2021-22 Season Discussion and Speculation

[WeekapaugGroove]

I think KAT for Ayton is an even trade. KAT may end up the greatest shooting big man of all time, but Ayton can do things defensively KAT will never be able to do. And Ayton has the touch to continue to develop as a big from the perimeter. His handles have to improve. He's not comfortable driving imo which is why he doesn't face up and attack as much as he needs to. I think from a skill perspective the biggest gap offensively is handles, not shooting. I don't think there's a "wrong" call between the 2. Ayton had one of the greatest postseasons of all time just months ago and we lost that series due to coaching and rebounding primarily so I personally lean towards keeping Ayton because KAT and Crowder as our 4 and 5 is a nightmare on the boards.

The move we should really be discussing is upgrading Crowder's spot. Cam's better in that spot imo, but we'd be drastically better with an above average starting 4 at that spot instead of a mediocre role player. I'm hoping the Rockets or Pistons decide to cash in on Wood or Grant if they decide their rebuild is going to be much more extended and would prefer a package of picks. I like Dario too but he's always been better as the backup 5. We need a 4 who can get rebounds against smaller athletic lineups and traditional big lineups, and I think Grant or Wood fit that mold better.

I see names like Grant and Woods get tossed around and no doubt in a vacuum they are upgrades but if they were in the team what current starters(s) usage are you dramatically cutting so those guys get the amount of touches/shots they want and frankly need to be effective? Fyi Grant can actually be pretty effective as a role player but he specifically left Denver because he wanted to me more of 'the guy'.

To me guys like that make a ton more sense if you traded Ayton and had a role player at the 5.

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I think a move for Grant or Woods seems like a good idea, but w/o our pick this year idk who we offer to get either or them. Unless 1 of those teams wants Cam.

I also wouldn't mind Marcus Smart as he would fit the locker room presence of CP3 and Crowder very well. 1 of the toughest players in the league and I think he's wearing out his welcome some with Tatum and Brown.

Grant I've always been a big fan of and if he is sick of losing and has changed his mind about wanting to be 'the guy' he would absolutely fit on this team. Not sure why Detroit would trade him though.

Woods, honestly I'm not the biggest fan. I think some of his stats are fool's gold and I've heard some whispers he's not the easiest locker room fit. But that was when he was younger and guys do mature.

I like smart and he would absolutely fit their culture. But I'm not sure on the court that I actually like his fit more than Payne and Shamet (plus I don't think Shamet can be traded for a while anyway). Suns fans would love smart at times but would also get pretty frustrated with his shot selection. He's one of those dudes who thinks he's the best player on the court and that is good in a lot of ways but can also lead to him trying to do too much on O at times.

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[Mulhollanddrive]

Paul and Booker have 45 points in clutch situations @ 70% FG

[Slim Charless]

I see names like Grant and Woods get tossed around and no doubt in a vacuum they are upgrades but if they were in the team what current starters(s) usage are you dramatically cutting so those guys get the amount of touches/shots they want and frankly need to be effective? Fyi Grant can actually be pretty effective as a role player but he specifically left Denver because he wanted to me more of 'the guy'.

To me guys like that make a ton more sense if you traded Ayton and had a role player at the 5.

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I think a move for Grant or Woods seems like a good idea, but w/o our pick this year idk who we offer to get either or them. Unless 1 of those teams wants Cam.

I also wouldn't mind Marcus Smart as he would fit the locker room presence of CP3 and Crowder very well. 1 of the toughest players in the league and I think he's wearing out his welcome some with Tatum and Brown.

Grant I've always been a big fan of and if he is sick of losing and has changed his mind about wanting to be 'the guy' he would absolutely fit on this team. Not sure why Detroit would trade him though.

Woods, honestly I'm not the biggest fan. I think some of his stats are fool's gold and I've heard some whispers he's not the easiest locker room fit. But that was when he was younger and guys do mature.

