2019 season speculation including trade ideas

[Saberestar]

Some thoughts after watching Media Day:

• The full organization expect a lot from Ricky Rubio.
JJ, Monty, Ayton, Book, the media...all are pretty sure that he is gonna be great and he will make others better on and off the court. Hopefully everyone is right and he plays his best basketball.

• Booker is OK with the idea of playing more off the ball next season.
He understands that he needed a PG next to him to be more efficient and he looks happy with the addition of Rubio. That's great to know.

• Oubre will start for us.
Obviously everything can change before the start of the season, but it looks like he is the favourite option at SF for now. Personally I would prefer to start Bridges because of his low usage/good defense.

• We probably are gonna play some sets around Saric with the ball on the elbows. That's big, because he is a such a good passer and decision maker.

• Ayton needs to improve on... consistency and full time effort. Chambers said it a few times. JJ and Monty understand that.
Monty said that Embiid weighs 275-280 lbs and Ayton 255 lbs. Embiid way stronger for now and with a more aggressive mentality.

• Diallo knows perfectly his role. Set screens, fight for rebounds, defense, ....

[bwgood77]

Some thoughts after watching Media Day:

• The full organization expect a lot from Ricky Rubio.
JJ, Monty, Ayton, Book, the media...all are pretty sure that he is gonna be great and he will make others better on and off the court. Hopefully everyone is right and he plays his best basketball.

• Booker is OK with the idea of playing more off the ball next season.
He understands that he needed a PG next to him to be more efficient and he looks happy with the addition of Rubio. That's great to know.

• Oubre will start for us.
Obviously everything can change before the start of the season, but it looks like he is the favourite option at SF for now. Personally I would prefer to start Bridges because of his low usage/good defense.

• We probably are gonna play some sets around Saric with the ball on the elbows. That's big, because he is a such a good passer and decision maker.

• Ayton needs to improve on... consistency and full time effort. Chambers said it a few times. JJ and Monty understand that.
Monty said that Embiid weighs 275-280 lbs and Ayton 255 lbs. Embiid way stronger for now and with a more aggressive mentality.

• Diallo knows perfectly his role. Set screens, fight for rebounds, defense, ....

I've figured Oubre would start even though I don't think he should. What gives you that idea from media day though? Did they say that or is it due to the coverage (ie, someone like Sidery would write as if Oubre is definitely going to start because of his infatuation with him).

[Hesh]

I've figured Oubre would start even though I don't think he should. What gives you that idea from media day though? Did they say that or is it due to the coverage (ie, someone like Sidery would write as if Oubre is definitely going to start because of his infatuation with him).

He would have never got paid that amount to come off the bench. I technically understand what you're saying though, but Oubre was a big part of setting the culture going forward, or else they'd only have Ayton and Booker coming back from last season (in the starting lineup) with no real identity to grow from

[bwgood77]

I've figured Oubre would start even though I don't think he should. What gives you that idea from media day though? Did they say that or is it due to the coverage (ie, someone like Sidery would write as if Oubre is definitely going to start because of his infatuation with him).

He would have never got paid that amount to come off the bench. I technically understand what you're saying though, but Oubre was a big part of setting the culture going forward, or else they'd only have Ayton and Booker coming back from last season (in the starting lineup) with no real identity to grow from

I think a number of 6th men have been paid well, and I don't think that should determine anything regarding playing time or who starts. I think they just had to pay him a certain amount to come to an agreement.

I think there is a good chance he starts even if Bridges outplays him in camp, though it wouldn't surprise me if Bridges started at some point, or just beat him out and started to begin the year.

They may decide ultimately his energy off the bench is important. I think Rubio will provide it with the starters. Not sure who would off the bench if Oubre isn't there. Baynes will provide toughness, but not the kind of team energy I'm talking about like Oubre does. I think him and Tyler Johnson play well together.

[Hesh]

I think a number of 6th men have been paid well, and I don't think that should determine anything regarding playing time or who starts. I think they just had to pay him a certain amount to come to an agreement.

I think there is a good chance he starts even if Bridges outplays him in camp, though it wouldn't surprise me if Bridges started at some point, or just beat him out and started to begin the year.

They may decide ultimately his energy off the bench is important. I think Rubio will provide it with the starters. Not sure who would off the bench if Oubre isn't there. Baynes will provide toughness, but not the kind of team energy I'm talking about like Oubre does. I think him and Tyler Johnson play well together.

