The Official 2024 Offseason Thread

[sunsbg]

Read on Twitter

One potential trade target for Little. The salaries match almost exactly. Vezenkov's best scoring games came against us(14p twice), Eddi Johnson had a quote 'this guy is a problem', so I wonder if our FO may show interest.

He was last year's EL MVP. Had very good EU championship putting better stats than Luka. No where near the same level obviously but putting better stats than Luka over any stretch of games is an achievement. LOL. Main strengths are 3pt shooting and cutting. There are clips of him hitting 98/103 3s in practice and scoring 20+ points in games with no dribbles. All this makes him a great fit with our ISO stars on offense. Defense is another story. He tries more than someone like Luka, but athleticism is not on NBA level, so he's average on this end at best.

[Saberestar]

Read on Twitter

One potential trade target for Little. The salaries match almost exactly. Vezenkov's best scoring games came against us(14p twice), Eddi Johnson had a quote 'this guy is a problem', so I wonder if our FO may show interest.

He was last year's EL MVP. Had very good EU championship putting better stats than Luka. No where near the same level obviously but putting better stats than Luka over any stretch of games is an achievement. LOL. Main strengths are 3pt shooting and cutting. There are clips of him hitting 98/103 3s in practice and scoring 20+ points in games with no dribbles. All this makes him a great fit with our ISO stars on offense. Defense is another story. He tries more than someone like Luka, but athleticism is not on NBA level, so he's average playthis end at best.

Why he doesn't want to play for the Kings?

[sunsbg]

Why he doesn't want to play for the Kings?

Inconsistent playing time is the reason mentioned in the articles. At start of season Lyles was injured and he did well scoring 10ppg in 15mpg in a few games. When Lyles came back he took from his minutes and Vezenkov was used as SF in some lineups, but he's more of a PF so not used to defend quicker players. At mid season started feeling more comfortable and had a stretch of games shooting 50%+ from 3, but then came ankle injury, later aggravated, so he missed a lot of games. For him to request a trade it looks like there is no mutual trust between him and the coach.

He's an option being the contracts match. Team option after next year so very little risk for a more experienced player than Nassir, who hasn't shown much and appears to be very injury prone. In addition to the offensive skills Vezenkov adds some rebounding too. As PF he was at the top at EU championship and second in EL for the season. NBA stats look poor but as mentioned he was used out of position a lot.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://sportsnaut.com/phoenix-suns-rumors-team-needs-offseason-wish-list/

Phoenix Suns insider reveals team’s offseason wish list

Andrew Buller-Russ
Updated June 7th 2024


According to John Gambadoro, via The Burns & Gambo Show, the Suns are prioritizing three main priorities heading into the offseason. The Suns’ top needs are (h/t Evan Sidery):

- Point guard who can play 20+ minutes per game.
- Backup big.
- Young, athletic wing.

So obviously we can address any of these things via the draft and free agency. But from the draft, which of these three things should be our #1 priority from the draft, and which prospect best fits our needs?

And from free agency, which of these needs is most important to address in free agency, and which free agent should be our top target to pursue? For my part, I personally have our most important need (via the draft) being an athletic, long physical high motor motor-switchable shot-blocking center that can also switch on the perimeter too. I have this over the importance of a point guard because even in the 2nd round, there are clearly more available guards who will into the 2nd round than there are athletic, mobile centers that fit our critical needs. I have our 2nd most critical need being a playmaking floor general type guard because those are littered throughout this draft well into the 2nd round and undrafted ranges as well as there being decent options in free agency or from trade if needed. I have our last being a young athletic wing option because both the draft, undrafted ranges, AND free agency offer numerous options for us to consider! So I'll begin:

1- Backup Center
Via Draft- Backup Big

Spoiler:

1- Yves Missi.
2- Kel'el Ware.
3- Zach Edey.
4- DaRon Holmes.
5- **Ulriche Comche.
*** Ariel Huktpori and Ryan Kalkbrenner are available from the undrafted ranges on a two-way.

From Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Mason Plumlee.
2- Nerlens Noel.
3- Damian Jones.
4- Mo Bamba.
5- Bismack Biyombo.
** Also Kai Jones and Moses Brown 2nd are available too.

Via Trade

Spoiler:

1- Nik Richards.
2- Richaun Holmes. Mobile, athletic, can hit the three.
3- Marvin Bagley. Mobile, shooting 39% from 3, interchangeable at 4 or 5, allowing KD to play at the three in some lineups.
4- Christian Wood. Long, mobile, athletic, can hit the three. Interchangeable at the 4 or 5 allowing KD to move to the three in certain lineups.
5- Chris Boucher. long, mobile, switchable, can hit the three, and can offer weakside shot-blocking.

