2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watch - Revised Poll

[Ghost of Kleine]

[

Spoiler:

quote="bwgood77"]

Again, I get where you're coming from with the difference in level of competition. But then with respect to Poku, We're not really talking about him playing in high school or really college either, As he plays in the Greek A2 league which is in the 2nd tier of the euro league. So hard to gauge the overall disparity in level of competition for that league in comparison to the NBA?

I think if he were to play 36 minutes in an NBA game now, he wouldn't come too close to the stat line, so yes, I think the difference in level of competition is vast.

You just cannot compare stats of a guy in some league full of vastly inferior players to the stats of a guy over his NBA career as any soft of apple to apple comparison. This guy, in one of the weaker drafts of recent years, is projected to go maybe late lottery, and is playing with or against anyone who will likely play in the NBA....and then you are extrapolating his stats to 36 minutes while using Kirlienko's raw career stats all the way until he was well past his prime when he obviously played against NBA starters.

I think it's fine to compare stats of guys in the same league, or college guys against one another, but to answer your question, the disparity between the Greek A2 league and the NBA league is vast. When the senior team in the regular Euroleague pulled him up for a game due to injuries, he played 2 minutes. Now if he was putting up really good numbers in the regular euroleague at that age, it would be extremely impressive, and he is still a very nice prospect, but the competition is going to go up multiple levels so I imagine his stats in an NBA game right now would not be very close to the stat line you posted for 36 minutes (even if he played 36 minutes).

He's a nice prospect, but the range of outcomes is probably pretty wide. I like that skillset, but at this point I probably would prefer a more NBA ready guy than a guy than a pretty raw prospect as we could use the depth.[/quote]

With respect to the comparison, At the time, I referenced the link that came up as I originally tried to find Kirilenko in Tankathons' comparison page, But apparently, His pre draft information is not on there. But my intent was to show comparable statistics in different areas, and percentages as they were listed to make the comparison. And in regards to his statistical per 36 production being vastly different at the NBA level, I'd of course agree with that. But the same would apply to most prospects, Even Kirilenko for instance:
In his first year in the NBA ( 2001) He only averaged-
10.7 points/ 4.9 rebounds/ 1.1 assists/ 1.9 blocks/ 1.4 steals. And 45% FG/ 25% 3PT/ 76% Free throw, (On around 26 minutes per game). So of course there's a vast difference in terms of competition for any prospect honestly. His per 36 in his first year were-
14.7 points/ 6.7 rebounds/ 1.6 assists/ 2.7 blocks/ 1.9 steals. Which was obviously pretty solid, But it wouldn't be fair to make the comparison obviously until Pokusevski has completed his first season as well. Or has an actual season in which he logs ( 26 minutes) equal to that of what Kirilenko had.

Andrei Kirilenko-
https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/players/andrei-kirilenko-1.html
Indicates his average over 4 seasons to be-
12.9 points/ 6.5 rebounds/ 1.8 assists/ 1.5 blocks/ 1.7 steals. And 51% FG/ 35% 3PT/ 72% Free throw. And this is again on around 27.8 minutes.

Now for Poku, He again wasn't really getting any real minutes to make a fair comparison.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/players/aleksej-pokusevski-1.html
* Only played in a total of 3 games and a total average of 2.7 minutes per game. But later when he changed teams....................

https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/175104/aleksej-pokusevski
When he actually got playing time ( around 23 minutes), He averaged-
10.8 points/ 7.9 rebounds/ 3.1 assists, And on 40% FG/ 32% 3PT/ 78% Free throw.
With his best season being the 18-19 season in which he averaged-
15.8 points/ 7 rebounds/ 2.5 assists (** similar to that of Kirilenkos' 11-12 season) in which he averaged- 14 / 5 /2.

https://stats.nba.com/articles/2020-nba-draft-profile-aleksej-pokusevski/

Aleksej Pokusevski is a Serbian forward who has spent his formative years in Greece flashing a unique skill level for a true 7-footer, albeit against a low level of competition.  Leaving home to join EuroLeague power Olympiacos back in 2015, Pokusevski had not seen meaningful minutes outside of the junior level prior to this season.  Turning in his best showing at last year’s FIBA U18 European Championship averaging 10 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.7 steals, and 4 blocks over 25 minutes per game, he stuffed the stat sheet like few players in recent memory. Playing for Olympiacos’s domestic entry in the Greek 2nd Division—the same league that Giannis Antetokounmpo competed in the year he was drafted—Pokusevski lost much of the season to a knee injury, but showed his upside averaging 10.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 blocks over 23.1 minutes per game.

MINPTSREBASTFG%3P%FT%STLBLKTOPF23.110.87.93.140%32%78%1.31.81.82.2

A lanky 7’0 forward with a skinny 195-pound frame and a 7’3 wingspan, Pokusevski has excellent size to go along with impressive fluidity that helps him cover ground and finish impressively at times.  He lacks much strength which is perhaps not especially surprising given he is the youngest player available in the 2020 NBA Draft.

