayton is a much better player than Sabonis, at least for this team. The only guy I'd consider trading him for is KAT-and even there I'd be hesitant. I don't think that we have to worry about him going to the GS. Wiseman is of no use to Indy and I'm not sure Moody and Kuminga (who they don't even wanna trade) gets it done.

I think Pacers ship off Turner to Charlotte for Hayward and stuff instead.

We do need another body. I'd like Nance if PDX is having a fire sale and I'd also take back Warren if can as well. Brandon Clarke finally accepting his manifest destiny and coming here would also be cool.

Trading DA mid-season for someone who's never really won and who has crappy defense does little good imo.

I think the WArriors would trade Wiseman, Kominga and Moody for a player like Turner or Sabonis. It helps them win a title this year and next year. And thats what the Warriors are about with Curry, Klay and Greene with their current ages and what not.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Spoiler:

It will be interesting. I think the top 3 are probably set, even though I know it's way too early and with injuries things could change. After that is where it gets interesting.

I think there is a good chance Memphis is a top 5 or 6 seed. Then you have Dallas, LAC and Denver. Sometimes those teams look really good and sometimes bad. Same with the Lakers. Theoretically it should be those 8 in the playoffs with Portland as a longer shot.

Actually I forgot Minnesota. I think they have a good shot and the Kings have a long shot. So the 7-10 play in games might be interesting.

And how has Houston won 7 straight? They beat the Nets by 10 tonight. The Nets did rest KD but Kevin Porter Jr or Jalen Green didn't play for the Rockets either. They were 1-16 and now are 8-16. They are like the Suns...1 win and all losses then suddenly they go on a long winning streak.

Minny was my bet for surprise team in the west this year. They have the talent to compete with anyone, but putting things together is hard for a young team. If Paul and Russell switched places, we'd be them and they'd be us.

Rockets are winning games in part because Kevin "T.O." Porter's been out, but one can't help but notice that the streak began with Jalen "Mason" Green's injury. The way Gordon's played has made me think a little harder about adding him to our group - not possible, really, since we can't deal Shamet, and besides, Monty wants Landry to date his daughter so fat chance.

Justin Holiday is by far the best, most realistic name that's been thrown around these parts. Jalen and a 2nd at the deadline might just do it. I know you've said we won't add salary for next season, so... add Bitadze and Saric to the deal? Doesn't seem likely, given how Monty has spoken about Dario as well. He would need to be included in pretty much any trade where we're taking salary back.

I know it's a pipe dream, but if we could get TJ Warren back in here to be a mercenary for the back half of the season... that just might put us over the top. In crunch time against the Bucks, we couldn't buy a bucket. Even if he isn't 100%, the one thing I know about TJ Warren is that he gets buckets. Always loved him. Shame things haven't worked out for him. IMO, he's an all-star level talent. It's just that girlfriend of his....

Well I'd love a healthy TJ Warren but he's a starter quality player.

As I've said, personally, I think we are set with our 9 man rotation and emergency players after them.

Though I would love it if we had Desmond Bane (if not Tyrese Haliburton).

I think we are more in need of another ballhandler that can defend and shoot than a wing or big or PF. If we could get both or someone who had size and could playmake (Thad started doing this last year), that is ideal, but my biggest fear is an injury to CP3, Book or Payne. If we have to rely on another current guard, we are SOL in the playoffs. Having to play a few minutes of Nader isn't as bad and we can always just play more Cam at PF if Crowder gets hurt or Cam at SF if Bridges gets hurt, or our starters more if Cam gets hurt, with an emergency lineup of Book at the 3 with CP3 and Payne or Shamet.

Obviously if Ayton gets injured we are in big trouble too so that is where Thad could come in and start at C or at least come in for JaVale and play more minutes and likely finish games.

Though I would love it if we had Desmond Bane (if not Tyrese Haliburton).

Any thoughts on B Clarke whilst his trade value is relatively low? Could he be a good potential trade target to upgrade our bench wing ( 3/4) depth?? I remember really wanting him before around the draft. Could he eventually be a Shane Battier type off the bench for us as an investment?

I think we are more in need of another ballhandler that can defend and shoot than a wing or big or PF.

