2019 season speculation including trade ideas

[King4Day]

Employer: We'll pay you $90 million dollars over the next 4 years
Employee: Why do you disrespect me like that?

Not saying Hield isn't worth more. I don't follow him enough to know. But don't act like the Kings just offered you a mid-level exception. I doubt anyone thought he'd come close to being valued this high.

[King4Day]

Can someone give me a take on Jevon Carter? How did he look in the preseason? Will he have a spot in the rotation? Strengths/weaknesses? Thx!

[Crives]

Anyone ready to join me yet in Warriors missing the playoffs?

One of my predictions for playoffs locks was taking GSW over LA. Looking like I already goofed before the season even began

Now everyone needs to join me... time to sweep GS.

Read on Twitter

?s=21

[WeekapaugGroove]

Greens comments crack me up because EVERYONE blames the suns all the time. Plus chriss also was on Houston where they also didn't think he could play and didn't pick up his option then traded him. Then this summer litteraly any team could have signed him.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

[bwgood77]

Is Draymond wrong? Though Chriss didn't do anything to help himself either.

Regarding Ayton from a few posts back, yes, he is one of the most efficient bigs...so is Thomas Bryant, who was actually the most efficient last year, and even shot 3s. Their per 36 #s are very similar. I really like Bryant and is going to be good. Ayton and Bryant are solid. But it's not like we have an Embiid or Towns yet. Maybe he develops into that, we'll see, but besides having a high FG% from inside for a 7 footer and double digit rebounds for a 7 footer, neither of which is super special, he hasn't done a whole lot yet. But he has only played one season so he certainly has time and room to grow. It's all up to him.

[Saberestar]

Can someone give me a take on Jevon Carter? How did he look in the preseason? Will he have a spot in the rotation? Strengths/weaknesses? Thx!

He has played the backup PG role for us. He started the game that Rubio was out.

He has averaged this preseason 7.8 points, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals, shooting 40% from three (2.5 attempts per game) in 21 mpg.

He has looked pretty solid IMO. He is very good defensively, that is his biggest strength. He is a ball hawk. But he lacks good court vision, he is not a creative player with the ball in his hands.

Not sure if he will be the first options as a backup PG during the regular season. Ty Jerome is already a better player than him on offense, but Monty (like a lot of other HCs) probably prefers a more experienced defensive minded player like Carter over a rookie. We will see.

[GoodBehavior]

Greens comments crack me up because EVERYONE blames the suns all the time. Plus chriss also was on Houston where they also didn't think he could play and didn't pick up his option then traded him. Then this summer litteraly any team could have signed him.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

Green isn't wrong. Plenty of evidence of gross negligence on the parts of the Suns. Not just player development but practically all facet of the game. I can't think of anything positive that has come out of this organization in some time. I can't remember any ex-players or ex-coaches have positive things to say. It's universally been 100% negative.

Tyson Chandler mentioned something along the lines that you don't want young players to develop bad habits. Bad habits are very difficult to break. It took Tyson awhile before he undid some of the damages under Tim Flloyd and became a radically different player than he was with the Bulls. It took him a while, some players are not able to break away from that.

I think this is what you're seeing with practically everyone the Suns have developed, with the possible exception of Booker. Lots and lots of bad habits. And even Booker does stuff that make you shake your heads. The second best player the Suns have developed so far is TJ Warren, and they have to pay to get rid of him. I don't know if guys like Alex, Bender, or Marquese can turn it around and be viable NBA players, but they looked incredibly different so far after leaving the Suns.

[Crives]

Good to see Beal resign... I was worried that he would end up with the pelicans this season.

[sunsbg]

Is Draymond wrong? Though Chriss didn't do anything to help himself either.

Regarding Ayton from a few posts back, yes, he is one of the most efficient bigs...so is Thomas Bryant, who was actually the most efficient last year, and even shot 3s. Their per 36 #s are very similar. I really like Bryant and is going to be good. Ayton and Bryant are solid. But it's not like we have an Embiid or Towns yet. Maybe he develops into that, we'll see, but besides having a high FG% from inside for a 7 footer and double digit rebounds for a 7 footer, neither of which is super special, he hasn't done a whole lot yet. But he has only played one season so he certainly has time and room to grow. It's all up to him.

Neither is Bridges super special, but you like him a lot. I guess it's all about where they were drafted and people's expectations.

Mikal is OK, but the future of this team depends on Ayton's development. I agree, he has much work to do, but constantly reading he's trash on D, when he's actually good 1-on-1, I don't quite get it.

