New posters, introduce yourself here. If you are a lurker, lets hear your trade deadline thoughts

[TASTIC]

Late to the party... Been lurking and lurking, and figured I may as well sign up so I can occassionally post an assenine comment. Yet another life long suns fan added to the party.

Welcome Tobias

Ha, another AD fan, welcome! I made this a while back for Harris in Orlando...

[lilfishi22]

Now I feel like rewatching AD

[TASTIC]

Now I feel like rewatching AD

I've seen the first the first few seasons so many times, but the last one I need to re-watch.

Of course that means right from the start.

Only two series I've watched more are probably Seinfeld and The Simpsons (only first 10 years, got horribly bad and boring after that).

[oddity]

I'm finally breaking my lurking streak by deciding to actually make an account. It's about time.

Now, as for the Suns off-season, I feel very mixed. With all of the roster turnover and acquisitions like Knight, Tyson, Weems, and Tele, the entire team changed within the past 6 months. A lot of the talent that we got is high potential, but with very little actual production to show for it. Weems succeeded in Europe over the past 3 years and developed a 3 pointer, but before then he was a fringe rotation player on the Raptors. It's unsure whether he'll perform in the NBA as well as Tucker (our other overseas pickup) because his skillset doesn't fit as cleanly into a simply role the way PJ's 3-and-D(-but-mostly-D) did. Teletovic is promising, and has a fan-fav persona to match, but last season's injury really hurt the progress that he made 2 years back. Knight is obviously our biggest risk in terms of what we gave to get him. He's proven his talent in Milwaukee, but his sample size in Phoenix has been small and underwhelming, and now we signed him to an important contract. This contract could make a huge difference for our future, because if Brandon doesn't play up to his expected caliber, we're going to have to give up even more assets just to be freed of it. Many of these moves has me feeling like we're in pitch darkness, crossing our fingers, waving around for the light switch.

On the other hand, I'm more optimistic about how these moves will turn out. Other than Knight's trade and signing, we've made a lot of low risk high reward moves. Tele and Weems are both on 1 year deals (Weems w/ a team option) and if they don't work out we can always reshuffle.

We took a huge leap of faith on Brandon Knight, but I think it'll work out fine. He's an exceptional spot up shooter (22nd in the NBA on Assisted 3pt% last season(http://bkref.com/tiny/woqgG)) in an offense that's built around attacking the close-out. Brandon's explosiveness and shooting stroke, as well as being able to handle the ball, can make him the best backcourt partner for Bledsoe yet. It could also prove to be the best place for Knight as a combo guard because now he'll still have a lot of chances to dribble the ball, but the team won't be completely reliant on his inconsistent playmaking abilities. He's also young with plenty of time to still develop and improve as he had done every season of his career so far, so we have to be patient and wait and see. But I also think that's a recurring theme for this team entering the season.

This Suns' team exited this off-season with more questions than answers, and we just need to sit back and watch these new players find their way in the Valley before further evaluations. Will Tyson help recapture the Suns' pick-and-roll reputation? Will TJ step up and worm his way into the starting lineup? Will Archie finally show more substance to supplement the infrequent flashes we saw for the past 2 years? Will Devin Booker get any playing time among this madness?! And what in the name of Derek Fischer's bald head, which, ironically, looks like you could rub for answers, is up with Markieff?! At this point we just have to wait for what looks to be one of the most interesting Suns' seasons in recent memory to begin to find out. Go Suns, Hallelujah, bye-bye lurking, I'm out.

[lilfishi22]

I'm finally breaking my lurking streak by deciding to actually make an account. It's about time.

Now, as for the Suns off-season, I feel very mixed. With all of the roster turnover and acquisitions like Knight, Tyson, Weems, and Tele, the entire team changed within the past 6 months. A lot of the talent that we got is high potential, but with very little actual production to show for it. Weems succeeded in Europe over the past 3 years and developed a 3 pointer, but before then he was a fringe rotation player on the Raptors. It's unsure whether he'll perform in the NBA as well as Tucker (our other overseas pickup) because his skillset doesn't fit as cleanly into a simply role the way PJ's 3-and-D(-but-mostly-D) did. Teletovic is promising, and has a fan-fav persona to match, but last season's injury really hurt the progress that he made 2 years back. Knight is obviously our biggest risk in terms of what we gave to get him. He's proven his talent in Milwaukee, but his sample size in Phoenix has been small and underwhelming, and now we signed him to an important contract. This contract could make a huge difference for our future, because if Brandon doesn't play up to his expected caliber, we're going to have to give up even more assets just to be freed of it. Many of these moves has me feeling like we're in pitch darkness, crossing our fingers, waving around for the light switch.

