2022-23 Season Discussion and Speculation 5 - The KD era begins

[WeekapaugGroove]

Just seeing the backup C debate. My take is I wouldn't have a problem upgrading Joc but I don't think any of the old washed dudes on the street are an upgrade or playable in a playoff series.

Honestly if Ayton gets hurt they are probably screwed but that's the case with most teams key guys. My personal strategy if he got hurt would be survive some minutes with Biz and just go small the rest of the time and try to run teams off the floor. I'm a big small ball guy so Id actually do this against some teams for the backup C minutes now.

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[BobbieL]

patbev is signing with the Bulls. we are officially not gonna see him at all in the playoffs!

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So they releasing Goran?

I don’t see much out there better than Ish wainwright

[Revived]

This is not a basketball team but a geriatric park. Roster full of old geezers with questionable at best availability. Silly gamble for a fresh new owner. Fiasco awaits, so let's enjoy the disaster.

It seems like a five years ago we were one of the youngest.

Yeah, how did that season go?

I think it’s good to have a balance. Of course nobody wants fully raw young players full rosters like the Bender/Chriss/Jackson/Ulis rosters either. It’s interesting when looking around the other teams in the West, Suns are the only team that doesn’t have a young player on a rookie contract with some potential that fans can get behind. Seriously even all playoff teams have it.

Nuggets have Braun/Nnaji, Grizzlies have Zhaire/Roddy plus their big 3 is super young all 23 & under, Kings have Murray/Mitchell, Clippers have Boston/Moussa/Bones, Mavs have Green/Hardy, Pels have Murphy/Dyson/Lewis and hell even Zion’s (albeit on max) is barely 22, Wolves have Edwards/Moore Jr/McDaniels, Lakers have Christie/Brown Jr, Warriors have Kuminga and rest of the West teams basically roster is filled with these potential players.

Most of the Suns roster is filled with guys either on the tail end of their career or players who aren’t gonna get much better than who they are today. Our best options would be busts of other teams like Okogie/Bazley.

This is in large part because James Jones has traded away picks rapidly as he doesn’t value it at all.

In general I do think it’s best to have a bit of healthy balance between young raw players and players in their prime/end of their career. Other than Okogie, Suns really lack speed/athleticism on the roster.

[Revived]

patbev is signing with the Bulls. we are officially not gonna see him at all in the playoffs!

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Actually lot of sense, he’s from Chicago. He’ll probably retire after he’s done there.

[lilfishi22]

Just seeing the backup C debate. My take is I wouldn't have a problem upgrading Joc but I don't think any of the old washed dudes on the street are an upgrade or playable in a playoff series.

Honestly if Ayton gets hurt they are probably screwed but that's the case with most teams key guys. My personal strategy if he got hurt would be survive some minutes with Biz and just go small the rest of the time and try to run teams off the floor. I'm a big small ball guy so Id actually do this against some teams for the backup C minutes now.

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I do wonder how much KD at the 5 minutes we're going to play. I know small ball is something we're going to see with KD at the 5 but just how much is the question. I think there's going to be an element of protecting KD's health as well by not playing him too much at the 5 and force him to bang with the other C's in the paint but KD at the 5 is going to be spectacular offensively because you'll be able to play a super fast line up like:

Payne
Ross
Book
Okogie/Craig
KD

[Ghost of Kleine]

red text

So... basically. Suns need to get a backup big, to help alleviate the pressure for Booker, CP3, Durant. If one of them go down, our team is toast. But if we get a backup big to shore up any exploitable weaknesses Suns would be fine? What current free agent are the Suns going to land that is going to shore up exploitable weaknesses that can be targeted by opposing teams? What current free agent would be good enough to slow down any of Jokic/Gordon/Porter Jr, AD, and everyone else on your list? I'm not disregarding anything. But you cannot have every single strength with no weaknesses. How is Jokic going to guard the pick and roll against the Suns. How are the Grizzlies going to guard the pick and roll? How are any of these teams going to guard the Suns?

