2021 Playoff and Offseason Speculation - the playoffs. PLAYOFFS????

[bwgood77]

How are the Mavs continuing to shoot around or over 50% from 3 every game? They were not that good of a 3 pt shooting team this year. The Clippers were actually the best, by quite a bit.

The Clips played really well in the 2nd game and probably would have beaten anyone else. And now are again but the Mavs are shooting 54% from 3. If the Clips lose this series any narrative of choking I'm not sure is not a good narrative and doesn't give a good enough credit to how well the Mavs are playing.

We were a lot better 3 pt shooting team than the Mavs this year. If we had shot like them from 3 through 3 games we'd be up 3-0 with or without Paul.

[sunsbg]

How are the Mavs continuing to shoot around or over 50% from 3 every game? They were not that good of a 3 pt shooting team this year. The Clippers were actually the best, by quite a bit.

The Clips played really well in the 2nd game and probably would have beaten anyone else. And now are again but the Mavs are shooting 54% from 3. If the Clips lose this series any narrative of choking I'm not sure is not a good narrative and doesn't give a good enough credit to how well the Mavs are playing.

We were a lot better 3 pt shooting team than the Mavs this year. If we had shot like them from 3 through 3 games we'd be up 3-0 with or without Paul.

It's only 3 games. Doncic has those stretches where he shoots over 50% from 3, then another stretch when he's really bad. He's obviously the type that raises his game for the playoffs and actually shoots better under pressure. Well, except from the FT line with his FT% being close to his 3PT%, which is kinda funny. Then there are the role players, who know exactly their role, most likely spending their time for game preparation shooting 3s. THJ (65% from 35% last playoffs) maybe extra motivated being in a contract year. He's always reminded me of Oubre, some games looks like an all-star, others he's quite bad. Wonder what direction his game takes after he gets paid. Brunson (57%) is also playing for a contract. Kleber (63%) shooting out of his mind as well. The team as a whole has a great motivation playing the Clippers after last years playoff exit.

At 30-11 Mavs lead I was thinking Clippers would have waved the white flag to stop the embarrassment if they had the choice, but then it turned out the series is far from over.

[Saberestar]

How are the Mavs continuing to shoot around or over 50% from 3 every game? They were not that good of a 3 pt shooting team this year. The Clippers were actually the best, by quite a bit.

The Clips played really well in the 2nd game and probably would have beaten anyone else. And now are again but the Mavs are shooting 54% from 3. If the Clips lose this series any narrative of choking I'm not sure is not a good narrative and doesn't give a good enough credit to how well the Mavs are playing.

We were a lot better 3 pt shooting team than the Mavs this year. If we had shot like them from 3 through 3 games we'd be up 3-0 with or without Paul.

Every season percentages and number of 3PM go up, so I would not be shocked if the stay over 50% in the playoffs.

[Saberestar]

Only 3 playoffs games, but if things does not change too much Ayton has worked his way to get AT LEAST $25M per year and Bridges has went the other way and I would offer him around $15M per year.

He needs a lot of time to shoot the ball and that is why he is shooting less than in RS.

Crowder and Cam J are shooting really bad, but at least they can release their shot and finish plays, Bridges keeps moving the ball and that usually get you a worse shot for a teammate.

Good defender but lacks enough strength to be really versatile and capable to defend big SFs and PFs.

I like him and I want him for years to come on the Suns, but I think he is limited as an all around player and that is why I think his salary does not deserve to be over $20M by any means.

[sunsbg]

Though obviously was not possible to keep him Oubre could have been huge in this series with his ability to create his own shot, shoot big 3s over a defender and rebound.

The thing is this offense was centered around CP3 and it's a big hit that he's hurt. They should try running the 0.5 offense more which will get more opportunities for Mikal and Cam and better looks for Book.

[bwgood77]

How are the Mavs continuing to shoot around or over 50% from 3 every game? They were not that good of a 3 pt shooting team this year. The Clippers were actually the best, by quite a bit.

The Clips played really well in the 2nd game and probably would have beaten anyone else. And now are again but the Mavs are shooting 54% from 3. If the Clips lose this series any narrative of choking I'm not sure is not a good narrative and doesn't give a good enough credit to how well the Mavs are playing.