[bwgood77]

Is Draymond wrong? Though Chriss didn't do anything to help himself either.

Regarding Ayton from a few posts back, yes, he is one of the most efficient bigs...so is Thomas Bryant, who was actually the most efficient last year, and even shot 3s. Their per 36 #s are very similar. I really like Bryant and is going to be good. Ayton and Bryant are solid. But it's not like we have an Embiid or Towns yet. Maybe he develops into that, we'll see, but besides having a high FG% from inside for a 7 footer and double digit rebounds for a 7 footer, neither of which is super special, he hasn't done a whole lot yet. But he has only played one season so he certainly has time and room to grow. It's all up to him.

Neither is Bridges super special, but you like him a lot. I guess it's all about where they were drafted and people's expectations.

Mikal is OK, but the future of this team depends on Ayton's development. I agree, he has much work to do, but constantly reading he's trash on D, when he's actually good 1-on-1, I don't quite get it.

Yes, the future of how far this team goes with the current pieces is Ayton. He's a decent 1 on 1 defender, but for a C, rim protection and team defense, covering for others is more important.

Bridges is important to the team because this team lacks defense, and he is the best defender, and last year lacked shooting, and he was our best 3 pt shooter who returned....he can spread the floor which helps Booker and Ayton not get doubled and help cover team defensive deficiencies to some extent.

[GoodBehavior]

Is Draymond wrong? Though Chriss didn't do anything to help himself either.

Regarding Ayton from a few posts back, yes, he is one of the most efficient bigs...so is Thomas Bryant, who was actually the most efficient last year, and even shot 3s. Their per 36 #s are very similar. I really like Bryant and is going to be good. Ayton and Bryant are solid. But it's not like we have an Embiid or Towns yet. Maybe he develops into that, we'll see, but besides having a high FG% from inside for a 7 footer and double digit rebounds for a 7 footer, neither of which is super special, he hasn't done a whole lot yet. But he has only played one season so he certainly has time and room to grow. It's all up to him.

Neither is Bridges super special, but you like him a lot. I guess it's all about where they were drafted and people's expectations.

Mikal is OK, but the future of this team depends on Ayton's development.

It reminds me of Anthony Davis' early development and progression. Fans do not get to see what these guys are capable of, and judge what's in front of them (college tapes and games when DA is a rookie) rather than the potential upside. There's a information vacuum void. Coaches, GM, and players, however, get to see more than we do. And everyone in the organization believes that DA will be dominant. Oubre mentioned it recently, for example.

It's not just people in the organization. Klay Thompson said earlier this year that DA could be the best center in this league. But did say it will take time. Fans on this forum, however, don't have much patience and criticize every little thing he does work. It's understandable given the progression of Alex, Marquese, JJ, etc., so I can see why guys like Bwgood are jaded.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Greens comments crack me up because EVERYONE blames the suns all the time. Plus chriss also was on Houston where they also didn't think he could play and didn't pick up his option then traded him. Then this summer litteraly any team could have signed him.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

Green isn't wrong. Plenty of evidence of gross negligence on the parts of the Suns. Not just player development but practically all facet of the game. I can't think of anything positive that has come out of this organization in some time. I can't remember any ex-players or ex-coaches have positive things to say. It's universally been 100% negative.

Tyson Chandler mentioned something along the lines that you don't want young players to develop bad habits. Bad habits are very difficult to break. It took Tyson awhile before he undid some of the damages under Tim Flloyd and became a radically different player than he was with the Bulls. It took him a while, some players are not able to break away from that.

I think this is what you're seeing with practically everyone the Suns have developed, with the possible exception of Booker. Lots and lots of bad habits. And even Booker does stuff that make you shake your heads. The second best player the Suns have developed so far is TJ Warren, and they have to pay to get rid of him. I don't know if guys like Alex, Bender, or Marquese can turn it around and be viable NBA players, but they looked incredibly different so far after leaving the Suns.

What I'm saying he's wrong about is that the local or national media doesn't bash the suns or blame them for lack of development. Litteraly everyone does that.

I'm by no means saying the suns are good at development or good organization.

As far as players looking better when they leave I'm not sure sure about that. Len added a 3pt shot but other than that he was about the same guy in Atlanta as he was in Phoenix (he was a little underrated by suns fans and media). Chriss was no better last season than he was with the suns.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

[bhawk]

Is Draymond wrong? Though Chriss didn't do anything to help himself either.

