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

[cberry78]

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Yeah, cause we have this **** under control. Terrible idea!

How long you suppose we keep limited fans from entering the arena? I mean sooner or later we must experiment and limit reduced fans into the arenas. I read somewhere that my playoffs at least half of arena will be filled which is around 8 to 9k. Nothing wrong with limiting the number of fans to 500-1300 before more are able to enter games in April/May.

I think it's absolutely asinine to allow ANY fans into the stadiums in the midst of a pandemic. We are less than 2 weeks away from having almost 10,000 cases a day (and our rolling avg at the time was OVER 10k), and while our numbers are dropping (again, for the third time) that has absolutely no correlation with Arizona having things under control. Each time our numbers have dropped they've come back and climbed even higher (because this state is full of morons) and I wouldn't be surprised at all if that were to happen again (because this state is full of morons). There are exceedingly large numbers of people in this state who think that if they ignore this situation, it'll just go away.

I've been a pessimist my entire life, and I'll freely admit that I'm being pessimistic about having fans in the stands right now - but this season should be a wash. How much money are these 500-1000 people going to bring into the arena? How many more lives are going to be negatively impacted by having a large group of people at an indoor event? The way our society and especially our state has responded to this pandemic makes me only think that the absolute worst thing is going to happen.

[lilfishi22]

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Yeah, cause we have this **** under control. Terrible idea!

How long you suppose we keep limited fans from entering the arena? I mean sooner or later we must experiment and limit reduced fans into the arenas. I read somewhere that my playoffs at least half of arena will be filled which is around 8 to 9k. Nothing wrong with limiting the number of fans to 500-1300 before more are able to enter games in April/May.

I dunno....when it's safe?

[Revived]

Galloway’s developed into one of my favorite players on the team. I like that he knows his role and does just that. And I think he has the quickest release on catch and shoots in the league.

He should always be in the rotation, the defenders will never leave him so it’s basically just 4 on 4 for rest of the team.

I hope they re-sign him on a longterm team friendly deal.

[lilfishi22]

Galloway’s developed into one of my favorite players on the team. I like that he knows his role and does just that. And I think he has the quickest release on catch and shoots in the league.

He should always be in the rotation, the defenders will never leave him so it’s basically just 4 on 4 for rest of the team.

I hope they re-sign him on a longterm team friendly deal.

I also like it when he pump fakes defenders and surprises everyone when he puts the ball on the court for a running floater. It's like both teams are surprised

[Slim Charless]

Giving up Smith For Ball would make me ill knowing that we couldve taken Halliburton. Actually it already makes me ill.

Agree with the first sentence, not the second. Smith has already shown a ton of potential in limited minutes, he's just not ready is all. He doesn't know what to do out there and he needs probably another 10-15 lbs, but I love what I've seen and understand why we took him.

Every game I pray for a blowout so we can see Jalen out there. I'm hyped about him. And yeah, would much rather have than Haliburton than Ball. Don't understand who we'd be looking to deal for Lonzo, but I imagine it would be a bigger deal, probably multi-team. Not really sure about the fit. I like it more than Redick's I suppose, since Galloway's better. I guess I should expect us to at least kick the tires on the lesser brother since that's kind of our thing...

... speaking of which, LaMelo was actually the correct choice at #1, correct? Personally, I'm ecstatic that the Bugs finally got a big win. That franchise deserved some luck!

I don't think you can determine the right choice at #1 after 20 games. You think he's better than Haliburton? He's had some nice flashy games but he's also been benched and is almost unplayable because he can't shoot.

People were actually higher on Lonzo when he was starting as a rookie and was such a great defender and passer...and then the last 3 years he's become a 40% shooter. Not sure why you think LaMelo is better...he can be exciting but Lonzo is, if not as good of passer, nearly as good but far better at shooting and defense.

I won't be surprised if a number of guys in this draft end up better than LaMelo. I don't think Edwards was the correct choice though.

Avdija has looked good too..I'd take him over LaMelo..and Wiseman.