We were a lot better 3 pt shooting team than the Mavs this year. If we had shot like them from 3 through 3 games we'd be up 3-0 with or without Paul.

It's only 3 games. Doncic has those stretches where he shoots over 50% from 3, then another stretch when he's really bad. He's obviously the type that raises his game for the playoffs and actually shoots better under pressure. Well, except from the FT line with his FT% being close to his 3PT%, which is kinda funny. Then there are the role players, who know exactly their role, most likely spending their time for game preparation shooting 3s. THJ (65% from 35% last playoffs) maybe extra motivated being in a contract year. He's always reminded me of Oubre, some games looks like an all-star, others he's quite bad. Wonder what direction his game takes after he gets paid. Brunson (57%) is also playing for a contract. Kleber (63%) shooting out of his mind as well. The team as a whole has a great motivation playing the Clippers after last years playoff exit.

At 30-11 Mavs lead I was thinking Clippers would have waved the white flag to stop the embarrassment if they had the choice, but then it turned out the series is far from over.

Well I think most of their great 3 pt shooting has been pretty across the board. Doncic isn't a great 3 pt shooter but has some good games among the bad ones, kind of like Book, though of course is the much better game manager, passer and rebounder.

Brunson against the Clips over 57% from 3, THJr 50% from 3 and Kleber over 44%. Doncic at 37%, but Doncicavergaging 38, 9 ast and 8.7 reb. But we know from his international play that he rises in big games in the postseason to will his teams to win. I always felt the Clips were the best and were a far better team across the board, and still kind of think they will take the series, but Dallas is right around the corner in future years.

But he is a guy that really raises the play of his teammates which is what I hope Booker starts to do.

The Mavs probably finish with a better record if not for their 2 week COVID period that wiped out most of their starters and team.

I've always liked Brunson. Solid player who was the MVP of that Nova championship team under Wright with Bridges and DiVincenzo.

KP can be really solid or not so good, but Kleber, Brunson, THJr and most of their other role players are all pretty good.

[bwgood77]

Only 3 playoffs games, but if things does not change too much Ayton has worked his way to get AT LEAST $25M per year and Bridges has went the other way and I would offer him around $15M per year.

He needs a lot of time to shoot the ball and that is why he is shooting less than in RS.

Crowder and Cam J are shooting really bad, but at least they can release their shot and finish plays, Bridges keeps moving the ball and that usually get you a worse shot for a teammate.

Good defender but lacks enough strength to be really versatile and capable to defend big SFs and PFs.

I like him and I want him for years to come on the Suns, but I think he is limited as an all around player and that is why I think his salary does not deserve to be over $20M by any means.

You can't fluctuate a guy's value based THAT much based on 3 playoff games. Though I always felt Ayton was somewhere between $21 and $27 a year and Bridges $20-$22.

My biggest question mark is Payne. I was thinking before the playoffs, maybe 3/$20. That still seems somewhat fair but he could get more like 3/$27 which I think is about as high as any backup.

I think regardless he stays with the Suns.

I really want us to look into trading Saric, Crowder and Carter for a nice player, even if expiring. That gives us some flexibility the following summer maybe.

The list of 2022 free agents doesn't give me any names that pop out, nor does the 2021 FA's with player options. The main 2023 FA is Horford.

Now he is old but might be a nice backup big...to be around Jalen Smith. We'd have him for 2 more years, but that's the same as Crowder, Saric and Carter.

Is he more valuable than them?

Ultimately I kind of doubt we deal Crowder because he chose over other teams to be here and was a pretty big part of our success.

I think Dario may not have much trade value and I know Monty loves him and has said he's one of his favorite players he's coached, but can we really expect him to be consistent after losing confidence in Minnesota and now here?

I know Philly liked him, but I don't know who they'd have to trade.

I just don't know how much we change our team. I do think we will be better based on internal improvement though, particularly Ayton, Bridges, Cam and Jalen Smith...probably Nader too if he is around....and Payne. Hopefully Book as well.