Spoiler:

Yes, more or less. Though I've never once stated that we'd be toast! those are your words, or what you may personally infer from my post. The basic premise is simply that the benefit of adding additional depth might mitigate or at least minimize any potential lost production/ impact from a starter or rotation player being unavailable due to unforeseen injury or foul trouble, illness, etc whatever really rather than having to force any of our big three to play additional /excessive minutes in order to replace said player's lost production or impact cumulatively. It's really not anything more complicated than that! It's really (in simplest premise) the "bird in hand concept" as it's much better to have the additional depth and not need it than to be in a situation wherein you really need it and don't have it! As to what current free agent we could look to add that would be good enough to slow down any any of the above mentioned names or any others on my list, it could be any number of available free agents (currently unsigned) that the suns front office may deem reasonable depth towards that simplified supplementary role. Although as I'm sure you're aware, and likely no surprise to anyone here, I've already posted lists of best POTENTIAL (based upon the suns front office's personal discretion) available options with corresponding beneficial skillsets to at least moderately address those stated concerns. Beyond that, I don't believe anyone here can accurately prognosticate the suns intent as they're so cryptic and never share any information until after the fact. That's great that you personally aren't disregarding anything, but as suns fans we HAVE by majority rationalized (if you prefer) opting to not add necessary positional depth year after year for various reasons only to see that strategy backfire and we end up falling short and then reflect upon the outcomes with the typical coulda, woulda, shoulda hindsight discussions. For my part, IF we're mortgaging our future so heavily to go "ALL IN" and this specific season is clearly our best opportunity to actually achieve our goal of our first championship ever! Is it really that unreasonable to assertively seek to shore up any potential depth concerns to the absolute best of our ability rather than just sit mostly idle and leave it all up to mere chance?? I get that you can't guarantee 100% strength with no weaknesses at all, But you can still choose to go out and secure additional depth in those areas of weakness to AT THE VERY LEAST minimize or somewhat mitigate those obvious concerns, You know as other teams have shown the foresight to actually do sans us! Lastly, I'm not as nearly concerned with how opposing teams will guard our pick n roll options as I am about strategic matchups in which our weaknesses WILL BE targeted whenever any combination of our big three sits to rest! Unless you anticipate them playing the entire game. In the postseason, We all know that opposing teams will utilize advantages in matchups and strategize against any available weaknesses whatsoever! I'm only looking to try and reduce that potential option as much as possible to make our challenges less severe and reduce pressure in matchup situations towards increased sustainability. What's wrong or unreasonable with that??

Suns added McGee after losing to the Bucks because you simply cannot play your starting center 36+ minutes a night and expect to win. The Suns didn't add McGee to run a twin towers lineup. We didn't see that.

Spoiler:

I think we can compromise that it was a measure of both views here obviously!
https://clutchpoints.com/suns-news-javale-mcgee-unique-reason-on-why-he-signed-with-phoenix

“I definitely felt like that backup center position could have been a lot stronger to where at least Deandre [Ayton] got into foul trouble, there was another big body in there to contest the rim and protect it,” McGee said. “I definitely was watching the games and was looking at the way Chris Paul was threading the needle and getting in there and just feeding the big man.

“And I was like ‘Yeah, there’s a lot of opportunities for me on this team.'”

So yes, the DEPTH ISSUE was a concern for them then (Ironic huh...lol) BUT ALSO aside from Ayton, they didn't have anyone big enough, long enough, athletic enough to bother Giannis when Ayton had to sit due to foul trouble (foul accumulation). See the correlation here to my argument by chance? Yes we needed additional frontcourt depth beyond Ayton because even though we still had Kaminsky (a 7 fter), Johnson (6'9), and Crowder (6'7). Kaminsky wasn't strong enough or athletic enough to offer impact against the Bucks bigger and more physical and athletic front line. Crowder was terrible and couldn't do anything really until game 7. But even then, he couldn't really defend well against the Bucks front line. And Johnson was mostly disappointing due to age, inexperience lack of development aside from a few shimmering moments of hope. But we specifically targeted Mcgee for his size, length, athleticism and championship experience. the depth necessity was a supplementary factor. So both perspectives hold true.

I'm gonna be honest man and I think you are just arguing just to argue. Suns traded Saric because they wanted to save money in their luxury tax bill. He wasn't worth the contract and the Suns figured they could likely get two maybe even three players for the cost of Saric. And they got exactly that while saving money because they got Bazley, and then Ross, and are still trying to figure out that last roster spot.
They didn't trade Saric to gain fan interest, nobody is going to games to see Bazley, and nobody cares for him when the Suns have Booker, CP3, Ayton, and Durant.

Spoiler:

Actually, I'm not really doing that! I'm very legitimately concerned with these things due to what we've given up to go all in as well as the concerns over the age/ durability concerns around Paul and Durant with no assets or cap flexibility, This perspective is nothing more than subjective opinion really. If it was only a matter of seeking to create additional cap space to sign Ross (who only signed for the minimum by the way)
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/phoenix-suns/terrence-ross-10816/#:~:text=Current%20Contract,dead%20cap%20value%20of%20%24580%2C373.