I like smart and he would absolutely fit their culture. But I'm not sure on the court that I actually like his fit more than Payne and Shamet (plus I don't think Shamet can be traded for a while anyway). Suns fans would love smart at times but would also get pretty frustrated with his shot selection. He's one of those dudes who thinks he's the best player on the court and that is good in a lot of ways but can also lead to him trying to do too much on O at times.

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Another player I wouldn't mind getting that's more realistic is Grant Williams from the Celtics. He's shooting % this year is shockingly good. He's almost at 50/40/90 for the season. At 22 years and as a PF. That's production we could use now, and for the future. Gives us Cam Johnson insurance if we can't pay him.

Doesn't seem to get much burn on Boston and they need to get bigger. He strikes me a someone that'd fit in well. Crowder would be a great guy for him to work under.

[handsome salary]

I think it's sad local fans need to shell out at least 90 bucks monthly for Cox, Direct or one streaming service offering Bally Sports while out of staters can League pass all games for 28 bucks a month. Good thing my Dad still wants to pay for Direct TV or the only games I'd see this year is when the playoffs roll around and I get TNT/ESPN on Sling.

[suns12345]

I think it's sad local fans need to shell out at least 90 bucks monthly for Cox, Direct or one streaming service offering Bally Sports while out of staters can League pass all games for 28 bucks a month. Good thing my Dad still wants to pay for Direct TV or the only games I'd see this year is when the playoffs roll around and I get TNT/ESPN on Sling.

Yeh, its very peverse to punish local fans who are most likely to be interested in the team. It's a joke and a money grab.

Here in Aus they used to black out the broadcast of cricket games in whatever city the match happened to be in to make residents attend the game in person. Thankfully they did away with that rubbish.

[lilfishi22]

I think it's sad local fans need to shell out at least 90 bucks monthly for Cox, Direct or one streaming service offering Bally Sports while out of staters can League pass all games for 28 bucks a month. Good thing my Dad still wants to pay for Direct TV or the only games I'd see this year is when the playoffs roll around and I get TNT/ESPN on Sling.

Yeh, its very peverse to punish local fans who are most likely to be interested in the team. It's a joke and a money grab.

Here in Aus they used to black out the broadcast of cricket games in whatever city the match happened to be in to make residents attend the game in person. Thankfully they did away with that rubbish.

I thought Aussie fans gets robbed having to pay $300 a season but over an 8-month season, works out to be about $38 a month but then international league pass gets all the games, no blackouts.

Of course, you'd be an idiot to pay the Aussie tax

[Barkley6]

I think it's sad local fans need to shell out at least 90 bucks monthly for Cox, Direct or one streaming service offering Bally Sports while out of staters can League pass all games for 28 bucks a month. Good thing my Dad still wants to pay for Direct TV or the only games I'd see this year is when the playoffs roll around and I get TNT/ESPN on Sling.

Lots of free steaming sites if you're willing to look! It can be a hassle and they aren't all great, and sometimes you'll have to suffer through local commentary out of Indiana or wherever, but hard to beat free!

[Barkley6]

I think a move for Grant or Woods seems like a good idea, but w/o our pick this year idk who we offer to get either or them. Unless 1 of those teams wants Cam.

I also wouldn't mind Marcus Smart as he would fit the locker room presence of CP3 and Crowder very well. 1 of the toughest players in the league and I think he's wearing out his welcome some with Tatum and Brown.

Grant I've always been a big fan of and if he is sick of losing and has changed his mind about wanting to be 'the guy' he would absolutely fit on this team. Not sure why Detroit would trade him though.

Woods, honestly I'm not the biggest fan. I think some of his stats are fool's gold and I've heard some whispers he's not the easiest locker room fit. But that was when he was younger and guys do mature.

I like smart and he would absolutely fit their culture. But I'm not sure on the court that I actually like his fit more than Payne and Shamet (plus I don't think Shamet can be traded for a while anyway). Suns fans would love smart at times but would also get pretty frustrated with his shot selection. He's one of those dudes who thinks he's the best player on the court and that is good in a lot of ways but can also lead to him trying to do too much on O at times.