Will Saric improve? Will the confidence thing be an issue?

Regardless, we desperately need a backup big. I have advocated for a PG in the draft, but drafting at 29, maybe we go for a veand Draymond 2nd round picks both drafted at #35).

Maybe someone like this guy.. http://www.tankathon.com/players/neemias-queta

[sunsbg]

Saric is a curious case. The guy averaged 17/7/3.5 in 2018 playoffs and played great in the bubble. Also I think it was vs the Lakers when he had a great RS game and people were saying he's better than Ayton. Maybe he just was not able to recover physically after covid and the ankle injury.

[Saberestar]

Saric is a curious case. The guy averaged 17/7/3.5 in 2018 playoffs and played great in the bubble. Also I think it was vs the Lakers when he had a great RS game and people were saying he's better than Ayton. Maybe he just was not able to recover physically after covid and the ankle injury.

Seriously, I can not understand why is he playing that bad this season.

He is a seasoned skilled player who always has been known for playing hard and smart. It is disappointing, specially for me because I have always been a fan of him since his early years in Europe.

He was considered as good as Bojan Bogdanovic in Croatia just a few years ago, and now Bojan is a couple tiers above him as a player for the Jazz.

[Slim Charless]

Only 3 playoffs games, but if things does not change too much Ayton has worked his way to get AT LEAST $25M per year and Bridges has went the other way and I would offer him around $15M per year.

He needs a lot of time to shoot the ball and that is why he is shooting less than in RS.

Crowder and Cam J are shooting really bad, but at least they can release their shot and finish plays, Bridges keeps moving the ball and that usually get you a worse shot for a teammate.

Good defender but lacks enough strength to be really versatile and capable to defend big SFs and PFs.

I like him and I want him for years to come on the Suns, but I think he is limited as an all around player and that is why I think his salary does not deserve to be over $20M by any means.

You can't fluctuate a guy's value based THAT much based on 3 playoff games. Though I always felt Ayton was somewhere between $21 and $27 a year and Bridges $20-$22.

My biggest question mark is Payne. I was thinking before the playoffs, maybe 3/$20. That still seems somewhat fair but he could get more like 3/$27 which I think is about as high as any backup.

I think regardless he stays with the Suns.

I really want us to look into trading Saric, Crowder and Carter for a nice player, even if expiring. That gives us some flexibility the following summer maybe.

The list of 2022 free agents doesn't give me any names that pop out, nor does the 2021 FA's with player options. The main 2023 FA is Horford.

Now he is old but might be a nice backup big...to be around Jalen Smith. We'd have him for 2 more years, but that's the same as Crowder, Saric and Carter.

Is he more valuable than them?

Ultimately I kind of doubt we deal Crowder because he chose over other teams to be here and was a pretty big part of our success.

I think Dario may not have much trade value and I know Monty loves him and has said he's one of his favorite players he's coached, but can we really expect him to be consistent after losing confidence in Minnesota and now here?

I know Philly liked him, but I don't know who they'd have to trade.

I just don't know how much we change our team. I do think we will be better based on internal improvement though, particularly Ayton, Bridges, Cam and Jalen Smith...probably Nader too if he is around....and Payne. Hopefully Book as well.

Will Saric improve? Will the confidence thing be an issue?

Regardless, we desperately need a backup big. I have advocated for a PG in the draft, but drafting at 29, maybe we go for a veand Draymond 2nd round picks both drafted at #35).

Maybe someone like this guy.. http://www.tankathon.com/players/neemias-queta

Ya I'd like to keep Crowder, he's good for the vet experience and for the toughness he brings. I'd like to be done with Saric but I don't know who wants him. I'm torn on Cam. He's great but we gotta see what he gets...is he restricted? Maybe we just see what the market offers and match. Lastly, I'd like a backup big who has some experience and leadership qualities. Ironically I would've said Marc Gasol for like 10-15 mins a game would work but now....

[Flying Colors]

Who knows, maybe he is still feeling the effects of long covid, maybe he is just busted mentally, maybe its maybelline

[Slim Charless]

So...random question for the cap guys here:

Hypothetically if Kawhi wants out but wants to stay on the Westcoast. Could we pull off his signing if CP3 opts out, we sign Kawhi, then CP3 resigns with us after? Let's say that we can package a pick to get rid of Saric and renounce our other FAs too.

