2021-22 Season Discussion and Speculation

[Ghost of Kleine]

I guess we really whiffed on this blue chip talent huh?...lol
HoopsHype (@hoopshype) Tweeted:
Breakout of the Night: Damian Jones https://t.co/4vnipfycjq

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[Ghost of Kleine]

Watch on YouTube

Thoughts on Nembhard as a potential Paul successor? Personally outside of a known vet commodity, I'm looking at Khristian Lander (1), Jeremy Roach (2), or Khadary Richmond ( 3) perhaps?

[Mulhollanddrive]

Hopefully Lakers don't give us Covid, or actually maybe its better to get it now than later?

Might be a good idea to sign a 15th man to get in before all the 10 day contracts get going around the league.

[King4Day]

Hopefully Lakers don't give us Covid, or actually maybe its better to get it now than later?

Might be a good idea to sign a 15th man to get in before all the 10 day contracts get going around the league.

That's what has surprised me. We could easily sign a 10 day to cover our butts and pickup someone who may otherwise get snapped up.
We've played other teams who have had covid too so if it happens, it happens. Nothing we can really do at this point.
Much as I don't want to see it happen, I think it's inevitable.

[BobbieL]

Hopefully Lakers don't give us Covid, or actually maybe its better to get it now than later?

Might be a good idea to sign a 15th man to get in before all the 10 day contracts get going around the league.

That's what has surprised me. We could easily sign a 10 day to cover our butts and pickup someone who may otherwise get snapped up.
We've played other teams who have had covid too so if it happens, it happens. Nothing we can really do at this point.
Much as I don't want to see it happen, I think it's inevitable.

I think that would be the smart prudent decision and the cost should be nominal. but better to get a decent 15th man option . Granted, would anybody really help if half a dozen players have COVID.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Yeah!
Our team is definitely gonna get hit by this sooner or later. It really helps that we can string together as many wins as possible during this stretch to give us a decent cushion and measurable separation, just in case we suffer some losses in the process with replacement players. The bonus of this ( if any at all) is in that our bench and deep bench players might get some much needed in game experience, even during any stretch of losses incurred during Covid protocols??

But we need to be trying to identify the best remaining underutilized talent for this coming scenario in order to minimize potential losses too. If it's going to likely end up being replacement players against replacement players, talent and athleticism may trump other teams replacement players if we choose well

[Ghost of Kleine]

The Bright Side (@BrightSideSun) Tweeted:
Trade idea: How would Christian Wood look in Phoenix with the Suns? https://t.co/EcGGhKGmAc

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Whilst I do agree that there are significant rebounding issues we must address to legitimately contend for a championship, I have to disagree on the perspective of value needed to acquire Wood in this article. I mean obviously, There's no way the suns would need to or would consider including one of Crowder or Cam for Wood.

It's really dumb to think that a team likely looking to rebuild/ tank would even want Crowder. And there's no way we'd surrender Johnson in a deal for Wood when Cam will soon have more value, and Wood is going to be an unrestricted free agent in 2023 anyways.

Our best course of action would be to heavily pursue Jerami Grant ( 1) or Wood ( 2) in free agency once Crowder and Saric come off the books that summer anyways. It's feasible that we should be able to get one or the other on a reasonable deal as we're going to be a more desirable destination than other teams not looking to contend. I believe that a deal of Saric/ Smith/ 1st should get things done.

[King4Day]

This is a fantastic read. It goes over from the bubble to present day:
A few quotes I liked:

Says Green: "Chris impacted our team in the bubble without even knowing it."

And so in a most improbable place began the most improbable rise of a woebegone franchise -- a journey that continues upward, with the Suns entering tonight's game against the Lakers holding the league's best record.

"That's when he stepped into his rightful place as our leader," Green says of Booker. "He had been striving toward that anyway. People don't realize how hard he works, how much film he watches, how smart he is. He wants to be great."

Even trudging through losing seasons, Booker believed he had the game and toughness to win on the biggest stages. Jamal Crawford and Booker played 1-on-1 often during the 2018-19 season, Crawford's only year in Phoenix, and when he won, Crawford unleashed the occasional vicious taunt: "You're averaging 25 points and you haven't been in the playoffs!"

"He had no comeback," Crawford said late last season. "You could tell it burned him up. He didn't give a s--- about his own stats or anything. Book used to ask me what the playoffs were like. I knew he was built for it."