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Another player I wouldn't mind getting that's more realistic is Grant Williams from the Celtics. He's shooting % this year is shockingly good. He's almost at 50/40/90 for the season. At 22 years and as a PF. That's production we could use now, and for the future. Gives us Cam Johnson insurance if we can't pay him.

Doesn't seem to get much burn on Boston and they need to get bigger. He strikes me a someone that'd fit in well. Crowder would be a great guy for him to work under.

2 problems: 1. he's undersized (6-6) and doesn't rebound especially well 2. Why would Boston give up on him when he's a cheap young role player?

[sasquatchBob]

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=ESPN

What Jalen and Jacoby talk about in this video is my favorite thing about this and every other Suns team since Jones and Monty took over. The ball movement. This is actually one of the only teams in the whole NBA that plays with this much ball movement. Everyone is always moving. Granted it was/is 2 very unselfish PG's running the show, but still it displays the culture. Team first mentality. Is there currently another team in NBA that plays this way by sharing the ball so much?

Some of you sometimes downplay Monty and his rotations or plays off the time outs, but if we play like this (with how much has been achieved on top of that) can we really talk sh*t to him? This team came out of nowhere. It's biggest jump in the recent memory to become contenders so quickly after being nobody. He might have his weaknesses but Monty is a top 5 coach in this league. Same for James Jones in his position.

[bwgood77]

I think it's sad local fans need to shell out at least 90 bucks monthly for Cox, Direct or one streaming service offering Bally Sports while out of staters can League pass all games for 28 bucks a month. Good thing my Dad still wants to pay for Direct TV or the only games I'd see this year is when the playoffs roll around and I get TNT/ESPN on Sling.

Yeh, its very peverse to punish local fans who are most likely to be interested in the team. It's a joke and a money grab.

Here in Aus they used to black out the broadcast of cricket games in whatever city the match happened to be in to make residents attend the game in person. Thankfully they did away with that rubbish.

I didn't realize you couldn't get league pass if you live in Phx. That sucks.

[bwgood77]

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=ESPN

What Jalen and Jacoby talk about in this video is my favorite thing about this and every other Suns team since Jones and Monty took over. The ball movement. This is actually one of the only teams in the whole NBA that plays with this much ball movement. Everyone is always moving. Granted it was/is 2 very unselfish PG's running the show, but still it displays the culture. Team first mentality. Is there currently another team in NBA that plays this way by sharing the ball so much?

Some of you sometimes downplay Monty and his rotations or plays off the time outs, but if we play like this (with how much has been achieved on top of that) can we really talk sh*t to him? This team came out of nowhere. It's biggest jump in the recent memory to become contenders so quickly after being nobody. He might have his weaknesses but Monty is a top 5 coach in this league. Same for James Jones in his position.

I agree...I love when we have great ball movement and players are moving. I have actually complained a bit when we don't though, because I know we can do this and are very good at doing it. But sometimes last year we would get to where guys were standing around and we'd do iso'ing and assists and ball movement were way down and no one was in motion. I hate that so much because we are so exciting when everyone is moving.

I don't even mind Booker doing the isoing and weaving through there if everyone else is moving around and Ayton is stepping back and forth like a cone Booker is running around while his defender tries to keep up. That stuff is fun. Sometimes if we go or went too much 1 on 1 and guys watch is could get frustrating.

I think the more we play like this and just see how it gets everyone going, keeps everyone engaged, keeps the other teams off balance, etc, everyone buys in. Mostly Booker who obviously loves the iso, and I don't think he necessarily actively ignored stuff last year at times outside of end quarter/shot clock stuff, but that it's just the way he had always played and his nature.

He got a lot better at making quick decisions last year and I think Paul has been a great influence for him too...I think that will continue to help...Paul sets a great example by making it a point to get everyone else going, and then taking over more at the end if necessary...and that will always be easier if the other team has been having to adapt to defending your playmaking for others all game long, and then suddenly you are pulling up for mid range money shots.