I think that if they lose that clipper team is facing major changes. Pg13 can get traded too but Kawhi is fickle and we ARE the closest team to LA w/o actually being in LA....

[dremill24]

So...random question for the cap guys here:

Hypothetically if Kawhi wants out but wants to stay on the Westcoast. Could we pull off his signing if CP3 opts out, we sign Kawhi, then CP3 resigns with us after? Let's say that we can package a pick to get rid of Saric and renounce our other FAs too.

I think that if they lose that clipper team is facing major changes. Pg13 can get traded too but Kawhi is fickle and we ARE the closest team to LA w/o actually being in LA....

You'd have to get CP to take a discount down to something crazy like $15mil and find a way to dump Crowder and Saric and Carter, sell our draft pick, renounce most FAs, etc.

Theres always technically a way but getting CP that low is the biggest thing and i dont think thats realistic.

[Qwigglez]

So...random question for the cap guys here:

Hypothetically if Kawhi wants out but wants to stay on the Westcoast. Could we pull off his signing if CP3 opts out, we sign Kawhi, then CP3 resigns with us after? Let's say that we can package a pick to get rid of Saric and renounce our other FAs too.

I think that if they lose that clipper team is facing major changes. Pg13 can get traded too but Kawhi is fickle and we ARE the closest team to LA w/o actually being in LA....

You'd have to get CP to take a discount down to something crazy like $15mil and find a way to dump Crowder and Saric and Carter, sell our draft pick, renounce most FAs, etc.

Theres always technically a way but getting CP that low is the biggest thing and i dont think thats realistic.

If he really wanted to play in Phoenix I think the Clippers would rather trade Kawhi than lose him for nothing. I could see them asking for Ayton and we'd do the trade dance before the Clippers settled on matching salaries and taking Bridges and Smith plus 2 picks for Kawhi.

[Slim Charless]

So...random question for the cap guys here:

Hypothetically if Kawhi wants out but wants to stay on the Westcoast. Could we pull off his signing if CP3 opts out, we sign Kawhi, then CP3 resigns with us after? Let's say that we can package a pick to get rid of Saric and renounce our other FAs too.

I think that if they lose that clipper team is facing major changes. Pg13 can get traded too but Kawhi is fickle and we ARE the closest team to LA w/o actually being in LA....

You'd have to get CP to take a discount down to something crazy like $15mil and find a way to dump Crowder and Saric and Carter, sell our draft pick, renounce most FAs, etc.

Theres always technically a way but getting CP that low is the biggest thing and i dont think thats realistic.

If he really wanted to play in Phoenix I think the Clippers would rather trade Kawhi than lose him for nothing. I could see them asking for Ayton and we'd do the trade dance before the Clippers settled on matching salaries and taking Bridges and Smith plus 2 picks for Kawhi.

They can't have Ayton, but ya I think if he wants to go they'd take that 2nd deal with little hesitation. I'm also watching this knicks game and seeing how badly misplaced Randle is as a #1 option but as the 2/3rd guy behind Booker and DA with CP3 tossing dimes between them.....

Wonder what they would want for him? Team option for the last year on his deal and they have Toppin waiting in the wings as his backup already.

[collidingNeurons]

Cameron Payne along with Mikal are quickly becoming two of my favorite Suns

[NapoleonII]

Answer this question now:

Was this a successful season?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Answer this question now:

Was this a successful season?

Absolutely!

[AtheJ415]

Though obviously was not possible to keep him Oubre could have been huge in this series with his ability to create his own shot, shoot big 3s over a defender and rebound.

The thing is this offense was centered around CP3 and it's a big hit that he's hurt. They should try running the 0.5 offense more which will get more opportunities for Mikal and Cam and better looks for Book.

Oubre is clearly worse than Bridges imo and probably Cam too. Real miss would've been a healthy Warren.

[Fo-Real]

Answer this question now:

Was this a successful season?

Without question!! From the ashes baby!!