There are still a lot of other guys who look good in areas even if they don't put up much for stats like Patrick Williams and Isaac Okoro. I wouldn't give up on Hayes either, or Jalen Smith or Vassell. Okongwu hasn't even gotten to play much yet since Capela is beasting.

Lamelo has been very streaky after starting the season balling out but still not terrible. I'd take Lonzo over him just for the defense and better passing.

I wouldn't trade any of our guys at the moment till we know a little more about what we have. Just last month this time we were all talking about how deep our bench is....and guess what? It's good. We got some wins and quality mins even after missing numerous dudes who would be playing major mins for us.

Alot of ppl were saying that Payne was 6moty quality player and that Saric would a be great floor spacing big- both of which are true. I'd like to see what we have when we get everyone else back in.

CP3, Ayton and Booker played well last night. Hopefully they finally found their chemistry together. We have that and what we all thought was the best bench in the league. They all get healthy and we can do damage.

If we're gonna make a trade I'd wait till the off-season so we can fully gather our players abilities to play W/I Montys system and with our big 3.

[Blonde]

I think Lonzo would help our team a fair amount and I’d happily trade Smith for him. Smith could become a serviceable rotation big in the next couple of years, but I think it more likely he has no value by the end of next year. We know Lonzo is a rotation guard for sure right now - not our PG of the future, perhaps, but a nice depth piece who can run an offense and play very good defense. Upgrade over any other bench guard we have IMO. I’d pay him around 4 years 50 million in RFA. Not really sure what his trade value is but it seems like the Pels don’t want to pay him next year. Maybe Carter, Smith, 2nd round pick gets it done?

Another thing to consider, we have very few avenues of improvement over the next year and a half, so trading for a RFA that we can sign over the salary cap makes sense. If not Lonzo, perhaps another player in a similar situation. We’re going to make the most of this roster while CP3 is here so I would expect a subtle shakeup at some point.

[Mulhollanddrive]

I'm not sure Lonzo would get a game with Paul and Payne.

[Revived]

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Yeah, cause we have this **** under control. Terrible idea!

If their only letting in fans that are vaccinated (kinda like how the NFL is doing for the super bowl) then it’s not a bad idea.

Going forward we’re gonna have to start letting those who are vaccinated go back to their lives. As much as some may enjoy this current lifestyle, can’t go on forever living like this.

[Slim Charless]

I think Lonzo would help our team a fair amount and I’d happily trade Smith for him. Smith could become a serviceable rotation big in the next couple of years, but I think it more likely he has no value by the end of next year. We know Lonzo is a rotation guard for sure right now - not our PG of the future, perhaps, but a nice depth piece who can run an offense and play very good defense. Upgrade over any other bench guard we have IMO. I’d pay him around 4 years 50 million in RFA. Not really sure what his trade value is but it seems like the Pels don’t want to pay him next year. Maybe Carter, Smith, 2nd round pick gets it done?

Another thing to consider, we have very few avenues of improvement over the next year and a half, so trading for a RFA that we can sign over the salary cap makes sense. If not Lonzo, perhaps another player in a similar situation. We’re going to make the most of this roster while CP3 is here so I would expect a subtle shakeup at some point.

So we're ready to throw away our 1st round pick after roughly what 10 games? You can already tell he's a bust huh? Well you need to contact some NBA teams and let them know whats up.

Can probably find a job. NBA director of player personnel makes a lot of money.

(Sorry for the sarcasm but maybe we wait till the guy plays a few games before we declare him trash and try a ship him out) Yes/No?

[Barkley6]

Not a fan of Lonzo Ball on the Suns. I GET the idea that we need a PG for the future, but Lonzo has shown that he's a mid level PG at best.

When you look at his per36 numbers for this season, he's 14, 5, 4 and 40% from 3. For reference, Cam Payne's per36 numbers are 13, 8, 4 and 38% from 3.

So how much of an upgrade is he for the backup PG spot? Slightly better shooter and scorer, but a significantly worse creator.