The most impressive thing to me about Book in particular these last few games (outside of that crazy shot) is the fact that he had 2 turnovers total in his last 3 games. I wouldn't be surprised if that is his least ever over a 3 game span. He didn't have any assists last night, but did have 11 total in the prior 2 games. Turnovers is probably his major weakness, and cutting that down would be enormous.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Evan Sidery (@esidery) Tweeted:
Only three teams have ranked top-10 in both offensive and defensive rating over their last 10 games: Golden State, Brooklyn and Phoenix.

The Suns are fueled by last season’s Finals heartbreak, and it makes them even more dangerous (via @basketbllnews): https://t.co/Lp9eLL7RUF

Read on Twitter

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[Ghost of Kleine]

Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) Tweeted:
#Suns #Mavs injury report for tomorrow's rematch at Footprint Center. https://t.co/UrOJHjBPLy

Read on Twitter

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[Ghost of Kleine]

Should we have any consideration in trading for ( Or signing if bought out) Tristan Thompson?
Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) Tweeted:
Tristan Thompson had plenty to say after the Kings concluded what he thought would be a 4-0 road trip (they went 1-3). Story: https://t.co/MKN3JRL0NE

Read on Twitter

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His salary is around 9.4 million. And he's an unrestricted free agent in 2022. He's a solid interior defender, switches well and is an elite offensive rebounder. He could bolster our rebounding, and add to our interior physicality. I like that we wouldn't have to commit to him beyond this season too. Could we maybe trade something along the lines of Smith/ Nader/ 2nd or Smith/ Saric/ Nader for Thompson?

[bigfoot]

Should we have any consideration in trading for ( Or signing if bought out) Tristan Thompson?
Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) Tweeted:
Tristan Thompson had plenty to say after the Kings concluded what he thought would be a 4-0 road trip (they went 1-3). Story: https://t.co/MKN3JRL0NE

Read on Twitter

?s=20

His salary is around 9.4 million. And he's an unrestricted free agent in 2022. He's a solid interior defender, switches well and is an elite offensive rebounder. He could bolster our rebounding, and add to our interior physicality. I like that we wouldn't have to commit to him beyond this season too. Could we maybe trade something along the lines of Smith/ Nader/ 2nd or Smith/ Saric/ Nader for Thompson?

The team is playing well and really doesn't warrant a change at the moment. Jones needs to hold off on any trades until we approach the deadline or the wheels fall off and they start losing badly with the current roster. We could have an injury to a non-big starter and need those trade pieces to help fill that hole.

Besides, I'm not sure Thompson can crack the rotation and I'm starting to suspect James Jones likes the team he has constructed. Our depth at PF wasn't the problem last year with Crowder and Johnson. It was our depth at C which has been fixed with McGee. Going into next year and maybe even at the end of this season, we will add Saric who knows the system well and should be easily able to step into a role. Apparently, he is another glue guy and popular in the locker room.

[bwgood77]

Should we have any consideration in trading for ( Or signing if bought out) Tristan Thompson?
Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) Tweeted:
Tristan Thompson had plenty to say after the Kings concluded what he thought would be a 4-0 road trip (they went 1-3). Story: https://t.co/MKN3JRL0NE

Read on Twitter

?s=20

His salary is around 9.4 million. And he's an unrestricted free agent in 2022. He's a solid interior defender, switches well and is an elite offensive rebounder. He could bolster our rebounding, and add to our interior physicality. I like that we wouldn't have to commit to him beyond this season too. Could we maybe trade something along the lines of Smith/ Nader/ 2nd or Smith/ Saric/ Nader for Thompson?

How about we continue to roll with what we have with the way we are playing to start the season after a finals run instead of always trying to think of trades? I know people with trade ideas or using our open spot on signing a guy are to improve the team but I think we wait and see how we play against better teams and if we have other injuries before utilizing that last spot.