I would mention Levert, But that salary commitment is pretty heavy! And we'd have to send out significant salary for that trade: likely Payne / Saric/ Nader/ first would get it done. Or perhaps Saric/ Smith/ Nader/ Payton/ first. Not sure I really see us doing either trade honestly, As it's simply too much roster turnover. But I guess it would also depend upon how much of an upgrade our front office might view Levert bring over Payne or that other grouping. Don't know if we should consider Devonte Graham ? As he'd be kind of redundant with Payne. Obviously the cheaper options would be :

Dennis Schroder-
Cheap vet option, but not anything special really. I definitely think Boston would do something along the lines of Smith/ Nader ( or Hutchinson) 2nd?

Colby White-
I like this one, but not sure exactly what they'd want? I've heard they're looking for more size. Maybe Saric/ Smith/ first?? Or Smith/ Nader/ Payton/ first?

Cole Anthony-
He could be awesome, and could grow with the team. Maybe even become a Paul replacement consideration after some time?

Jalen Brunson-
I'd offer something like Smith/ Nader / Payton and a first for Brunson and Omoruyi. I'd even throw in a 2nd.

Lou Williams-
Would Atlanta take Payton/ 2nd for Williams?

**IF New York does indeed keep struggling,
and decides to blow it up around the trade deadline, I'd really like to look into trading for any of Quickly or Grimes or McBride. I'm sure they'd take draft assets ( with hope to use them later in a package for Lillard)??
Maybe Smith/ 2nd for one of Grimes or McBride? Or Smith and a first for Quickly?

Kevin Porter-
Would Houston do Kevin Porter or Josh Christopher for Smith and a first? Or Smith/ Nader/ first?

**What would it take to get Monte Morris or Facundo Campazzo from the nugs? They need size. But they also could use more ballhandling too. Would Smith/ Nader/ Payton work for Morris? Would Smith and a 2nd work for Campazzo? Could we somehow get Dozier? Would they do Smith and a first for Hyland??

** Could we trade for either Raul Neto or Aaron Holiday from Washington?

I know that you don't really like Boucher, But Toronto fans did approve of this trade on the trade board:
Jalen Smith/ Hutchinson/ first ( projected late 20s') for Boucher and Flynn. Boucher would be a big upgrade for our bench perimeter defense from Hutchinson and is a more experienced version of Smith. Malachi Flynn is very stable and solid defensively for a guard. Kind of a budget version of Brunson.

** what would it take to get Kemba from New York if they keep struggling?? Would Kemba be redundant here with Payne? Maybe Kemba backs up Paul with Payne in a 6th man role? Or vice versa?

** Who I'd really like us to look into if possible would actually be Joe ingles Not sure we have the right value for him though. He's there 2nd SG off the bench, So Clarkson can play the 6th man role.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Clarke is interesting if had for cheap but if he can't start hitting 3s at least as good as his rookie year he's hard to play because you would basically need to run him at the 5 or have a 5 or have a shooter at the 5. Him and McGee would be a clunky pairing.

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[Frank Lee]

I pretty much have accepted GState will end up with Turner or Sabonis. We exposed their one weakness. Look for a correction. They have pieces, I think, and who wouldn’t want to play for them. Our best hope is somebody else gets crazy with a multiple draft pick offer.

We have the horses we need, but no spare ponies to get any more. Run with what we got and hope for good health.


PS …. If we could sneak out with Boucher for our junk and a pick… gotta do it. But it doesn’t seem likely.

[Ghost of Kleine]

What would Knox cost - Jalen Smith and a future FRP pick

Knox numbers look like of someone who should be already out of the league, but he'll certainly help a title contender. First time I see a minus PIE for a player on nba.com. Maybe even more surprising is 19 for Jalen.

Its an interesting name to think about. I wonder if the Knicks would give up on him that quickly. And second, would he really help

As with the way this team is set up now - they need a guy who will know the role, be able to sit for a game or two but come in and do their job.

I'm not against Knox. But if we're trading Smith and a first for Knox, I definitely want either McBride or Grimes thrown into the deal.

[Frank Lee]

Come on Kleiner, you be crying hard with no pick come draft time, especially for Knox…. I don’t care who else we get. If Knox is the centerpiece, sit me at another table

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I haven't brought it up because I doubt we'd consider it, but there's a little corner of my mind that wonders if dealing Ayton for Sabonis isn't totally bonkers. We lose continuity and defense, add scoring and playmaking, but don't lose anything in terms of rebounding. The real gain would be the roughly $17 million we'd save each year... and keeping Sabonis out of the Bay Area. Ayton, Saric and Smith for Sabonis and Warren or Holiday works under the cap. Hard to imagine, but I'm not sure this doesn't make us a better team. Sabonis is a helluva player.