Terrence Ross signed a 1 year / $918,516 contract with the Phoenix Suns, including $918,516 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $918,516. In 2022-23, Ross will earn a base salary of $918,516, while carrying a cap hit of $580,373 and a dead cap value of $580,373.

So I'm really not sure moving Saric was really even necessary to signing Ross at the amount he signed because the suns already had the mid level and the Bi annual (possibly)? that they coul'dve absorbed Ross's $918,000. Sure it helped reduce some money off the LT initially, but again, he signed for under 1 million obviously so the move served two purposes, 1st to reduce the tax penalties, and 2, to add more youth, talent, and defensive versatility to our frontcourt. But considering the suns also sent out cash considerations and a 2nd whilst taking back Bazely's 4.2 million TO.

So again, As far as the fan interest being a motivator in acquiring Bazely, the interest in adding young talent which has been a discussed interest as well amongst the fanbase was even noted by ISHBIA himself (below). So Again, we're BOTH RIGHT to an extent.
https://arizonasports.com/story/3497317/darius-bazley-brings-athleticism-size-to-suns-wing-rotation/#:~:text=First%20and%20foremost%2C%20the%20deal,up%20the%20Suns'%20tax%20bill.&text=But%20it%20was%20also%20a,with%20a%20lot%20of%20talent.

First and foremost, the deal helped soften up the Suns’ tax bill. AND But it was also a sound trade by president of basketball operations James Jones to balance out the roster a bit more and take a chance on a young player with a lot of talent. https://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-acquire-darius-bazley-from-oklahoma-city
we’re excited to add a young talent like Darius to an already dynamic and deep roster,” said Suns Governor Mat Ishbia.

How do you figure the Suns got beat in the paint against Dallas? Suns literally outrebounded Dallas every game of the series and that includes offensive rebounds too (except Game 6 Mavs grabbed one more offensive rebound than the Suns).
Games 1 and 2, Suns scored more points in the paint by a decent margin
Game 3 Mavs scored more by a decent margin
Game 4, Mavs scored one more bucket than the Suns in the paint.
Game 5 Suns made 22/35 in the paint, Mavs made 12/28
Game 6 Suns got wrecked, but still... scored 10 more points in the paint than the Mavs.
Game 7 Mavs scored one more bucket in the paint.

Spoiler:

[i]AGAIN, What I said was........................... "the Mavs as recently as last year dominated us in switches due to lack of size defensively in switches and also in the frontcourt with Kleber and Powell dominating Craig, Crowder, etc in the paint." which was obviously true. They dominated us with their size and physicality, frustrating us and causing us to struggle offensively. At what point anywhere in my response did I specifically reference rebounds, There's many different ways to dominate a team (even in the paint man beyond just rebounds). For instance with size and physicality on the defensive end making things really difficult for us and affecting our offensive rhythm. Tell me, Did Doncic not dominate Paul and Craig/ Crowder on switches which I referenced in my response. Did the combo of Kleber and Powell not frustrate us with their size and physical play resulting in us getting flustered and taking us out of our games? Did we as a team not also get frustrated/ flustered with their size and physical play to the point of missing our rotations and not being able to hit our threes? And also out of desperation then trying to double and triple their players in order to counter their size and physical play on switches and in the paint? These are the things that I stated and referenced in my response. Also was Doncic not utilizing his size primarily on switches but also in post ups and in the paint? Ultimately they used their size, physicality, and aggressive play to frustrate us and demoralize us and it worked to the effect of a historical embarrassment. Aside from Ayton, how many games in the series did our frontcourt players have dominant performances in??

I really just don't see the main purpose of your argument. If you are basically saying you think the Suns should get a backup big. Fine, yes I agree it's not a bad thing to have more depth. However... who... again who, is going to be that difference maker. What free agent is that guy? Who is going to give our elite scoring weapons/shot creators room to operate effectively? Is Lebron James on the market? You know who would give our elite scorers more room to operate? Guys like TJ Warren, Terrence Ross.