The Suns are building counters for every response they see to their core sets

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/32912864/lowe-how-phoenix-suns-silenced-skeptics-became-even-more-dangerous-last-year

[bwgood77]

Suns are so good this year most of the games are not even competitive.

TBF, most of the games have been competitive up until the last few minutes or so, when Paul and Booker become automatic and our defense locks in. It's only lately that we've started to see some blowouts.

I've never been big on fake trades and all that...and this year we are playing so well it seems ridiculous to potentially mess up chemistry unless we have an injury to a key player, but I think we only maybe try that buyout market or 10 day contracts which will be a lot more competitive since we have less playing time available...same goes for getting good buyout players.

I think Stix and, possibly, Saric could be dealt. We prioritize continuity to maximize chemistry and minimize mistakes, so while I entertained a deal for Eric Gordon, I acknowledge a major move like that is unrealistic.

However, I think we're almost certain to add one more end-of-rotation piece to solidify our depth heading into the playoffs. We'll wait to see who becomes available on the BO market like you said, but a midseason trade where we're sending out nothing/little to add that guy is just as likely. The biggest reason to wait is to see if we suffer a major injury.

It seems Nader isn't very durable, so my guess is 2/3 is where we'd look to add someone if no one gets injured. Maybe 3/4, but certainly someone who can play the 3. The last two players we added were Hutch and Ish - clearly looking for one more SF who can earn some PT. Neither of those guys can play, so the hole remains unfilled. Pretty clear that 2/3 is we're thinnest if you look at our expanded depth chart. You can include the 4 if you acknowledge that Saric, Stix and Frank can't actually cover that spot defensively.

Paul/Payne/Payton/(Shamet, Booker)
Booker/Shamet/(Bridges, Nader)
Bridges/Nader/(Johnson, Crowder)
Crowder/Johnson/(Bridges, Saric, Stix, Kaminsky)
Ayton/McGeee/Kaminsky/Saric/Stix

I don't think or know why they'd mess with chemistry give their play and record...that's exactly WHEN you stay with status quo and I also know Monty thinks Saric is important even if not playing and is really loyal and loves him as a locker room guy and player. I understand putting all chips in but even if you get a good player messing with chemistry, player roles and playing time can have a negative impact on team chemistry and camraderie.

I am curious if they like Stix enough to sign him again but just think they needed to save cap space and feel with very limited play and commitment to his development that he would re-sign given our atmosphere, like a Nader type contract. Near minimum with team option. Any no brainer trade has to be considered though I don't know why a team would give up a player in a no brainer trader for us for an injured Saric and another year and Stix unless they were unloading longer term salary they didn't want, which I definitely don't think we want, so it just simply doesn't make sense to me...even if others see dealing them as probable. I guess we will see who is right.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I've never been big on fake trades and all that...and this year we are playing so well it seems ridiculous to potentially mess up chemistry unless we have an injury to a key player, but I think we only maybe try that buyout market or 10 day contracts which will be a lot more competitive since we have less playing time available...same goes for getting good buyout players.

I think Stix and, possibly, Saric could be dealt. We prioritize continuity to maximize chemistry and minimize mistakes, so while I entertained a deal for Eric Gordon, I acknowledge a major move like that is unrealistic.

However, I think we're almost certain to add one more end-of-rotation piece to solidify our depth heading into the playoffs. We'll wait to see who becomes available on the BO market like you said, but a midseason trade where we're sending out nothing/little to add that guy is just as likely. The biggest reason to wait is to see if we suffer a major injury.

It seems Nader isn't very durable, so my guess is 2/3 is where we'd look to add someone if no one gets injured. Maybe 3/4, but certainly someone who can play the 3. The last two players we added were Hutch and Ish - clearly looking for one more SF who can earn some PT. Neither of those guys can play, so the hole remains unfilled. Pretty clear that 2/3 is we're thinnest if you look at our expanded depth chart. You can include the 4 if you acknowledge that Saric, Stix and Frank can't actually cover that spot defensively.

Paul/Payne/Payton/(Shamet, Booker)
Booker/Shamet/(Bridges, Nader)
Bridges/Nader/(Johnson, Crowder)
Crowder/Johnson/(Bridges, Saric, Stix, Kaminsky)
Ayton/McGeee/Kaminsky/Saric/Stix

I don't think or know why they'd mess with chemistry give their play and record...that's exactly WHEN you stay with status quo and I also know Monty thinks Saric is important even if not playing and is really loyal and loves him as a locker room guy and player. I understand putting all chips in but even if you get a good player messing with chemistry, player roles and playing time can have a negative impact on team chemistry and camraderie.