On the other hand, I'm more optimistic about how these moves will turn out. Other than Knight's trade and signing, we've made a lot of low risk high reward moves. Tele and Weems are both on 1 year deals (Weems w/ a team option) and if they don't work out we can always reshuffle.

We took a huge leap of faith on Brandon Knight, but I think it'll work out fine. He's an exceptional spot up shooter (22nd in the NBA on Assisted 3pt% last season(http://bkref.com/tiny/woqgG)) in an offense that's built around attacking the close-out. Brandon's explosiveness and shooting stroke, as well as being able to handle the ball, can make him the best backcourt partner for Bledsoe yet. It could also prove to be the best place for Knight as a combo guard because now he'll still have a lot of chances to dribble the ball, but the team won't be completely reliant on his inconsistent playmaking abilities. He's also young with plenty of time to still develop and improve as he had done every season of his career so far, so we have to be patient and wait and see. But I also think that's a recurring theme for this team entering the season.

This Suns' team exited this off-season with more questions than answers, and we just need to sit back and watch these new players find their way in the Valley before further evaluations. Will Tyson help recapture the Suns' pick-and-roll reputation? Will TJ step up and worm his way into the starting lineup? Will Archie finally show more substance to supplement the infrequent flashes we saw for the past 2 years? Will Devin Booker get any playing time among this madness?! And what in the name of Derek Fischer's bald head, which, ironically, looks like you could rub for answers, is up with Markieff?! At this point we just have to wait for what looks to be one of the most interesting Suns' seasons in recent memory to begin to find out. Go Suns, Hallelujah, bye-bye lurking, I'm out.

Great first post and welcome!

Why do you think Weems will have issues fitting into the 3&D roll that Tucker played for us? I think Weems is potentially as good a wing defender if not better than Tucker because of his length but he won't be as good a post defender because he doesn't have the size. But offensively, I think he'll be considerably more versatile than PJ. He should be a better wing on the break, he can shoot the 3 from anywhere on the arc unlike PJ who's better in the corners and he's a much smarter passer. I love this signing.

[oddity]

I actually really like the signing. Low risk/high reward. But Euro is a different game, and although Weems' size and athleticism is great over there, he's only a good athlete over here. He played the 3 in Europe and scored on the block a bit but i doubt he has the strength to do that to bigger 3s over here. Definitely a good skill to have against smaller guards, but the lineups are gonna be in flux a lot with the logjam of 2s we have going on, and a possible Kieff trade that could shake everything up some more. (https://twitter.com/BurnsAndGambo/status/629413143198978048)

Honestly I agree with you that it was a great signing. in 2009-10 Weems was one of the best in the league regardless of position in close range FG%, and with an added 3 he could really be a solid role player for us. Just he hasn't had the most impressive body of work in the NBA to go by, so it's a bit different than signing a 29 yr old guy who's been in the NBA his entire career. With Weems you have to do a bit more guess-work to accurately predict what he's gonna bring.

And thank you so much for the warm welcome!

[lilfishi22]

I actually really like the signing. Low risk/high reward. But Euro is a different game, and although Weems' size and athleticism is great over there, he's only a good athlete over here. He played the 3 in Europe and scored on the block a bit but i doubt he has the strength to do that to bigger 3s over here. Definitely a good skill to have against smaller guards, but the lineups are gonna be in flux a lot with the logjam of 2s we have going on, and a possible Kieff trade that could shake everything up some more. (https://twitter.com/BurnsAndGambo/status/629413143198978048)

Honestly I agree with you that it was a great signing. in 2009-10 Weems was one of the best in the league regardless of position in close range FG%, and with an added 3 he could really be a solid role player for us. Just he hasn't had the most impressive body of work in the NBA to go by, so it's a bit different than signing a 29 yr old guy who's been in the NBA his entire career. With Weems you have to do a bit more guess-work to accurately predict what he's gonna bring.