2- Point Guard (who can play 20 minutes)
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Tyler Kolek.
2- Ajay Mitchell.
3- Cam Spencer.
4- Tristan Newton.
5- Reece Beekman.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Russell Westbrook.
2- Chris Paul.
3- Kyle Lowry.
4- Kris Dunn.
5- Delon Wright.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Alex Caruso.
2- Marcus Sasser.
3- Jevon Carter.
4- Tre Jones.
5- Davion Mitchell.

Young athletic wing/ Forwards
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Ryan Dunn.
2- Jaylon Tyson.
3- Justin Edwards.
4- Keshad Johnson.
5- Jalen Bridges.

*** Also Nae' qwan Tomlin and Blake Hinson from the undrafted pool.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Kelly Oubre.
2- KJ Martin.
3- Nik Batum.
4- Robert Covington.
5- KZ Okpala.
*** Also Feron Hunt and Donovan Williams are available as undrafted/unsigned free agents currently.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Dorian Finney Smith.
2- Larry Nance.
3- Deni Avdija.
4- Tari Eason.
5- Brandon Clarke or Zhaire Williams.
*** Jalen Mcdaniels- Toronto.

[TeamTragic]

https://sportsnaut.com/phoenix-suns-rumors-team-needs-offseason-wish-list/

Phoenix Suns insider reveals team’s offseason wish list

Andrew Buller-Russ
Updated June 7th 2024


According to John Gambadoro, via The Burns & Gambo Show, the Suns are prioritizing three main priorities heading into the offseason. The Suns’ top needs are (h/t Evan Sidery):

- Point guard who can play 20+ minutes per game.
- Backup big.
- Young, athletic wing.

So obviously we can address any of these things via the draft and free agency. But from the draft, which of these three things should be our #1 priority from the draft, and which prospect best fits our needs?

And from free agency, which of these needs is most important to address in free agency, and which free agent should be our top target to pursue? For my part, I personally have our most important need (via the draft) being an athletic, long physical high motor motor-switchable shot-blocking center that can also switch on the perimeter too. I have this over the importance of a point guard because even in the 2nd round, there are clearly more available guards who will into the 2nd round than there are athletic, mobile centers that fit our critical needs. I have our 2nd most critical need being a playmaking floor general type guard because those are littered throughout this draft well into the 2nd round and undrafted ranges as well as there being decent options in free agency or from trade if needed. I have our last being a young athletic wing option because both the draft, undrafted ranges, AND free agency offer numerous options for us to consider! So I'll begin:

1- Backup Center
Via Draft- Backup Big

Spoiler:

1- Yves Missi.
2- Kel'el Ware.
3- Zach Edey.
4- DaRon Holmes.
5- **Ulriche Comche.
*** Ariel Huktpori and Ryan Kalkbrenner are available from the undrafted ranges on a two-way.

From Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Mason Plumlee.
2- Nerlens Noel.
3- Damian Jones.
4- Mo Bamba.
5- Bismack Biyombo.
** Also Kai Jones and Moses Brown 2nd are available too.

Via Trade

Spoiler:

1- Nik Richards.
2- Richaun Holmes. Mobile, athletic, can hit the three.
3- Marvin Bagley. Mobile, shooting 39% from 3, interchangeable at 4 or 5, allowing KD to play at the three in some lineups.
4- Christian Wood. Long, mobile, athletic, can hit the three. Interchangeable at the 4 or 5 allowing KD to move to the three in certain lineups.
5- Chris Boucher. long, mobile, switchable, can hit the three, and can offer weakside shot-blocking.

2- Point Guard (who can play 20 minutes)
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Tyler Kolek.
2- Ajay Mitchell.
3- Cam Spencer.
4- Tristan Newton.
5- Reece Beekman.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Russell Westbrook.
2- Chris Paul.
3- Kyle Lowry.
4- Kris Dunn.
5- Delon Wright.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Alex Caruso.
2- Marcus Sasser.
3- Jevon Carter.
4- Tre Jones.
5- Davion Mitchell.

Young athletic wing/ Forwards
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Ryan Dunn.
2- Jaylon Tyson.
3- Justin Edwards.
4- Keshad Johnson.
5- Jalen Bridges.

*** Also Nae' qwan Tomlin and Blake Hinson from the undrafted pool.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Kelly Oubre.
2- KJ Martin.
3- Nik Batum.
4- Robert Covington.
5- KZ Okpala.
*** Also Feron Hunt and Donovan Williams are available as undrafted/unsigned free agents currently.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Dorian Finney Smith.
2- Larry Nance.
3- Deni Avdija.
4- Tari Eason.
5- Brandon Clarke or Zhaire Williams.
*** Jalen Mcdaniels- Toronto.