You sure you're not really McD?

I think Ayton is a much better player than Sabonis, at least for this team. The only guy I'd consider trading him for is KAT-and even there I'd be hesitant. I don't think that we have to worry about him going to the GS. Wiseman is of no use to Indy and I'm not sure Moody and Kuminga (who they don't even wanna trade) gets it done.

I think Pacers ship off Turner to Charlotte for Hayward and stuff instead.

We do need another body. I'd like Nance if PDX is having a fire sale and I'd also take back Warren if can as well. Brandon Clarke finally accepting his manifest destiny and coming here would also be cool.

Trading DA mid-season for someone who's never really won and who has crappy defense does little good imo.

I *feel* like you're right re Ayton v Sabonis, but the advanced stats prefer Sabonis (on defense too), and he's one of the few centers in the league who tends to best Ayton 1v1. I'd have a hard time pulling the trigger. If it weren't for the salary difference, I wouldn't consider it. I prefer Sabonis to KAT, for what it's worth, since KAT's defense - unlike Sabonis's - is actually terrible.

Problem with Clarke is, I can't think of a role for him since he can't shoot. I wonder what happened between his rookie and sophomore seasons. I don't know what Nance gives us that Cam and Jae don't.

A lot of talk about adding a 4. I guess a third stringer would be nice, but I just don't see Crowder and Johnson giving up any of those minutes unless it's a real talent like Christian Wood. The hole I see is at the 3, since Mikal's backup, Nader, is the weakest player in our rotation, and Shamet is the next-weakest based on his play so far.

[Frank Lee]

Come crunch run and playoffs, I have to imagine Crowder Bridges and CamJo getting 95% of the F minutes. Just don’t wear them out on the way.

It’s not a bad thing. CamJo continues to surprise me on both ends

[bwgood77]

I know it's a pipe dream, but if we could get TJ Warren back in here to be a mercenary for the back half of the season... that just might put us over the top. In crunch time against the Bucks, we couldn't buy a bucket. Even if he isn't 100%, the one thing I know about TJ Warren is that he gets buckets. Always loved him. Shame things haven't worked out for him. IMO, he's an all-star level talent. It's just that girlfriend of his....

Well I'd love a healthy TJ Warren but he's a starter quality player.

As I've said, personally, I think we are set with our 9 man rotation and emergency players after them.

Though I would love it if we had Desmond Bane (if not Tyrese Haliburton).

I think we are more in need of another ballhandler that can defend and shoot than a wing or big or PF. If we could get both or someone who had size and could playmake (Thad started doing this last year), that is ideal, but my biggest fear is an injury to CP3, Book or Payne. If we have to rely on another current guard, we are SOL in the playoffs. Having to play a few minutes of Nader isn't as bad and we can always just play more Cam at PF if Crowder gets hurt or Cam at SF if Bridges gets hurt, or our starters more if Cam gets hurt, with an emergency lineup of Book at the 3 with CP3 and Payne or Shamet.

Obviously if Ayton gets injured we are in big trouble too so that is where Thad could come in and start at C or at least come in for JaVale and play more minutes and likely finish games.

TJ's returning from being injured for a year and half, heading into free agency. I don't think we'd keep him beyond this season - hence the mercenary label. We'd bring him in to get his legs back and show what he can do on potentially the biggest stage. We get a ring, then he jets off to get his bag this summer. Win-win. That's my thought, at least, if the Pacers were willing to accept just draft considerations and a year of Dario's salary on the books. A rebuilding team might be down with that. IDK. Might be a daydream, but if Sabonis lands with Golden State, we'll need to upgrade to compete, and Thad Young just ain't it.

I don't know if a big playmaker is what I'd be looking for. I think we could really use another long perimeter defender who can knock down perimeter shots, like Justin Holiday. Booker's got the longest wingspan of our rotation guards. Mikal's the only long perimeter defender we have on the roster. I'd like another.

I guess you say big playmaker since we're not imagining a future that doesn't involve Cam Payne, and none of our forwards are playmakers unless you count Saric - and I don't, since his feet are stuck in mud, making him an undersized C who is only useful when he's hitting the 3 ball, which he only ever did for us in the bubble. Kaminsky if healthy might be the better player at this point. Which is why I'm down to trade Dario along with draft assets if necessary to get an upgrade, even if it's just for one season.