I am curious if they like Stix enough to sign him again but just think they needed to save cap space and feel with very limited play and commitment to his development that he would re-sign given our atmosphere, like a Nader type contract. Near minimum with team option. Any no brainer trade has to be considered though I don't know why a team would give up a player in a no brainer trader for us for an injured Saric and another year and Stix unless they were unloading longer term salary they didn't want, which I definitely don't think we want, so it just simply doesn't make sense to me...even if others see dealing them as probable. I guess we will see who is right.

I don't know how we're disagreeing here. Maybe you think Saric is more important to team chemistry than I do? As I said, I don't see a major trade happening. I don't think adding a 10th man is messing with team chemistry (and you seem to be open to that, at least in the form of Thad Young).

If we did deal Saric - I agree, unlikely, hence the "maybe" in my post - we could take on one more year of salary in exchange. For example, while I don't think we're trading for Eric Gordon, one objection I heard is that we wouldn't take on the future salary Gordon represents. But the trade I pondered was essentially Shamet and Saric for Gordon - that's two contracts with salary on the books for next year for one contract with salary on the books for next year. That's not adding future salary (just exchanging it), so I didn't understand the objection.

I'm not opposed to re-upping Stix, but I doubt he'd stick around given how little PT he's been given. I think we declined to extend him not only for the reason you stated, but because (1) he couldn't outplay Frank, whom we are probably confident we can re-sign for less than what Stix is making, and (2) he hasn't been able to maintain trade value, suggesting his RFA rights aren't worth paying the extra $10 million they would cost to possess (not including lux tax).

So I'm curious - where do you think we disagree? Neither of us expects a major trade. Do you think we wouldn't deal Stix for a 10th? Maybe you think the likelihood of a Saric trade is closer to 0% whereas I put it closer to 15%? I don't get it.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) Tweeted:
New pod is up! We talk about Booker being back, Ayton’s All Star campaign, plus more!

Apple: https://t.co/5DFnvJsa5H

Spotify: https://t.co/ec3xdC2uSw https://t.co/59fyvjrdja

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[Ghost of Kleine]

Cool story on Crowders' recruitment by Paul and Booker after the Suns bubble run!




Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) Tweeted:
This is story is so Jae Crowder and so Chris Paul at the same time. https://t.co/vQIX94Mjh2

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[Calvin Klein]

If we trade any of our rotation players I'll be **** mad. I don't see the need for moves besides maybe adding a player who was bought out like we did with Craig.

[Ghost of Kleine]

This is a good stat.
FLEX From Jersey (@FlexFromJersey) Tweeted:
The Phoenix Suns By The Numbers: Top 5 in all categories below. Anyone wondering what a Championship team looks like, here it is!

Record 24-5 1st
Offense 111.9 3rd
Defense 104.6 4th
Differential +7.3 3rd
FG % 47.8 3rd
Opponent FG% 46.3 3rd
3p FG % 36.8 4th
Assist 26.3 4th https://t.co/LzOMBgWbTG

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Clearly we're really close to championship level as a team. But we seriously need to shore up our rebounding and could also stand to boost our 3 point shooting a bit. But if not, finding a quality perimeter defensive wing/ big would help negate our other glaring weakness in our losses, wherein other top perimeter shooting teams scorch us from three.

[Ghost of Kleine]

It's so cool that the suns participate in these community charities! Also really cool that my son got to be in the clip with Payton giving him the phist bump.
Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) Tweeted:
"One thing that I always love doing is trying to leave a place better than I found it. This is one of the ways I do it."

#Suns guard Elfrid Payton recently had a holiday event for youth at Boys & Girls Club Metro Phoenix. https://t.co/YYLG6B8MOV

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[Ghost of Kleine]

Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
This is as excellent as you would expect.

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[Frank Lee]

Trust me Elf… there are many here who think after you leave things will be better…..



Doh!

Here for one night only

[bwgood77]

I think Stix and, possibly, Saric could be dealt. We prioritize continuity to maximize chemistry and minimize mistakes, so while I entertained a deal for Eric Gordon, I acknowledge a major move like that is unrealistic.

However, I think we're almost certain to add one more end-of-rotation piece to solidify our depth heading into the playoffs. We'll wait to see who becomes available on the BO market like you said, but a midseason trade where we're sending out nothing/little to add that guy is just as likely. The biggest reason to wait is to see if we suffer a major injury.