I cannot believe it but it looks like Bud is already doing work and JJ is actually being proactive.

This is the best news I have heard since last season.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

Man! I remember advocating for us to try and trade into this draft and get a top 5 pick to get this kid as I believe he'll be the 2nd coming of Mikal Bridges and would've been an ideal defensive wing replacement for Bridges. Now he's already up to 6'9 and will be an incredible talent!

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Thoughts?

[Mulhollanddrive]

What does "h/t Evan Sidery" mean?

Am I getting old

[Ghost of Kleine]

What does "h/t Evan Sidery" mean?

Am I getting old

Hat tip (tip your hat to as a form of recognition or respect.

[Ghost of Kleine]

On our list of three things to address this offseason is #3 an athletic young wing. I'm just going to offer 4 names of currently unsigned free agents available from the G League, NBL, etc. All are lanky, physical, and very athletically explosive and all have high-end lockdown defensive potential too. Most importantly, all could be had on a vet min or two-way deal or could be added to our G league.

1- Tefale Lenard ( Texas Legends)
6'8 175 lb guard/wing/forward with a 7'1 wingspan and guard skills, a high-level defender, long, lanky, very athletic, and fast. Plays like a 6'8 version of Derrick Jones Jr.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

2- Zylan Cheatham. (NBL)
6'6 225 lbs with a 6'11 wingspan, a very high motor, strong, physical, plays with an edge, AND is a high-end defender.
https://youtube.com/shorts/R15wU_SPF6c?si=he6oB1S_Mdt0PNQ9

3- Donovan Williams (Santa Cruz Warriors)
6'6 205 lbs. High motor, explosively athletic, lanky with a 7 ft wingspan, elite disruptive defender in the mold of Derrick Jones Jr.
https://youtu.be/bp-oKyzT_C8?t=90
(Dunk at 1:30).

4- Feron Hunt (Cleveland Charge)
6'8 200 lbs with a 7'2 wingspan. Very fluid, quick, ultra-explosive physical two-way wing with high motor and elite lockdown defensive potential. Plays with an aggressive edge to his game too.
https://youtube.com/shorts/yPFhFf6HLgc?si=ExQWX8HqdqU-ZRCV

[Fo-Real]

https://sportsnaut.com/phoenix-suns-rumors-team-needs-offseason-wish-list/

Phoenix Suns insider reveals team’s offseason wish list

Andrew Buller-Russ
Updated June 7th 2024


According to John Gambadoro, via The Burns & Gambo Show, the Suns are prioritizing three main priorities heading into the offseason. The Suns’ top needs are (h/t Evan Sidery):

- Point guard who can play 20+ minutes per game.
- Backup big.
- Young, athletic wing.

So obviously we can address any of these things via the draft and free agency. But from the draft, which of these three things should be our #1 priority from the draft, and which prospect best fits our needs?

And from free agency, which of these needs is most important to address in free agency, and which free agent should be our top target to pursue? For my part, I personally have our most important need (via the draft) being an athletic, long physical high motor motor-switchable shot-blocking center that can also switch on the perimeter too. I have this over the importance of a point guard because even in the 2nd round, there are clearly more available guards who will into the 2nd round than there are athletic, mobile centers that fit our critical needs. I have our 2nd most critical need being a playmaking floor general type guard because those are littered throughout this draft well into the 2nd round and undrafted ranges as well as there being decent options in free agency or from trade if needed. I have our last being a young athletic wing option because both the draft, undrafted ranges, AND free agency offer numerous options for us to consider! So I'll begin:

1- Backup Center
Via Draft- Backup Big

Spoiler:

1- Yves Missi.
2- Kel'el Ware.
3- Zach Edey.
4- DaRon Holmes.
5- **Ulriche Comche.
*** Ariel Huktpori and Ryan Kalkbrenner are available from the undrafted ranges on a two-way.

From Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Mason Plumlee.
2- Nerlens Noel.
3- Damian Jones.
4- Mo Bamba.
5- Bismack Biyombo.
** Also Kai Jones and Moses Brown 2nd are available too.

Via Trade

Spoiler:

1- Nik Richards.
2- Richaun Holmes. Mobile, athletic, can hit the three.
3- Marvin Bagley. Mobile, shooting 39% from 3, interchangeable at 4 or 5, allowing KD to play at the three in some lineups.
4- Christian Wood. Long, mobile, athletic, can hit the three. Interchangeable at the 4 or 5 allowing KD to move to the three in certain lineups.
5- Chris Boucher. long, mobile, switchable, can hit the three, and can offer weakside shot-blocking.