So, I see why you're interested in a big playmaker. I just don't see an available player who fits that description who is also good at basketball. I don't think Thad Young can play C at all unless the other team's going small - and even then, I'd just go with Crowder or Cam or Frank if you don't like the way McGee matches up.

I haven't brought it up because I doubt we'd consider it, but there's a little corner of my mind that wonders if dealing Ayton for Sabonis isn't totally bonkers. We lose continuity and defense, add scoring and playmaking, but don't lose anything in terms of rebounding. The real gain would be the roughly $17 million we'd save each year... and keeping Sabonis out of the Bay Area. Ayton, Saric and Smith for Sabonis and Warren or Holiday works under the cap. Hard to imagine, but I'm not sure this doesn't make us a better team. Sabonis is a helluva player.

Ayton for Sabonis isn't bonkers. Sabonis is better right now depending on how you look at it. But as long as we have Paul, Ayton is a better fit, and Ayton has far more upside and is better at defense.

I can't see Sabonis switching onto guards, though he is highly efficient, a solid rebounder and passer. I don't think it makes us better. Post Paul depending on Ayton's development? Maybe but we'd probably still suffer a great deal on defense. I'm sure you saw the quotes about Ayton guarding Giannis holding him to 53% while all other Suns he got 70% from the field. Sabonis couldn't guard him at all, nor could he switch onto smaller players, etc.

So no, I don't do it. I'm not entirely sure GS would, but maybe with Draymond on defense. But Draymond already is kind of their big who passes and they lead the NBA in rebounding, and Sabonis is a liability on defense (where they are #1 in) so how do they improve? Especially once Klay is back and he picks up the scoring.

I'm sure a team like the Clippers would love to get Sabonis somehow but don't think salaries work.

But Brooklyn, Charlotte, New Orleans and possibly Memphis would be great spots. The Pelicans could offer a bunch of picks maybe.

I think ultimately they keep Sabonis and trade Turner who could be more appealing to teams due to his shot blocking and 3 pt shooting...ability to switch, etc...and he seems to want out.

[Slim Charless]

Well I'd love a healthy TJ Warren but he's a starter quality player.

As I've said, personally, I think we are set with our 9 man rotation and emergency players after them.

Though I would love it if we had Desmond Bane (if not Tyrese Haliburton).

I think we are more in need of another ballhandler that can defend and shoot than a wing or big or PF. If we could get both or someone who had size and could playmake (Thad started doing this last year), that is ideal, but my biggest fear is an injury to CP3, Book or Payne. If we have to rely on another current guard, we are SOL in the playoffs. Having to play a few minutes of Nader isn't as bad and we can always just play more Cam at PF if Crowder gets hurt or Cam at SF if Bridges gets hurt, or our starters more if Cam gets hurt, with an emergency lineup of Book at the 3 with CP3 and Payne or Shamet.

Obviously if Ayton gets injured we are in big trouble too so that is where Thad could come in and start at C or at least come in for JaVale and play more minutes and likely finish games.

TJ's returning from being injured for a year and half, heading into free agency. I don't think we'd keep him beyond this season - hence the mercenary label. We'd bring him in to get his legs back and show what he can do on potentially the biggest stage. We get a ring, then he jets off to get his bag this summer. Win-win. That's my thought, at least, if the Pacers were willing to accept just draft considerations and a year of Dario's salary on the books. A rebuilding team might be down with that. IDK. Might be a daydream, but if Sabonis lands with Golden State, we'll need to upgrade to compete, and Thad Young just ain't it.

I don't know if a big playmaker is what I'd be looking for. I think we could really use another long perimeter defender who can knock down perimeter shots, like Justin Holiday. Booker's got the longest wingspan of our rotation guards. Mikal's the only long perimeter defender we have on the roster. I'd like another.

I guess you say big playmaker since we're not imagining a future that doesn't involve Cam Payne, and none of our forwards are playmakers unless you count Saric - and I don't, since his feet are stuck in mud, making him an undersized C who is only useful when he's hitting the 3 ball, which he only ever did for us in the bubble. Kaminsky if healthy might be the better player at this point. Which is why I'm down to trade Dario along with draft assets if necessary to get an upgrade, even if it's just for one season.