I'd prefer Bridges in the starting lineup too, bu it probably wouldn't sit well for a big ego guy like Oubre to come off the bench even though he was doing just that in his previous team, but this seems like his chance to shine and he wouldn't (rightfully so) take it for granted. I'd expect that energy to dissipate in the first year of his contract if he were coming off the bench, thus creating more issues in the process of trying to eliminate one.

I'm hoping that vets such as Tyler and Baynes, along with the hungry rookies and a further developed Bridges will bring out that much needed fire in the 2nd unit.

[GoodBehavior]

I've figured Oubre would start even though I don't think he should. What gives you that idea from media day though? Did they say that or is it due to the coverage (ie, someone like Sidery would write as if Oubre is definitely going to start because of his infatuation with him).

He would have never got paid that amount to come off the bench. I technically understand what you're saying though, but Oubre was a big part of setting the culture going forward, or else they'd only have Ayton and Booker coming back from last season (in the starting lineup) with no real identity to grow from

I think a number of 6th men have been paid well, and I don't think that should determine anything regarding playing time or who starts. I think they just had to pay him a certain amount to come to an agreement.

I think there is a good chance he starts even if Bridges outplays him in camp, though it wouldn't surprise me if Bridges started at some point, or just beat him out and started to begin the year.

They may decide ultimately his energy off the bench is important. I think Rubio will provide it with the starters. Not sure who would off the bench if Oubre isn't there. Baynes will provide toughness, but not the kind of team energy I'm talking about like Oubre does. I think him and Tyler Johnson play well together.

Monty briefly mentioned Bridges as part of the bench complementing the starters. It wasn't direct, more like a slip of the tongue. Kelly looks to be the starter.

I agree that salary shouldn't determine starting positions, but I don't see Sarver forking over $$ for a backup 3 on a team that just won 19 games. If the Suns were a playoff team, then it would be different. Playoff teams are likely to overspend on a bench player to get to the next level or maintain what they have. Not Sarver, not a 19 win teams.

I don't think Kelly is necessarily the better player, he seems to fit more with what JJ/Monty is implementing. Monty hinted that they will pick up the pace. A lineup of Rubio, Booker, DA and Kelly is a very fast and dangerous group. You have 3 guys who can handle the ball, and DA spotting up for the trailer 3. In the half court setting, if DA could hit the 3 (a giant IF but lots of discussion about it on Media day), Bridges' better spacing (compared to Kelly) isn't as valuable.

Bridges will a starter someday though.

[bwgood77]

He would have never got paid that amount to come off the bench. I technically understand what you're saying though, but Oubre was a big part of setting the culture going forward, or else they'd only have Ayton and Booker coming back from last season (in the starting lineup) with no real identity to grow from

I think a number of 6th men have been paid well, and I don't think that should determine anything regarding playing time or who starts. I think they just had to pay him a certain amount to come to an agreement.

I think there is a good chance he starts even if Bridges outplays him in camp, though it wouldn't surprise me if Bridges started at some point, or just beat him out and started to begin the year.

They may decide ultimately his energy off the bench is important. I think Rubio will provide it with the starters. Not sure who would off the bench if Oubre isn't there. Baynes will provide toughness, but not the kind of team energy I'm talking about like Oubre does. I think him and Tyler Johnson play well together.

Monty briefly mentioned Bridges as part of the bench complementing the starters. It wasn't direct, more like a slip of the tongue. Kelly looks to be the starter.

I agree that salary shouldn't determine starting positions, but I don't see Sarver forking over $$ for a backup 3 on a team that just won 19 games. If the Suns were a playoff team, then it would be different. Playoff teams are likely to overspend on a bench player to get to the next level or maintain what they have. Not Sarver, not a 19 win teams.

I don't think Kelly is necessarily the better player, he seems to fit more with what JJ/Monty is implementing. Monty hinted that they will pick up the pace. A lineup of Rubio, Booker, DA and Kelly is a very fast and dangerous group. You have 3 guys who can handle the ball, and DA spotting up for the trailer 3. In the half court setting, if DA could hit the 3 (a giant IF but lots of discussion about it on Media day), Bridges' better spacing (compared to Kelly) isn't as valuable.

