Season Speculation, Trade Ideas & Discussion 3: About Last Knight

[LukasBMW]

I'd like for us to try to "buy low" on a few youngsters that aren't fitting in with their current teams.

Okafor
Stanley
Shabazz
Ingram
Mario
Etc
Etc

I've expressed my love for Okafor before and we've talked about Stanley Johnson and Shabazz.

What about Ingram? I wonder if the Lakers would give up on him that quickly?

Who else from the last few drafts has potential but just isn't fitting in?

[MrMiyagi]

I'd like for us to try to "buy low" on a few youngsters that aren't fitting in with their current teams.

Okafor
Stanley
Shabazz
Ingram
Mario
Etc
Etc

I've expressed my love for Okafor before and we've talked about Stanley Johnson and Shabazz.

What about Ingram? I wonder if the Lakers would give up on him that quickly?

Who else from the last few drafts has potential but just isn't fitting in?

I don't think they give up on Ingram yet.

Is Noah Vonleh still a person? There will always be McLemore. What's the deal with Exum? Where Trey Burke at?

Not that I really want these guys, but they're high picks that haven't really panned out to my knowledge.

[Zelaznyrules]

I think he's a top 5 player, but it's hard to fit him with Bender/Chriss unless you're convinced Bender can defend 3s and Chriss 4s/5s. I think Dallas grabs him as the heir to Dirk. Carlisle knows how to utilize and hide a shooting big with poor defense.

If you had access to Markkanen, Chriss and Bender but could only keep one of them, which one would you choose? I like Bender a lot and have been pleased by the improvement Chriss has shown but I'd be confident with the choice of Lauri.

If they were all in the draft last season, I think I'd be most confident in selecting Markannen, as he would have demonstrated the most skill. But, we have Bender and Chriss and I think there are better additions to those two than Markannen. I would take him if Ball/Jackson/Fultz/Tatum were gone.

This wouldn't change my mind on Markkanen but it does make sense. For me though, I'm really leery of Tatum. I can't say I have a great reason to be cautious about him other than he's another player whose game is better suited to yesterday's NBA and even more importantly, I just don't want to risk a high pick on a Dukie. As we all know, they historically do not show well in the NBA. Of the higher ranked players in this class, he and Smith are the two I'd most want to stay away from.

[MrMiyagi]

If you had access to Markkanen, Chriss and Bender but could only keep one of them, which one would you choose? I like Bender a lot and have been pleased by the improvement Chriss has shown but I'd be confident with the choice of Lauri.

If they were all in the draft last season, I think I'd be most confident in selecting Markannen, as he would have demonstrated the most skill. But, we have Bender and Chriss and I think there are better additions to those two than Markannen. I would take him if Ball/Jackson/Fultz/Tatum were gone.

This wouldn't change my mind on Markkanen but it does make sense. For me though, I'm really leery of Tatum. I can't say I have a great reason to be cautious about him other than he's another player whose game is better suited to yesterday's NBA and even more importantly, I just don't want to risk a high pick on a Dukie. As we all know, they historically do not show well in the NBA. Of the higher ranked players in this class, he and Smith are the two I'd most want to stay away from.

I think the Duke thing is over blown. There have are some fine Dukies: Ingram, Winslow, Jahlil, Jabari, Kyrie, Redick, Plumlee the Good, JJ Redick, Rodney Hood, Deng, Dunlevy - to get the ones currently in the NBA. Sure there are some I don't care for: Singler, Plumdog, Nepotism Rivers.

I don't see any issues with Tatum. Grayson Allen on the other hand... that guy.

[Zelaznyrules]

If they were all in the draft last season, I think I'd be most confident in selecting Markannen, as he would have demonstrated the most skill. But, we have Bender and Chriss and I think there are better additions to those two than Markannen. I would take him if Ball/Jackson/Fultz/Tatum were gone.

This wouldn't change my mind on Markkanen but it does make sense. For me though, I'm really leery of Tatum. I can't say I have a great reason to be cautious about him other than he's another player whose game is better suited to yesterday's NBA and even more importantly, I just don't want to risk a high pick on a Dukie. As we all know, they historically do not show well in the NBA. Of the higher ranked players in this class, he and Smith are the two I'd most want to stay away from.

I think the Duke thing is over blown. There have are some fine Dukies: Ingram, Winslow, Jahlil, Jabari, Kyrie, Redick, Plumlee the Good, JJ Redick, Rodney Hood, Deng, Dunlevy - to get the ones currently in the NBA. Sure there are some I don't care for: Singler, Plumdog, Nepotism Rivers.

I don't see any issues with Tatum. Grayson Allen on the other hand... that guy.

Considering their reputation and college success, for the most part, their players have significantly underperformed compared to their draft position. How many of the Duke players have outplayed or even matched their draft position?

Hood and Boozer have both probably exceeded expectations but most of them have fallen at least a little short and there's a pretty long list of the ones that have fallen well short, and many of them are the higher rated guys. I'm not making the case that Duke players are lousy in the NBA, it just seems like your typical Duke player that comes out as say the 5th pick is likely to show up several spots later in the fictional re-drafts.