Spoiler:

The purpose of my argument in this premise at it's most basic level is and has always been towards the interest of additional depth in case of injury or outlier foul trouble in a situation so that we don't find ourselves in a predominantly disadvantageous position not only in strategic matchups, but in terms of available depth. For example:

- With Landale, He might do better, but if he doesn't, he can't sufficiently space the floor. This would allow opposing teams to pack the paint/ midrange more easily making him a liability towards spacing. Also it's no big mystery that although a likable guy and hard worker with good size, he makes poor decisions under pressure, commits dumb fouls in bunches to the point of being a matchup liability.
- With Biyombo, We know he's a really good defender, But we also know that he has no floor spacing/ offensive game to speak of, So he'll also be a matchup liability allowing the opposition to pack the paint, making the spacing for our primary shot creators very difficult without spacing to really create! Now feel free to check out the videos on how teams like the Celtics successfully defended Durant (our big x factor in the postseason) and caused him to struggle significantly. And then also compare that to the teams that effectively packed the paint against us and made things really difficult for us too, and tell me this isn't a concern with spacing as a halfcourt oriented team. Also, what if the game is tight in the 4th, and the opposition decides to employ hacking Biyombo in order to see if he can make free throws?? He then will become unplayable due to that weakness right? So if those two become unplayable or have to come out due to those weaknesses, and we haven't added any other additional frontcourt depth, Which of Warren, Craig, Ish or Bazely have the size and defensive acumen/ or even remote chance against any of the premier bigs we might face in a postseason series with the game on the line?? The importance of my premise in adding an additional frontcourt big (i HAVE SAID a 4/5, so either really) is to give us another viable option against these potential weaknesses. I mean what else are we saving the roster spot for?? You keep asking who we might add that might be able to give our shot creators room to operate, Well we just got Ross for under a million in the buyout market. And beyond the lists I've already repeatedly shared or also beyond who else is expected to be bought out, it's anyone's guess? But just off the top of my head any decent frontcourt players that can defend and hit the three and free throws would be an upgrade alternative wouldn't they? So how about any of:
1- Meyers Leonard.
2- Frank Kaminsky (If bought out)?
3- Aric Holman.
4- Marcus Bingham Jr (Michigan St)**
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/marcus-bingham-1.html
5- Mouhamadou Gueye?
Or maybe even Aldridge if he doesn't sign with the Mavs???

[lilfishi22]

Though I've never once stated that we'd be toast! those are your words, or what you may personally infer from my post.

You did say

So If no Love (poor decision by him I think), We traded Saric for Bazely who we'll likely not play/develop much this season anyways. That leaves our big rotation as .......................................... Ayton/ Biyombo/ Landale. And our possible 4 rotation as KD/Warren/ Ish/ Craig/ Bazely???? We're gonna get destroyed by teams in the playoffs. Aside from maybe KD himself, not sure if any of those can reasonably defend the plethora of much bigger dominant postseason frontcourts we'll be facing in strategic matchups?

[KLEON]

After finalizing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tells ESPN.

The Clips just screwed themself

[SunsRback4Good]

After finalizing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tells ESPN.

The Clips just screwed themself

He won’t be playing much in playoffs possible like 3-5 min per game. Lue isn’t stupid he won’t jeopardize his team for RW.

[lilfishi22]

The Saric for Bazley trade to me isn't black and white. More often than not, it's a multitude of reasons why a trade takes place and rarely is it because of one specific reason. So certainly there's an element of tax savings for sure but I think the bigger factor is that we had no intention of resigning Saric and being totally capped out, we would lose an asset for nothing so why not take a flyer on a young guy with potential and get an extended look at him in practice etc. Worse comes to worst, we let him sign a deal with some other team and we don't match. Best case scenario he's shown enough to warrant an extension. Either way, we have the rights of a young dude who can still get a lot better as opposed to Dario who's coming off a serious knee injury and has already peaked.

[KLEON]

The Clips just screwed themself

He won’t be playing much in playoffs possible like 3-5 min per game. Lue isn’t stupid he won’t jeopardize his team for RW.

I heard he's going to start and if they play him 3-5 mins per game in the playoffs he will make that environment toxic

[SunsRback4Good]

The Clips just screwed themself

He won’t be playing much in playoffs possible like 3-5 min per game. Lue isn’t stupid he won’t jeopardize his team for RW.

I heard he's going to start and if they play him 3-5 mins per game in the playoffs he will make that environment toxic

Then what was the point in picking him up? Just because they had an available roster spot or to play him 3-5 min per game but even then he’ll mess things up with his low iq decision making skills. Makes you wonder what Tyron Lue’s end game is?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Though I've never once stated that we'd be toast! those are your words, or what you may personally infer from my post.