His numbers are misleading because he plays next to Bledsoe this year. He's definitely better at the same point in his career and is a far better defender. Also, we are still dealing with a VERY small sample size of Cam Payne....17 good games or so in 6 years.

For the $ he's definitely more worth the bang for the buck though. We can worry about PG later but for the last few years including the past draft we seem to keep going with the "worry about PG later" mentality. I just remember a few years ago when we didn't have a PG...things didn't go so well. Our bench was also awful last year because we didn't have a legit PG there...until the bubble.

Carter had a nice little run too...do you think he should be our backup SG of the future?

I do think Payne has a chance and it looks like he has turned the corner and is far more talented than Carter on offense, and is still pretty good on defense though.

Wouldn't his numbers be equally awful playing next to Book and CP3? How many minutes in the guard rotation do we reasonably think we can carve out next to those two guys? Payne, at this point, is the better fit for our team. If we were talking about a young, drafted PG, sure, but this is a guy who's been a starter for four years. He wont be content with 16 minutes a game.

[King4Day]

Not to jump ahead because we know how we don't play well against bad teams, but that game against Boston this weekend is going to be exciting.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I think Lonzo would help our team a fair amount and I’d happily trade Smith for him. Smith could become a serviceable rotation big in the next couple of years, but I think it more likely he has no value by the end of next year. We know Lonzo is a rotation guard for sure right now - not our PG of the future, perhaps, but a nice depth piece who can run an offense and play very good defense. Upgrade over any other bench guard we have IMO. I’d pay him around 4 years 50 million in RFA. Not really sure what his trade value is but it seems like the Pels don’t want to pay him next year. Maybe Carter, Smith, 2nd round pick gets it done?

Another thing to consider, we have very few avenues of improvement over the next year and a half, so trading for a RFA that we can sign over the salary cap makes sense. If not Lonzo, perhaps another player in a similar situation. We’re going to make the most of this roster while CP3 is here so I would expect a subtle shakeup at some point.

I don't think this comment will age well. I'm extremely high on Smith and would not include him in any realistic trade proposal. His combination of shooting and athleticism is very rare. Once he figures out how to play NBA basketball and puts on another 10-15 lbs, he'll be a beast. Barring injury or character issues I have him pegged as our future 4. Haven't seen enough of him yet to put a ceiling on his potential, but there are just too many aspects of his game that have me stoked to be willing to put his name in a trade. In time I worry we'd look like enormous fools.

[SunsRback4Good]

Not to jump ahead because we know how we don't play well against bad teams, but that game against Boston this weekend is going to be exciting.

Yeah, I agree. Let's just hope we stay close like all our other games but I'm not expecting a win. Boston has an identical record as ours and are just 5-5 in their last 10 games. Also, game starts at 1:30 after it's over an hour later super bowl starts. Can't wait till Sunday..

[SunsRback4Good]

I think Lonzo would help our team a fair amount and I’d happily trade Smith for him. Smith could become a serviceable rotation big in the next couple of years, but I think it more likely he has no value by the end of next year. We know Lonzo is a rotation guard for sure right now - not our PG of the future, perhaps, but a nice depth piece who can run an offense and play very good defense. Upgrade over any other bench guard we have IMO. I’d pay him around 4 years 50 million in RFA. Not really sure what his trade value is but it seems like the Pels don’t want to pay him next year. Maybe Carter, Smith, 2nd round pick gets it done?

Another thing to consider, we have very few avenues of improvement over the next year and a half, so trading for a RFA that we can sign over the salary cap makes sense. If not Lonzo, perhaps another player in a similar situation. We’re going to make the most of this roster while CP3 is here so I would expect a subtle shakeup at some point.

I don't think this comment will age well. I'm extremely high on Smith and would not include him in any realistic trade proposal. His combination of shooting and athleticism is very rare. Once he figures out how to play NBA basketball and puts on another 10-15 lbs, he'll be a beast. Barring injury or character issues I have him pegged as our future 4. Haven't seen enough of him yet to put a ceiling on his potential, but there are just too many aspects of his game that have me stoked to be willing to put his name in a trade. In time I worry we'd look like enormous fools.