2- Point Guard (who can play 20 minutes)
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Tyler Kolek.
2- Ajay Mitchell.
3- Cam Spencer.
4- Tristan Newton.
5- Reece Beekman.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Russell Westbrook.
2- Chris Paul.
3- Kyle Lowry.
4- Kris Dunn.
5- Delon Wright.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Alex Caruso.
2- Marcus Sasser.
3- Jevon Carter.
4- Tre Jones.
5- Davion Mitchell.

Young athletic wing/ Forwards
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Ryan Dunn.
2- Jaylon Tyson.
3- Justin Edwards.
4- Keshad Johnson.
5- Jalen Bridges.

*** Also Nae' qwan Tomlin and Blake Hinson from the undrafted pool.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Kelly Oubre.
2- KJ Martin.
3- Nik Batum.
4- Robert Covington.
5- KZ Okpala.
*** Also Feron Hunt and Donovan Williams are available as undrafted/unsigned free agents currently.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Dorian Finney Smith.
2- Larry Nance.
3- Deni Avdija.
4- Tari Eason.
5- Brandon Clarke or Zhaire Williams.
*** Jalen Mcdaniels- Toronto.

Backup center free-agents, you left Andre Drummond off of that list!

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://sportsnaut.com/phoenix-suns-rumors-team-needs-offseason-wish-list/

Phoenix Suns insider reveals team’s offseason wish list

Andrew Buller-Russ
Updated June 7th 2024


According to John Gambadoro, via The Burns & Gambo Show, the Suns are prioritizing three main priorities heading into the offseason. The Suns’ top needs are (h/t Evan Sidery):

- Point guard who can play 20+ minutes per game.
- Backup big.
- Young, athletic wing.

So obviously we can address any of these things via the draft and free agency. But from the draft, which of these three things should be our #1 priority from the draft, and which prospect best fits our needs?

And from free agency, which of these needs is most important to address in free agency, and which free agent should be our top target to pursue? For my part, I personally have our most important need (via the draft) being an athletic, long physical high motor motor-switchable shot-blocking center that can also switch on the perimeter too. I have this over the importance of a point guard because even in the 2nd round, there are clearly more available guards who will into the 2nd round than there are athletic, mobile centers that fit our critical needs. I have our 2nd most critical need being a playmaking floor general type guard because those are littered throughout this draft well into the 2nd round and undrafted ranges as well as there being decent options in free agency or from trade if needed. I have our last being a young athletic wing option because both the draft, undrafted ranges, AND free agency offer numerous options for us to consider! So I'll begin:

1- Backup Center
Via Draft- Backup Big

Spoiler:

1- Yves Missi.
2- Kel'el Ware.
3- Zach Edey.
4- DaRon Holmes.
5- **Ulriche Comche.
*** Ariel Huktpori and Ryan Kalkbrenner are available from the undrafted ranges on a two-way.

From Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Mason Plumlee.
2- Nerlens Noel.
3- Damian Jones.
4- Mo Bamba.
5- Bismack Biyombo.
** Also Kai Jones and Moses Brown 2nd are available too.

Via Trade

Spoiler:

1- Nik Richards.
2- Richaun Holmes. Mobile, athletic, can hit the three.
3- Marvin Bagley. Mobile, shooting 39% from 3, interchangeable at 4 or 5, allowing KD to play at the three in some lineups.
4- Christian Wood. Long, mobile, athletic, can hit the three. Interchangeable at the 4 or 5 allowing KD to move to the three in certain lineups.
5- Chris Boucher. long, mobile, switchable, can hit the three, and can offer weakside shot-blocking.

2- Point Guard (who can play 20 minutes)
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Tyler Kolek.
2- Ajay Mitchell.
3- Cam Spencer.
4- Tristan Newton.
5- Reece Beekman.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Russell Westbrook.
2- Chris Paul.
3- Kyle Lowry.
4- Kris Dunn.
5- Delon Wright.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Alex Caruso.
2- Marcus Sasser.
3- Jevon Carter.
4- Tre Jones.
5- Davion Mitchell.

Young athletic wing/ Forwards
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Ryan Dunn.
2- Jaylon Tyson.
3- Justin Edwards.
4- Keshad Johnson.
5- Jalen Bridges.

*** Also Nae' qwan Tomlin and Blake Hinson from the undrafted pool.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Kelly Oubre.
2- KJ Martin.
3- Nik Batum.
4- Robert Covington.
5- KZ Okpala.
*** Also Feron Hunt and Donovan Williams are available as undrafted/unsigned free agents currently.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Dorian Finney Smith.
2- Larry Nance.
3- Deni Avdija.
4- Tari Eason.
5- Brandon Clarke or Zhaire Williams.
*** Jalen Mcdaniels- Toronto.

