2016-17 Phoenix Suns Preseason Thread

[TeamTragic]

http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2016/10/7/13198568/the-phoenix-suns-living-off-aggression-while-ignoring-three-pointers

After two games, they are 1st in offensive rebounds per game, 1st in second-chance points, 1st in blocked shots, 6th in total rebounds, 9th in steals, 3rd in % of points off turnovers and 2nd in % of points off fast breaks. Overall, they are 6th in defensive rating.

[NTB]

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[No-Man]

I have only seen one game, but man would this team be fun if Chandler and Knight are moved, with Tyson is more about opening minutes for the young bigs at their better positions, Chriss at C cant be stopped by any big in the league, period, just too quick, and Bender should play PF/C not SF/PF, although I understand that with Tucker out he might have to see minutes at the 3.
With Knight is just a matter of playmaking, Ulis is gonna help those two bigs developing, or Len, much more than Brandon, and I like Knight in the right context, like playing with a playmaking SF that will put him in his spot and wont let him overdribble or absorb posessions, he could be great for teams like Cleveland, Dallas (guys like him excel next to Dirk), Houston, Indiana, Miami (if Winslow grows into what I believe of him), Milwaukee (with a more mature Giannis now), New Orleans, Philadelphia, Sacramento...

It's gonna take some time but I do love the core of this team, not sure about Bledsoe and Goodwin been def. pieces, but Ulis, Booker, Warren, Bender, Chriss, Len, all are gonna be really good pros in their roles I think, and Barbosa, Dudley are really nice guys to have around biggest needs going forward are a starting level SF that excels defensively (hey, hello Josh Jackson) and maybe a PG if Bled is not the guy going-forward, we shall see, I still like him next to Devin.

Trying to get the max possible for Tyson, Knight and Tucker during the season is gonna be an important task for McD, that potential 2nd unit of Ulis-Barbosa-Goodwin-Bender-Chriss could be superfun.

[batsmasher]

It really depends how quickly comes on. If he's an all-star by next season, then keeping Bled makes some sense. Keeping Knight makes some sense. I still think they have a very good chance of co-existing.

The biggest problem for Suns fans is gonna be separating Knight's expectations from Booker's. Just because Book is growing at a million miles a minute, doesn't mean Knight is suddenly a failure. He too, has time to grow. He has plenty to figure out, but professionals always give themselves opportunities to grow. BK is a pro.

Of course BK and Bled should both be on the table for the right offer. We're in no rush to get rid of them.

Chandler is probably unmovable at this stage. PJ will go by the deadline (on good terms). Len gets extended if it's for less than $13M.

[Qwigglez]

Could probably post this in the game thread, but I'll keep it here. Whenever Knight scored I just wasn't excited. He's not a fun player to watch and I cringed every time he did that stupid dribble dribble step back long 2 jumper. It was a surprise to see him make that solid alley oop pass to Chriss but besides that I wasn't happy seeing him on the court.

On a slightly different note, what players are available around the league? I think the Magic might be looking to upgrade their backcourt, maybe they are willing to do something like Knight/Len/Archie for Vucevic/Meeks. Obviously Meeks would be cut since his contract is expiring. What you guys think? Completely lopsided in the Suns favor?

[Qwigglez]

One more thing, what do you guys think of the Kings rejecting the offer of MCW for McLemore? I think that is a deal the Kings should have made.

[NTB]

One more thing, what do you guys think of the Kings rejecting the offer of MCW for McLemore? I think that is a deal the Kings should have made.

MCW is trash really. Still, I would make that trade if i was Divac. Because McLemore is also trash and you need a guard.

Maybe they trust Lawson and still have hopes for McLemore.

[Qwigglez]

One more thing, what do you guys think of the Kings rejecting the offer of MCW for McLemore? I think that is a deal the Kings should have made.

MCW is trash really. Still, I would make that trade if i was Divac. Because McLemore is also trash and you need a guard.

Maybe they trust Lawson and still have hopes for McLemore.

They must've seen something in McLemore over the summer. I been waiting for that kid to be like Booker since he got in the league and he still has that mental wall to get over. Quite honestly I wouldn't expect him to stay in the league in 3 years if he doesn't see major improvement this year. He's got the skillset and athleticism.

