2016 Draft Thread Part 4

[Saberestar]

Feeling optimistic about this draft. We simply sit back and draft the BPA. If you decipher all the rumours around this draft, both Celtics and lakers want players who can contribute next season, both teams are win now mode, we are in a solid position being right behind them. If the lakers and celtics cant trade out, will they overlook ingram for a more ready now player?.Lakers have been linked to buddy (even working out with Kobe) and Celtics and Bender always seem connected in rumours ( latest one on a really poor workout come out of boston-smokescreen?) Two weeks ago it seemed impossible but I think there is an actual chance the player with the best career arc in this draft comes to PHX. Ingram, booker n a top pick in next years supposedly heavy draft could finally lead us to relevance.

Do you think that we are gonna get Ingram?!? That's to be optimistic.....

[bwgood77]

My gut tells me McD is really high on one person, but if that person is gone, he MIGHT consider taking Dunn or someone for trade bait (but my guess is that he only does this if he has a deal in place on the phone while on the clock...no way he just takes him and looks for deals later....that could be a massive blunder).

This one person in my estimation is either Murray, Chriss or Bender. I want to say I think it's Bender, and that he is hoping the Celtics don't take him and it's an easy pick if they don't. Then if he can't find a deal, he goes for Chriss for that great athletic upside guy.

But it could just as easily be Chriss first and Bender second.

But I also think it's possible he only likes one of the bigs, and also likes Murray. There is a chance he likes Murray the best, and if he is gone, he tries to trade the pick...or at least listens to see what offers, and if he doesn't find anything, he drafts a big...if this is the scenario, my guess is that it would be Chriss.

I can't decide if Gambo knows a little bit or nothing at all. The way he said he will take the opposite at 13 of what he takes at 4...kind of makes me think he likes Murray the most, and would settle for Chriss if Murray was gone. (I only say Chriss here because Chriss said he thinks he going to Phx, but that could also mean squat).

I'll be really surprised if it's not one of those three, and kind of disappointed if it's Murray, but I think he could be a scoring stud...just not absolutely sure and I don't think it's what we need. If he was a decent passer, I'd be higher on him. If he could shoot like he could and pass and defend like Ulis I'd be very happy with him.

[bwgood77]

We all are over thinking about the pick, if we keep it simple it's gonna be Chriss.

Every mock draft have us taking him in the last few days (DX, ESPN,.net), Gambo has said that is our favourite player at #4 for upside and fit and everyone knows that we are one of the few teams that had him for a workout and launch with him.

He follows now Earl Watson on Twitter and he has said to other teams that he thinks he is going to Phoenix on draft night.

The only team that picks before us is Boston (Philadelphia and LA don't really count) and they haven't Chriss like his first (Brown) or even second ( Dunn for trade purposes) options.

Also, I just looked at 17 mocks, and 11 of those had us taking Bender. Check this out: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=1454801#start_here

[Saberestar]

We all are over thinking about the pick, if we keep it simple it's gonna be Chriss.

Every mock draft have us taking him in the last few days (DX, ESPN,.net), Gambo has said that is our favourite player at #4 for upside and fit and everyone knows that we are one of the few teams that had him for a workout and launch with him.

He follows now Earl Watson on Twitter and he has said to other teams that he thinks he is going to Phoenix on draft night.

The only team that picks before us is Boston (Philadelphia and LA don't really count) and they haven't Chriss like his first (Brown) or even second ( Dunn for trade purposes) options.

Also, I just looked at 17 mocks, and 11 of those had us taking Bender. Check this out: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=1454801#start_here

Well, DraftExpress, ESPN and nbadraft.net are the most accurate and with more inside info.

[saintEscaton]

We all are over thinking about the pick, if we keep it simple it's gonna be Chriss.

Every mock draft have us taking him in the last few days (DX, ESPN,.net), Gambo has said that is our favourite player at #4 for upside and fit and everyone knows that we are one of the few teams that had him for a workout and launch with him.

