2020 Preseason Speculation - Lineup battles underway

[matt131]

Also, I have a question but don't want to get killed:

What did everyone dislike so much about Okobo? He seemed pretty competent and seemed to have improved his ability to get to the rim. I didn't think he was good enough to start or get super heavy minutes off the bench, but he seems like the kind of guy who could have at least turned into a pretty good bench scorer. I dunno, perhaps I'm just terrible at evaluating players, but I just think another team may be able to turn him into a useful rotational piece. Perhaps not

[Barkley6]

So, Suns roster as it stands at this moment:

CP3/Payne
Book/Galloway/Moore/Carter
Bridges/Crowder/Nader
Cam/Saric
Ayton/Smith/Jones

Every player on that roster averaged at least 15mpg last season. Most of them over 20mpg.

Monty is going to have a rotation headache trying to get all these guys minutes, but what a great problem to have as a coach.

[Barkley6]

Also, I have a question but don't want to get killed:

What did everyone dislike so much about Okobo? He seemed pretty competent and seemed to have improved his ability to get to the rim. I didn't think he was good enough to start or get super heavy minutes off the bench, but he seems like the kind of guy who could have at least turned into a pretty good bench scorer. I dunno, perhaps I'm just terrible at evaluating players, but I just think another team may be able to turn him into a useful rotational piece. Perhaps not

It would not surprise me at all if Okobo doesn't get much interest on the FA market to see him brought back on a 2-way contract, particularly with the more relaxed 2-way rules for this season. I think that this might be what we had in mind and why we haven't filled the 2nd two way slot yet.

I think there is an NBA player there, but he just doesn't have the confidence or killer instinct he needs. Think Boris Diaw in his first two years in Atlanta. All the skills but hasn't gotten his head around the game yet. Typically I think that the third season for an overseas prospect is the make or break one, so I hope Okobo gets a shot.

[BobbieL]

Also, I have a question but don't want to get killed:

What did everyone dislike so much about Okobo? He seemed pretty competent and seemed to have improved his ability to get to the rim. I didn't think he was good enough to start or get super heavy minutes off the bench, but he seems like the kind of guy who could have at least turned into a pretty good bench scorer. I dunno, perhaps I'm just terrible at evaluating players, but I just think another team may be able to turn him into a useful rotational piece. Perhaps not

I personally didn't dislike Okobo and at this point - was fine with him being brought back. I read that people think the Suns need another PG - I am like, they have Galloway, Moore and Payne to handle minutes if CP3 is hurt or needs a night off. There is also Point Booker. Nobody can replace Paul

But back to Okobo - I was kind of hoping he got one more year as to your point - player need time to grow and mature. I think fans weren't wanting Okobo cut because of him - I just think they like player transactions and who the Suns could get.

If the Suns go out and get another guard for the minimum - I would say they should have kept Okobo

[Barkley6]

Also, I have a question but don't want to get killed:

What did everyone dislike so much about Okobo? He seemed pretty competent and seemed to have improved his ability to get to the rim. I didn't think he was good enough to start or get super heavy minutes off the bench, but he seems like the kind of guy who could have at least turned into a pretty good bench scorer. I dunno, perhaps I'm just terrible at evaluating players, but I just think another team may be able to turn him into a useful rotational piece. Perhaps not

I personally didn't dislike Okobo and at this point - was fine with him being brought back. I read that people think the Suns need another PG - I am like, they have Galloway, Moore and Payne to handle minutes if CP3 is hurt or needs a night off. There is also Point Booker. Nobody can replace Paul

But back to Okobo - I was kind of hoping he got one more year as to your point - player need time to grow and mature. I think fans weren't wanting Okobo cut because of him - I just think they like player transactions and who the Suns could get.

If the Suns go out and get another guard for the minimum - I would say they should have kept Okobo

I hope he comes back on a two-way. Would allow the Suns to keep developing him at a cheaper cost and lower risk.