It's just so week defensively and the bench doesn't have the go to scorer that Oubre could be. I don't think being a bench player is a bad thing at all and would still expect Oubre or Bridges to get as many minutes as the starters (or close to it) and close games if they are the better player that night. Bridges just fits so much better next to Booker, given his defense, floor stretching, etc. Oubre will want to score but Booker and Ayton will likely always be so much more efficient that you are basically just decreasing your efficiency if you are going to Oubre to score as opposed to better options in the starting unit. He would be the #1 option on a bench unit and likely end up with better #s.
Bridges will a starter someday though.

[Desertfox]

I could see bridges being first off the bench for Oubre, then having Oubre come in for Booker so your SF-SG rotation would be: Oubre/Booker -> Bridges/Booker -> Oubre/Bridges with Bridges going from 3 to 2. In that case TJ would be strictly Rubio's backup.

[Frank Lee]

please stop with the Ayton shooting 3 narrative. The dude is showed he has an almost unstoppable/blockable jump hook, and a nice touch anywhere within 10 feet. Stay closer to the basket and rebound. Hone those skills first. We'll have enough perimeter bombers. Its the inside out game is what Ayton should look to perfect, and develope into a PnR weapon w/Rubes.

Things are finally getting close to happening. I like the second unit's chances to be very disruptive.... I see TJo, Bridges, one of TGerome or CamJo, Diallo and Baynes. Its likely going to take a while to see what combinations work, but we have so much more BBIQ, shooting, versatility, and playmaking now. Also like the fast pace focus. Good ballers can run breaks, and we have added 4-5 dudes that just know how to play.

This roster is 10X better than last years opener, from coach on down.

[Saberestar]

Some thoughts after watching Media Day:

• The full organization expect a lot from Ricky Rubio.
JJ, Monty, Ayton, Book, the media...all are pretty sure that he is gonna be great and he will make others better on and off the court. Hopefully everyone is right and he plays his best basketball.

• Booker is OK with the idea of playing more off the ball next season.
He understands that he needed a PG next to him to be more efficient and he looks happy with the addition of Rubio. That's great to know.

• Oubre will start for us.
Obviously everything can change before the start of the season, but it looks like he is the favourite option at SF for now. Personally I would prefer to start Bridges because of his low usage/good defense.

• We probably are gonna play some sets around Saric with the ball on the elbows. That's big, because he is a such a good passer and decision maker.

• Ayton needs to improve on... consistency and full time effort. Chambers said it a few times. JJ and Monty understand that.
Monty said that Embiid weighs 275-280 lbs and Ayton 255 lbs. Embiid way stronger for now and with a more aggressive mentality.

• Diallo knows perfectly his role. Set screens, fight for rebounds, defense, ....

I've figured Oubre would start even though I don't think he should. What gives you that idea from media day though? Did they say that or is it due to the coverage (ie, someone like Sidery would write as if Oubre is definitely going to start because of his infatuation with him).

IIRC Monty said something like that our bench has a lot of depth and we have players like Baynes, Jerome and Tyler that can play PG and wings like Mikal and Cam.

Then Monty was asked about what he thinks about giving the ball always to Rubio to start a break or transition play, and he said that if Booker or Kelly get the rebound it would be better to start the break themselves.

[Jarlaxle0204]

I was really pleased from what I heard from Monty. Sounds like the right approach to take with guys and everything he said made me feel better about the direction. Seems like we finally have a head coach that is going to stick around and build some much needed stability here.

[bwgood77]

I didn't watch any of media day but the best thing I've heard is that Booker is excited to have Rubio and knows he will have to play more off ball. Now of course I know that no matter how he felt he wouldn't say "I'm not that excited about Rubio" but it's still good to hear.

It would be great if they really meshed well and Rubio thrived here and had chemistry with everyone and was the perfect fit. It would really give us time to develop our other PGs and perhaps even draft one next year if Okobo (or Lecque) doesn't develop at some point into at least a capable backup (in the case Ty Jerome is a future starter which I don't doubt).

[Crives]

please stop with the Ayton shooting 3 narrative. The dude is showed he has an almost unstoppable/blockable jump hook, and a nice touch anywhere within 10 feet. Stay closer to the basket and rebound. Hone those skills first. We'll have enough perimeter bombers. Its the inside out game is what Ayton should look to perfect, and develope into a PnR weapon w/Rubes.

Things are finally getting close to happening. I like the second unit's chances to be very disruptive.... I see TJo, Bridges, one of TGerome or CamJo, Diallo and Baynes. Its likely going to take a while to see what combinations work, but we have so much more BBIQ, shooting, versatility, and playmaking now. Also like the fast pace focus. Good ballers can run breaks, and we have added 4-5 dudes that just know how to play.