[bwgood77]

If they were all in the draft last season, I think I'd be most confident in selecting Markannen, as he would have demonstrated the most skill. But, we have Bender and Chriss and I think there are better additions to those two than Markannen. I would take him if Ball/Jackson/Fultz/Tatum were gone.

This wouldn't change my mind on Markkanen but it does make sense. For me though, I'm really leery of Tatum. I can't say I have a great reason to be cautious about him other than he's another player whose game is better suited to yesterday's NBA and even more importantly, I just don't want to risk a high pick on a Dukie. As we all know, they historically do not show well in the NBA. Of the higher ranked players in this class, he and Smith are the two I'd most want to stay away from.

I think the Duke thing is over blown. There have are some fine Dukies: Ingram, Winslow, Jahlil, Jabari, Kyrie, Redick, Plumlee the Good, JJ Redick, Rodney Hood, Deng, Dunlevy - to get the ones currently in the NBA. Sure there are some I don't care for: Singler, Plumdog, Nepotism Rivers.

I don't see any issues with Tatum. Grayson Allen on the other hand... that guy.

Grant Hill, Elton Brand, Shane Battier, Corey Maggette, and Tyus Jones for a few more. Taytum still probably ranks 7th or 8th for me though.

[BobbieL]

Trade deadline predictions:

Barbosa + Tucker to HOU for Brewer + 2017 first

Chandler + Dudley to BOS for Amir Johnson + Tyler Zeller + 2nd rounder

Knight to CHI for Rondo + Future protected 1st (lotto protected)

I can see at least one version of the above taking place in the next week.

Really think we need to rid ourselves of Knight before draft day, has anyone mentioned Rondo yet? Seems logical, and they can buy him out if they want. Although he is a Kentucky Wildcat, and the main reason McD got to where he is now. If anything, he can entertain the team by challenging all comers to a game of connect 4. Anything is better than Knight at them moment, even Rondo.

The other two I can see happening just because they can net us some value for our vets and get us some decent return with a bit of cap space.

I think the Houston deal makes a lot of sense

the Chicago deal - if only that happens/. would be great. waive or buyout Rondo, he goes to the Clippers - sons get cap space

I still want to see the Ezeli trade, take on some cash for a future first rounder (or the Cleveland pick)

Chandler for Amir - if that helps us get Boogie some how

[King4Day]

I want this as my signature

Yeah, the trade machine is buggy af. The exact same thing happens with any player you do a 1:0 with. I saw it with Trey Burke and Nicholson on reddit I think... but same deal with Payton, Aaron Gordon.... practically anyone.

Yea, if you do Cousins for Knight straight up, it says the Suns would lose 4 more games. I wouldn't trust that anymore. The tool is no good, outside of seeing if a trade would succeed.

[King4Day]

Trade deadline predictions:

Barbosa + Tucker to HOU for Brewer + 2017 first

Chandler + Dudley to BOS for Amir Johnson + Tyler Zeller + 2nd rounder

Knight to CHI for Rondo + Future protected 1st (lotto protected)

I can see at least one version of the above taking place in the next week.

Really think we need to rid ourselves of Knight before draft day, has anyone mentioned Rondo yet? Seems logical, and they can buy him out if they want. Although he is a Kentucky Wildcat, and the main reason McD got to where he is now. If anything, he can entertain the team by challenging all comers to a game of connect 4. Anything is better than Knight at them moment, even Rondo.

The other two I can see happening just because they can net us some value for our vets and get us some decent return with a bit of cap space.

The only one I could see possible is the Houston trade. The Boston one makes no sense for the Suns.
And, unless sources are just making things up, Knight has no value, let alone a first.

[bwgood77]

I want this as my signature

Yeah, the trade machine is buggy af. The exact same thing happens with any player you do a 1:0 with. I saw it with Trey Burke and Nicholson on reddit I think... but same deal with Payton, Aaron Gordon.... practically anyone.

Yea, if you do Cousins for Knight straight up, it says the Suns would lose 4 more games. I wouldn't trust that anymore. The tool is no good, outside of seeing if a trade would succeed.

Use this one. http://basketball.realgm.com/tradechecker which apparently is used by some teams.

[Qwigglez]

I added a fun poll just to see who everyone believes will get traded before the deadline. You can vote for everyone if that's what you truly believe.

I think Melo gets traded to the Clippers. Okafor to the Bulls. Lopez to... Spurs? For uh... Pau Gasol and their 1st round pick. Tucker for a late 1st, not sure where at this point. I want to believe we can trade Knight, but I don't any value trades out there. Oh and Houston gets Vucevic.

[King4Day]

I added a fun poll just to see who everyone believes will get traded before the deadline. You can vote for everyone if that's what you truly believe.

I think Melo gets traded to the Clippers. Okafor to the Bulls. Lopez to... Spurs? For uh... Pau Gasol and their 1st round pick. Tucker for a late 1st, not sure where at this point. I want to believe we can trade Knight, but I don't any value trades out there. Oh and Houston gets Vucevic.

