2022-23 Season Discussion and Review - the Blockbuster trade and playoff downfall

[RaisingArizona]

It's whatever. Not great but Book can carry till then

[spanishninja]

This was always the risk trading for Durant. Hell he was hurt when they traded for him

Suns were trending toward a 2/3; now have to hang on to 5/6 range

yeah, maybe we play the Kings or Grizzlies in round 1. not the worst thing necessarily.

[Jesus_H_Macy]

So we don't even get more than 3 games to try and convince ourselves we had a legit shot at the championship this year. Bridges, Johsnon, 5 2nd round picks, four unprotected 1st round picks, and a swap for 3 games worth of hope. I suppose the cruel bitter pang of reality is better to taste now than after being fully bought in by the time the playoffs start.

1. This isn’t a rental, we have one of the best players of all time under contract, probably for the rest of his prime. Hell of a thing.

2. We still don’t know the full extent of the injury.

3. We all love Cam and Bridges, but they played when we suffered possibly the most embarrassing game 7 home loss ever. That kind of loss can only be explained by the team being off mentally.

1. We'll see how much longer that prime will be, and w/o injury. Hopefully a few seasons at least

2. Yes, my too-early whining paid off. 2-3 weeks ain't so bad.

3. 100% agree. This was a lament of our **** ass luck and the possibility we traded all those assets to come away with no 'ship to show for it. The pre-KD team had a zero percent chance of winning the 'ship, but so would this team with no KD in the playoffs.

[spanishninja]

Games until the three week mark is over:

67 Sat, Mar 11, 2023 10:00p Sacramento Kings
68 Mon, Mar 13, 2023 10:00p @ Golden State Warriors
69 Tue, Mar 14, 2023 10:00p Milwaukee Bucks
70 Thu, Mar 16, 2023 10:00p Orlando Magic
71 Sun, Mar 19, 2023 3:30p @ Oklahoma City Thunder
72 Wed, Mar 22, 2023 10:00p @ Los Angeles Lakers
73 Fri, Mar 24, 2023 10:00p @ Sacramento Kings
74 Sat, Mar 25, 2023 10:00p Philadelphia 76ers
75 Mon, Mar 27, 2023 9:00p @ Utah Jazz
76 Wed, Mar 29, 2023 10:00p Minnesota Timberwolves

I count Orlando, Utah, Thunder, and Timberwolves as must wins (SGA will be back for that Thunder game but if we played like last night it should still be fine). So out of the other 6 games against good teams, how many can we win? Can we at least get 2 out of 6? Can we win at least one of the Sacramento games? I think we might as well throw the Bucks game and maybe the Philly one at this point since they are in back to back situations.

[Revived]

Still frustrated that Giannis' leg can bend the wrong way at a freaking 30 degree angle and he can bounce back so quickly to go GOD mode in the NBA finals but that KD needs 3 weeks after walking wrong lol (hyperbole, I understand. just mad).

Giannis has a very strong build and works on his body quite a bit (and it shows). KD has hardly worked on getting stronger since entering the league and he’s one of the most scrawny superstars to ever play the game. Obviously he’s so skilled that it doesn’t matter and he still dominates when on the court but the downside always is gonna be more recurring injuries especially as he ages. Even on the photo of his injury, his leg is so skinny it looks like it belongs to someone with malnutrition.

They play a completely different game. And it's ridiculous to suggest KD has added negligible strength since entering the league. That's like saying Booker hasn't added much strength because he isn't like brick shthouse like PJ Tucker or something.

One player's game is built around speed, skill and agility while the other is about brute strength.

You don't have to be built like Giannis to dominate your game. Nor does staying slim like KD mean you can be like him either. These guys are elite athletes who work on their strengths the way they and their trainers believe would elevate their game based on their skill set. It's obvious even to casuals Giannis' bully ball game is greatly enhanced by the way he's built his body composition. While on the other hand, KD's build is based on a shooter's whose strength is movement, agility and skill.

It makes no sense to compare the two guys just because they are both 6-11'ish. And you could also argue adding additional, unnecessary muscle mass would put further strain on his knees

KD is the skinniest (non PG) superstar in league history. None of what you said really changes that.