A LOT of overseas guys take a couple years to settle in. Dragic, Barbosa, Diaw, just from the Suns POV. No one would look at any of their first two seasons and think those guys would be what they ended up being. I understand from a roster point of view why the Suns let him go, but why not bring him back on a 2-way deal? You could sign him for 2 years, keep control over him and hope that he blossoms. Especially because with the modified 2-way rules for this year, he could play in up to 50 games I think. Seems like an easy call to me.

[RunDogGun]

So, Suns roster as it stands at this moment:

CP3/Payne
Book/Galloway/Moore/Carter
Bridges/Crowder/Nader
Cam/Saric
Ayton/Smith/Jones

Every player on that roster averaged at least 15mpg last season. Most of them over 20mpg.

Monty is going to have a rotation headache trying to get all these guys minutes, but what a great problem to have as a coach.

I see more of a:

CP3/(Payne/Carter) (I see Moore getting some mins handling the ball)
Book/(Moore/Gallo) (I see any one of them playing some sf as well if the get hot)
Bridges/Cam/Nader
Crowder/Cam(will come in for whichever forward comes out first)/Smith (I think Smith gets more mins as a PF)
Ayton/Saric/Smith/Jones

[Frank Lee]

Right now an open roster spot is more valuable than Oko. We don’t really need a 4-5th guard. I think we need one more big. We are banking on Ayton to play up to his tattoo.

Jones is in his typical ‘don’t panic’ mode.

[Frank Lee]

So, Suns roster as it stands at this moment:

CP3/Payne
Book/Galloway/Moore/Carter
Bridges/Crowder/Nader
Cam/Saric
Ayton/Smith/Jones

Every player on that roster averaged at least 15mpg last season. Most of them over 20mpg.

Monty is going to have a rotation headache trying to get all these guys minutes, but what a great problem to have as a coach.

I see more of a:

CP3/(Payne/Carter) (I see Moore getting some mins handling the ball)
Book/(Moore/Gallo) (I see any one of them playing some sf as well if the get hot)
Bridges/Cam/Nader
Crowder/Cam(will come in for whichever forward comes out first)/Smith (I think Smith gets more mins as a PF)
Ayton/Saric/Smith/Jones

Yeah, Minutes are going to be hard to come by. We are deep, and many won’t even get their feet wet. I don’t know if we’ll go as far as a hockey line style, but we sure could. Monty is going to be challenged to find the right combinations, or better yet, he just has a bucket of like/kind parts at his disposal

[RedIndian]

My thinking on the rotation is:

Ayton / Saric / Smith / Jones
Crowder / Cam / Smith
Bridges / Moore / Nader
Booker / Carter / Galloway
Paul / Payne / Galloway

Think Saric, Cam, Carter and Payne will be the guys Monty will trust immediately coming off the bench given chemistry and familiarity with the system. I expect Moore to break into that group quickly. Smith will get his minutes sporadically in the beginning. Will need to show that he can play both the 4 and 5 comfortably.

Nader and Jones for garbage time unless there are a spate of injuries. Interesting to see how Galloway goes. If Payne doesn't keep up his bubble form, I expect Galloway will steal those minutes.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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?s=09

For what it's worth with Oubre, I believe that (speculation only) back when he signed his " prove it" deal, Both the Suns and Oubre ( and agent) had other differing perspectives on overall value and length of contract. The suns opted for the two yr deal, To see if he was worth paying significantly more money for in 2021 free agency. But to his credit, Oubre did improve and ultimately changed our culture a bit. However, upon further discussion between both parties, recently prior to the bubble, Oubre and his agent settled on a number beyond what the suns front office/ ownership ( Sarver) felt was palatable.