I could see Tucker and maybe Barbosa traded from us.
Okafor and Vucevic are the only other.

Despite all the rumors that have been floated, I think we're in for a disappointing trade deadline (Ibaka trade aside)

[bwgood77]

I added a fun poll just to see who everyone believes will get traded before the deadline. You can vote for everyone if that's what you truly believe.

I think Melo gets traded to the Clippers. Okafor to the Bulls. Lopez to... Spurs? For uh... Pau Gasol and their 1st round pick. Tucker for a late 1st, not sure where at this point. I want to believe we can trade Knight, but I don't any value trades out there. Oh and Houston gets Vucevic.

I think only Okafor.

[bwgood77]

Man I feel almost alone here on Markkanen and I have no idea why. I'd trade Chriss or Bender for him in a flash and might even trade both of them to make it happen. I think he's going to walk into the NBA and be an impact player almost from the start. There are a couple of players (Fultz and Ball) that might have slightly higher up-side but he has a high ceiling and a very high floor. Worst case scenario, IMO, is a very rich man's Channing Frye. Hopefully, we get him and they talk him into taking some of that muscle off. That way he can get back a little of his quickness and improve his overall athleticism but even at his current weight he's going to be a factor in the League.

Probably because you are a big AZ Wildcats basketball fan.

[Qwigglez]

You guys really don't think Melo gets moved? My thinking is, CP3 and Griffin both have player options this offseason and they don't want to risk losing them so the Clippers create a powerhouse team with Melo.

[Qwigglez]

Man I feel almost alone here on Markkanen and I have no idea why. I'd trade Chriss or Bender for him in a flash and might even trade both of them to make it happen. I think he's going to walk into the NBA and be an impact player almost from the start. There are a couple of players (Fultz and Ball) that might have slightly higher up-side but he has a high ceiling and a very high floor. Worst case scenario, IMO, is a very rich man's Channing Frye. Hopefully, we get him and they talk him into taking some of that muscle off. That way he can get back a little of his quickness and improve his overall athleticism but even at his current weight he's going to be a factor in the League.

Probably because you are a big AZ Wildcats basketball fan.

Yeah I watched the guy, reminds me of the love Kaminsky would get with the board. I don't want him. Chriss/Bender all day.

[bwgood77]

Man I feel almost alone here on Markkanen and I have no idea why. I'd trade Chriss or Bender for him in a flash and might even trade both of them to make it happen. I think he's going to walk into the NBA and be an impact player almost from the start. There are a couple of players (Fultz and Ball) that might have slightly higher up-side but he has a high ceiling and a very high floor. Worst case scenario, IMO, is a very rich man's Channing Frye. Hopefully, we get him and they talk him into taking some of that muscle off. That way he can get back a little of his quickness and improve his overall athleticism but even at his current weight he's going to be a factor in the League.

Probably because you are a big AZ Wildcats basketball fan.

Yeah I watched the guy, reminds me of the love Kaminsky would get with the board. I don't want him. Chriss/Bender all day.

Well he's way better than Kaminsky who sucked as a freshman. I really like him but he can't protect the rim or defend well.

[jcsunsfan]

Probably because you are a big AZ Wildcats basketball fan.

Yeah I watched the guy, reminds me of the love Kaminsky would get with the board. I don't want him. Chriss/Bender all day.

Well he's way better than Kaminsky who sucked as a freshman. I really like him but he can't protect the rim or defend well.

He is big and white and skilled. I guess that makes him equal to Kaminsky.

Even though Markannen is significantly more efficient than Kaminsky was. And Kaminsky was a SENIOR while Markannen is a FRESHMAN.

[Zelaznyrules]

Man I feel almost alone here on Markkanen and I have no idea why. I'd trade Chriss or Bender for him in a flash and might even trade both of them to make it happen. I think he's going to walk into the NBA and be an impact player almost from the start. There are a couple of players (Fultz and Ball) that might have slightly higher up-side but he has a high ceiling and a very high floor. Worst case scenario, IMO, is a very rich man's Channing Frye. Hopefully, we get him and they talk him into taking some of that muscle off. That way he can get back a little of his quickness and improve his overall athleticism but even at his current weight he's going to be a factor in the League.

Probably because you are a big AZ Wildcats basketball fan.

Yeah and I'm sure that plays a part in it but I don't just watch Arizona games. And I usually stay away from hyping Wildcats because of my bias but with Markkanen I see the player every modern NBA team is in search of. I think he's going to fall somewhere between Frye and Nowitzki. It would be unfair to Dirk (and Markkanen) to suggest Lauri will be the next Dirk but that's really the closest comparison I can come up with. And I'm not suggesting he'll ever match Nowitzki's mental toughness or his ability to score against anyone no matter the situation, those are rare qualities and you never know about them until you actually see them. But IMO he'll be the player every team will regret missing out on in this draft.

[kennydorglas]

If we get Stanimal for PJ Tucker i'd be ecstatic.