Regarding Ayton from a few posts back, yes, he is one of the most efficient bigs...so is Thomas Bryant, who was actually the most efficient last year, and even shot 3s. Their per 36 #s are very similar. I really like Bryant and is going to be good. Ayton and Bryant are solid. But it's not like we have an Embiid or Towns yet. Maybe he develops into that, we'll see, but besides having a high FG% from inside for a 7 footer and double digit rebounds for a 7 footer, neither of which is super special, he hasn't done a whole lot yet. But he has only played one season so he certainly has time and room to grow. It's all up to him.

Neither is Bridges super special, but you like him a lot. I guess it's all about where they were drafted and people's expectations.

Mikal is OK, but the future of this team depends on Ayton's development. I agree, he has much work to do, but constantly reading he's trash on D, when he's actually good 1-on-1, I don't quite get it.

For me, a guy like Ayton should be dominant, even at a young age. He has the measurements, gravity, agility... he has the foundation to be a great NBA player. But Ayton is far from dominant or great right now. He plays passive and consistently lets other bigs push him around. For heck sake, Bagley looks like the better player! Bully-ball my ass.

It's time to someone to light a fire under this guy... because there is no fire... no passion... no desire to be great. This is a simple observation from a casual fan. Professionals like Booker and Monty Williams must be super frustrated with him. He's young and there is hope that Ayton improves and becomes great, but we may be 2 or 3 years away. Get err done Monty and make Ayton great this year!

[bwgood77]

Is Draymond wrong? Though Chriss didn't do anything to help himself either.

Regarding Ayton from a few posts back, yes, he is one of the most efficient bigs...so is Thomas Bryant, who was actually the most efficient last year, and even shot 3s. Their per 36 #s are very similar. I really like Bryant and is going to be good. Ayton and Bryant are solid. But it's not like we have an Embiid or Towns yet. Maybe he develops into that, we'll see, but besides having a high FG% from inside for a 7 footer and double digit rebounds for a 7 footer, neither of which is super special, he hasn't done a whole lot yet. But he has only played one season so he certainly has time and room to grow. It's all up to him.

Neither is Bridges super special, but you like him a lot. I guess it's all about where they were drafted and people's expectations.

Mikal is OK, but the future of this team depends on Ayton's development.

It reminds me of Anthony Davis' early development and progression. Fans do not get to see what these guys are capable of, and judge what's in front of them (college tapes and games when DA is a rookie) rather than the potential upside. There's a information vacuum void. Coaches, GM, and players, however, get to see more than we do. And everyone in the organization believes that DA will be dominant. Oubre mentioned it recently, for example.

It's not just people in the organization. Klay Thompson said earlier this year that DA could be the best center in this league. But did say it will take time. Fans on this forum, however, don't have much patience and criticize every little thing he does work. It's understandable given the progression of Alex, Marquese, JJ, etc., so I can see why guys like Bwgood are jaded.

AD was a beast in college and led his team to a national championship. He averaged 4.7 bpg. Ayton was less than 2 bpg and got carved up by a small school in the first round of the tourney. Their whole strategy was based on exploiting Ayton.

AD was a great defensive rookie C and a great defender in college. Ayton is a nice likely 20/10 guy with good efficiency inside, as of now.

Klay isn't wrong in that Ayton could be the best C in the league, but so could a lot of guys. I hope Ayton improves on D and think he will to some extent. The extent of improvement will depend on how far he goes. You always hear he is a hard worker, so that's good.

I'm not nearly as low on him as some are though if you go through the game threads. He's been about what I expected and I think he can get better.

[sunsbg]

Is Draymond wrong? Though Chriss didn't do anything to help himself either.

Regarding Ayton from a few posts back, yes, he is one of the most efficient bigs...so is Thomas Bryant, who was actually the most efficient last year, and even shot 3s. Their per 36 #s are very similar. I really like Bryant and is going to be good. Ayton and Bryant are solid. But it's not like we have an Embiid or Towns yet. Maybe he develops into that, we'll see, but besides having a high FG% from inside for a 7 footer and double digit rebounds for a 7 footer, neither of which is super special, he hasn't done a whole lot yet. But he has only played one season so he certainly has time and room to grow. It's all up to him.

Neither is Bridges super special, but you like him a lot. I guess it's all about where they were drafted and people's expectations.

Mikal is OK, but the future of this team depends on Ayton's development. I agree, he has much work to do, but constantly reading he's trash on D, when he's actually good 1-on-1, I don't quite get it.

Yes, the future of how far this team goes with the current pieces is Ayton. He's a decent 1 on 1 defender, but for a C, rim protection and team defense, covering for others is more important.