Backup center free-agents, you left Andre Drummond off of that list!

Yep! basically because of the criteria for the backup center options needing to be at least somewhat mobile and athletic rim protector/ rim running defensive centers which Drummond isn't really at this point. He's solid for positional size and rebounding, but not really anything beyond that. Especially not at this point of his career.

[Saberestar]

Yep! basically because of the criteria for the backup center options needing to be at least somewhat mobile and athletic rim protector/ rim running defensive centers which Drummond isn't really at this point. He's solid for positional size and rebounding, but not really anything beyond that. Especially not at this point of his career.

Andre Drummond is way better than any of these 5 guys:

1- Mason Plumlee.
2- Nerlens Noel.
3- Damian Jones.
4- Mo Bamba.
5- Bismack Biyombo.

Mo Bamba is the only one that adds a different element because he is decent 3p shooter.

Look at Drummond numbers and his impact on the game. He is better basically at everything that those guys and we would be lucky getting him for the minimum next year.

You talked about mobility and rim running/protection and that were Eubanks best skills...so there is that.

The Bulls didn't want to trade him for less than 3 2nds at the deadline and we were one of the teams interested in him. I think that we are gonna try to sign him this summer.

[Fo-Real]

https://sportsnaut.com/phoenix-suns-rumors-team-needs-offseason-wish-list/



So obviously we can address any of these things via the draft and free agency. But from the draft, which of these three things should be our #1 priority from the draft, and which prospect best fits our needs?

And from free agency, which of these needs is most important to address in free agency, and which free agent should be our top target to pursue? For my part, I personally have our most important need (via the draft) being an athletic, long physical high motor motor-switchable shot-blocking center that can also switch on the perimeter too. I have this over the importance of a point guard because even in the 2nd round, there are clearly more available guards who will into the 2nd round than there are athletic, mobile centers that fit our critical needs. I have our 2nd most critical need being a playmaking floor general type guard because those are littered throughout this draft well into the 2nd round and undrafted ranges as well as there being decent options in free agency or from trade if needed. I have our last being a young athletic wing option because both the draft, undrafted ranges, AND free agency offer numerous options for us to consider! So I'll begin:

1- Backup Center
Via Draft- Backup Big

Spoiler:

1- Yves Missi.
2- Kel'el Ware.
3- Zach Edey.
4- DaRon Holmes.
5- **Ulriche Comche.
*** Ariel Huktpori and Ryan Kalkbrenner are available from the undrafted ranges on a two-way.

From Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Mason Plumlee.
2- Nerlens Noel.
3- Damian Jones.
4- Mo Bamba.
5- Bismack Biyombo.
** Also Kai Jones and Moses Brown 2nd are available too.

Via Trade

Spoiler:

1- Nik Richards.
2- Richaun Holmes. Mobile, athletic, can hit the three.
3- Marvin Bagley. Mobile, shooting 39% from 3, interchangeable at 4 or 5, allowing KD to play at the three in some lineups.
4- Christian Wood. Long, mobile, athletic, can hit the three. Interchangeable at the 4 or 5 allowing KD to move to the three in certain lineups.
5- Chris Boucher. long, mobile, switchable, can hit the three, and can offer weakside shot-blocking.

2- Point Guard (who can play 20 minutes)
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Tyler Kolek.
2- Ajay Mitchell.
3- Cam Spencer.
4- Tristan Newton.
5- Reece Beekman.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Russell Westbrook.
2- Chris Paul.
3- Kyle Lowry.
4- Kris Dunn.
5- Delon Wright.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Alex Caruso.
2- Marcus Sasser.
3- Jevon Carter.
4- Tre Jones.
5- Davion Mitchell.

Young athletic wing/ Forwards
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Ryan Dunn.
2- Jaylon Tyson.
3- Justin Edwards.
4- Keshad Johnson.
5- Jalen Bridges.

*** Also Nae' qwan Tomlin and Blake Hinson from the undrafted pool.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Kelly Oubre.
2- KJ Martin.
3- Nik Batum.
4- Robert Covington.
5- KZ Okpala.
*** Also Feron Hunt and Donovan Williams are available as undrafted/unsigned free agents currently.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Dorian Finney Smith.
2- Larry Nance.
3- Deni Avdija.
4- Tari Eason.
5- Brandon Clarke or Zhaire Williams.
*** Jalen Mcdaniels- Toronto.

Backup center free-agents, you left Andre Drummond off of that list!

Yep! basically because of the criteria for the backup center options needing to be at least somewhat mobile and athletic rim protector/ rim running defensive centers which Drummond isn't really at this point. He's solid for positional size and rebounding, but not really anything beyond that. Especially not at this point of his career.