And because the main argument against him is in regards to his defensive potential. ( Per the Stepian).
https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/24/aleksej-pokusevski-scouting-report/

Having some impressive moments defensively contesting shots and getting in the passing lanes, Pokusevski’s length is a clear factor at the levels he has played on in the past, but his ability to fill out his frame and make the most of his tools consistently are a point of interest moving forward.

Defensive Analysis

Possessing the length and agility to be a factor blocking shots and getting in the passing lanes, Pokusevski had some dominant stretches at the junior level, but is more aggressive sometimes than others making use of his instincts to be a difference maker.

https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/24/aleksej-pokusevski-scouting-report/

Defensive Role:

Versatile defender (probably spending most of his time at the 4), very good defensive playmaker. Should be able to fit in a variety of schemes due to his athletic fluidity.

NOTE –
Across FIBA and his time with Olympiacos, Poku has spent his time defending pretty much everywhere on the court. He has not excelled in any one area (besides defensive playmaking / being a good team defender regardless of position), but he has been pretty solid all around considering his age. He has potential to be a real defensive problem because of his instincts and playmaking ability, but he has to add strength and hone in on his footwork a bit more to reach his full potential. I think there is some athletic improvement that has yet to be made given the flashes he has shown, his age, and athletic improvements he has already made in the last year.

All in all, a pretty difficult comparison to make in most regards. And I absolutely do agree with you on Poku having a wide range of potential outcomes. But as I've previously stated, IF Poku succeeds in adding weight/ strength, I think that he has a much greater chance of reaching his ceiling. I also agree that he's a somewhat longterm investment, and that it's not one that I'm interested in waiting around for either. That's why he's again, Not on my top list of preferred bigs. It's just his defensive ceiling that we differ on. And honestly, there's nothing at all wrong with that. Time will tell whose guesstimate on his outcome was closer.

[Frank Lee]

...
Frank, weren't you, like, derisively against any non-PG options a day ago?

.....

Yeah, but seeing the way we can use our contracts, if I understand it right, it seems like their best play is to sign both Baynes and Saric quickly, then use the MLE (9+Mil) and the Bianual Exception (6+mil) to grab a PG and PF.... but first draft the BPA (who very well might be a PG). we select any non PG, you know thats the road they are riding.

I think we can do that. Front load Baynes and Saric to get over the cap, activating the MLE. I dont think the Biannual has the same restrictions, but it wont matter.

Theoretically, those four signings could amount to 70-75 minutes a night. I dont see how any other combo of players can contribute as effectively. It fits. Just a question of who???

I'll go with Reggie Jackson due to his ties to Bower.... and should leave us the MLE for a PF. Who? I cant even guess.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

...
Frank, weren't you, like, derisively against any non-PG options a day ago?

.....

Yeah, but seeing the way we can use our contracts, if I understand it right, it seems like their best play is to sign both Baynes and Saric quickly, then use the MLE (9+Mil) and the Bianual Exception (6+mil) to grab a PG and PF.... but first draft the BPA (who very well might be a PG). we select any non PG, you know thats the road they are riding.

I think we can do that. Front load Baynes and Saric to get over the cap, activating the MLE. I dont think the Biannual has the same restrictions, but it wont matter.

Theoretically, those four signings could amount to 70-75 minutes a night. I dont see how any other combo of players can contribute as effectively. It fits. Just a question of who???

I'll go with Reggie Jackson due to his ties to Bower.... and should leave us the MLE for a PF. Who? I cant even guess.

I can't disagree that we would almost surely be much better with Reggie Jackson backing up Rubio next year, so maybe I'll relent there. But I think we have a real need at the 2 and 3 spots, much more than we do at PG. We need to add a wing one way or another, be that via FA or draft. Or both.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Evan Sidery (@esidery) Tweeted:
Devin Vassell checks plenty of boxes Suns GM James Jones seems to prioritize in prospects:

- 6'6" with 6'10" wingspan
- Two-way versatility off the charts to play 2-4 (41.5% on 3s; 2.8 STL% + 4.1 BLK%)
- Oubre, Bridges, Johnson, Vassell wing quartet would all fit together great https://t.co/3HkaSbozvT

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[Frank Lee]

......... But I think we have a real need at the 2 and 3 spots, much more than we do at PG. We need to add a wing one way or another, be that via FA or draft. Or both.

Im penciling in Bridges with some back up 2 mins... and Book getting some PG time. Bulk of our minutes need to go to our best players. You run our top 6 30 a night...toss in 20/24 for Baynes and Saric...that leaves about 16-20 from some where. The less the rest play, the better. (As seen in yesterday's Bummer League debut)

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

......... But I think we have a real need at the 2 and 3 spots, much more than we do at PG. We need to add a wing one way or another, be that via FA or draft. Or both.