Therefore, They both understood more or less that a parting was imminent. Hence why Oubre " chose" not to play in the bubble and potentially risk reinjury, Thusly diminishing his projected market value. I believe the suns had hope that he would play, But again, He chose not to ( don't fault him for protecting his own business interests by the way) ! But in doing so, More friction and animosity was created. Still, Oubre also had creative business/ marketing investments in the Suns ( Valley Boys). So in getting traded, He lost that personal marketing investment opportunity, Adding additional salt to the wound in his ego of not only getting paid below what he and his agent deemed his value was at. But also the slight of now being traded after more or less proving his increased value this past season, And expecting an increased payday ( poor timing in this current financial environment)

And in understanding that both parties were far apart on percieved value, The Suns began quietly shopping Oubre. Jones reached out to all his connections to guage potential interest ( value) and found the Thunder willing to move Chris Paul! This worked out better for the Suns than what they originally anticipated. So they jumped on the deal. Oubre feeling somewhat slighted and salty as a result is natural. However, As many have pointed out, The NBA is a business and sports players are ultimately assets and commodities, regardless of how much attachment they foster between fans and their city. That's specifically why they get paid such an outrageous amount of money. Because it's common knowledge to all parties involved that they'll likely be moving along at some point. It's just an unfortunate nature of the business. I for my part actually really liked Oubre, Contrary to popular opinion. However, I saw this coming for awhile now. Sometimes the puzzle pieces just add up. It's really not the first time that things have played out this way in sports, And it likely won't be the last.


Having said that, The Jersey situation was really handled poorly and will ultimately reflect as poorly on our franchises image. The Suns front office must really put in better efforts still to improve their public image. In time hopefully they will?

[Saberestar]

Also, I have a question but don't want to get killed:

What did everyone dislike so much about Okobo? He seemed pretty competent and seemed to have improved his ability to get to the rim. I didn't think he was good enough to start or get super heavy minutes off the bench, but he seems like the kind of guy who could have at least turned into a pretty good bench scorer. I dunno, perhaps I'm just terrible at evaluating players, but I just think another team may be able to turn him into a useful rotational piece. Perhaps not

I was high on him when he was drafted because I liked his skillset, his size and personality.

He got his opportunity in his rookie year and he failed badly, his efficiency and team's play with him on the court were strictly bad...but as a rookie you can expect some of that.

Second season came and he was exactly the same player that he was as a rookie. He got plenty of opportunities in the first half of the season (not deserved, but we didn't have too many options with Rubio some games out) and he showed that his awareness of the game and passing ability aren't good enough. He doesn't feel the game, not sure if he can develop that. He can score a bit, but there are better scorers than him at PG/SG getting the minimum around the league.

He is not great at anything and that's something that he needs to change if he wants to play more years in the NBA. Carter is a lockdown defender. Galloway is an sniper.

All in all he isn't very good. Like I have said there are better players than him for the minimum like Payne or Moore and his upside doesn't look great being already 23 yo and with two full years of experience in the league.

[RunDogGun]

So, Suns roster as it stands at this moment:

CP3/Payne
Book/Galloway/Moore/Carter
Bridges/Crowder/Nader
Cam/Saric
Ayton/Smith/Jones

Every player on that roster averaged at least 15mpg last season. Most of them over 20mpg.

Monty is going to have a rotation headache trying to get all these guys minutes, but what a great problem to have as a coach.

I see more of a:

CP3/(Payne/Carter) (I see Moore getting some mins handling the ball)
Book/(Moore/Gallo) (I see any one of them playing some sf as well if the get hot)
Bridges/Cam/Nader
Crowder/Cam(will come in for whichever forward comes out first)/Smith (I think Smith gets more mins as a PF)
Ayton/Saric/Smith/Jones

Yeah, Minutes are going to be hard to come by. We are deep, and many won’t even get their feet wet. I don’t know if we’ll go as far as a hockey line style, but we sure could. Monty is going to be challenged to find the right combinations, or better yet, he just has a bucket of like/kind parts at his disposal

Yeah, I see him watching practices to see who is in a groove or which combos seem to have the best chemistry. The good part is guys will be hungry and all seem to be hard workers, with talent to play both sides of the floor. It will be a fun season to watch. Hopefully we can give CP3 time to rest, but still in a position to lead.