Bridges is important to the team because this team lacks defense, and he is the best defender, and last year lacked shooting, and he was our best 3 pt shooter who returned....he can spread the floor which helps Booker and Ayton not get doubled and help cover team defensive deficiencies to some extent.

Bridges is solid, but I'm yet to see him shutdown someone. On screens he was on many occasions a step or two behind his man in the preseason. So I guess Ayton is the one to stop the offensive player going full speed to the basket. A talented offensive player will at least draw a foul in such situation, only a good team D can prevent it. Putting all the blame on Ayton is simply not fair.

Cam Johnson is already a better 3 pt shooter than Mikal. His D may never become elite, but fundamentals look solid - very active and keeps attention all the time on the ball and his man. I think those two have an equal chance to be the answer at SF, if Oubre fails and is not on the team in two years.

[SunsLyf3]

Is Draymond wrong? Though Chriss didn't do anything to help himself either.

Regarding Ayton from a few posts back, yes, he is one of the most efficient bigs...so is Thomas Bryant, who was actually the most efficient last year, and even shot 3s. Their per 36 #s are very similar. I really like Bryant and is going to be good. Ayton and Bryant are solid. But it's not like we have an Embiid or Towns yet. Maybe he develops into that, we'll see, but besides having a high FG% from inside for a 7 footer and double digit rebounds for a 7 footer, neither of which is super special, he hasn't done a whole lot yet. But he has only played one season so he certainly has time and room to grow. It's all up to him.

I guess the Rockets and Cleveland writers are **** too. Draymond is completely wrong here. He claims that the the media not bashing the Suns is the reason why Chriss sucked. He's not blaming the organization but the media . 2 bottom feeders and a contender all gave up on him in the same season. I remember seeing/hearing a report his rookie season that stated Chriss's mom made him switch to basketball in high school due to a football injury. If he was forced to become a basketball player due to his size and athletic ability alone and not cause he wanted to then he's not going to succeed period.

[bwgood77]

Is Draymond wrong? Though Chriss didn't do anything to help himself either.

Regarding Ayton from a few posts back, yes, he is one of the most efficient bigs...so is Thomas Bryant, who was actually the most efficient last year, and even shot 3s. Their per 36 #s are very similar. I really like Bryant and is going to be good. Ayton and Bryant are solid. But it's not like we have an Embiid or Towns yet. Maybe he develops into that, we'll see, but besides having a high FG% from inside for a 7 footer and double digit rebounds for a 7 footer, neither of which is super special, he hasn't done a whole lot yet. But he has only played one season so he certainly has time and room to grow. It's all up to him.

I guess the Rockets and Cleveland writers are **** too. Draymond is completely wrong here. He claims that the the media not bashing the Suns is the reason why Chriss sucked. He's not blaming the organization but the media . 2 bottom feeders and a contender all gave up on him in the same season. I remember seeing/hearing a report his rookie season that stated Chriss's mom made him switch to basketball in high school due to a football injury. If he was forced to become a basketball player due to his size and athletic ability alone and not cause he wanted to then he's not going to succeed period.

I agree he is wrong about the media not saying bad things about the Suns. I don't think that the organization and Earl Watson and company was probably the best thing for Chriss' development, despite him starting. He may have gotten too much too early and it prevented him from getting the work ethic he needed. And then of course we had a revolving door of coaches and personnel. But he obviously had his own problems as well.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Neither is Bridges super special, but you like him a lot. I guess it's all about where they were drafted and people's expectations.

Mikal is OK, but the future of this team depends on Ayton's development.

It reminds me of Anthony Davis' early development and progression. Fans do not get to see what these guys are capable of, and judge what's in front of them (college tapes and games when DA is a rookie) rather than the potential upside. There's a information vacuum void. Coaches, GM, and players, however, get to see more than we do. And everyone in the organization believes that DA will be dominant. Oubre mentioned it recently, for example.

It's not just people in the organization. Klay Thompson said earlier this year that DA could be the best center in this league. But did say it will take time. Fans on this forum, however, don't have much patience and criticize every little thing he does work. It's understandable given the progression of Alex, Marquese, JJ, etc., so I can see why guys like Bwgood are jaded.

AD was a beast in college and led his team to a national championship. He averaged 4.7 bpg. Ayton was less than 2 bpg and got carved up by a small school in the first round of the tourney. Their whole strategy was based on exploiting Ayton.

AD was a great defensive rookie C and a great defender in college. Ayton is a nice likely 20/10 guy with good efficiency inside, as of now.