This roster is 10X better than last years opener, from coach on down.

True... but Ayton taking just 1-2 3s a game will really help the Ayton pick and roll. Will stop drop pick and roll coverages giving Ayton a better opportunity to roll to the rim... or it will get someone wide open on the 3pt line.

[GoodBehavior]

please stop with the Ayton shooting 3 narrative. The dude is showed he has an almost unstoppable/blockable jump hook, and a nice touch anywhere within 10 feet. Stay closer to the basket and rebound. Hone those skills first. We'll have enough perimeter bombers. Its the inside out game is what Ayton should look to perfect, and develope into a PnR weapon w/Rubes.

Things are finally getting close to happening. I like the second unit's chances to be very disruptive.... I see TJo, Bridges, one of TGerome or CamJo, Diallo and Baynes. Its likely going to take a while to see what combinations work, but we have so much more BBIQ, shooting, versatility, and playmaking now. Also like the fast pace focus. Good ballers can run breaks, and we have added 4-5 dudes that just know how to play.

This roster is 10X better than last years opener, from coach on down.

True... but Ayton taking just 1-2 3s a game will really help the Ayton pick and roll. Will stop drop pick and roll coverages giving Ayton a better opportunity to roll to the rim... or it will get someone wide open on the 3pt line.

Agree.

Embiid did an interview with ESPN and he talked about the post up opportunities getting negated in today's game. Embiid is the only center in the game that plays bully ball against ALL centers. With his weight loss (allegedly 20 lbs), last year might be the last we see of a truly inside game from a center. The game is changing.

DA's development should track Anthony Davis. Pick and roll (close to elite, already), pick and pop (developing), then transition/handle (early stage of development). He needs the 3 to elevate that pick and pop. 33% on 3-5 attempts again is way better than shooting mid range jumper at a 40% clip. It's a no brainer. If he can get it to 37%, he will be an all-star.

Once they put a small-ball center on DA, then DA can play bully ball. His inside game is already elite (against small centers). I have zero concern on his post up game. Kid already has a jump hook, baseline fadeway to the left, fadeway to the right, etc.

[bwgood77]

please stop with the Ayton shooting 3 narrative. The dude is showed he has an almost unstoppable/blockable jump hook, and a nice touch anywhere within 10 feet. Stay closer to the basket and rebound. Hone those skills first. We'll have enough perimeter bombers. Its the inside out game is what Ayton should look to perfect, and develope into a PnR weapon w/Rubes.

Things are finally getting close to happening. I like the second unit's chances to be very disruptive.... I see TJo, Bridges, one of TGerome or CamJo, Diallo and Baynes. Its likely going to take a while to see what combinations work, but we have so much more BBIQ, shooting, versatility, and playmaking now. Also like the fast pace focus. Good ballers can run breaks, and we have added 4-5 dudes that just know how to play.

This roster is 10X better than last years opener, from coach on down.

True... but Ayton taking just 1-2 3s a game will really help the Ayton pick and roll. Will stop drop pick and roll coverages giving Ayton a better opportunity to roll to the rim... or it will get someone wide open on the 3pt line.

Agree.

Embiid did an interview with ESPN and he talked about the post up opportunities getting negated in today's game. Embiid is the only center in the game that plays bully ball against ALL centers. With his weight loss (allegedly 20 lbs), last year might be the last we see of a truly inside game from a center. The game is changing.

DA's development should track Anthony Davis. Pick and roll (close to elite, already), pick and pop (developing), then transition/handle (early stage of development). He needs the 3 to elevate that pick and pop. 33% on 3-5 attempts again is way better than shooting mid range jumper at a 40% clip. It's a no brainer. If he can get it to 37%, he will be an all-star.

Once they put a small-ball center on DA, then DA can play bully ball. His inside game is already elite (against small centers). I have zero concern on his post up game. Kid already has a jump hook, baseline fadeway to the left, fadeway to the right, etc.

It's not so much I want Ayton to add the 3s to make him more dangerous individually, but it's a team thing to open up the floor and make it easier for everyone else to get the rim since he pulls out a big to guard him leaving the rim open for Book, Oubre, etc to get to it.

[darmani]

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[bigfoot]

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Next man up Cam Johnson

[Crives]

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Next man up Cam Johnson

Wow....

[bigfoot]

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Next man up Cam Johnson

Wow....

Strange but Oubre, Bridges, and Cam are all 23 years old.

[Saberestar]

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