And thank you so much for the warm welcome!

I agree but I think if anything, playing in Europe has given him the opportunity to become a smarter, more well-rounded basketball player. Most players don't get this experience and I think it will benefit him when he returns to the NBA.

[oddity]

From what I've seen of him over there I think it really helped his BBIQ and especially his confidence, being relied on as one of the best. I think everything logically tells me he'll be a great fit

[bwgood77]

I'm finally breaking my lurking streak by deciding to actually make an account. It's about time.

Now, as for the Suns off-season, I feel very mixed. With all of the roster turnover and acquisitions like Knight, Tyson, Weems, and Tele, the entire team changed within the past 6 months. A lot of the talent that we got is high potential, but with very little actual production to show for it. Weems succeeded in Europe over the past 3 years and developed a 3 pointer, but before then he was a fringe rotation player on the Raptors. It's unsure whether he'll perform in the NBA as well as Tucker (our other overseas pickup) because his skillset doesn't fit as cleanly into a simply role the way PJ's 3-and-D(-but-mostly-D) did. Teletovic is promising, and has a fan-fav persona to match, but last season's injury really hurt the progress that he made 2 years back. Knight is obviously our biggest risk in terms of what we gave to get him. He's proven his talent in Milwaukee, but his sample size in Phoenix has been small and underwhelming, and now we signed him to an important contract. This contract could make a huge difference for our future, because if Brandon doesn't play up to his expected caliber, we're going to have to give up even more assets just to be freed of it. Many of these moves has me feeling like we're in pitch darkness, crossing our fingers, waving around for the light switch.

On the other hand, I'm more optimistic about how these moves will turn out. Other than Knight's trade and signing, we've made a lot of low risk high reward moves. Tele and Weems are both on 1 year deals (Weems w/ a team option) and if they don't work out we can always reshuffle.

We took a huge leap of faith on Brandon Knight, but I think it'll work out fine. He's an exceptional spot up shooter (22nd in the NBA on Assisted 3pt% last season(http://bkref.com/tiny/woqgG)) in an offense that's built around attacking the close-out. Brandon's explosiveness and shooting stroke, as well as being able to handle the ball, can make him the best backcourt partner for Bledsoe yet. It could also prove to be the best place for Knight as a combo guard because now he'll still have a lot of chances to dribble the ball, but the team won't be completely reliant on his inconsistent playmaking abilities. He's also young with plenty of time to still develop and improve as he had done every season of his career so far, so we have to be patient and wait and see. But I also think that's a recurring theme for this team entering the season.

This Suns' team exited this off-season with more questions than answers, and we just need to sit back and watch these new players find their way in the Valley before further evaluations. Will Tyson help recapture the Suns' pick-and-roll reputation? Will TJ step up and worm his way into the starting lineup? Will Archie finally show more substance to supplement the infrequent flashes we saw for the past 2 years? Will Devin Booker get any playing time among this madness?! And what in the name of Derek Fischer's bald head, which, ironically, looks like you could rub for answers, is up with Markieff?! At this point we just have to wait for what looks to be one of the most interesting Suns' seasons in recent memory to begin to find out. Go Suns, Hallelujah, bye-bye lurking, I'm out.

Great post. We all cross our fingers and hope. Many of the bandwagon fans start talking about treadmill and complaining because they joined up as fans only when things were good.

When you stick through the good and bad times, that makes real fans.

[Frank Lee]

So now you tell us what a real fan is ?

You imply that the dissenting treadmillers merely jumped on the Nash-train and aren't real fans? We all have to start somewhere. Dude... I was weened on Charlie Scott, cut my teeth on Walter Davis, spanked off to KJ/Barkley and re-upped my vows with Nash.
I've seen the good, the bad, the real good thrice, now the real bad maybe the worst.... and I am still a fan.

Pity y'all have to put up with us.

Proof is in the pudding, but there is a big difference between tapioca and gruel.



PS... as a long time poster and designated cheerio pisser, I hereby welcome the new recruitment class...

[bwgood77]

So now you tell us what a real fan is ?

You imply that the dissenting treadmillers merely jumped on the Nash-train and aren't real fans? We all have to start somewhere. Dude... I was weened on Charlie Scott and cut my teeth on Walter Davis. I've seen the good, the bad, the real good thrice, now the real bad maybe the worst.... and I am still a fan.