[bigfoot]

Bledsoe and Booker are a perfect match. I don't believe Bledsoe can be both a defensive stopper and the #1 option on offense. It's too much for his body. But Bledsoe has shown he can be an elite defender, rebound well, block shots, get steals, and guard taller guards with his long wing span. If he does those things very well and then scores around 10 a game and dishes out five assists that would be awesome.

The rest of the starting offense can run through Booker who can dominate in the post, has the mid-range game, is a long-range threat, and has shown himself to be a willing passer too. Booker needs to be a quality defender but can let Bledsoe handle the dominate offensive guard on the other team.

It really makes sense to keep Knight who can be the offensive spark plug off the bench. Otherwise what bench player can we rely on to get 15+ per game? Bench scoring is key and Len, Bender, Tucker, and Barbosa aren't going to get us a whole lot of points. Knight and Chriss will be the primary scorers off the bench. Those two could really make a nice pick-n-roll pairing with Bender, Barbosa, and Tucker spreading the floor.

If Chriss' development accelerates and Dudley's starting spot is relinquished then our bench scoring problems become even worse without Knight.

Still predicting Goodwin gets waved / stretched.

[bwgood77]

Could probably post this in the game thread, but I'll keep it here. Whenever Knight scored I just wasn't excited. He's not a fun player to watch and I cringed every time he did that stupid dribble dribble step back long 2 jumper. It was a surprise to see him make that solid alley oop pass to Chriss but besides that I wasn't happy seeing him on the court.

On a slightly different note, what players are available around the league? I think the Magic might be looking to upgrade their backcourt, maybe they are willing to do something like Knight/Len/Archie for Vucevic/Meeks. Obviously Meeks would be cut since his contract is expiring. What you guys think? Completely lopsided in the Suns favor?

I was surprised Knight made two good lobs not too far apart. I think in that highlight video that was posted or list of links NTB put up, that Knight had two great assists to Chriss.

I've always wished Knight would just shoot or pass, and cut out the iso type of dribbling some before his shot. Especially when he takes long 2s. I don't think the Magic would want him since they dealt Oladipo and Fournier has gotten as good as he has with Super Mario waiting in the wings. They must be a believer in Payton too if they traded Dipo since he could play some PG as well. Maybe Philly would want Knight but I don't know. I don't think too many teams want or need a player like Knight.

One more thing, what do you guys think of the Kings rejecting the offer of MCW for McLemore? I think that is a deal the Kings should have made.

I definitely think Sacramento should have made that deal. MCW is a good passer and defender. McLemore hasn't done much. It seems like it is something Sac would offer but the Bucks would turn down. Who knows what the Kings are ever thinking. Glad they gave us the ability to get Chriss though.

[LukasBMW]

Bledsoe and Booker are a perfect match. I don't believe Bledsoe can be both a defensive stopper and the #1 option on offense. It's too much for his body. But Bledsoe has shown he can be an elite defender, rebound well, block shots, get steals, and guard taller guards with his long wing span. If he does those things very well and then scores around 10 a game and dishes out five assists that would be awesome.

The rest of the starting offense can run through Booker who can dominate in the post, has the mid-range game, is a long-range threat, and has shown himself to be a willing passer too. Booker needs to be a quality defender but can let Bledsoe handle the dominate offensive guard on the other team.

It really makes sense to keep Knight who can be the offensive spark plug off the bench. Otherwise what bench player can we rely on to get 15+ per game? Bench scoring is key and Len, Bender, Tucker, and Barbosa aren't going to get us a whole lot of points. Knight and Chriss will be the primary scorers off the bench. Those two could really make a nice pick-n-roll pairing with Bender, Barbosa, and Tucker spreading the floor.

If Chriss' development accelerates and Dudley's starting spot is relinquished then our bench scoring problems become even worse without Knight.

Still predicting Goodwin gets waved / stretched.

Great post.

I was just thinking that Bledsoe may not be as injury prone now that he has help. I mean, Tyson, Len, Chriss, and Bender can all defend the rim. Booker is going to score most of our points. And TJ and Knight can go off too.

You also make a great point about Knight and bench scoring. If Chriss keeps this up, he will be our starting 4 earlier then expected. Unless we move Knight for the right pieces, our bench could be really lacking in the PPG department. I just have my doubts that he will embrace the role.