I've watched a decent amount of Smith's highlights and see a bit of Pascal Siakam in his overall game. Do you believe in a few years he can become a mini Siakam or possibly another player comparison?

[Blonde]

I think Lonzo would help our team a fair amount and I’d happily trade Smith for him. Smith could become a serviceable rotation big in the next couple of years, but I think it more likely he has no value by the end of next year. We know Lonzo is a rotation guard for sure right now - not our PG of the future, perhaps, but a nice depth piece who can run an offense and play very good defense. Upgrade over any other bench guard we have IMO. I’d pay him around 4 years 50 million in RFA. Not really sure what his trade value is but it seems like the Pels don’t want to pay him next year. Maybe Carter, Smith, 2nd round pick gets it done?

Another thing to consider, we have very few avenues of improvement over the next year and a half, so trading for a RFA that we can sign over the salary cap makes sense. If not Lonzo, perhaps another player in a similar situation. We’re going to make the most of this roster while CP3 is here so I would expect a subtle shakeup at some point.

So we're ready to throw away our 1st round pick after roughly what 10 games? You can already tell he's a bust huh? Well you need to contact some NBA teams and let them know whats up.

Can probably find a job. NBA director of player personnel makes a lot of money.

(Sorry for the sarcasm but maybe we wait till the guy plays a few games before we declare him trash and try a ship him out) Yes/No?

In case you didn’t realize this website is called “realgm”. We all make projections. Trading a guy who might be a rotation player for a guy who is a rotation player when we’re trying to win now is hardly a novel concept. You have to trade value to get value, unless you think Ball has no value which you are entitled to your opinion.

But to keep in line with your jackass response, I’m doing quite well with my current job and make plenty of money as is.

[Blonde]

I think Lonzo would help our team a fair amount and I’d happily trade Smith for him. Smith could become a serviceable rotation big in the next couple of years, but I think it more likely he has no value by the end of next year. We know Lonzo is a rotation guard for sure right now - not our PG of the future, perhaps, but a nice depth piece who can run an offense and play very good defense. Upgrade over any other bench guard we have IMO. I’d pay him around 4 years 50 million in RFA. Not really sure what his trade value is but it seems like the Pels don’t want to pay him next year. Maybe Carter, Smith, 2nd round pick gets it done?

Another thing to consider, we have very few avenues of improvement over the next year and a half, so trading for a RFA that we can sign over the salary cap makes sense. If not Lonzo, perhaps another player in a similar situation. We’re going to make the most of this roster while CP3 is here so I would expect a subtle shakeup at some point.

I don't think this comment will age well. I'm extremely high on Smith and would not include him in any realistic trade proposal. His combination of shooting and athleticism is very rare. Once he figures out how to play NBA basketball and puts on another 10-15 lbs, he'll be a beast. Barring injury or character issues I have him pegged as our future 4. Haven't seen enough of him yet to put a ceiling on his potential, but there are just too many aspects of his game that have me stoked to be willing to put his name in a trade. In time I worry we'd look like enormous fools.

I’m comfortable with the take and have had plenty that have aged poorly. But I don’t think it’s necessarily a “hot take” to expect a late lottery pick to not become the player we’re hoping for. The odds are clearly in my favor here. I’m happy to be wrong but I fail to see why it’s so difficult for people to part with the guy for a young, established player who could help now.

I like that people here are excited about him. Obviously he has shown good things in limited minutes. I disagree about his position - think he will always be best suited as a 5, and you lose a lot of value in him if he’s at the 4 next to Ayton.

[bwgood77]

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Yeah, cause we have this **** under control. Terrible idea!

If their only letting in fans that are vaccinated (kinda like how the NFL is doing for the super bowl) then it’s not a bad idea.