Im penciling in Bridges with some back up 2 mins... and Book getting some PG time. Bulk of our minutes need to go to our best players. You run our top 6 30 a night...toss in 20/24 for Baynes and Saric...that leaves about 16-20 from some where. The less the rest play, the better. (As seen in yesterday's Bummer League debut)

There are injuries every year. We look deep at the 3 on paper, but last night was not the first time we saw Jerome at the 3, and Carter's probably played at least as much at the 2 as the 1 this year. Having those sorts of dramatic mismatches is a real problem. I mean, one of your top 6 goes out, you can't just throw the game because you have nothing but point guards to throw out there. I mean, imagine if Bridges or Booker goes down for ten games. You can't just throw those games. We need depth at the wings, just like every other team.

... Also "the less the rest play the better" sounds like you're just giving up on a bench. It's not like it's impossible to have a bench. Other teams have benches. Some teams run essentially nothing but wings.

[bigfoot]

......... But I think we have a real need at the 2 and 3 spots, much more than we do at PG. We need to add a wing one way or another, be that via FA or draft. Or both.

Im penciling in Bridges with some back up 2 mins... and Book getting some PG time. Bulk of our minutes need to go to our best players. You run our top 6 30 a night...toss in 20/24 for Baynes and Saric...that leaves about 16-20 from some where. The less the rest play, the better. (As seen in yesterday's Bummer League debut)

There are injuries every year. We look deep at the 3 on paper, but last night was not the first time we saw Jerome at the 3, and Carter's probably played at least as much at the 2 as the 1 this year. Having those sorts of dramatic mismatches is a real problem. I mean, one of your top 6 goes out, you can't just throw the game because you have nothing but point guards to throw out there. I mean, imagine if Bridges or Booker goes down for ten games. You can't just throw those games. We need depth at the wings, just like every other team.

... Also "the less the rest play the better" sounds like you're just giving up on a bench. It's not like it's impossible to have a bench. Other teams have benches. Some teams run essentially nothing but wings.

You are saying we lack depth at 3. That's not the problem I see. I argue that Oubre, Bridges, Booker, and Johnson can handle duties at the 3. The problem is we don't have any decent guards (1/2) other than Booker and Rubio. None of Carter, Jerome, Payne, Okobo, or Lecque are quality backups that could fill in as an adequate starter at PG or SG for any period of time. That's my measure of depth. We are dire need of near starter quality combo guards. Honestly, it was probably a mistake waiving Tyler Johnson back in February. He would not have been a long term solution but has to better than trotting out Jerome. For next season, in free agency and the draft, we need to address backups for Rubio and Booker.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Im penciling in Bridges with some back up 2 mins... and Book getting some PG time. Bulk of our minutes need to go to our best players. You run our top 6 30 a night...toss in 20/24 for Baynes and Saric...that leaves about 16-20 from some where. The less the rest play, the better. (As seen in yesterday's Bummer League debut)

There are injuries every year. We look deep at the 3 on paper, but last night was not the first time we saw Jerome at the 3, and Carter's probably played at least as much at the 2 as the 1 this year. Having those sorts of dramatic mismatches is a real problem. I mean, one of your top 6 goes out, you can't just throw the game because you have nothing but point guards to throw out there. I mean, imagine if Bridges or Booker goes down for ten games. You can't just throw those games. We need depth at the wings, just like every other team.

... Also "the less the rest play the better" sounds like you're just giving up on a bench. It's not like it's impossible to have a bench. Other teams have benches. Some teams run essentially nothing but wings.

You are saying we lack depth at 3. That's not the problem I see. I argue that Oubre, Bridges, Booker, and Johnson can handle duties at the 3. The problem is we don't have any decent guards (1/2) other than Booker and Rubio. None of Carter, Jerome, Payne, Okobo, or Lecque are quality backups that could fill in as an adequate starter at PG or SG for any period of time. That's my measure of depth. We are dire need of near starter quality combo guards. Honestly, it was probably a mistake waiving Tyler Johnson back in February. He would not have been a long term solution but has to better than trotting out Jerome. For next season, in free agency and the draft, we need to address backups for Rubio and Booker.

I think Ty has improved a lot. Payne might be adequate, too. They may not be great, but if we use the logic everyone seems to be using about the 2/3 spots, then heck, isn't Booker our backup PG?

What CAN'T BE DENIED is how much we've seen point guards playing the 2 and 3 this season. Over and over and over we've seen it. However much you dislike watching Ty, Cam or Carter play the PG, you must hate watching them play SG and SF even more, right?

PLUS, most teams play small. We're at our best with Oubre and Bridges at the forwards, or Cam in one of their places. If Bridges is backing up the 2, you need Cam/Oubre at the 3, and then Cam/Oubre/Saric at the 4. We have not a single backup 2, and with Cam/Oubre/Bridges covering not only the 3, but a lot of minutes at the 4 and 2, we are just very susceptible to depth problems at the wings in case of injury. I know Bridges can play the 2, at least defensively. But you're not getting any shot creation or assists when you play Bridges and Cam/Johnson at the wings. Personally, I like Johnson at the 4 more and more. I like Oubre at the 4 just as much as I like him at the 3. I like Bridges at the 4 more than I like him at the 2. It's just....