He follows now Earl Watson on Twitter and he has said to other teams that he thinks he is going to Phoenix on draft night.

The only team that picks before us is Boston (Philadelphia and LA don't really count) and they haven't Chriss like his first (Brown) or even second ( Dunn for trade purposes) options.

Last time we had a top 5 pick, not one mock had us taking Len. Most had him going later.

Actually Len was mocked as the darkhorse challenger for the #1 pick, it was a toss up between him and Noel. There was no consensus ranking of the centers and Bennet was a headscratcher coming outta nowhere.

[bwgood77]

We all are over thinking about the pick, if we keep it simple it's gonna be Chriss.

Every mock draft have us taking him in the last few days (DX, ESPN,.net), Gambo has said that is our favourite player at #4 for upside and fit and everyone knows that we are one of the few teams that had him for a workout and launch with him.

He follows now Earl Watson on Twitter and he has said to other teams that he thinks he is going to Phoenix on draft night.

The only team that picks before us is Boston (Philadelphia and LA don't really count) and they haven't Chriss like his first (Brown) or even second ( Dunn for trade purposes) options.

Also, I just looked at 17 mocks, and 11 of those had us taking Bender. Check this out: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=1454801#start_here

Well, DraftExpress, ESPN and nbadraft.net are the most accurate and with more inside info.

I want to start tracking that. I'd like to get screen shots right before the draft of those mocks and compare them after. Because none of those had us taking Len. One had us taking Warren. I think most had Booker going before our pick, so they were wrong on him too...maybe one mock had us taking Booker.

[bwgood77]

We all are over thinking about the pick, if we keep it simple it's gonna be Chriss.

Every mock draft have us taking him in the last few days (DX, ESPN,.net), Gambo has said that is our favourite player at #4 for upside and fit and everyone knows that we are one of the few teams that had him for a workout and launch with him.

He follows now Earl Watson on Twitter and he has said to other teams that he thinks he is going to Phoenix on draft night.

The only team that picks before us is Boston (Philadelphia and LA don't really count) and they haven't Chriss like his first (Brown) or even second ( Dunn for trade purposes) options.

Last time we had a top 5 pick, not one mock had us taking Len. Most had him going later.

Actually Len was mocked as the darkhorse challenger for the #1 pick, it was a toss up between him and Noel. There was no consensus ranking of the centers and Bennet was a headscratcher coming outta nowhere.

Well I found a chart that I posted earlier of where all the mocks had Len. A couple had him at 1 I think, and and a maybe 3 had him higher than 5 but the majority had him lower than 5. I'll look for it. I can't remember if it listed which mock said which...it should have though.

[Kerrsed]

When it comes to mocks, all it takes it one wrong pick high up to mess the entire rest of it up.

When Cleveland took Bennett, it threw everything out of wack.

[Saberestar]

The #Celtics worked out Dragan Bender Tuesday. FWIW I'm told he looked good during workouts. Less than 48 hrs away from #NBADraft night.

https://mobile.twitter.com/KyleDraperTV/status/745414081222422528

[NavLDO]

if i've said it once, i've said a thousand times......WHY DO PEOPLE THINK OKAFOR IS A GOOD FIT HERE?!?!?!?!?

ahhhhhhh need to log off

This is why.

“He’s not as NBA-ready as the rest of the prospects the Suns are going to be looking at,” Ford told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s Burns and Gambo show. “The only thing that makes me question Phoenix taking him at four is that they’ve not been very patient. (Suns owner) Robert Sarver has not been very patient in the past and Marquese Chriss, of all the guys they could select, you’re going to have to be patient with.”

If the Suns really aren’t willing to wait on a rookie to develop, Ford believes they very well could trade out of the No. 4 spot.

While trading down a couple of spots might not net a huge return, it’s possible Phoenix would be happy trading one or both of their lottery picks.

“From everything that I’m hearing, Phoenix is talking to a lot of teams about a lot of things that would have them maybe moving No. 4, to move out of the draft completely and get a youngish veteran that can come in and contribute right now,”

Well, you know, I mean, look how long it took Booker to develop.... Just stupid, IMO...especially if we trade both 4 an 13...