[ATTL]

With Brandon Jennings only being able to get a one year deal it might be difficult to find a trade partner for knight. As long as he doesn't cause chemistry issues I don't mind him being the 6th man, he has shown better lob throwing in preseason than he did all last year.

[letsgosuns]

This is just an idea, I am not saying it will work, and I am not even sure if it is something I would consider.

Knight, Tucker, and Goodwin for Rudy Gay

I have never been a big fan of Gay, he is okay, but certainly not an elite player. However, I like him way more than Knight. This trade does a few things. Gets three players off the Suns that I believe are not part of the future, moves Warren to the bench where he can be the big bench scorer, and it actually takes pressure off of Booker. I could not help but think watching the game last night that Booker is literally alone out there. Once teams start double teaming him and focusing their entire game plan against him, who else will step up.

If Gay is on the team, that gives the Suns another additional guy that can isolate and create his own shot. Gay can play off Booker and I picture it like a Ray Allen and Paul Pierce style pairing when they played amazing together. I think Booker and Gay's style of play might compliment each other well.

Gay is in his contract year so he obviously has huge motivation to have a big year. If it does not work, the Suns can let him go in free agency. At the very least, it gets the Suns out of their long term commitment to Knight.

Again, Idk if this will work. It was just a thought. Bledsoe, Booker, Gay, Dudley, and Chandler with Warren, Chriss, Bender, Len, Wiliiams, Barbosa, and Ulis off the bench sounds pretty good on paper.

[Villalobos]

With Brandon Jennings only being able to get a one year deal it might be difficult to find a trade partner for knight. As long as he doesn't cause chemistry issues I don't mind him being the 6th man, he has shown better lob throwing in preseason than he did all last year.

Jennings is post-achilles tear though.

[bwgood77]

This is just an idea, I am not saying it will work, and I am not even sure if it is something I would consider.

Knight, Tucker, and Goodwin for Rudy Gay

I have never been a big fan of Gay, he is okay, but certainly not an elite player. However, I like him way more than Knight. This trade does a few things. Gets three players off the Suns that I believe are not part of the future, moves Warren to the bench where he can be the big bench scorer, and it actually takes pressure off of Booker. I could not help but think watching the game last night that Booker is literally alone out there. Once teams start double teaming him and focusing their entire game plan against him, who else will step up.

If Gay is on the team, that gives the Suns another additional guy that can isolate and create his own shot. Gay can play off Booker and I picture it like a Ray Allen and Paul Pierce style pairing when they played amazing together. I think Booker and Gay's style of play might compliment each other well.

Gay is in his contract year so he obviously has huge motivation to have a big year. If it does not work, the Suns can let him go in free agency. At the very least, it gets the Suns out of their long term commitment to Knight.

Again, Idk if this will work. It was just a thought. Bledsoe, Booker, Gay, Dudley, and Chandler with Warren, Chriss, Bender, Len, Wiliiams, Barbosa, and Ulis off the bench sounds pretty good on paper.

This type of deal is always posed on the trade forum. I don't like Gay either and want Warren to start. The only way I would consider it is if they wanted to create cap space and just planned to let Gay go, but ultimately I don't want minutes to be taken from Warren. The only other way I'd consider it is if our plan was to try and flip Gay somewhere else for something prior to deadline, or if he went elsewhere like Philly and Noel came to Phx or something.

[NTB]

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[bwgood77]

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What's up with Warren? Is he pissed? Eyeing a steak on the grill thinking "i'm gonna get that piece before anyone else can get over there" or what?

Also, no Tucker and Chandler?

I wonder what Chandler's personal issues are. I don't want to read too much into it but hopefully he is there for the last three preseason games.

[Damkac]

Warren always looks like that. Knight's face worries me more. I don't think he is happy with his role.

[letsgosuns]

Warren always looks like that. Knight's face worries me more. I don't think he is happy with his role.

Wow you are definitely right. I enlarged the picture and you can clearly see Knight is not smiling and his facial expression and posture seem like he is not interested in whatever is going on. Compare that to majority of the rest of the team that all look jovial and like they are having a good time. Except Warren of course hahaha. Idk what his deal is. It is pretty funny though.

[DirtyDez]

Is this year gonna be another ridiculous Knight bashing fest?