Sure Kd doesn’t play like Giannis. Paul George doesn’t play like Giannis either yet he’s at least 2-3x stronger than KD. Same with Kawhi. Shoot if we compare all the star forwards in the league, Tatum, Brown, George, LeBron, Butler, Kawhi etc, KD is still significantly more scrawny than all of them. I do not think KD lifts more than even the Suns starting PG 6’0 Chris Paul to be honest.

You’re right about one thing that KD has gotten stronger since entering the league, he doesn’t look the exact same as he did his rookie year for example. So I was wrong to say that even though I said “hardly” but still. But his level of progression is significantly behind all other star forwards in the league today.

[Revived]

It's whatever. Not great but Book can carry till then

Yeah and then Book is gonna be pretty exhausted with a heavy workload heading into playoffs. Not ideal but it’s the only option now.

[Revived]

Read on Twitter

So he’s gonna be re-evaluated in 3 weeks and IF he’s good by then then will likely need another week or so to ramp up and start playing in games again.

So basically 4 weeks which pretty is the remainder of the regular season. Looks like the Greg Moore guy wasn’t all that off.

[BobbieL]

Games until the three week mark is over:

67 Sat, Mar 11, 2023 10:00p Sacramento Kings
68 Mon, Mar 13, 2023 10:00p @ Golden State Warriors
69 Tue, Mar 14, 2023 10:00p Milwaukee Bucks
70 Thu, Mar 16, 2023 10:00p Orlando Magic
71 Sun, Mar 19, 2023 3:30p @ Oklahoma City Thunder
72 Wed, Mar 22, 2023 10:00p @ Los Angeles Lakers
73 Fri, Mar 24, 2023 10:00p @ Sacramento Kings
74 Sat, Mar 25, 2023 10:00p Philadelphia 76ers
75 Mon, Mar 27, 2023 9:00p @ Utah Jazz
76 Wed, Mar 29, 2023 10:00p Minnesota Timberwolves

I count Orlando, Utah, Thunder, and Timberwolves as must wins (SGA will be back for that Thunder game but if we played like last night it should still be fine). So out of the other 6 games against good teams, how many can we win? Can we at least get 2 out of 6? Can we win at least one of the Sacramento games? I think we might as well throw the Bucks game and maybe the Philly one at this point since they are in back to back situations.

With Shamet still out - the Ross signing is pretty big

Plus going to need TJ Warren to be Tony buckets at times too

The Suns can still compete - but they were really rolling there . See what happens

[lilfishi22]

Giannis has a very strong build and works on his body quite a bit (and it shows). KD has hardly worked on getting stronger since entering the league and he’s one of the most scrawny superstars to ever play the game. Obviously he’s so skilled that it doesn’t matter and he still dominates when on the court but the downside always is gonna be more recurring injuries especially as he ages. Even on the photo of his injury, his leg is so skinny it looks like it belongs to someone with malnutrition.

They play a completely different game. And it's ridiculous to suggest KD has added negligible strength since entering the league. That's like saying Booker hasn't added much strength because he isn't like brick shthouse like PJ Tucker or something.

One player's game is built around speed, skill and agility while the other is about brute strength.

You don't have to be built like Giannis to dominate your game. Nor does staying slim like KD mean you can be like him either. These guys are elite athletes who work on their strengths the way they and their trainers believe would elevate their game based on their skill set. It's obvious even to casuals Giannis' bully ball game is greatly enhanced by the way he's built his body composition. While on the other hand, KD's build is based on a shooter's whose strength is movement, agility and skill.

It makes no sense to compare the two guys just because they are both 6-11'ish. And you could also argue adding additional, unnecessary muscle mass would put further strain on his knees

KD is the skinniest (non PG) superstar in league history. None of what you said really changes that.

Sure Kd doesn’t play like Giannis. Paul George doesn’t play like Giannis either yet he’s at least 2-3x stronger than KD. Same with Kawhi. Shoot if we compare all the star forwards in the league, Tatum, Brown, George, LeBron, Butler, Kawhi etc, KD is still significantly more scrawny than all of them. I do not think KD lifts more than even the Suns starting PG 6’0 Chris Paul to be honest.