[theSUNalsoRISES]

Feeling optimistic about this draft. We simply sit back and draft the BPA. If you decipher all the rumours around this draft, both Celtics and lakers want players who can contribute next season, both teams are win now mode, we are in a solid position being right behind them. If the lakers and celtics cant trade out, will they overlook ingram for a more ready now player?.Lakers have been linked to buddy (even working out with Kobe) and Celtics and Bender always seem connected in rumours ( latest one on a really poor workout come out of boston-smokescreen?) Two weeks ago it seemed impossible but I think there is an actual chance the player with the best career arc in this draft comes to PHX. Ingram, booker n a top pick in next years supposedly heavy draft could finally lead us to relevance.

Do you think that we are gonna get Ingram?!? That's to be optimistic.....

Well theres been very little chatter about Ingram. Simmons is locked to be #1. Lakers are trading russell, working out buddy and nothing with Ingram. Ingram is not associated with the Celtics either. Maybe it is because Ingram at 2 is a forgone conclusion, but Okafor was in the same boat last year and he dropped. Maybe it is possible the lakers have fallen in love with Buddy and aren't enamoured by Ingram??. Just a scenario I see as possible based on the latest rumours. Regardless I am happy, we are in the position to take the BPA overall, while the 2 teams picking before us don't have that same luxury.

[saintEscaton]

I would kill to be in the Sixers/Laker's position. You must be a glass half full kinda guy, I applaud you

[bwgood77]

Regardless I am happy, we are in the position to take the BPA overall, while the 2 teams picking before us don't have that same luxury.

I don't really understand what you are talking about. I think you have it backwards.

[theSUNalsoRISES]

celtics are a playoff team. they need ready now players. Lakers gm is under the pump. he has this season to right the ship or he is gone. If say the second best player in this draft is Ingram, who won't provide anything next year but ultimately be the best player, there is pressure for L.A. and Boston to trade out to get a younger vet(i.e. trade the pick for Butler). They don't want a rebuild, with Booker being our best player, Phoenix can actually stomach a rebuild. Why would the lakers be willing to trade russell? (Is Swaggy P that loved?). Boston is a top 4 team in the east, the pick is purely trade bait. My point is if those teams cannot trade out, there is pressure to take a ready now player. Lakers may take buddy, Celtics may take Bender. Both more ready now over Ingram. Just throwing a scenario out there. I mean in reality we will probably trade the pick for a vet and go for another playoff run and end up with the same discussion during next years draft.

[lilfishi22]

if i've said it once, i've said a thousand times......WHY DO PEOPLE THINK OKAFOR IS A GOOD FIT HERE?!?!?!?!?

ahhhhhhh need to log off

This is why.

“He’s not as NBA-ready as the rest of the prospects the Suns are going to be looking at,” Ford told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s Burns and Gambo show. “The only thing that makes me question Phoenix taking him at four is that they’ve not been very patient. (Suns owner) Robert Sarver has not been very patient in the past and Marquese Chriss, of all the guys they could select, you’re going to have to be patient with.”

If the Suns really aren’t willing to wait on a rookie to develop, Ford believes they very well could trade out of the No. 4 spot.

While trading down a couple of spots might not net a huge return, it’s possible Phoenix would be happy trading one or both of their lottery picks.

“From everything that I’m hearing, Phoenix is talking to a lot of teams about a lot of things that would have them maybe moving No. 4, to move out of the draft completely and get a youngish veteran that can come in and contribute right now,”

again......why do people think Okafor (specifically), a center who can't stretch the floor, play defense, or rebound, a good fit as a Phoenix Sun? you know, the run and gun fun ones? it's not a match.

Honestly, we have one (Booker), maybe two pieces (Warren/Len) that we're likely to keep around going forward. We don't have an identity right now, we don't really have a winning system, we're in talent/youth accumulation mode right now, otherwise known as a Rebuild.