I would rather have a hybird dude in that type of role like Larry Nance. A Pf who can easily run small ball C BUT, I want both. I would want Nance or his type on this roster AND for Drummond to replace Eubanks on it!

[BobbieL]

https://sportsnaut.com/phoenix-suns-rumors-team-needs-offseason-wish-list/

Phoenix Suns insider reveals team’s offseason wish list

Andrew Buller-Russ
Updated June 7th 2024


According to John Gambadoro, via The Burns & Gambo Show, the Suns are prioritizing three main priorities heading into the offseason. The Suns’ top needs are (h/t Evan Sidery):

- Point guard who can play 20+ minutes per game.
- Backup big.
- Young, athletic wing.

So obviously we can address any of these things via the draft and free agency. But from the draft, which of these three things should be our #1 priority from the draft, and which prospect best fits our needs?

And from free agency, which of these needs is most important to address in free agency, and which free agent should be our top target to pursue? For my part, I personally have our most important need (via the draft) being an athletic, long physical high motor motor-switchable shot-blocking center that can also switch on the perimeter too. I have this over the importance of a point guard because even in the 2nd round, there are clearly more available guards who will into the 2nd round than there are athletic, mobile centers that fit our critical needs. I have our 2nd most critical need being a playmaking floor general type guard because those are littered throughout this draft well into the 2nd round and undrafted ranges as well as there being decent options in free agency or from trade if needed. I have our last being a young athletic wing option because both the draft, undrafted ranges, AND free agency offer numerous options for us to consider! So I'll begin:

1- Backup Center
Via Draft- Backup Big

Spoiler:

1- Yves Missi.
2- Kel'el Ware.
3- Zach Edey.
4- DaRon Holmes.
5- **Ulriche Comche.
*** Ariel Huktpori and Ryan Kalkbrenner are available from the undrafted ranges on a two-way.

From Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Mason Plumlee.
2- Nerlens Noel.
3- Damian Jones.
4- Mo Bamba.
5- Bismack Biyombo.
** Also Kai Jones and Moses Brown 2nd are available too.

Via Trade

Spoiler:

1- Nik Richards.
2- Richaun Holmes. Mobile, athletic, can hit the three.
3- Marvin Bagley. Mobile, shooting 39% from 3, interchangeable at 4 or 5, allowing KD to play at the three in some lineups.
4- Christian Wood. Long, mobile, athletic, can hit the three. Interchangeable at the 4 or 5 allowing KD to move to the three in certain lineups.
5- Chris Boucher. long, mobile, switchable, can hit the three, and can offer weakside shot-blocking.

2- Point Guard (who can play 20 minutes)
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Tyler Kolek.
2- Ajay Mitchell.
3- Cam Spencer.
4- Tristan Newton.
5- Reece Beekman.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Russell Westbrook.
2- Chris Paul.
3- Kyle Lowry.
4- Kris Dunn.
5- Delon Wright.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Alex Caruso.
2- Marcus Sasser.
3- Jevon Carter.
4- Tre Jones.
5- Davion Mitchell.

Young athletic wing/ Forwards
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Ryan Dunn.
2- Jaylon Tyson.
3- Justin Edwards.
4- Keshad Johnson.
5- Jalen Bridges.

*** Also Nae' qwan Tomlin and Blake Hinson from the undrafted pool.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Kelly Oubre.
2- KJ Martin.
3- Nik Batum.
4- Robert Covington.
5- KZ Okpala.
*** Also Feron Hunt and Donovan Williams are available as undrafted/unsigned free agents currently.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Dorian Finney Smith.
2- Larry Nance.
3- Deni Avdija.
4- Tari Eason.
5- Brandon Clarke or Zhaire Williams.
*** Jalen Mcdaniels- Toronto.

Not mocking you GoK

but it doesn't take an insider to know the Suns biggest needs

Gambo somtimes...

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[bwgood77]

Beal the player just finished a season where he had a record high TS% (.607) on great shooting splits 51+/43+/82 on 18/4.4/5/1. If he was 24 years old people would be clamoring to give him close to the max this offseason. At 30 with the SuperMax and No Trade Clause is where the detractions come in. Let's not act like he is a useless player, though. He is still good as a player, just not as good as future HOF guys Durant and Booker- and he is a bit redundant.

You nailed it. People saying he sucks or even acting as if we could have utilized what we are paying him in a different way (we were over the cap with Shamet and Paul who also had no trade value and when they expired the Book max kicked in putting us over the cap limiting adding anyone)....so we rolled the salaries we were paying them forward. Talking about having Shamet at $10 million vs Beal at $50 million makes sense if you could spend the $40 million elsewhere but we wouldn't' be able to. It's not my money and I don't care about the tax so I'd take Beal all day long over Shamet.