Klay isn't wrong in that Ayton could be the best C in the league, but so could a lot of guys. I hope Ayton improves on D and think he will to some extent. The extent of improvement will depend on how far he goes. You always hear he is a hard worker, so that's good.

I'm not nearly as low on him as some are though if you go through the game threads. He's been about what I expected and I think he can get better.

Ayton's just such a weird player. His touch might be the best I've ever seen in a big man. And I know it's weird to say (because his defensive shortcomings and mistakes are so frequently apparent), but I think his improvement on the defensive end was evident in preseason. It was inconsistent, but finally we saw him pick up the guard on penetration and get some blocks. Occasionally, he would remember that he needs to battle for rebounding position. Overall, the improvements I saw from him this preseason were further confirmation of his extreme talent level.

OTOH, your concern about BBIQ continues to be validated. He gets lost on both ends, often isn't looking the right direction, and doesn't get his hands up all the time. It seems at times like he's overthinking, and at other times like he's overwhelmed. It's comforting to think that these are just problems young players have, and he'll grow out of them. But it may also be that his head's not in the right spot. Does he have what it takes mentally to reach his potential?

The good news for the team is a big part of why Ayton's defensive shortcomings are so glaring is that the team's defense has so obviously improved. Ayton's no longer the third or fourth defensive breakdown of the possession, so it stands out a bit more when it's just him screwing things up. Same thing with turnovers on the offensive end.

Hope to see continued improvement as the year and his career progress.

[GoodBehavior]

Neither is Bridges super special, but you like him a lot. I guess it's all about where they were drafted and people's expectations.

Mikal is OK, but the future of this team depends on Ayton's development.

It reminds me of Anthony Davis' early development and progression. Fans do not get to see what these guys are capable of, and judge what's in front of them (college tapes and games when DA is a rookie) rather than the potential upside. There's a information vacuum void. Coaches, GM, and players, however, get to see more than we do. And everyone in the organization believes that DA will be dominant. Oubre mentioned it recently, for example.

It's not just people in the organization. Klay Thompson said earlier this year that DA could be the best center in this league. But did say it will take time. Fans on this forum, however, don't have much patience and criticize every little thing he does work. It's understandable given the progression of Alex, Marquese, JJ, etc., so I can see why guys like Bwgood are jaded.

AD was a beast in college and led his team to a national championship. He averaged 4.7 bpg. Ayton was less than 2 bpg and got carved up by a small school in the first round of the tourney. Their whole strategy was based on exploiting Ayton.

AD was a great defensive rookie C and a great defender in college. Ayton is a nice likely 20/10 guy with good efficiency inside, as of now.

Klay isn't wrong in that Ayton could be the best C in the league, but so could a lot of guys. I hope Ayton improves on D and think he will to some extent. The extent of improvement will depend on how far he goes. You always hear he is a hard worker, so that's good.

I'm not nearly as low on him as some are though if you go through the game threads. He's been about what I expected and I think he can get better.

DA carried that team on his back. He was unbelievable in the Pac 12 tournament. They didnt go far because their supposed two best returning players (Allonzo was projected to be a late first rounder and Alkins was projected to be a second rounder) struggled all season. And their best shooter is probably DA or Rustic. Sean Miller couldn't punish their 5-out scheme since Buffalo double up on DA on the entry pass, and UA couldn't shoot their way out of it.

AD was a defensive monster in college but limited on offense. His offense development surprised a lot of fans, even hard core Duke fans. But not his college coach, NBA coaches, and GMs who saw him practice. And that's my point. Fans think they are way smarter than they really are. Including myself. Insiders have way, way more information than us fans do.

I'll give you a perfect example. Fans (including myself) and "experts" (Cole Zwicker) doubted that DA would be a rim runner based on his performance in college. But Sean Miller and Ryan McDonough believe he will be elite, and they have been proven correct. His post up moves, including a nice counter move, has surprised fans as well since he show limited post moves at UA (mainly dropsteps). But people were raving about his Hakeem moves during UA practice that fans couldn't see.

My point is that I don't think you can even cap the potential of this kid. Insiders (GM, coaches, players) are seeing something special we fans are not allowed to see. I haven't seen this kid put the ball on the floor except a handful of rare incidences. But Igor believes he will be a grab and go player, like Giannis, soon.

[MathiasPW]

You know, we do develop something in our players: the sense of urgency that, if they don't figure it out quickly once they leave the Suns (which all of them eventually have, except Booker), they'll be out of a dream job pretty quickly.

And then they start performing. We are a great bootcamp for other teams.