I feel like I'm arguing the sky is blue, here. We have no backup 2. Not a single one. We use another starter, Bridges, as the backup 2 on our depth charts, but that's the other thing: he's a starter. Inevitably we sub those two out, and we bring in one of our PGs to back up our SG. I don't know if there's a single game post Tyler Johnson where we haven't brought a Carter off the bench to play the 2.

HOW can one be so satisfied with the idea that Bridges backs up Booker but so dissatisfied with the idea that Booker backs up Rubio? In the half court, with Rubio out, Booker ends up handling the ball in the half court all the time. Get Booker a backup 2 and you can rotate Rubio/Booker/[SG] as your first three guards. I mean, when Carter and Booker played together, Booker played the 1 on offense, Carter the 2. Make Carter an ACTUAL 2 and we'd be so much better off.

The primary reason I'm ok with Haliburton/Lamelo/Hayes as our selection, but not the other PG's mentioned, is that each of those three is 6-5 or taller and can play the 2 as well as the 1.

EDIT: EVEN IF you like Booker at the 3 (I'm okay with it, too), what I'm not okay with is the guys who are playing in the backcourt if you put Book at the 3. You're playing two PG's back there, and now you're really undersized at the wings. If Devin had a real backup 2, you could play Devin at the 3 much more comfortably.

Not to mention (OMG is this horse dead or what?) another 2/3 would almost certainly bring something new to the table for us, whether it be in terms of shooting, penetration, defense, creation... Why not add that additional skillset?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Actually, Each one of you is right in your own respect, As we definitely need real depth added at multiple positions. I mean yes, We have all of Bridges, Cam, Oubre at the wing position, But our best lineup as stated repeatedly has Bridges at the 3, And Oubre at the 4. Meaning our depth at the 2 is more or less only Booker/ Jerome? Cam just isn't fluid or athletic enough to keep up with the majority of shooting guards in the league, And is also best served at the 3/4 given his skillset. And Bridges is great defensively, But he's not going to provide much in terms of offense or ISO scoring. Both Oubre and Cam would be best served to remain at the 3/4 positions obviously. Leaving really only Jerome as a backup 2 for Booker. And unfortunately, He's still not close to contributing at the nba level.

So that depth absolutely needs to be addressed in Both the draft and free agency. In the draft, If he falls to us, We ideally can look to draft Vassell. IF NOT, Then we can still look to other considerations outside of the lottery in one of Nesmith/ Bane/ Hughes/ Queen or May's. And in free agency, We have Justin Holiday ( ideal choice)/ Alec Burks/ Bryn Forbes/ GR3/ maybe Jordan Mcrae? But for backup point guard, Carter is solid defensively, But really a 3rd string option at best. And all of Jerome/ Payne/ Okobo are mediocre and also 3rd string options at best as well.

I DO ALSO AGREE with McD that we need to add depth also in the frontcourt, As Oubre is surely not guaranteed to resign with us! And BOTH Saric and Kaminsky are still relatively unathletic, inconsistent for their primary purpose as 3 and D floor spacing options. And if neither can really provide that consistently, Then how much value do they offer to us really? And have still unfortunately shown to be really poor defensively. My hope is that they show much more improvement throughout the majority of the Orlando games, Otherwise I'd strongly consider letting them walk, And looking elsewhere to fill that position. There'll be plenty of good options in both the draft and free agency. But to this point, Saric is maybe a bench 4/5 on a good team at best. And Kaminsky is still no better than a 3rd string 4/5 option. I'd only consider bringing them back on a low cost short term deal. As for Ball/ Haliburton/ Hayes as primary draft options, Sure they'd be nice. But aside from us somehow moving up, I just don't see any way that anybof those 3 choices ( And perhaps not Vassell either)! Will be available for us at 10. I think our most realistic options left will be between: Cole Anthony/ Kira Lewis/ Grant Riller/ and Tyrell Terry. And of those, Honestly, They should be prioritized as Lewis ( 1) Riller (2) , Terry ( 3), and Anthony (4).

Having said all that, I'm not completely opposed to bringing back the majority of our roster, But obviously Diallo/ Okobo/ Jerome/ Payne all need to go for better options/ upgrades to our bench. Depth at multiple positions will absolutely be key in our reaching the next level of competition.

[bwgood77]

Im penciling in Bridges with some back up 2 mins... and Book getting some PG time. Bulk of our minutes need to go to our best players. You run our top 6 30 a night...toss in 20/24 for Baynes and Saric...that leaves about 16-20 from some where. The less the rest play, the better. (As seen in yesterday's Bummer League debut)

There are injuries every year. We look deep at the 3 on paper, but last night was not the first time we saw Jerome at the 3, and Carter's probably played at least as much at the 2 as the 1 this year. Having those sorts of dramatic mismatches is a real problem. I mean, one of your top 6 goes out, you can't just throw the game because you have nothing but point guards to throw out there. I mean, imagine if Bridges or Booker goes down for ten games. You can't just throw those games. We need depth at the wings, just like every other team.

