Season Speculation, Trade Ideas and Discussion

[lilfishi22]

Is Okafor's defense fixable?

[Damkac]

Every team gets what they wants:
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=zso7goz
Blazers 1st and Pelicans 2nd (from Minny) goes to Suns.

[lilfishi22]

Every team gets what they wants:
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine
Blazers 1st and Pelicans 2nd (from Minny) goes to Suns.

You just linked the trademachine site...

[Damkac]

Sorry, fixed it.

[carey]

Is Okafor's defense fixable?

Was Archie's jump shot? I don't know how to answer that. People will tell you defense is all about effort but that's not entirely true. You need to understand the scheme, have sound fundamentals, know when to take risks, and most importantly you have to always be engaged. That is the difference between a good defender and a mediocre one. I don't know a damn thing about Okafor other than he has legitimate NBA post skills, which is something the Suns need. You'd have to get a scout or coach to fill in the rest.

[carey]

Every team gets what they wants:
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=zso7goz
Blazers 1st and Pelicans 2nd (from Minny) goes to Suns.

You know Ezeli is about to have season ending knee surgery, right? Also, I don't know the cap situations of the other teams but can we really send out $25M in salaries and only take back $7.5M? Those other teams would have to be a ways below the cap.

[lilfishi22]

Every team gets what they wants:
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=zso7goz
Blazers 1st and Pelicans 2nd (from Minny) goes to Suns.

I'm going to have to pass on this deal and I'm a big fan of Ezeli. I think he's on a very reasonable deal but there are big question marks surrounding the health of his left knee. He's not old at 27 but with season-ending surgery and his past injury history, I'd rather two guys who are healthy (one who is very productive) and can make it on the court over a future question mark and a late lotto/mid-1st rounder and early 2nd.

[lilfishi22]

Every team gets what they wants:
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=zso7goz
Blazers 1st and Pelicans 2nd (from Minny) goes to Suns.

You know Ezeli is about to have season ending knee surgery, right? Also, I don't know the cap situations of the other teams but can we really send out $25M in salaries and only take back $7.5M? Those other teams would have to be a ways below the cap.

Majority of the salaries leaving is going to Philly and the Wolves who are well under the cap

[lilfishi22]

Is Okafor's defense fixable?

Was Archie's jump shot? I don't know how to answer that. People will tell you defense is all about effort but that's not entirely true. You need to understand the scheme, have sound fundamentals, know when to take risks, and most importantly you have to always be engaged. That is the difference between a good defender and a mediocre one. I don't know a damn thing about Okafor other than he has legitimate NBA post skills, which is something the Suns need. You'd have to get a scout or coach to fill in the rest.

Yeah I asked because I haven't watched enough of Okafor on the defense end to see if he's a fundamentally flawed defensive player (ie lacking in physical ability and/or lacking defensive BBIQ).

[Kerrsed]

as ive stated 10,000,000,000 times, id rather have Noel than Okafor.

Give me the Guy who can get 10/10/2/2 with stellar defense over a guy who gets 20/10 but also gives up 20 points on the defensive side.

[carey]

as ive stated 10,000,000,000 times, id rather have Noel than Okafor.

Give me the Guy who can get 10/10/2/2 with stellar defense over a guy who gets 20/10 but also gives up 20 points on the defensive side.

You've not responded to my PM. Did you forward it to BW like I asked?

As for the above, it's not that easy. I'd take the guy without an attitude issue and one that commands double teams that would open up the offense over a guy that you can basically leave alone when he's not 5 feet from the basket. I guess it depends on what the team needs are and what kind of offense you're running. I don't want to deal with Noel's impending RFA status at the same time as Len's either so Len would either need to be in the deal or moved shortly thereafter.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Noel's injury issues scare me. He has way too much to prove at this point. Given that we have Len, I don't think he's worth the risk. A more desperate team (like Portland) may be another story.

[kennydorglas]

Is Okafor's defense fixable?

He's playing in the wrong era.
With this PNR-heavy league, there's no room for a slow footed C.

[lilfishi22]

Is Okafor's defense fixable?

He's playing in the wrong era.
With this PNR-heavy league, there's no room for a slow footed C.

I suppose that rules out JV then

[kennydorglas]

Is Okafor's defense fixable?

He's playing in the wrong era.
With this PNR-heavy league, there's no room for a slow footed C.

I suppose that rules out JV then

Yep, you cant hide these guys anymore.

[OGBAH]

Is JV better then Len

[AdotSmoove]

as ive stated 10,000,000,000 times, id rather have Noel than Okafor.

Give me the Guy who can get 10/10/2/2 with stellar defense over a guy who gets 20/10 but also gives up 20 points on the defensive side.

Okafor gives up way more than 20 points a game lol


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

[AdotSmoove]

as ive stated 10,000,000,000 times, id rather have Noel than Okafor.

Give me the Guy who can get 10/10/2/2 with stellar defense over a guy who gets 20/10 but also gives up 20 points on the defensive side.

You've not responded to my PM. Did you forward it to BW like I asked?

As for the above, it's not that easy. I'd take the guy without an attitude issue and one that commands double teams that would open up the offense over a guy that you can basically leave alone when he's not 5 feet from the basket. I guess it depends on what the team needs are and what kind of offense you're running. I don't want to deal with Noel's impending RFA status at the same time as Len's either so Len would either need to be in the deal or moved shortly thereafter.

You can leave Okafor alone outside of 5 feet and he won't hurt you. He has shown flashes of a mid range jumper but he rarely takes any.

In the post he draws a double team but effectively passing out of it is another story. He usually just forces the issue and bc of his finesse style he doesn't draw nearly enough fouls.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

[AdotSmoove]

He's playing in the wrong era.
With this PNR-heavy league, there's no room for a slow footed C.

I suppose that rules out JV then

Yep, you cant hide these guys anymore.

It's not even just on pick and roll situations. He is a horrible weak side defender due to slow foot speed and no vertical. When you watch him most of the time on D he just looks lost.
Although I'd be interested to see him paired with Chriss eventually


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

[AtheJ415]

I suppose that rules out JV then

Yep, you cant hide these guys anymore.

It's not even just on pick and roll situations. He is a horrible weak side defender due to slow foot speed and no vertical. When you watch him most of the time on D he just looks lost.
Although I'd be interested to see him paired with Chriss eventually


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

I think Len works better with the Suns' youngsters. Keep in mind most of our scoring is going to be coming from Booker and Warren, and probably Bledsoe assuming he isn't moved. We don't need a big who can score in the post as much as floor spacers who can defend and rebound.

I'd take a flier on Okafor, but probably not for what Philly would be looking for.