Pity y'all have to put up with us. Proof is in the pudding, but there is a big difference between tapioca and gruel.

You think this is worse than the drug scandal? Obviously you are a fan, but many of the people that complain now became fans when the team got really good in Nash's first year or when it got more national exposure after the Barkley trade.

I've talked about the treadmill, and yes, we are kind of on it, but like I've said, we've basically gone from being like a 60 year old walking on the treadmill to a 12 year old on the treadmill gradually getting faster until he fully develops and breaks into a sprint. Hopefully he becomes a top sprinter. We don't know how our young guys are going to turn out, but I think we've made good lottery picks, despite having bad spots in the lottery all but once. We are about to go through the final process of our purge and have almost all like-able players. It seems like you would like most of these guys on the team. They seem to be getting back to wanting higher quality character guys on the team. You have Tucker, but likely only for another year and obviously Markieff won't be around too long I'm guessing.

[Frank Lee]

edited above.... man you were johnny on the spot.

The drug scandal was bad, but JC continued to slug it out and keep the talent coming.
Found this to refresh my ancient memory

Drug scandal; Colangelo takes control (1977–1992)
In the late '70s and early '80s, the Suns enjoyed several successful seasons, making the playoffs for 8 seasons in a row. Problems arose however, on and off court, in the mid '80s. In 1987 the Maricopa County Attorney's Office indicted 13 people on drug-related charges, three of whom were active Suns players (James Edwards, Jay Humphries and Grant Gondrezick). These indictments were partially based on testimony from star player Walter Davis, who was given immunity. No defendants ever went to trial: two of the players went into a prosecution diversion program, while another received probation. Nevertheless, the scandal, although now perceived in many respects to be a witchhunt, tarnished the reputation of the franchise both nationally and within the community. The scandal did provide an opening for general manager Jerry Colangelo to lead a group that bought the team from its owners for $44 million, a record at that time.
With a drug scandal and the loss of promising young center Nick Vanos, who was killed in the crash of Northwest Airlines Flight 255, the franchise was in turmoil both on and off the court. The Suns' luck began to turn around in 1987, however, with the acquisition of Kevin Johnson from the Cleveland Cavaliers, along with Mark West and Tyrone Corbin for popular All-Star power forward Larry Nance. In 1988, the beginnings of a franchise-record 13 consecutive playoff appearances happened for the Suns. All-Star Tom Chambers came over from the Seattle SuperSonics (the first unrestricted free agent in NBA history), 1986 second round draft pick Jeff Hornacek continued to develop, and "Thunder" Dan Majerle was drafted with the 14th pick in the 1988 draft, (obtained via the trade involving Kevin Johnson). Kurt Rambis was added from the Charlotte Hornets in 1989, and the team (coached by Fitzsimmons), in a shocking upset, beat the Los Angeles Lakers in five games that season, before falling to the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. In 1991, the Suns stormed to a 55–27 record, however lost in the first round to the Utah Jazz, 3–1. In 1992, the Suns cruised to a 53–29 record during the regular season. While having sent four players to the All-Star Game in the last two seasons (Chambers, Johnson, Hornacek and Majerle), the Suns were poised to make a serious run at the NBA Finals. They showed their poise by sweeping the San Antonio Spurs in three games in the first round of the 1992 NBA Playoffs. But once again, the Suns fell in five games to the Trail Blazers in the conference semifinals. The series was punctuated by an electrifying Game 4, in which the Suns lost in double overtime 153–151 (the highest scoring game in NBA Playoff history to-date). That game would end up being the last Suns game ever played at the Coliseum. The Suns were yet again denied a shot at a title, but it would not be long before the Suns enjoyed a degree of success they had not experienced for quite some time.

More of an embarrassment than anything.... the Suns kept on chugging.

and yes, I do like the quality of characters they brought in.... though I bet Weems left his Hookah in Europe

[bwgood77]

edited above.... man you were johnny on the spot.