... Also "the less the rest play the better" sounds like you're just giving up on a bench. It's not like it's impossible to have a bench. Other teams have benches. Some teams run essentially nothing but wings.

You are saying we lack depth at 3. That's not the problem I see. I argue that Oubre, Bridges, Booker, and Johnson can handle duties at the 3. The problem is we don't have any decent guards (1/2) other than Booker and Rubio. None of Carter, Jerome, Payne, Okobo, or Lecque are quality backups that could fill in as an adequate starter at PG or SG for any period of time. That's my measure of depth. We are dire need of near starter quality combo guards. Honestly, it was probably a mistake waiving Tyler Johnson back in February. He would not have been a long term solution but has to better than trotting out Jerome. For next season, in free agency and the draft, we need to address backups for Rubio and Booker.

I don't totally get this either. We have 3 SFs who are worthy of playing time and we don't have that at any other position. You could argue we do at the 4 using small ball (the SFs) plus Dario and Frank but SF it the position we seem most set.

1 and 2 we have one player worthy of real rotation minutes on a competitive team. Of course Booker can play some 1 and Bridges some 2 but we really need to address that depth with worthy level rotation players. I can't really pencil in Cam Payne for sure anywhere yet either. Anyone we can just pick up off the waiver wire needs to prove themself over at least a month against real NBA game action.

And yes, we do have injuries at the 3 sometimes, but if we have Rubio or Booker our for any length of time, it really kills us a lot more than one of the 3s being out.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

There are injuries every year. We look deep at the 3 on paper, but last night was not the first time we saw Jerome at the 3, and Carter's probably played at least as much at the 2 as the 1 this year. Having those sorts of dramatic mismatches is a real problem. I mean, one of your top 6 goes out, you can't just throw the game because you have nothing but point guards to throw out there. I mean, imagine if Bridges or Booker goes down for ten games. You can't just throw those games. We need depth at the wings, just like every other team.

... Also "the less the rest play the better" sounds like you're just giving up on a bench. It's not like it's impossible to have a bench. Other teams have benches. Some teams run essentially nothing but wings.

You are saying we lack depth at 3. That's not the problem I see. I argue that Oubre, Bridges, Booker, and Johnson can handle duties at the 3. The problem is we don't have any decent guards (1/2) other than Booker and Rubio. None of Carter, Jerome, Payne, Okobo, or Lecque are quality backups that could fill in as an adequate starter at PG or SG for any period of time. That's my measure of depth. We are dire need of near starter quality combo guards. Honestly, it was probably a mistake waiving Tyler Johnson back in February. He would not have been a long term solution but has to better than trotting out Jerome. For next season, in free agency and the draft, we need to address backups for Rubio and Booker.

I don't totally get this either. We have 3 SFs who are worthy of playing time and we don't have that at any other position. You could argue we do at the 4 using small ball (the SFs) plus Dario and Frank but SF it the position we seem most set.

1 and 2 we have one player worthy of real rotation minutes on a competitive team. Of course Booker can play some 1 and Bridges some 2 but we really need to address that depth with worthy level rotation players. I can't really pencil in Cam Payne for sure anywhere yet either. Anyone we can just pick up off the waiver wire needs to prove themself over at least a month against real NBA game action.

And yes, we do have injuries at the 3 sometimes, but if we have Rubio or Booker our for any length of time, it really kills us a lot more than one of the 3s being out.

Is anyone going to acknowledge that we have consistently throughout this season played 1's as 2's AND 3's? My point is that the 3 guys we have on the depth chart at SF play a ton of time at the 4, and the 2. You go get another SF and it helps those three guys cover the 2 and the 4. That one stone kills several birds.

Y'all are talking about the roster on paper without acknowledging what we see on the court. If we had another capable 3, how can anyone doubt there would be minutes available for them?

Whatever. I'm confident enough in the FO to see what I see here, so I can just drop it. Just watch. They'll add a 2 and a 3 this summer. I'm sure of it.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

?s=09

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Read on Twitter

?s=09

Damn, that team of his sure did win a lot, didn't it?

You've got me. I'm in. Put this guy in the rotation behind Book and see what happens when he realizes he's in a 3 point contest with a rookie teammate. If anything's going to awaken the beast in Book, that's it.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

?s=09

Damn, that team of his sure did win a lot, didn't it?

You've got me. I'm in. Put this guy in the rotation behind Book and see what happens when he realizes he's in a 3 point contest with a rookie teammate. If anything's going to awaken the beast in Book, that's it.

Thanks! And great point man!
Yes ! His team actually has a pretty good winning percentage.

1,604 wins and 1,119 losses
As of the end of the 2018-2019 season, the Aggies have an all-time record of 1,604 wins and 1,119 losses (. 589 win pct).
Wikipedia › wiki › Utah_State_Agg...
Utah State Aggies men's basketball - Wikipedia

What does interest me the most about him is the fact that given those career percentages, As well as what he's shown in terms of skillset and abilities would indicate that he could very likely contribute right away. Most importantly, He's not even ranked in the top 40- 50 prospects for the draft. So given how much of an unknown he is, He'd be a bargain for us by purchasing a late 2nd or as an undrafted option on a 2 way contract.