So, I see why you're interested in a big playmaker. I just don't see an available player who fits that description who is also good at basketball. I don't think Thad Young can play C at all unless the other team's going small - and even then, I'd just go with Crowder or Cam or Frank if you don't like the way McGee matches up.

I haven't brought it up because I doubt we'd consider it, but there's a little corner of my mind that wonders if dealing Ayton for Sabonis isn't totally bonkers. We lose continuity and defense, add scoring and playmaking, but don't lose anything in terms of rebounding. The real gain would be the roughly $17 million we'd save each year... and keeping Sabonis out of the Bay Area. Ayton, Saric and Smith for Sabonis and Warren or Holiday works under the cap. Hard to imagine, but I'm not sure this doesn't make us a better team. Sabonis is a helluva player.

Ayton for Sabonis isn't bonkers. Sabonis is better right now depending on how you look at it. But as long as we have Paul, Ayton is a better fit, and Ayton has far more upside and is better at defense.

I can't see Sabonis switching onto guards, though he is highly efficient, a solid rebounder and passer. I don't think it makes us better. Post Paul depending on Ayton's development? Maybe but we'd probably still suffer a great deal on defense. I'm sure you saw the quotes about Ayton guarding Giannis holding him to 53% while all other Suns he got 70% from the field. Sabonis couldn't guard him at all, nor could he switch onto smaller players, etc.

So no, I don't do it. I'm not entirely sure GS would, but maybe with Draymond on defense. But Draymond already is kind of their big who passes and they lead the NBA in rebounding, and Sabonis is a liability on defense (where they are #1 in) so how do they improve? Especially once Klay is back and he picks up the scoring.

I'm sure a team like the Clippers would love to get Sabonis somehow but don't think salaries work.

But Brooklyn, Charlotte, New Orleans and possibly Memphis would be great spots. The Pelicans could offer a bunch of picks maybe.

I think ultimately they keep Sabonis and trade Turner who could be more appealing to teams due to his shot blocking and 3 pt shooting...ability to switch, etc...and he seems to want out.

I would do Turner for OG, if I'm Indy. I'm not sure toronto does that however.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I pretty much have accepted GState will end up with Turner or Sabonis. We exposed their one weakness. Look for a correction. They have pieces, I think, and who wouldn’t want to play for them. Our best hope is somebody else gets crazy with a multiple draft pick offer.

We have the horses we need, but no spare ponies to get any more. Run with what we got and hope for good health.


PS …. If we could sneak out with Boucher for our junk and a pick… gotta do it. But it doesn’t seem likely.

You're right about our lack of valuable assets to be able to procure a premium piece man. Now as for Boucher, I proposed this on the trade board:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2144916

Smith/ Nader or Hutchinson/ and a first for Boucher and Flynn. Malachi Flynn thrown into this deal for what likely will be a late first, Would be a steal honestly. He's very poised and versatile. Projects as a Chris duhon with slightly better offensive skillset. But still very solid for a backup guard. Now most would still be willing to do the deal with it being Smith / Nader or Hutchinson/ future 2nd. Either deal we should jump on honestly, As this trade wouldn't at all impact our ability to still add a quality player via the buyout pool with our remaining MLE.

Another deal we could look at would be with Charlotte:
Smith/ Nader or Hutchinson/ first for Ish Smith and JT Thor. Thor would be very solid as a versatile 3rd string defensive 3/4. Or maybe Chicago:
Smith/ 1st for Colby White and alize Johnson?
Then sign one of Thad Young, Derrick Favors, or Tristan Thompson from the buyout pool??

[Ghost of Kleine]

Clarke is interesting if had for cheap but if he can't start hitting 3s at least as good as his rookie year he's hard to play because you would basically need to run him at the 5 or have a 5 or have a shooter at the 5. Him and McGee would be a clunky pairing.

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I think Clarke should come relatively cheap due to his recent struggles, and I wouldn't worry too much about his shot as I'd look to run him defensively at the 3 alongside of Johnson at the 4. And of course Shamet at the 2 off the bench. I'd have his primary value to us be his elite positional defense and athleticism. Possibly even as a defensive connector. And if he can improve his three point shooting on a larger scale, Then I'd hope for him to eventually play a Shane Battier type of role for us in the future?