It seems Nader isn't very durable, so my guess is 2/3 is where we'd look to add someone if no one gets injured. Maybe 3/4, but certainly someone who can play the 3. The last two players we added were Hutch and Ish - clearly looking for one more SF who can earn some PT. Neither of those guys can play, so the hole remains unfilled. Pretty clear that 2/3 is we're thinnest if you look at our expanded depth chart. You can include the 4 if you acknowledge that Saric, Stix and Frank can't actually cover that spot defensively.

Paul/Payne/Payton/(Shamet, Booker)
Booker/Shamet/(Bridges, Nader)
Bridges/Nader/(Johnson, Crowder)
Crowder/Johnson/(Bridges, Saric, Stix, Kaminsky)
Ayton/McGeee/Kaminsky/Saric/Stix

I don't think or know why they'd mess with chemistry give their play and record...that's exactly WHEN you stay with status quo and I also know Monty thinks Saric is important even if not playing and is really loyal and loves him as a locker room guy and player. I understand putting all chips in but even if you get a good player messing with chemistry, player roles and playing time can have a negative impact on team chemistry and camraderie.

I am curious if they like Stix enough to sign him again but just think they needed to save cap space and feel with very limited play and commitment to his development that he would re-sign given our atmosphere, like a Nader type contract. Near minimum with team option. Any no brainer trade has to be considered though I don't know why a team would give up a player in a no brainer trader for us for an injured Saric and another year and Stix unless they were unloading longer term salary they didn't want, which I definitely don't think we want, so it just simply doesn't make sense to me...even if others see dealing them as probable. I guess we will see who is right.

I don't know how we're disagreeing here. Maybe you think Saric is more important to team chemistry than I do? As I said, I don't see a major trade happening. I don't think adding a 10th man is messing with team chemistry (and you seem to be open to that, at least in the form of Thad Young).

If we did deal Saric - I agree, unlikely, hence the "maybe" in my post - we could take on one more year of salary in exchange. For example, while I don't think we're trading for Eric Gordon, one objection I heard is that we wouldn't take on the future salary Gordon represents. But the trade I pondered was essentially Shamet and Saric for Gordon - that's two contracts with salary on the books for next year for one contract with salary on the books for next year. That's not adding future salary (just exchanging it), so I didn't understand the objection.

I'm not opposed to re-upping Stix, but I doubt he'd stick around given how little PT he's been given. I think we declined to extend him not only for the reason you stated, but because (1) he couldn't outplay Frank, whom we are probably confident we can re-sign for less than what Stix is making, and (2) he hasn't been able to maintain trade value, suggesting his RFA rights aren't worth paying the extra $10 million they would cost to possess (not including lux tax).

So I'm curious - where do you think we disagree? Neither of us expects a major trade. Do you think we wouldn't deal Stix for a 10th? Maybe you think the likelihood of a Saric trade is closer to 0% whereas I put it closer to 15%? I don't get it.

I was disagreeing mostly with the first sentence of them being dealt. I definitely don't think they'd do an Eric Gordon trade as Monty loves Saric AND Shamet and I doubt they'd trade either (particularly Shamet but I don't know who would want Saric and/or Smith for a decent player with 1 more year of salary unless they just wanted the slight cap relief of Stix expiring).

They talked about wanting to trade for Shamet for awhile, etc. I don't think they give up on players too quickly, except perhaps Stix.

[BobbieL]

Like BWG is saying - the chemistry is so good now, the team is just rolling. The suns do not need to make a trade. Granted injuries or COVID could happen so they might have to adapt at that time. But they are in such a good spot right now - I still only see a smaller trade. Maybe Stix for Craig - but that means taking on 5m next year.

I can see the Suns as a team ready for the buyout market just to have one extra player that could be beneficial in spot duty - but not a regular. The 9 player rotation is pretty much nails. Why fix what ain't broke.

[King4Day]

Like BWG is saying - the chemistry is so good now, the team is just rolling. The suns do not need to make a trade. Granted injuries or COVID could happen so they might have to adapt at that time. But they are in such a good spot right now - I still only see a smaller trade. Maybe Stix for Craig - but that means taking on 5m next year.

I can see the Suns as a team ready for the buyout market just to have one extra player that could be beneficial in spot duty - but not a regular. The 9 player rotation is pretty much nails. Why fix what ain't broke.

It'd be nice to deal for Justin Holiday (for Smith) and then pick up Thad Young on the buyout market. Our depth would be even more insane.