I figure he could easily slot into the lineup as a 3rd rotation 1/2 option. And he'd likely provide much better contribution than that of Okobo/ Payne/ or especially Jerome. And again, As he's not projected to go anywhere in the first - mid 2nd round anyways, He also wouldn't at all impact any other draft considerations for us! He's the epitome of a very low risk / high reward acquisition. Ideally, We could look to keep our starting rotation as is, And draft Vassell at 10, Then add a pick or two in the 2nd for Reed and Oturu ( or whatever depth combination we'd prefer). AND THEN look to add Merrill ( as you yourself suggested) as an undrafted prospect on a two way contract. I'm also not overtly concerned with his affect on Booker either, As his primary role would be to offer additional shooting/ scoring off the bench. And at times during "point Book" He'd be yet another great offensive weapon to play off of Booker, With Vassell manning the 3 defensively, And Cam at the 4, AND hopefully Reed or Smith or Oturu at the 5. That'd be a killer combination of defense and perimeter offense too.

So given our immense need for shooting upgrades, He'd be an optimal low cost option really. Great percentages, And a lot cheaper than what we might bid for in free agency even.

[bwgood77]

You are saying we lack depth at 3. That's not the problem I see. I argue that Oubre, Bridges, Booker, and Johnson can handle duties at the 3. The problem is we don't have any decent guards (1/2) other than Booker and Rubio. None of Carter, Jerome, Payne, Okobo, or Lecque are quality backups that could fill in as an adequate starter at PG or SG for any period of time. That's my measure of depth. We are dire need of near starter quality combo guards. Honestly, it was probably a mistake waiving Tyler Johnson back in February. He would not have been a long term solution but has to better than trotting out Jerome. For next season, in free agency and the draft, we need to address backups for Rubio and Booker.

I don't totally get this either. We have 3 SFs who are worthy of playing time and we don't have that at any other position. You could argue we do at the 4 using small ball (the SFs) plus Dario and Frank but SF it the position we seem most set.

1 and 2 we have one player worthy of real rotation minutes on a competitive team. Of course Booker can play some 1 and Bridges some 2 but we really need to address that depth with worthy level rotation players. I can't really pencil in Cam Payne for sure anywhere yet either. Anyone we can just pick up off the waiver wire needs to prove themself over at least a month against real NBA game action.

And yes, we do have injuries at the 3 sometimes, but if we have Rubio or Booker our for any length of time, it really kills us a lot more than one of the 3s being out.

Is anyone going to acknowledge that we have consistently throughout this season played 1's as 2's AND 3's? My point is that the 3 guys we have on the depth chart at SF play a ton of time at the 4, and the 2. You go get another SF and it helps those three guys cover the 2 and the 4. That one stone kills several birds.

Y'all are talking about the roster on paper without acknowledging what we see on the court. If we had another capable 3, how can anyone doubt there would be minutes available for them?

Whatever. I'm confident enough in the FO to see what I see here, so I can just drop it. Just watch. They'll add a 2 and a 3 this summer. I'm sure of it.

We have played those backup 1s that shouldn't play 1, 2 or 3. Most of the time it's been two of the backup PGs, though Carter is more of a SG type player anyway...you could almost argue that with Okobo and Jerome....but none are probably worthy of minutes period.

So a real depth chart right now of players I feel pretty confident in is:

Rubio
Booker
Bridges/Cam
Oubre/Dario
Ayton/Baynes

With maybe a bit of Frank at backup 4/5...and then our wings can play some 2 if need be or 4.

The reason we have so many 1s on our depth chart is because we keep trying to find a capable one. It doesn't mean we have plenty of depth there.

They could add a 3...it does seem we've added one just about every summer or mid season over the past 5-6 years...using 3 lottery picks. Probably depends on what their thoughts are on Oubre long term, but even without Oubre, I may just feel better at Cam than you do as a backup 3 and feel a lot better at him as a backup than Rubio or Booker's backup. Though I do know you are high on Jerome.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

?s=09

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I don't totally get this either. We have 3 SFs who are worthy of playing time and we don't have that at any other position. You could argue we do at the 4 using small ball (the SFs) plus Dario and Frank but SF it the position we seem most set.

1 and 2 we have one player worthy of real rotation minutes on a competitive team. Of course Booker can play some 1 and Bridges some 2 but we really need to address that depth with worthy level rotation players. I can't really pencil in Cam Payne for sure anywhere yet either. Anyone we can just pick up off the waiver wire needs to prove themself over at least a month against real NBA game action.

And yes, we do have injuries at the 3 sometimes, but if we have Rubio or Booker our for any length of time, it really kills us a lot more than one of the 3s being out.

Is anyone going to acknowledge that we have consistently throughout this season played 1's as 2's AND 3's? My point is that the 3 guys we have on the depth chart at SF play a ton of time at the 4, and the 2. You go get another SF and it helps those three guys cover the 2 and the 4. That one stone kills several birds.