I would trade any asset on this team outside of Booker and including Len, Warren, picks etc if it means we're bringing back legit young talent. Knight and Bledsoe both seem to be available if a decent offer comes through. PJ and Chandler could be had for even less. Outside of our young trio and the players I just mentioned, everyone else is literally in transition.

I care less about how someone like Okafor, Bender, Chriss or any other young talent "fits" into our team because we don't have a winning forumla right now. If we have a winning formula with the pieces like the Spurs then you definitely value fit over talent/potential but when you're a young team looking to take the next step, I think you have the swing for the fences.

[bwgood77]

celtics are a playoff team. they need ready now players. Lakers gm is under the pump. he has this season to right the ship or he is gone. If say the second best player in this draft is Ingram, who won't provide anything next year but ultimately be the best player, there is pressure for L.A. and Boston to trade out to get a younger vet(i.e. trade the pick for Butler). They don't want a rebuild, with Booker being our best player, Phoenix can actually stomach a rebuild. Why would the lakers be willing to trade russell? (Is Swaggy P that loved?). Boston is a top 4 team in the east, the pick is purely trade bait. My point is if those teams cannot trade out, there is pressure to take a ready now player. Lakers may take buddy, Celtics may take Bender. Both more ready now over Ingram. Just throwing a scenario out there. I mean in reality we will probably trade the pick for a vet and go for another playoff run and end up with the same discussion during next years draft.

Lakers are not going to take Buddy. If they do I will be happy. I hope you are right. They have all the cap space in the world and there is a CLEAR top 2 in this draft. The ONLY way they trade that pick is if LeBron (since he enrolled his kids there in school and grew up being a Lakers fan) told them he would sign if they traded Ingram for Melo or something like that. Then maybe they sign Conley and Wade. Then they might trade Russell somewhere too but not for a pick in that case.

But that is super far fetched. And if that did happen the Knicks would take Ingram. It almost makes more sense for LA to trade Russell for Melo in that scenario though but then they'd probably trade the 2nd pick for Butler, or try to.

Then they could roll with Conley, Wade, Butler, Melo and LeBron. Actually it would make more sense to trade for Noel. Conley, Wade, Melo, LeBron, Noel.

Philly could be dumb enough to take Dunn at 2 though. Then Boston would take Ingram.

This is all EXTREMELY far fetched though.

[8on]

i don't know why people don't seem to believe this, but we might have a winning formula.

first, we have to stay healthy.

can we just forget about this year? it means nothing. 5 of our best players were out for at least 1/4 of the season. it's not representative of how we'll do this year!

i think we'll make the playoffs this year. also......would you rather have Jahlil Okafor, or Domantas Sabonis?

i'd rather have Okafor, but not by that much. what about Okafor or Chriss? i just.....all three could be dominant scorers in three years. or, all three could be empty stats guys.

i see no reason to stretch out our flexibility for Okafor. you only do that if you have a guy who you know is a franchise changer. look at Dwight Howard. if he didn't have any trade value at the deadline, Okafor should have even less.

[bwgood77]

This is why.

again......why do people think Okafor (specifically), a center who can't stretch the floor, play defense, or rebound, a good fit as a Phoenix Sun? you know, the run and gun fun ones? it's not a match.

Honestly, we have one (Booker), maybe two pieces (Warren/Len) that we're likely to keep around going forward. We don't have an identity right now, we don't really have a winning system, we're in talent/youth accumulation mode right now, otherwise known as a Rebuild.

I would trade any asset on this team outside of Booker and including Len, Warren, picks etc if it means we're bringing back legit young talent. Knight and Bledsoe both seem to be available if a decent offer comes through. PJ and Chandler could be had for even less. Outside of our young trio and the players I just mentioned, everyone else is literally in transition.

I care less about how someone like Okafor, Bender, Chriss or any other young talent "fits" into our team because we don't have a winning forumla right now. If we have a winning formula with the pieces like the Spurs then you definitely value fit over talent/potential but when you're a young team looking to take the next step, I think you have the swing for the fences.