As for having him play next to a floor spacing big ( 5) perhaps a 3rd rotation or situational lineup of Payton/ Shamet/ Nader/ Clarke/ Kaminsky could be a very solid 3rd rotation for us.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Clarke is interesting if had for cheap but if he can't start hitting 3s at least as good as his rookie year he's hard to play because you would basically need to run him at the 5 or have a 5 or have a shooter at the 5. Him and McGee would be a clunky pairing.

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I think Clarke should come relatively cheap due to his recent struggles, and I wouldn't worry too much about his shot as I'd look to run him defensively at the 3 alongside of Johnson at the 4. And of course Shamet at the 2 off the bench. I'd have his primary value to us be his elite positional defense and athleticism. Possibly even as a defensive connector. And if he can improve his three point shooting on a larger scale, Then I'd hope for him to eventually play a Shane Battier type of role for us in the future?

As for having him play next to a floor spacing big ( 5) perhaps a 3rd rotation or situational lineup of Payton/ Shamet/ Nader/ Clarke/ Kaminsky could be a very solid 3rd rotation for us.

Yeah he actually would pair nicely with Frank. Now I don't really expect Frank to be back this year so it's probably a moot point. He'd also fit with what I would imagine they thought they were getting with Smith... Lol yikes what a bad bad pick.



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[PittsburghSuns]

I know someone mentioned Book could be back tomorrow but I am seeing him as doubtful so not likely. We won’t play again until Monday so hopefully that is the return but seems like far from certain

[bwgood77]

Clarke is interesting if had for cheap but if he can't start hitting 3s at least as good as his rookie year he's hard to play because you would basically need to run him at the 5 or have a 5 or have a shooter at the 5. Him and McGee would be a clunky pairing.

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I think Clarke should come relatively cheap due to his recent struggles, and I wouldn't worry too much about his shot as I'd look to run him defensively at the 3 alongside of Johnson at the 4. And of course Shamet at the 2 off the bench. I'd have his primary value to us be his elite positional defense and athleticism. Possibly even as a defensive connector. And if he can improve his three point shooting on a larger scale, Then I'd hope for him to eventually play a Shane Battier type of role for us in the future?

As for having him play next to a floor spacing big ( 5) perhaps a 3rd rotation or situational lineup of Payton/ Shamet/ Nader/ Clarke/ Kaminsky could be a very solid 3rd rotation for us.

Yeah he actually would pair nicely with Frank. Now I don't really expect Frank to be back this year so it's probably a moot point. He'd also fit with what I would imagine they thought they were getting with Smith... Lol yikes what a bad bad pick.

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I won't be surprised at all if he turns into a decent player with a nice skillset. We drafted him a little over a year ago and had our first game with him on the team less than a year ago, then he had COVID, injury, we were a finals team and didn't/don't/wouldn't play a raw 1 year or less experienced guy anyway. I won't even be super shocked if we try to keep him for a minimum deal if he'd be interested. Though someone else could treat him as a lotto pick with a year of experience on a finals team they can sign for a lot less than had they drafted him. I'm sure there was more than just us who liked him (not as a lotto pick but perhaps a first rounder).

I think he's similar to Myles Turner when he came out who shot under 50% as a rookie and 21% from 3 with 5 boards a game and 1.4 blocks but now is a nice shot blocker/3 pt shooter. A little like a less agile Jaren Jackson type.

Now knowing Tyrese was there it's a bad bad pick....heck I even said prior to draft I wouldn't be upset if they took Bane at #10.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I think Clarke should come relatively cheap due to his recent struggles, and I wouldn't worry too much about his shot as I'd look to run him defensively at the 3 alongside of Johnson at the 4. And of course Shamet at the 2 off the bench. I'd have his primary value to us be his elite positional defense and athleticism. Possibly even as a defensive connector. And if he can improve his three point shooting on a larger scale, Then I'd hope for him to eventually play a Shane Battier type of role for us in the future?

As for having him play next to a floor spacing big ( 5) perhaps a 3rd rotation or situational lineup of Payton/ Shamet/ Nader/ Clarke/ Kaminsky could be a very solid 3rd rotation for us.

Yeah he actually would pair nicely with Frank. Now I don't really expect Frank to be back this year so it's probably a moot point. He'd also fit with what I would imagine they thought they were getting with Smith... Lol yikes what a bad bad pick.