For now it's not like we seem to have anything major we need to address.

[Slim Charless]

Grant I've always been a big fan of and if he is sick of losing and has changed his mind about wanting to be 'the guy' he would absolutely fit on this team. Not sure why Detroit would trade him though.

Woods, honestly I'm not the biggest fan. I think some of his stats are fool's gold and I've heard some whispers he's not the easiest locker room fit. But that was when he was younger and guys do mature.

I like smart and he would absolutely fit their culture. But I'm not sure on the court that I actually like his fit more than Payne and Shamet (plus I don't think Shamet can be traded for a while anyway). Suns fans would love smart at times but would also get pretty frustrated with his shot selection. He's one of those dudes who thinks he's the best player on the court and that is good in a lot of ways but can also lead to him trying to do too much on O at times.

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Another player I wouldn't mind getting that's more realistic is Grant Williams from the Celtics. He's shooting % this year is shockingly good. He's almost at 50/40/90 for the season. At 22 years and as a PF. That's production we could use now, and for the future. Gives us Cam Johnson insurance if we can't pay him.

Doesn't seem to get much burn on Boston and they need to get bigger. He strikes me a someone that'd fit in well. Crowder would be a great guy for him to work under.

2 problems: 1. he's undersized (6-6) and doesn't rebound especially well 2. Why would Boston give up on him when he's a cheap young role player?

He's roughly the same size as our current starting PF. That's not a big issue, especially since he's be 1 of our better shooters if his percentages hold. What is an issue is what it would take to get him. I would love to just move Jalen for him, but idk if Boston would do that. They could use his size on their team. There's a couple other guys I would think moving depending on the situation too.

I do think that Celtic team has a few guys that would work here and could be stolen if Boston keeps losing.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Should we have any consideration in trading for ( Or signing if bought out) Tristan Thompson?
Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) Tweeted:
Tristan Thompson had plenty to say after the Kings concluded what he thought would be a 4-0 road trip (they went 1-3). Story: https://t.co/MKN3JRL0NE

Read on Twitter

?s=20

His salary is around 9.4 million. And he's an unrestricted free agent in 2022. He's a solid interior defender, switches well and is an elite offensive rebounder. He could bolster our rebounding, and add to our interior physicality. I like that we wouldn't have to commit to him beyond this season too. Could we maybe trade something along the lines of Smith/ Nader/ 2nd or Smith/ Saric/ Nader for Thompson?

The team is playing well and really doesn't warrant a change at the moment. Jones needs to hold off on any trades until we approach the deadline or the wheels fall off and they start losing badly with the current roster. We could have an injury to a non-big starter and need those trade pieces to help fill that hole.

Besides, I'm not sure Thompson can crack the rotation and I'm starting to suspect James Jones likes the team he has constructed. Our depth at PF wasn't the problem last year with Crowder and Johnson. It was our depth at C which has been fixed with McGee. Going into next year and maybe even at the end of this season, we will add Saric who knows the system well and should be easily able to step into a role. Apparently, he is another glue guy and popular in the locker room.

Yeah, I was thinking about him more hopefully around the deadline as a buyout candidate due to his recent frustrations with the Kings losing. Not at all as a starter either, But rather, I was looking at him possibly filling Smith's role or possibly 3rd string center alongside of Kaminsky at the 4. If he's willing to prioritize winning over big minutes. But also of course as additional frontcourt depth insurance. But I figured that he could cover some of Sarics' lost minutes alongside of Cam and Kaminsky ( by committee) at times he could also slide over to the 5 in small ball situations.