[darmani]

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[darmani]

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[BobbieL]

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?s=09

I am kind of done with McDunce Cap. I mean, he had his chance because of Sarver - and sure maybe Sarver sucked but did Sarver really trade 8, 13 and Bogdann for Marquess Chriss

Did Sarver say "hey go out and sign Trevor Ariza with all our cap money at 9:01pm and sit out better deals like Bjelica and I forgot but they could have had two players for that 15m

Shut the hell up already McDunce - we know Sarver is Sarver

[Flying Colors]

Yeah Sarver is garbage, we know this

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

?s=09

[WeekapaugGroove]

Also, I have a question but don't want to get killed:

What did everyone dislike so much about Okobo? He seemed pretty competent and seemed to have improved his ability to get to the rim. I didn't think he was good enough to start or get super heavy minutes off the bench, but he seems like the kind of guy who could have at least turned into a pretty good bench scorer. I dunno, perhaps I'm just terrible at evaluating players, but I just think another team may be able to turn him into a useful rotational piece. Perhaps not

I was high on him when he was drafted because I liked his skillset, his size and personality.

He got his opportunity in his rookie year and he failed badly, his efficiency and team's play with him on the court were strictly bad...but as a rookie you can expect some of that.

Second season came and he was exactly the same player that he was as a rookie. He got plenty of opportunities in the first half of the season (not deserved, but we didn't have too many options with Rubio some games out) and he showed that his awareness of the game and passing ability aren't good enough. He doesn't feel the game, not sure if he can develop that. He can score a bit, but there are better scorers than him at PG/SG getting the minimum around the league.

He is not great at anything and that's something that he needs to change if he wants to play more years in the NBA. Carter is a lockdown defender. Galloway is an sniper.

All in all he isn't very good. Like I have said there are better players than him for the minimum like Payne or Moore and his upside doesn't look great being already 23 yo and with two full years of experience in the league.

Good breakdown. I was trying to explain why Eli didn't work out to a non suns fan and it's kind of hard. The not really great at anything comment is so true. I'd also add I don't think he's really terrible at anything either. He's just kind of meh at everything.

I still have some optimism he's going to have an NBA career. He has good size and is a good enough athlete. Maybe a change of scenery will do him some good.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

[Saberestar]

One thing that I have noticed is that all our additions via trade or FA except for CP3 are underdogs and fighters that are long time in the NBA when scouts/GMs/coaches didn't expect them to belong to it.

Jae Crowder was the 34th pick, 9 consecutive years in the league.
E'Twaun Moore, 55th pick, 10 years.
Damian Jones, 30th pick, 5 years.
Langston Galloway, undrafted, 7 years.
Abdel Nader, 58th pick, 4 years.

They are for sure hard workers and that's why this team is gonna be as tough as nails. James Jones knows exactly what he is doing here.

[Fo-Real]

Also, I have a question but don't want to get killed:

What did everyone dislike so much about Okobo? He seemed pretty competent and seemed to have improved his ability to get to the rim. I didn't think he was good enough to start or get super heavy minutes off the bench, but he seems like the kind of guy who could have at least turned into a pretty good bench scorer. I dunno, perhaps I'm just terrible at evaluating players, but I just think another team may be able to turn him into a useful rotational piece. Perhaps not

Years later with all the resources given to him, he got better at NOTHING!! Not a better ball handler to think of putting at Pg. Didnt focus on becoming a better shooter to be useful off the ball. Never developed an identity ie, shooter, defender, hustle guy . Never added one aspect to his game ie go to move, step back, floater, spot on the floor he was better from, midrange, three ball, he literally has just been a non important constant afterthought riding the team busses and planes. He has never been a dude who when he got in the game, the opposing players or coaches had to identify and game plan for in any way. Years in the league, no impact and no one outside of us fans will have any reason to remember him, HE HAS DONE NOTHING! Lol, I guess I dont like the dude as a player, seems an ok fella.