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I won't be surprised at all if he turns into a decent player with a nice skillset. We drafted him a little over a year ago and had our first game with him on the team less than a year ago, then he had COVID, injury, we were a finals team and didn't/don't/wouldn't play a raw 1 year or less experienced guy anyway. I won't even be super shocked if we try to keep him for a minimum deal if he'd be interested. Though someone else could treat him as a lotto pick with a year of experience on a finals team they can sign for a lot less than had they drafted him. I'm sure there was more than just us who liked him (not as a lotto pick but perhaps a first rounder).

I think he's similar to Myles Turner when he came out who shot under 50% as a rookie and 21% from 3 with 5 boards a game and 1.4 blocks but now is a nice shot blocker/3 pt shooter. A little like a less agile Jaren Jackson type.

Now knowing Tyrese was there it's a bad bad pick....heck I even said prior to draft I wouldn't be upset if they took Bane at #10.

Yeah you Bane fans were right. He's good. Haliburtons just been ok this year. ****, Maxey is the guy who looks the best of all the picks after Smith. Sad to see my guy Kira Lewis tore his ACL this week.

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[Ghost of Kleine]

Valley of the Suns (@ValleyoftheSuns) Tweeted:
Starting next week, NBA teams are allowed trade their recently players signed from this past summer. If the @Suns want to field some calls, here are three advantageous deals for them to pursue. https://t.co/6Fi9r0syTP

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[Ghost of Kleine]

Evan Sidery (@esidery) Tweeted:
The Suns are on pace to shatter records in clutch-time situations.

The 2015-16 Warriors and 2012-13 Heat are the only teams near the same stratosphere when it comes to clutch excellence. Both won over 65 games and made the Finals (via @basketbllnews): https://t.co/wSvqOm4mjv

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[Slim Charless]

Yeah he actually would pair nicely with Frank. Now I don't really expect Frank to be back this year so it's probably a moot point. He'd also fit with what I would imagine they thought they were getting with Smith... Lol yikes what a bad bad pick.

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I won't be surprised at all if he turns into a decent player with a nice skillset. We drafted him a little over a year ago and had our first game with him on the team less than a year ago, then he had COVID, injury, we were a finals team and didn't/don't/wouldn't play a raw 1 year or less experienced guy anyway. I won't even be super shocked if we try to keep him for a minimum deal if he'd be interested. Though someone else could treat him as a lotto pick with a year of experience on a finals team they can sign for a lot less than had they drafted him. I'm sure there was more than just us who liked him (not as a lotto pick but perhaps a first rounder).

I think he's similar to Myles Turner when he came out who shot under 50% as a rookie and 21% from 3 with 5 boards a game and 1.4 blocks but now is a nice shot blocker/3 pt shooter. A little like a less agile Jaren Jackson type.

Now knowing Tyrese was there it's a bad bad pick....heck I even said prior to draft I wouldn't be upset if they took Bane at #10.

Yeah you Bane fans were right. He's good. Haliburtons just been ok this year. ****, Maxey is the guy who looks the best of all the picks after Smith. Sad to see my guy Kira Lewis tore his ACL this week.

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Thank you. Someone needed to say it. Haliburton has fallen off this year. That whole Sac team has, so I'm not just faulting him but the fact remains that he's not as good. I think that we'll look back on cutting the cord on Stix the same we we did when we had to watch IT lead the Celtics all those years back. That was fun times wasn't it? Watching him become an MVP candidate....

Not that I'm saying that Stix will be that good, but we hardly given him any chance to play and on paper he's what we need out of our 4-a rim runner that block shots and (maybe) hit a 3 pointer every once in awhile. I get that the timeframe got pushed up with Chris here but I think just letting Smith walk is a big mistake. One that wasn't made for basketball reasons, but because Booby $arver is being himself.

[Bogyo]

I pretty much have accepted GState will end up with Turner or Sabonis. We exposed their one weakness. Look for a correction. They have pieces, I think, and who wouldn’t want to play for them. Our best hope is somebody else gets crazy with a multiple draft pick offer.

We have the horses we need, but no spare ponies to get any more. Run with what we got and hope for good health.


PS …. If we could sneak out with Boucher for our junk and a pick… gotta do it. But it doesn’t seem likely.

That is not true. We had some ponies (and still have some, but to a lesser extent) we just dont use them / refuse to use them - much like last year. That likely cost us the championship. We'll have to wait and see if this will be the case all over again. We could call it Groundhog year then.