So overall I was looking at simply replacing Smith with him ( more experienced veteran) and possibly attaching another small salary like either Nader or Hutchinson ( don't care with honestly) to clear a bit more minutes for the rotation.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Should we have any consideration in trading for ( Or signing if bought out) Tristan Thompson?
Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) Tweeted:
Tristan Thompson had plenty to say after the Kings concluded what he thought would be a 4-0 road trip (they went 1-3). Story: https://t.co/MKN3JRL0NE

Read on Twitter

?s=20

His salary is around 9.4 million. And he's an unrestricted free agent in 2022. He's a solid interior defender, switches well and is an elite offensive rebounder. He could bolster our rebounding, and add to our interior physicality. I like that we wouldn't have to commit to him beyond this season too. Could we maybe trade something along the lines of Smith/ Nader/ 2nd or Smith/ Saric/ Nader for Thompson?

How about we continue to roll with what we have with the way we are playing to start the season after a finals run instead of always trying to think of trades? I know people with trade ideas or using our open spot on signing a guy are to improve the team but I think we wait and see how we play against better teams and if we have other injuries before utilizing that last spot.

For now it's not like we seem to have anything major we need to address.

Oh I agree. And I'm sorry if you misunderstood my intent from my post. I'm suggesting he be a consideration around or after the trade deadline when if we look to further our veteran depth, OR IF we look to add someone via buyout. I'm in no way suggesting that we should jump on this right away. But again, Review things a bit further into the season, keep tabs on possible complimentary options,
As we may definitely need to consider adding more tangible depth around the deadline or whenever the buyout market hits.

I mean we were considering Thad Young not too long ago. And quite a few on here still have Hope's of him becoming a buyout option for us prior to our upcoming playoff run, As well as potential others. I'd just personally lump him into that consideration group as well. But all in all, I'm not looking to disrupt any potential legitimate chemistry that we've seemingly achieved. We can obviously wait to make any considerations for trades or buyouts a little further into the season. My personal preference would be after the All star break. But again, I'm not sure when the majority of buyouts and the trade deadline are slated to occur?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Not to further inflame or trigger anyone here, But in reading through the trade board, Philly has a list of 30 players that they'd be willing to trade Simmons for. On that list (around 10) is Chris Paul. Now IF for whatever reason, We don't meet expectations, flame out early or simply decide to move on from Paul after this season, AND if we manage to either resign Ayton for below the max ( or sign 'n' trade him for a cheaper comparable option) such as Vucevic or Valuncias ( both solid double/ double floor spacing bigs. Could we possibly be considering Simmons for our post Paul all star max replacement option?

- Monty's coached him for a season in Philly before becoming our coach. So he's familiar with him and may know how to help him become better?

- Jones has connections to Klutch, Simmons agent, So we would have a potentially good connection. Also ( regardless of the Kendall Jenner situation) Book and Simmons are friends, So that's a mild bonus.

- Adding Simmons would give us an All NBA defender in the backcourt with Booker and IF Bridges takes that leap to All NBA as well, Then we'd have two All NBA defenders anchoring our defense. Our perimeter defense would be suffocating.

- Again, IF we can resign Ayton at less than the max, along with Bridges signing for less than his market value, and IF we can sign Johnson conservatively too, That should leave us some wiggle room to fill out the roster with additional shooters/ floor spacers? Otherwise we could look to trade Ayton ( sign 'n' trade) for a cheaper comparable double/ double option in either Valuncias or Vucevic (unrestricted free agent in 2023).

- Playing out this season with Paul and letting the situation/ chaos between Simmons and the 76ers play out whilst his trade value plummets, Allows us to still compete this season, and then make a trade of less assets (perhaps even a basic swap of Paul for Simmons) wherein we retain our core assets and build long term around a core of:

Simmons/ Booker/ Bridges/ Johnson/ Ayton
Or
Simmons/ Booker/ Bridges/ Johnson/ Valuncias.
Or
Simmons/ Booker/ Bridges/ Johnson/ Vucevic.

And then sign more sharpshooters on the cheap to fill out our roster. So again, I'm just wondering IF Simmons, as his value decreases in this current situation would be a possibility on their minds for a post Paul solution whose an established all star and all NBA level defender with star power ( to an extent) towards attracting potential free agents as well?