You did say

So If no Love (poor decision by him I think), We traded Saric for Bazely who we'll likely not play/develop much this season anyways. That leaves our big rotation as .......................................... Ayton/ Biyombo/ Landale. And our possible 4 rotation as KD/Warren/ Ish/ Craig/ Bazely???? We're gonna get destroyed by teams in the playoffs. Aside from maybe KD himself, not sure if any of those can reasonably defend the plethora of much bigger dominant postseason frontcourts we'll be facing in strategic matchups?

Congratulations man on showing an entirely different word in the quote albeit with an analogous inference. But the base argument still stands that I never used the word toast specifically you're implying or as indicated in the above quote! The word that I used was destroyed. regardless of inferred meaning, they're still two different words. But congrats on making the inference between two different words. the one you used, and the one I actually used.

[Ghost of Kleine]

The Saric for Bazley trade to me isn't black and white. More often than not, it's a multitude of reasons why a trade takes place and rarely is it because of one specific reason. So certainly there's an element of tax savings for sure but I think the bigger factor is that we had no intention of resigning Saric and being totally capped out, we would lose an asset for nothing so why not take a flyer on a young guy with potential and get an extended look at him in practice etc. Worse comes to worst, we let him sign a deal with some other team and we don't match. Best case scenario he's shown enough to warrant an extension. Either way, we have the rights of a young dude who can still get a lot better as opposed to Dario who's coming off a serious knee injury and has already peaked.

I may not agree with you and Qwiggles on our depth concerns or lack thereof. But this is an absolutely fair statement.

[lilfishi22]

Though I've never once stated that we'd be toast! those are your words, or what you may personally infer from my post.

You did say

So If no Love (poor decision by him I think), We traded Saric for Bazely who we'll likely not play/develop much this season anyways. That leaves our big rotation as .......................................... Ayton/ Biyombo/ Landale. And our possible 4 rotation as KD/Warren/ Ish/ Craig/ Bazely???? We're gonna get destroyed by teams in the playoffs. Aside from maybe KD himself, not sure if any of those can reasonably defend the plethora of much bigger dominant postseason frontcourts we'll be facing in strategic matchups?

Congratulations man on showing an entirely different word in the quote albeit with an analogous inference. But the base argument still stands that I never used the word toast as indicated in the above quote! The word that I used was destroyed. regardless of inferred meaning, they're still two different words. But congrats on making the inference between two different words. the one you used, and the one I actually used.

You said they were analogous which means they have a comparable meaning. The team is toast and the team would get destroyed means virtually the same thing. That's the premise (written in different ways) and the one where some third stringer is going to make a difference that Qwigz and I have disagreed with.

[lilfishi22]

He won’t be playing much in playoffs possible like 3-5 min per game. Lue isn’t stupid he won’t jeopardize his team for RW.

I heard he's going to start and if they play him 3-5 mins per game in the playoffs he will make that environment toxic

Then what was the point in picking him up? Just because they had an available roster spot or to play him 3-5 min per game but even then he’ll mess things up with his low iq decision making skills. Makes you wonder what Tyron Lue’s end game is?

I'd be surprised if Westbrook signed with them to play 3-5min. It makes very little sense to me

[Ghost of Kleine]

You did say

Congratulations man on showing an entirely different word in the quote albeit with an analogous inference. But the base argument still stands that I never used the word toast as indicated in the above quote! The word that I used was destroyed. regardless of inferred meaning, they're still two different words. But congrats on making the inference between two different words. the one you used, and the one I actually used.

You said they were analogous which means they have a comparable meaning. The team is toast and the team would get destroyed means virtually the same thing. That's the premise (written in different ways) and the one where some third stringer is going to make a difference that Qwigz and I have disagreed with.

I did say congratulations and acknowledged they had an analogous inferred meaning. But just the same, If you went to all the effort to quote my statement, then why not just use the exact words (for reference) and say destroyed. Regardless of an "apples to apples" comparison. I only said that I never specifically said "toast" and that still is still a true statement in terms of accuracy. Anyways, you've succeeded in making a comparison of two entirely separate words with an inferred meaning. So what's your end goal here from this inference exactly? Ultimately my statement that you used different words (regardless of subjective inferred meaning) is accurate and true. the argument for them being the same word due to subjective inference of meaning is still base semantics in effort to portray my differing opinion as hyperbolic simply because you have a different perspective than I do.