What makes you think Bledsoe is on the block? I don't think so at all. I don't even think Knight is on the block. I think they'd listen to any calls, but I don't think they are actively looking to trade certain players right now unless they can land a star. Those guys are not getting you someone like Butler or even a big from Philly. I guess Knight and 4 might get you a Philly big but I don't think McD wants one of them.

[theSUNalsoRISES]

celtics are a playoff team. they need ready now players. Lakers gm is under the pump. he has this season to right the ship or he is gone. If say the second best player in this draft is Ingram, who won't provide anything next year but ultimately be the best player, there is pressure for L.A. and Boston to trade out to get a younger vet(i.e. trade the pick for Butler). They don't want a rebuild, with Booker being our best player, Phoenix can actually stomach a rebuild. Why would the lakers be willing to trade russell? (Is Swaggy P that loved?). Boston is a top 4 team in the east, the pick is purely trade bait. My point is if those teams cannot trade out, there is pressure to take a ready now player. Lakers may take buddy, Celtics may take Bender. Both more ready now over Ingram. Just throwing a scenario out there. I mean in reality we will probably trade the pick for a vet and go for another playoff run and end up with the same discussion during next years draft.

Lakers are not going to take Buddy. If they do I will be happy. I hope you are right. They have all the cap space in the world and there is a CLEAR top 2 in this draft. The ONLY way they trade that pick is if LeBron (since he enrolled his kids there in school and grew up being a Lakers fan) told them he would sign if they traded Ingram for Melo or something like that. Then maybe they sign Conley and Wade. Then they might trade Russell somewhere too but not for a pick in that case.

But that is super far fetched. And if that did happen the Knicks would take Ingram. It almost makes more sense for LA to trade Russell for Melo in that scenario though but then they'd probably trade the 2nd pick for Butler, or try to.

Then they could roll with Conley, Wade, Butler, Melo and LeBron. Actually it would make more sense to trade for Noel. Conley, Wade, Melo, LeBron, Noel.

Philly could be dumb enough to take Dunn at 2 though. Then Boston would take Ingram.

This is all EXTREMELY far fetched though.

so you are saying there is a chance...

[bwgood77]

celtics are a playoff team. they need ready now players. Lakers gm is under the pump. he has this season to right the ship or he is gone. If say the second best player in this draft is Ingram, who won't provide anything next year but ultimately be the best player, there is pressure for L.A. and Boston to trade out to get a younger vet(i.e. trade the pick for Butler). They don't want a rebuild, with Booker being our best player, Phoenix can actually stomach a rebuild. Why would the lakers be willing to trade russell? (Is Swaggy P that loved?). Boston is a top 4 team in the east, the pick is purely trade bait. My point is if those teams cannot trade out, there is pressure to take a ready now player. Lakers may take buddy, Celtics may take Bender. Both more ready now over Ingram. Just throwing a scenario out there. I mean in reality we will probably trade the pick for a vet and go for another playoff run and end up with the same discussion during next years draft.

Lakers are not going to take Buddy. If they do I will be happy. I hope you are right. They have all the cap space in the world and there is a CLEAR top 2 in this draft. The ONLY way they trade that pick is if LeBron (since he enrolled his kids there in school and grew up being a Lakers fan) told them he would sign if they traded Ingram for Melo or something like that. Then maybe they sign Conley and Wade. Then they might trade Russell somewhere too but not for a pick in that case.

But that is super far fetched. And if that did happen the Knicks would take Ingram. It almost makes more sense for LA to trade Russell for Melo in that scenario though but then they'd probably trade the 2nd pick for Butler, or try to.

Then they could roll with Conley, Wade, Butler, Melo and LeBron. Actually it would make more sense to trade for Noel. Conley, Wade, Melo, LeBron, Noel.

Philly could be dumb enough to take Dunn at 2 though. Then Boston would take Ingram.

This is all EXTREMELY far fetched though.

so you are saying there is a chance...

I think there is about a 5% chance he leaves Cleveland. Maybe less.