Still a chance that familiarity and coaching + better total roster construction helps Book, Durant and Beal function better.

Definitely. They can both play on/off ball. They are very similar players. Continuity should help...especially if we keep Allen and Royce.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://sportsnaut.com/phoenix-suns-rumors-team-needs-offseason-wish-list/

Phoenix Suns insider reveals team’s offseason wish list

Andrew Buller-Russ
Updated June 7th 2024


According to John Gambadoro, via The Burns & Gambo Show, the Suns are prioritizing three main priorities heading into the offseason. The Suns’ top needs are (h/t Evan Sidery):

- Point guard who can play 20+ minutes per game.
- Backup big.
- Young, athletic wing.

So obviously we can address any of these things via the draft and free agency. But from the draft, which of these three things should be our #1 priority from the draft, and which prospect best fits our needs?

And from free agency, which of these needs is most important to address in free agency, and which free agent should be our top target to pursue? For my part, I personally have our most important need (via the draft) being an athletic, long physical high motor motor-switchable shot-blocking center that can also switch on the perimeter too. I have this over the importance of a point guard because even in the 2nd round, there are clearly more available guards who will into the 2nd round than there are athletic, mobile centers that fit our critical needs. I have our 2nd most critical need being a playmaking floor general type guard because those are littered throughout this draft well into the 2nd round and undrafted ranges as well as there being decent options in free agency or from trade if needed. I have our last being a young athletic wing option because both the draft, undrafted ranges, AND free agency offer numerous options for us to consider! So I'll begin:

1- Backup Center
Via Draft- Backup Big

Spoiler:

1- Yves Missi.
2- Kel'el Ware.
3- Zach Edey.
4- DaRon Holmes.
5- **Ulriche Comche.
*** Ariel Huktpori and Ryan Kalkbrenner are available from the undrafted ranges on a two-way.

From Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Mason Plumlee.
2- Nerlens Noel.
3- Damian Jones.
4- Mo Bamba.
5- Bismack Biyombo.
** Also Kai Jones and Moses Brown 2nd are available too.

Via Trade

Spoiler:

1- Nik Richards.
2- Richaun Holmes. Mobile, athletic, can hit the three.
3- Marvin Bagley. Mobile, shooting 39% from 3, interchangeable at 4 or 5, allowing KD to play at the three in some lineups.
4- Christian Wood. Long, mobile, athletic, can hit the three. Interchangeable at the 4 or 5 allowing KD to move to the three in certain lineups.
5- Chris Boucher. long, mobile, switchable, can hit the three, and can offer weakside shot-blocking.

2- Point Guard (who can play 20 minutes)
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Tyler Kolek.
2- Ajay Mitchell.
3- Cam Spencer.
4- Tristan Newton.
5- Reece Beekman.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Russell Westbrook.
2- Chris Paul.
3- Kyle Lowry.
4- Kris Dunn.
5- Delon Wright.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Alex Caruso.
2- Marcus Sasser.
3- Jevon Carter.
4- Tre Jones.
5- Davion Mitchell.

Young athletic wing/ Forwards
Via Draft

Spoiler:

1- Ryan Dunn.
2- Jaylon Tyson.
3- Justin Edwards.
4- Keshad Johnson.
5- Jalen Bridges.

*** Also Nae' qwan Tomlin and Blake Hinson from the undrafted pool.

Via Free Agency

Spoiler:

1- Kelly Oubre.
2- KJ Martin.
3- Nik Batum.
4- Robert Covington.
5- KZ Okpala.
*** Also Feron Hunt and Donovan Williams are available as undrafted/unsigned free agents currently.

Via trade

Spoiler:

1- Dorian Finney Smith.
2- Larry Nance.
3- Deni Avdija.
4- Tari Eason.
5- Brandon Clarke or Zhaire Williams.
*** Jalen Mcdaniels- Toronto.

Not mocking you GoK

but it doesn't take an insider to know the Suns biggest needs

Gambo somtimes...

Of course not!
I know that you're not man. Actually when I posted this, my thought process for discussion was for anyone to share the players/ free agents they personally prefer and see as ideal options to address our specific needs from our available options. Also whether that'd be 1 or 2 choices or even possibly more for your ( others) top 3-5 available options of the three interests mentioned above.

I just went first and posted what I see as our best 5 available options for those three positions that we're looking to address. So no wrong answers really. Just a matter of personal preference.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Yep! basically because of the criteria for the backup center options needing to be at least somewhat mobile and athletic rim protector/ rim running defensive centers which Drummond isn't really at this point. He's solid for positional size and rebounding, but not really anything beyond that. Especially not at this point of his career.