You’re right about one thing that KD has gotten stronger since entering the league, he doesn’t look the exact same as he did his rookie year for example. So I was wrong to say that even though I said “hardly” but still. But his level of progression is significantly behind all other star forwards in the league today.

I have no idea where you're pulling out these "at least 2-3x stronger" stats from but strength comes in many forms and it doesn't have to manifest itself in large muscles or physically looking bigger. You think an Olympic level weightlifter in the lower weight categories couldn't outlift some buff dude on gear in the gym? Also if size and weight is what you think correlates to strength then why did Lebron drop a significant amount of strength and weight from his peak during the Miami days where he weighed in at around 270-280lbs, why didn't he keep that size if it was so beneficial?

But when it comes down to it, who the F cares? There's always going to be someone stronger, faster, more athletic, what matters is not what they look like or what they deadlift but what they can do and the impact they have on court. I'd take KD over basically all of those names you listed as the better basketball player. In the combines, KD apparently couldn't bench one rep...do you really think that's mattered one bit in his career?

[Revived]

They play a completely different game. And it's ridiculous to suggest KD has added negligible strength since entering the league. That's like saying Booker hasn't added much strength because he isn't like brick shthouse like PJ Tucker or something.

One player's game is built around speed, skill and agility while the other is about brute strength.

You don't have to be built like Giannis to dominate your game. Nor does staying slim like KD mean you can be like him either. These guys are elite athletes who work on their strengths the way they and their trainers believe would elevate their game based on their skill set. It's obvious even to casuals Giannis' bully ball game is greatly enhanced by the way he's built his body composition. While on the other hand, KD's build is based on a shooter's whose strength is movement, agility and skill.

It makes no sense to compare the two guys just because they are both 6-11'ish. And you could also argue adding additional, unnecessary muscle mass would put further strain on his knees

KD is the skinniest (non PG) superstar in league history. None of what you said really changes that.

Sure Kd doesn’t play like Giannis. Paul George doesn’t play like Giannis either yet he’s at least 2-3x stronger than KD. Same with Kawhi. Shoot if we compare all the star forwards in the league, Tatum, Brown, George, LeBron, Butler, Kawhi etc, KD is still significantly more scrawny than all of them. I do not think KD lifts more than even the Suns starting PG 6’0 Chris Paul to be honest.

You’re right about one thing that KD has gotten stronger since entering the league, he doesn’t look the exact same as he did his rookie year for example. So I was wrong to say that even though I said “hardly” but still. But his level of progression is significantly behind all other star forwards in the league today.

I have no idea where you're pulling out these "at least 2-3x stronger" stats from but strength comes in many forms and it doesn't have to manifest itself in large muscles or physically looking bigger. You think an Olympic level weightlifter in the lower weight categories couldn't outlift some buff dude on gear in the gym? Also if size and weight is what you think correlates to strength then why did Lebron drop a significant amount of strength and weight from his peak during the Miami days where he weighed in at around 270-280lbs, why didn't he keep that size if it was so beneficial?

But when it comes down to it, who the F cares? There's always going to be someone stronger, faster, more athletic, what matters is not what they look like or what they deadlift but what they can do and the impact they have on court. I'd take KD over basically all of those names you listed as the better basketball player. In the combines, KD apparently couldn't bench one rep...do you really think that's mattered one bit in his career?

You’re obviously going way off topic here. Nobody said KD sucks because isn’t strong like the other guys. Yes of course he’s had a better career than all those guys except LeBron. Speaking of LeBron yes he cut down on weight when he was in Miami and yet again he was still significantly stronger then that KD’s been at any point in his career.

My post was in response to a specific post from another poster on why Giannis is able be durable even with many injury-looking type plays in their games. So you came in the middle of this arguing something completely different, I was simply responding to his post.

Strength comes in many ways sure…but I’m pretty sure you would be the only human being on planet that thinks Durant is just as strong as those other players I mentioned because of this hidden strength that you thinks he poses. And for common sense sake I hope that’s not an argument you’re trying to make because it would be almost as logical as saying Tacko Fall is about as strong as Joel Embiid even if he doesn’t physically look it.