The drug scandal was bad, but JC continued to slug it out and keep the talent coming.
Found this to refresh my ancient memory

Drug scandal; Colangelo takes control (1977–1992)
In the late '70s and early '80s, the Suns enjoyed several successful seasons, making the playoffs for 8 seasons in a row. Problems arose however, on and off court, in the mid '80s. In 1987 the Maricopa County Attorney's Office indicted 13 people on drug-related charges, three of whom were active Suns players (James Edwards, Jay Humphries and Grant Gondrezick). These indictments were partially based on testimony from star player Walter Davis, who was given immunity. No defendants ever went to trial: two of the players went into a prosecution diversion program, while another received probation. Nevertheless, the scandal, although now perceived in many respects to be a witchhunt, tarnished the reputation of the franchise both nationally and within the community. The scandal did provide an opening for general manager Jerry Colangelo to lead a group that bought the team from its owners for $44 million, a record at that time.
With a drug scandal and the loss of promising young center Nick Vanos, who was killed in the crash of Northwest Airlines Flight 255, the franchise was in turmoil both on and off the court. The Suns' luck began to turn around in 1987, however, with the acquisition of Kevin Johnson from the Cleveland Cavaliers, along with Mark West and Tyrone Corbin for popular All-Star power forward Larry Nance. In 1988, the beginnings of a franchise-record 13 consecutive playoff appearances happened for the Suns. All-Star Tom Chambers came over from the Seattle SuperSonics (the first unrestricted free agent in NBA history), 1986 second round draft pick Jeff Hornacek continued to develop, and "Thunder" Dan Majerle was drafted with the 14th pick in the 1988 draft, (obtained via the trade involving Kevin Johnson). Kurt Rambis was added from the Charlotte Hornets in 1989, and the team (coached by Fitzsimmons), in a shocking upset, beat the Los Angeles Lakers in five games that season, before falling to the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. In 1991, the Suns stormed to a 55–27 record, however lost in the first round to the Utah Jazz, 3–1. In 1992, the Suns cruised to a 53–29 record during the regular season. While having sent four players to the All-Star Game in the last two seasons (Chambers, Johnson, Hornacek and Majerle), the Suns were poised to make a serious run at the NBA Finals. They showed their poise by sweeping the San Antonio Spurs in three games in the first round of the 1992 NBA Playoffs. But once again, the Suns fell in five games to the Trail Blazers in the conference semifinals. The series was punctuated by an electrifying Game 4, in which the Suns lost in double overtime 153–151 (the highest scoring game in NBA Playoff history to-date). That game would end up being the last Suns game ever played at the Coliseum. The Suns were yet again denied a shot at a title, but it would not be long before the Suns enjoyed a degree of success they had not experienced for quite some time.

More of an embarrassment than anything.... the Suns kept on chugging.

and yes, I do like the quality of characters they brought in.... though I bet Weems left his Hookah in Europe

Thanks for posting that but it was painful to read. That year where they jumped out of nowhwere in 88 is my favorite year. That Portland series sucked and we likely only lost it because we were a new team chemistry...and I think we would have beat the Pistons. It was so infuriating because we lost to the Blazers in games that went down to the wire and blew them out in our wins..one that has been stapled in my mind forever..by 34. I was young, but ecstatic about that game.

[Christine-In-AZ]

I drop in a time or two a month..read a few pages or five...Brightside gets my attention moreso than here, but only a little more.

I don't think I have much to offer to this confusing Suns rebuild situation , so I just take a quick temperature of the ops and move on. Not at all sure where the Suns are at...I could be any of the beakers below, one day to the next in terms of how I see the Suns outlook.



Hope to contribute somewhere down the road, but at this time, eh? I got nothing.

[bwgood77]

I drop in a time or two a month..read a few pages or five...Brightside gets my attention moreso than here, but only a little more.

I don't think I have much to offer to this confusing Suns rebuild situation , so I just take a quick temperature of the ops and move on. Not at all sure where the Suns are at...I could be any of the beakers below, one day to the next in terms of how I see the Suns outlook.



Hope to contribute somewhere down the road, but at this time, eh? I got nothing.

Good to see you post. You have always made solid ones.