Y'all are talking about the roster on paper without acknowledging what we see on the court. If we had another capable 3, how can anyone doubt there would be minutes available for them?

Whatever. I'm confident enough in the FO to see what I see here, so I can just drop it. Just watch. They'll add a 2 and a 3 this summer. I'm sure of it.

We have played those backup 1s that shouldn't play 1, 2 or 3. Most of the time it's been two of the backup PGs, though Carter is more of a SG type player anyway...you could almost argue that with Okobo and Jerome....but none are probably worthy of minutes period.

So a real depth chart right now of players I feel pretty confident in is:

Rubio
Booker
Bridges/Cam
Oubre/Dario
Ayton/Baynes

With maybe a bit of Frank at backup 4/5...and then our wings can play some 2 if need be or 4.

The reason we have so many 1s on our depth chart is because we keep trying to find a capable one. It doesn't mean we have plenty of depth there.

They could add a 3...it does seem we've added one just about every summer or mid season over the past 5-6 years...using 3 lottery picks. Probably depends on what their thoughts are on Oubre long term, but even without Oubre, I may just feel better at Cam than you do as a backup 3 and feel a lot better at him as a backup than Rubio or Booker's backup. Though I do know you are high on Jerome.

It's lonely here on Ty Jerome island. In any case, he's under contract next season, he's young, and he's under contractual control in case he starts to play well. I'm also relatively optimistic about Cam Payne. I guess I'd rather give those guys a good shot by allowing them to play next to actual wings rather than each other (and other point guards).

Ty hits buzzer beaters and misses every open three. He moves his feet too much playing defense in the half court. EJ talked about him having "nervous energy." I see a young player overthinking everything.

In any case, I agree we need a third, veteran PG. Still hoping it's Cam, but obviously if he doesn't perform in SL, we need someone else. I just don't want to draft a guy like Kira or Anthony because I feel like that's punting on our investment in Jerome.

[bwgood77]

Is anyone going to acknowledge that we have consistently throughout this season played 1's as 2's AND 3's? My point is that the 3 guys we have on the depth chart at SF play a ton of time at the 4, and the 2. You go get another SF and it helps those three guys cover the 2 and the 4. That one stone kills several birds.

Y'all are talking about the roster on paper without acknowledging what we see on the court. If we had another capable 3, how can anyone doubt there would be minutes available for them?

Whatever. I'm confident enough in the FO to see what I see here, so I can just drop it. Just watch. They'll add a 2 and a 3 this summer. I'm sure of it.

We have played those backup 1s that shouldn't play 1, 2 or 3. Most of the time it's been two of the backup PGs, though Carter is more of a SG type player anyway...you could almost argue that with Okobo and Jerome....but none are probably worthy of minutes period.

So a real depth chart right now of players I feel pretty confident in is:

Rubio
Booker
Bridges/Cam
Oubre/Dario
Ayton/Baynes

With maybe a bit of Frank at backup 4/5...and then our wings can play some 2 if need be or 4.

The reason we have so many 1s on our depth chart is because we keep trying to find a capable one. It doesn't mean we have plenty of depth there.

They could add a 3...it does seem we've added one just about every summer or mid season over the past 5-6 years...using 3 lottery picks. Probably depends on what their thoughts are on Oubre long term, but even without Oubre, I may just feel better at Cam than you do as a backup 3 and feel a lot better at him as a backup than Rubio or Booker's backup. Though I do know you are high on Jerome.

It's lonely here on Ty Jerome island. In any case, he's under contract next season, he's young, and he's under contractual control in case he starts to play well. I'm also relatively optimistic about Cam Payne. I guess I'd rather give those guys a good shot by allowing them to play next to actual wings rather than each other (and other point guards).

Ty hits buzzer beaters and misses every open three. He moves his feet too much playing defense in the half court. EJ talked about him having "nervous energy." I see a young player overthinking everything.

In any case, I agree we need a third, veteran PG. Still hoping it's Cam, but obviously if he doesn't perform in SL, we need someone else. I just don't want to draft a guy like Kira or Anthony because I feel like that's punting on our investment in Jerome.

I don't really know much about Kira but don't want Anthony either. I have no idea what they will do at the draft, because I think it could be any position except C, but it largely depends on where we pick and who is available. But I would probably prefer a vet backup in FA at PG to a raw prospect unless it's one of the top 3 PG prospects.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

We have played those backup 1s that shouldn't play 1, 2 or 3. Most of the time it's been two of the backup PGs, though Carter is more of a SG type player anyway...you could almost argue that with Okobo and Jerome....but none are probably worthy of minutes period.

So a real depth chart right now of players I feel pretty confident in is:

Rubio
Booker
Bridges/Cam
Oubre/Dario
Ayton/Baynes

With maybe a bit of Frank at backup 4/5...and then our wings can play some 2 if need be or 4.

The reason we have so many 1s on our depth chart is because we keep trying to find a capable one. It doesn't mean we have plenty of depth there.