And my point wasn’t that being stronger is always gonna make a person more durable. Kawhi Leonard, one of the guys I mentioned, is strong as an ox and obvious has missed crap ton of games, even more than KD. But I do think having stronger body helps reduce smaller preventable injuries. Chet Holmgren is another example of this.

[handsome salary]

Suns luck….wait until the playoffs to see KD play a home game. Oh well, I’ve been seeing this for 35 years. I’ve seen them in the Finals, I’ve seen them with best record in the NBA. I’ve yet to see them as champions.

[KLEON]

Ross and T.J can do a job with K.D out but this team is starting to give me black cat vibes when the playoffs is close. There is always an injury to a key player. I just hope Book and CP don't tear their hamstring

[Sunlight]

Now we see when Monty allows Booker to play +40min and Cp3 to play +38min. He maximizes the risk of further injury because he's not Popovich or Kerr, he's a moronty. And many back to back games coming up where you have to rest starters and he doesn't understand to do that or doesn't have balls to do that. You will see that he has not learn anything from last season.

[lilfishi22]

KD is the skinniest (non PG) superstar in league history. None of what you said really changes that.

Sure Kd doesn’t play like Giannis. Paul George doesn’t play like Giannis either yet he’s at least 2-3x stronger than KD. Same with Kawhi. Shoot if we compare all the star forwards in the league, Tatum, Brown, George, LeBron, Butler, Kawhi etc, KD is still significantly more scrawny than all of them. I do not think KD lifts more than even the Suns starting PG 6’0 Chris Paul to be honest.

You’re right about one thing that KD has gotten stronger since entering the league, he doesn’t look the exact same as he did his rookie year for example. So I was wrong to say that even though I said “hardly” but still. But his level of progression is significantly behind all other star forwards in the league today.

I have no idea where you're pulling out these "at least 2-3x stronger" stats from but strength comes in many forms and it doesn't have to manifest itself in large muscles or physically looking bigger. You think an Olympic level weightlifter in the lower weight categories couldn't outlift some buff dude on gear in the gym? Also if size and weight is what you think correlates to strength then why did Lebron drop a significant amount of strength and weight from his peak during the Miami days where he weighed in at around 270-280lbs, why didn't he keep that size if it was so beneficial?

But when it comes down to it, who the F cares? There's always going to be someone stronger, faster, more athletic, what matters is not what they look like or what they deadlift but what they can do and the impact they have on court. I'd take KD over basically all of those names you listed as the better basketball player. In the combines, KD apparently couldn't bench one rep...do you really think that's mattered one bit in his career?

You’re obviously going way off topic here. Nobody said KD sucks because isn’t strong like the other guys. Yes of course he’s had a better career than all those guys except LeBron. Speaking of LeBron yes he cut down on weight when he was in Miami and yet again he was still significantly stronger then that KD’s been at any point in his career.

My post was in response to a specific post from another poster on why Giannis is able be durable even with many injury-looking type plays in their games. So you came in the middle of this arguing something completely different, I was simply responding to his post.

Strength comes in many ways sure…but I’m pretty sure you would be the only human being on planet that thinks Durant is just as strong as those other players I mentioned because of this hidden strength that you thinks he poses. And for common sense sake I hope that’s not an argument you’re trying to make because it would be almost as logical as saying Tacko Fall is about as strong as Joel Embiid even if he doesn’t physically look it.

And my point wasn’t that being stronger is always gonna make a person more durable. Kawhi Leonard, one of the guys I mentioned, is strong as an ox and obvious has missed crap ton of games, even more than KD. But I do think having stronger body helps reduce smaller preventable injuries. Chet Holmgren is another example of this.

And my point is that strength isn't always something you see in physical size. You can be strong without having visibly large muscles or look like a literal Greek God like Giannis. Strength training is one of the first things young NBA players work on and continue to work on when they come into the league because they need to be able to battle men who have been building their strength over potentially a 10yr career. That process sometimes can take 2-3 years or more. KD has been in the league for 14 years now, he's already well beyond that strength threshold to battle and to dominate his opponents. He doesn't need to look Giannis to be strong enough to do what he does. I also didn't say he was as strong or stronger than those guys, only that he's a better player than most of those guys without necessarily being the strongest guy.