Going forward we’re gonna have to start letting those who are vaccinated go back to their lives. As much as some may enjoy this current lifestyle, can’t go on forever living like this.

That's what I was thinking...proof of vaccination and still social distance families in seats and require masks, I don't see a big risk.

[bwgood77]

Not a fan of Lonzo Ball on the Suns. I GET the idea that we need a PG for the future, but Lonzo has shown that he's a mid level PG at best.

When you look at his per36 numbers for this season, he's 14, 5, 4 and 40% from 3. For reference, Cam Payne's per36 numbers are 13, 8, 4 and 38% from 3.

So how much of an upgrade is he for the backup PG spot? Slightly better shooter and scorer, but a significantly worse creator.

His numbers are misleading because he plays next to Bledsoe this year. He's definitely better at the same point in his career and is a far better defender. Also, we are still dealing with a VERY small sample size of Cam Payne....17 good games or so in 6 years.

For the $ he's definitely more worth the bang for the buck though. We can worry about PG later but for the last few years including the past draft we seem to keep going with the "worry about PG later" mentality. I just remember a few years ago when we didn't have a PG...things didn't go so well. Our bench was also awful last year because we didn't have a legit PG there...until the bubble.

Carter had a nice little run too...do you think he should be our backup SG of the future?

I do think Payne has a chance and it looks like he has turned the corner and is far more talented than Carter on offense, and is still pretty good on defense though.

Wouldn't his numbers be equally awful playing next to Book and CP3? How many minutes in the guard rotation do we reasonably think we can carve out next to those two guys? Payne, at this point, is the better fit for our team. If we were talking about a young, drafted PG, sure, but this is a guy who's been a starter for four years. He wont be content with 16 minutes a game.

Well, I said I would rather wait and see if Payne gets back to where he was or of his 17 or so good games were an anomaly of his 6 years in the league. His played looked like legit improvement, and he's likely very cheap to keep, so if the improvement proves to be legit the rest of the season I'm fine with the rotation. If not, I think Ball is nice as a 3rd guard in a rotation that can play with Book and Paul because they are great shooters. I think he could also learn from Paul and his defense would be nice with Book for the future.

But right now, as i mentioned, I would only trade Carter, Kaminsky, and one of Galloway and Moore for him...i wouldn't do Saric, Smith or Crowder.

[bwgood77]

I think Lonzo would help our team a fair amount and I’d happily trade Smith for him. Smith could become a serviceable rotation big in the next couple of years, but I think it more likely he has no value by the end of next year. We know Lonzo is a rotation guard for sure right now - not our PG of the future, perhaps, but a nice depth piece who can run an offense and play very good defense. Upgrade over any other bench guard we have IMO. I’d pay him around 4 years 50 million in RFA. Not really sure what his trade value is but it seems like the Pels don’t want to pay him next year. Maybe Carter, Smith, 2nd round pick gets it done?

Another thing to consider, we have very few avenues of improvement over the next year and a half, so trading for a RFA that we can sign over the salary cap makes sense. If not Lonzo, perhaps another player in a similar situation. We’re going to make the most of this roster while CP3 is here so I would expect a subtle shakeup at some point.

I don't think this comment will age well. I'm extremely high on Smith and would not include him in any realistic trade proposal. His combination of shooting and athleticism is very rare. Once he figures out how to play NBA basketball and puts on another 10-15 lbs, he'll be a beast. Barring injury or character issues I have him pegged as our future 4. Haven't seen enough of him yet to put a ceiling on his potential, but there are just too many aspects of his game that have me stoked to be willing to put his name in a trade. In time I worry we'd look like enormous fools.

Yes, few players of his size have the combination of shooting, defense and shot blocking that he does, and looks like he can run and guard guys on the perimeter. He played very well in his limited minutes last game. I think he will be solid, and probably quickly and a nice 3rd big to rotate with Saric and Ayton going forward...and be insurance if one is down.

[alamin330]

I think Jalen Smith’s ceiling is Myles Turner and his floor is what he looks like now.