[The_Glove20]

New fan. Grew up in Olympia,Wa so I was a die hard Sonics fan growing up. Giving up on them coming back and really miss watching basketball. Lived in Lake Havasu for 6 years so felt it was the option that made the most since. Only been reading for a couple weeks about the team, but it feels like the Suns have a young team and don't really know where all the pieces fit yet. Looks like the D might have improved a little this off-season? Hope the drama with Morris ends before the season starts. Looking forward to following the NBA again, got a lot of catching up to do. Hope you all can accept this Mariners and Seahawks fan

[bwgood77]

New fan. Grew up in Olympia,Wa so I was a die hard Sonics fan growing up. Giving up on them coming back and really miss watching basketball. Lived in Lake Havasu for 6 years so felt it was the option that made the most since. Only been reading for a couple weeks about the team, but it feels like the Suns have a young team and don't really know where all the pieces fit yet. Looks like the D might have improved a little this off-season? Hope the drama with Morris ends before the season starts. Looking forward to following the NBA again, got a lot of catching up to do. Hope you all can accept this Mariners and Seahawks fan

Of course! Welcome! I feel your Super Bowl pain. That was about the most brutal way possibly you could lose a super bowl, and I was pissed because I despise the Pats. But, at least you have a Super Bowl.

The Suns will be more exciting and better than most expect I think. They have a ton of young players, and both guards are playmakers with other qualities...one is a good shooter and the other a good defender. The young guys are nice...Booker looked great in summer league...he looks like our future money shooter. Warren is a monster at knowing where to be and playing a phenomenal mid range game...we hope he develops range...if he can get a 3 ball, he will be an offensive force. Len is still getting better, but should improve faster learning from Chandler.

The big question mark is PF. Since we have two playmaking and driving guards we kind of need a stretch 4 because we can't drive with two big defenders in the paint, and we have Teletovic and Leuer, but those are guys we haven't seen play with this team yet, so that is a huge unknown. Markieff was super solid and clutch at the end of games...one of the more clutch guys in the league. People are not sure how he will play if he is not traded before the season starts. Some assume he will try and sabotage the team or something. But from what we know his teammates like him and he likes his teammates and I can't imagine he will not completely play his ass off if he is here, because that is the best way to get traded....show how good you are.....if he doesn't realize this, some smart agent has to be telling him this. That's pretty much it.

[Qwigglez]

New fan. Grew up in Olympia,Wa so I was a die hard Sonics fan growing up. Giving up on them coming back and really miss watching basketball. Lived in Lake Havasu for 6 years so felt it was the option that made the most since. Only been reading for a couple weeks about the team, but it feels like the Suns have a young team and don't really know where all the pieces fit yet. Looks like the D might have improved a little this off-season? Hope the drama with Morris ends before the season starts. Looking forward to following the NBA again, got a lot of catching up to do. Hope you all can accept this Mariners and Seahawks fan

Mariners fans are welcome. Seahawks fans are not. Please leave immediately.











Just kidding. But in the unlikely event that the Seahawks beat the Cardinals this season, please don't post anything that week.

[The_Glove20]

Thanks for the info and the warm welcome guys. I've got my own places to talk Hawks, so I think taking a no NFL chat policy in here will do me good . Looking forward to following the the Suns and getting back a passion I have missed for far too long!

[saintEscaton]

New fan. Grew up in Olympia,Wa so I was a die hard Sonics fan growing up. Giving up on them coming back and really miss watching basketball. Lived in Lake Havasu for 6 years so felt it was the option that made the most since. Only been reading for a couple weeks about the team, but it feels like the Suns have a young team and don't really know where all the pieces fit yet. Looks like the D might have improved a little this off-season? Hope the drama with Morris ends before the season starts. Looking forward to following the NBA again, got a lot of catching up to do. Hope you all can accept this Mariners and Seahawks fan

Mariners fans are welcome. Seahawks fans are not. Please leave immediately.











Just kidding. But in the unlikely event that the Seahawks beat the Cardinals this season, please don't post anything that week.

Welcome to the board!Last year's Superbowl was the worst matchup because I hated both the Deflatriots and the Seadderalhawks.

I would love to move to Washington state in the future. Maybe for grad school. Olympia's forests are breathtakingly beautiful and primal. I was a closeted Sonics fan back in the early 2000s and they were almost like my second team when they weren't playing the Suns. They had the best icononic jerseys with awesome color schemes. I love the Payton-era swingman retro throwbacks. Sad to see how the NBA and Clay Benett stole the franchise which had finally seemed to have turned the corner and reaped what they had sown after years of fruitlessness. The relocation business was a shady backroom deal. OKC basically inherited three budding superstars and a future perennial DPOY canidate who were all drafted as Sonics