And with regards to injuries and not having enough strength....Mikal Bridges is still a skinny guy but there's no question he's stronger than he was when he came into the league. He doesn't need to look like a men's physique competitor to have an ironman streak in the NBA because he's really just a freak of nature. There's plenty of guys with all sorts of builds that will just miss games throughout the season. And you could argue Yao was one of the strongest players of all time at 7'6 and not skinny at all but he dealt with lower body injuries all his career and it's what forced him to retire early.

You're basically looking at one guy who has the build of a Greek god, how he's come back from injuries and applied that to KD... perhaps he's able to come back from his hyper-extended knee because he's just freak of nature.

[RaisingArizona]

It's whatever. Not great but Book can carry till then

Yeah and then Book is gonna be pretty exhausted with a heavy workload heading into playoffs. Not ideal but it’s the only option now.

Not how you draw it up but last year was exactly how you draw it up heading into the playoffs and that ended badly so who knows.

[spanishninja]

It's whatever. Not great but Book can carry till then

Yeah and then Book is gonna be pretty exhausted with a heavy workload heading into playoffs. Not ideal but it’s the only option now.

Not how you draw it up but last year was exactly how you draw it up heading into the playoffs and that ended badly so who knows.

if i had a choice between fresh booker or fresh KD, I take fresh KD 10/10. Book is young so i think he can take it. March Booker is a thing.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM Forums mobile app

[garrick]

Well, Suns officially say reevlauated in 3 weeks. So that throws in Kings (again!), 76ers, Jazz, Timberwolves.

A little annoying how quickly this fate was handed down to us. A weird accident for sure, but a ton of his other injuries have been that way (guys falling on his leg).

Still frustrated that Giannis' leg can bend the wrong way at a freaking 30 degree angle and he can bounce back so quickly to go GOD mode in the NBA finals but that KD needs 3 weeks after walking wrong lol (hyperbole, I understand. just mad).

Terrence Ross: better get ready to score a whole lot. Unless of course we see 30/15 Ayton again....

KD was really reliable right up until that Achilles injury though.

Giannis was I think 26 in the finals run so that's a massive age disparity in basketball terms with KD at 34. You just take longer to heal and get injured more often which is a natural part of aging.

[Slim Charless]

Yeah and then Book is gonna be pretty exhausted with a heavy workload heading into playoffs. Not ideal but it’s the only option now.

Not how you draw it up but last year was exactly how you draw it up heading into the playoffs and that ended badly so who knows.

if i had a choice between fresh booker or fresh KD, I take fresh KD 10/10. Book is young so i think he can take it. March Booker is a thing.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM Forums mobile app

Also, I'll add that as long as we avoid the playin then that means that Booker and cp3 will get another 4-7 days of rest. Those games will take time and gives our guards time to relax some.

A healthy KD is all that matters. I'd like for him to get in another 3 games or so. Ideally, we'd get him back for the last week. So Denver and both LA teams, he can play what could be some competitive basketball, and then the whole team gets a week or so off while the play in takes place. Everyone can rest up and then see what worked and didn't work against the Nugs/LAL/Clips and go from there.

Not really sure who I want in the 1st round...maybe Minnesota? Booker loves taking it to KAT(if he plays) and I don't trust their team at all. I think having OKC would be good as they'll just be happy to be there.

Most important thing is:


NO MORE INJURIES.

[Slim Charless]

Anyone here look at our schedule coming up? That last week from April 2-9....we play 5 games. We also play b2bs or every other day for the last like 3 weeks of the season.

[SunsRback4Good]

Anyone here look at our schedule coming up? That last week from April 2-9....we play 5 games. We also play b2bs or every other day for the last like 3 weeks of the season.

Brutal schedule to finish off the season. But I’m hopeful we can remain the 4th slot heading into the playoffs. With Grizzlies dominating the Warriors short handed I knew there was no catching them especially now with KD out and just 15 games to play. Kings too are safe even if we manage to beat them and tomorrow we still will be missing KD with a few games behind them. Let’s just hope we remain injury free & wait for KD to return by April 2nd.