They could add a 3...it does seem we've added one just about every summer or mid season over the past 5-6 years...using 3 lottery picks. Probably depends on what their thoughts are on Oubre long term, but even without Oubre, I may just feel better at Cam than you do as a backup 3 and feel a lot better at him as a backup than Rubio or Booker's backup. Though I do know you are high on Jerome.

It's lonely here on Ty Jerome island. In any case, he's under contract next season, he's young, and he's under contractual control in case he starts to play well. I'm also relatively optimistic about Cam Payne. I guess I'd rather give those guys a good shot by allowing them to play next to actual wings rather than each other (and other point guards).

Ty hits buzzer beaters and misses every open three. He moves his feet too much playing defense in the half court. EJ talked about him having "nervous energy." I see a young player overthinking everything.

In any case, I agree we need a third, veteran PG. Still hoping it's Cam, but obviously if he doesn't perform in SL, we need someone else. I just don't want to draft a guy like Kira or Anthony because I feel like that's punting on our investment in Jerome.

I don't really know much about Kira but don't want Anthony either. I have no idea what they will do at the draft, because I think it could be any position except C, but it largely depends on where we pick and who is available. But I would probably prefer a vet backup in FA at PG to a raw prospect unless it's one of the top 3 PG prospects.

Well then we're probably not far off in terms of what we want, despite the difference in our rhetoric/approach. I think our bench desperately needs more scoring from the backcourt, and I think the rotation overall could really use more length and energy, as well as a tough, defensive 2/3. I could give you a list of names, but really you could just look at most benches in the league and there's 1 or 2 to pluck off every roster.

There's talk of teams selling FRPs due to $ concerns this upcoming season (and the perception that the draft is pretty weak). Maybe teams will also let some solid players walk in free agency, and we could pounce. No matter how they do it, I'd love to see Sarver grant the FO initiative to spend a bit this summer to improve our depth. We can beat the Celtics' starters but as soon as we need to call on a reserve outside our top 8, we get destroyed - often at each position, 1-5. We can't depend on being able to grind a fully healthy rotation into the ground every night.

Much rather spend a few million on a pick or to grab an extra solid player in FA than go after a big fish. It's certainly a lot more attractive from a money perspective....

.... of course, there's the possibility that we could be one of those teams looking to cut costs, given Sarver's history of penny-pinching. God, that would depress me. I'll dread every story that comes out fretting about the health of the banking sector over the next several months. I pray that Bobby is in fact flush af and does the right thing for his budding young stars.

[WeekapaugGroove]

We have played those backup 1s that shouldn't play 1, 2 or 3. Most of the time it's been two of the backup PGs, though Carter is more of a SG type player anyway...you could almost argue that with Okobo and Jerome....but none are probably worthy of minutes period.

So a real depth chart right now of players I feel pretty confident in is:

Rubio
Booker
Bridges/Cam
Oubre/Dario
Ayton/Baynes

With maybe a bit of Frank at backup 4/5...and then our wings can play some 2 if need be or 4.

The reason we have so many 1s on our depth chart is because we keep trying to find a capable one. It doesn't mean we have plenty of depth there.

They could add a 3...it does seem we've added one just about every summer or mid season over the past 5-6 years...using 3 lottery picks. Probably depends on what their thoughts are on Oubre long term, but even without Oubre, I may just feel better at Cam than you do as a backup 3 and feel a lot better at him as a backup than Rubio or Booker's backup. Though I do know you are high on Jerome.

It's lonely here on Ty Jerome island. In any case, he's under contract next season, he's young, and he's under contractual control in case he starts to play well. I'm also relatively optimistic about Cam Payne. I guess I'd rather give those guys a good shot by allowing them to play next to actual wings rather than each other (and other point guards).

Ty hits buzzer beaters and misses every open three. He moves his feet too much playing defense in the half court. EJ talked about him having "nervous energy." I see a young player overthinking everything.

In any case, I agree we need a third, veteran PG. Still hoping it's Cam, but obviously if he doesn't perform in SL, we need someone else. I just don't want to draft a guy like Kira or Anthony because I feel like that's punting on our investment in Jerome.

I don't really know much about Kira but don't want Anthony either. I have no idea what they will do at the draft, because I think it could be any position except C, but it largely depends on where we pick and who is available. But I would probably prefer a vet backup in FA at PG to a raw prospect unless it's one of the top 3 PG prospects.

Suns absolutely need another good guard, be the draft, fa, or trade that should be priority #1 this off-season. Haliburton feels like the perfect fit but probably need some lotto luck to land him.

They should add another wing to the roster this summer even if it's just a end of the bench type depth guy. The roster was unbalanced this year with way too many 3rd string PGs and the only wings they had were the ones who played so when an injury hit they didn't really have an answer.

As far as drafting Lewis or Anthony if the board falls a certain way I wouldn't have an issue with either guy if they were BPA and in that 10 spot BPA is going to be in the eye of the beholder. If they go that route I'd still try to sign a vet combo guard.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app