Andre Drummond is way better than any of these 5 guys:

1- Mason Plumlee.
2- Nerlens Noel.
3- Damian Jones.
4- Mo Bamba.
5- Bismack Biyombo.

Mo Bamba is the only one that adds a different element because he is decent 3p shooter.

Look at Drummond numbers and his impact on the game. He is better basically at everything than those guys and we would be lucky getting him for the minimum next year.

You talked about mobility and rim running/protection and that were Eubank's best skills...so there is that.

The Bulls didn't want to trade him for less than 3 2nds at the deadline and we were one of the teams interested in him. I think that we are gonna try to sign him this summer.

While I respect your opinion on your center preferences and your right (at least that in terms of overall production and positional size-related defense he projects better, Our needs at the backup center are clearly to add long, more mobile, switchable, and vertically athletic centers that can switch out on the perimeter well, recover quickly in drop coverage and on switches against quicker guards, wings, forwards. not only that, but also adds an element of floor spacing and high-end rim protection. None of these things Drummond really offers, He can't shoot or space the floor, and he's somewhat lumbering and not really switchable against quicker and more athletic NBA wings, guards, and modern 4s and 5s. And his defensive instincts are reactionary.

Sure he's very solid in terms of production, and his defensive rating is impressive but misleading due to his size and rebounding factor skewing those ratings somewhat too. He's a solid big with size and girth, but is also not really an intimidating shotblocker either because of his reactionary rather and anticipatory instincts making him a step slow to recover and or get his hands up quicker to contest. He's honestly fairly redundant to what we have already with Nurkic, only even less of an offensive threat due to his lack of shooting or ability to hit free throws making him even more of an exploitable target for experienced playoff teams that will target and exploit these deficiencies systematically in the playoffs with similar diminished outcomes to what Nurkic experienced. This is distinctly why the backup bigs are being prominently discussed as Nurkic alternatives just happen to meet the athletic, rim-running, high motor, quick, mobile, switchable shot-blocking centers. Drummond would be fine and a solid depth addition during the regular season providing more size for banging and positional size and physicality, but not at all that playable in a playoff series against quicker, more athletic, and hyper-mobile opposition. Overall, he has limited defensive versatility.

In comparison to Nurkic for example (at this stage of their careers, You'll find he's very similar and worse overall statistically across the board in head to head,
https://stathead.com/tiny/DZHnh
and only incrementally better in a couple of areas for advanced metrics. So while he'd for sure bring value productionally and somewhat positionally, he's still pretty redundant to Nurkic and again overall worse on the offensive end too. So in this context of what our team is lacking and critically needs in a backup big alternative to Nurkic, he doesn't meet the criteria at all in comparison to those archetype centers mentioned on my list. And basically, all of the centers that I mentioned are quite clearly much more mobile and defensively versatile than Drummond is. Those specific conditions meeting our most critical needs for a backup center because IF Eubanks as you mentioned had shown those rim running/ shot-blocking capabilities at any time proved to be remotely capable of manning the backup 5 position athletically, or as a rim running shot-blocking deterrent, then obviously the sun's front office wouldn't need to have backup center mentioned on this list. Eubanks is a decently athletic but undersized 3rd rotation small ball 5 option that is neither big enough, long enough, or physical enough to realistically man the backup center spot against the bigger, longer, quicker, and more explosively athletic centers of the league. And Drummond (much like Nurkic) although big and physical is just not quick, mobile, switchable, or vertically explosive enough to be the athletic, rim-running high-end shot-blocking alternative we need to match up against other teams when it counts. Look below and you'll see that Nurkic is even a better shotblocker by a fair margin and bests him in multiple categories too.
https://stathead.com/basketball/versus-finder.cgi?player_id2=drumman01&year_min=2024&player_id1=nurkiju01&seasons_type=forall&request=1&utm_campaign=2023_01_wdgt_player_comparison&utm_source=bbr&utm_medium=sr_xsite&utm_id=nurkiju01

Eubanks is a fine enough 3rd string option best served in a fastbreak, open-court flowing offense. But obviously can't fill the backup role successfully. This is where my list comes in giving us a different look to be able to have those more athletically and defensively versatile 5 options that can actually switch, recover, be lob threats, protect the rim at a high level (athletically), and even be impactful as floor spacers (aside from maybe biyombo). To be clear, I'm not against adding Drummond (If we move Nurkic) because He'd provide another big physical productive banger 5 with a very similar skillset, But overall, we need a much different alternative for the reasons I've mentioned above. Now we may add him, But then again, I believe the reasons we've been looking at Fairdaws Aimaq is because he'd provide pretty much everything Drummond offers, only at the minimal cost of a two-way, and with more clear upside, Better shot-blocking, and much better offensive potential as well.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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