Yet in fairness either narrative could prove true and accurate without necessarily being deemed hyperbolic or an exaggeration because neither of you and Qwiggles (and others) that may share your perspective nor I myself either can accurately prognosticate the future outcome of our postseason success now can we? But I personally don't view it as hyperbolic or an exaggeration to be legitimately concerned over our potential sustainability in relation to our depth for the exact reasons I've mentioned multiple times. Now of course you and Qwiggles can disagree vehemently with my perspective/ opinions. But just because my views or potential narrative don't align with both of yours, that doesn't invalidate my perspective or opinions without substantiated or credible proof to the contrary. You downplay the mention of what might be considered a 3rd stringer depth option, But If you guys and others actually take our injury history with Book and Paul as well as Durant's too into consideration. And also our profoundly awesome luck with the refs especially in relation to Ayton, Then that 3rd stringer potentially might not end up playing a 3rd string role, and might have to (out of necessity) be forced to play a more prominent role due to any of these unforeseen yet absolutely plausible scenarios. In either outcome, there's predominantly a 50/50 outcome of it happening or not happening. It would cost us very little to add one more option to help insulate against such concerns. And of course there's a fair chance whoever we might look to add (or not) might not offer a significant impact. But there's also a fair chance they might IF we choose well too. It would honestly all depend upon their role and the corresponding skillset they possess as well as how it might be utilized in case of emergencies or unforeseen calamitous occurrences. The difference though is that I can still disagree with both of your opinions on whether or not our depth issues are legitimate concerns without promoting them as exaggerations or hyperbolic. Particularly when the stated concerns that I've made correlating to durability of key players as well as foul trouble issues and matchup depth concerns have been validated repeatedly throughout the past number of seasons. I only passionately want what we all want here as suns fans. Our success in winning a championship. And considering what we've mortgaged for this "all in" opportunity and the level of risk involved, I find my concerns absolutely reasonable and not at all exaggerated or hyperbolic.

Lastly, to yours and Qwiggles argument against 3rd stringer (buyout options) not providing impact, etc. You might want to read these articles for more perspective on potential postseason contributors:
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2953390-ranking-the-best-nba-buyout-signings-of-the-last-10-years
https://clutchpoints.com/ranking-the-10-best-buyout-signings-in-nba-history
It really depends on who you sign and what their role could be!

[TOO]

These posts too damn long >.>

[Qwigglez]

Yeah I'm just going to stop responding GoK. You are straying further away from your original argument and you seem to be getting a bit upset congratulating Lilfishi on the comparison of toast and destroyed
Back to my original argument that our C/PF rotation is fine. If Ayton goes down or if KD goes or if any of the Suns starters go down, Suns will be in trouble, I AGREE. But, I don't expect any of the current available free agents to help the Suns in this regard, except maybe Serge Ibaka. I think we are all aware of the stipulation that the Suns are likely the team to beat this year with the addition of KD, but the big caveat here is If healthy. But you could make the same case for any team if they lose any of their big premier players, no team has a reserve player that can contribute as much as their star player.

I will reiterate, I don't mind trying to upgrade from Landale if the Suns feel someone can do a better job (again Ibaka I feel could be a good candidate, I would even take Frank Kaminksy). I just don't see that being very likely as I believe CP3 recruited JJ to go and get Landale this summer.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Yeah I'm just going to stop responding GoK. You are straying further away from your original argument and you seem to be getting a bit upset congratulating Lilfishi on the comparison of toast and destroyed
Back to my original argument that our C/PF rotation is fine. If Ayton goes down or if KD goes or if any of the Suns starters go down, Suns will be in trouble, I AGREE. But, I don't expect any of the current available free agents to help the Suns in this regard, except maybe Serge Ibaka. I think we are all aware of the stipulation that the Suns are likely the team to beat this year with the addition of KD, but the big caveat here is If healthy. But you could make the same case for any team if they lose any of their big premier players, no team has a reserve player that can contribute as much as their star player.

I will reiterate, I don't mind trying to upgrade from Landale if the Suns feel someone can do a better job (again Ibaka I feel could be a good candidate, I would even take Frank Kaminksy). I just don't see that being very likely as I believe CP3 recruited JJ to go and get Landale this summer.

That's cool, I'm not at all upset. We just see things differently as to whether frontcourt positional depth is a legitimate concern or not. Whatever though, no big deal in the grand scheme of things. It'll be interesting to see how things play out. And for the record, I hope that you two are right and I'm wrong so we end up winning the championship!