2022-23 Season Discussion and Speculation 5 - The KD era begins

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[Ghost of Kleine]

I think only 2-3 guys in the west can cover KD decently. One would be really good and two others decent, though one probably won't make the playoffs. Anyone venture to guess which players I am talking about?

I'd think Vanderbilt, Kwahi, and Bridges would be the players if I had to guess. With Bridges being the one probably not making the playoffs? I would almost prefer to say Vanderbilt with the Flakers, but I figure somehow they'll find a way to sneak in! But V8 would have been a coup for us playing alongside of Durant!

[bwgood77]

I think only 2-3 guys in the west can cover KD decently. One would be really good and two others decent, though one probably won't make the playoffs. Anyone venture to guess which players I am talking about?

Hmmm Kawhi, AD and H. Jones ?

JJJ, and yes, Kawhi and AD.

[bwgood77]

After the Grizz's 11 game win streak (mostly against meh teams), they've since gone 3-9 against better competition.

Also hard to believe a solid team like the Pels came off a 10 game losing streak not long ago. They are now 6-14 over the last 20. With news of Zion likely being out for even longer due to reaggravating his hammy, they could struggle to stay above .500 and in the play-ins.

Yeah, aside from Portland and the LAL, I kind of think the Kings and Pelicans will finish out of the top 8. Depends on Minnesota. The Kings are slotted nice in the standings but still only 2 games ahead of the Warriors who are currently in 9th.

[lilfishi22]

I think only 2-3 guys in the west can cover KD decently. One would be really good and two others decent, though one probably won't make the playoffs. Anyone venture to guess which players I am talking about?

I'd think Vanderbilt, Kwahi, and Bridges would be the players if I had to guess. With Bridges being the one probably not making the playoffs? I would almost prefer to say Vanderbilt with the Flakers, but I figure somehow they'll find a way to sneak in! But V8 would have been a coup for us playing alongside of Durant!

Stanley Johnson might be the other guy who can cover KD. Might be good to scoop him up just to not let some other playoff team grab him

[bwgood77]

I think only 2-3 guys in the west can cover KD decently. One would be really good and two others decent, though one probably won't make the playoffs. Anyone venture to guess which players I am talking about?

I'd think Vanderbilt, Kwahi, and Bridges would be the players if I had to guess. With Bridges being the one probably not making the playoffs? I would almost prefer to say Vanderbilt with the Flakers, but I figure somehow they'll find a way to sneak in! But V8 would have been a coup for us playing alongside of Durant!

I said in the west. I think Brooklyn actually stays in the 5 seed. They should have beaten Philly and with KD lost to Philly twice. We lost to Philly too. And Brooklyn played them so well with 4 starters who had never played a game with the Nets this season. They will be better once they practice and get to know each other's games better.

Surprised everyone missed the main defender I was talking about, JJJ.

[lilfishi22]

After the Grizz's 11 game win streak (mostly against meh teams), they've since gone 3-9 against better competition.

Also hard to believe a solid team like the Pels came off a 10 game losing streak not long ago. They are now 6-14 over the last 20. With news of Zion likely being out for even longer due to reaggravating his hammy, they could struggle to stay above .500 and in the play-ins.

Yeah, aside from Portland and the LAL, I kind of think the Kings and Pelicans will finish out of the top 8. Depends on Minnesota. The Kings are slotted nice in the standings but still only 2 games ahead of the Warriors who are currently in 9th.

I was expecting the Kings to kind of fall off at some point but they've just been chugging along. I'm impressed

[matt131]

After the Grizz's 11 game win streak (mostly against meh teams), they've since gone 3-9 against better competition.

Also hard to believe a solid team like the Pels came off a 10 game losing streak not long ago. They are now 6-14 over the last 20. With news of Zion likely being out for even longer due to reaggravating his hammy, they could struggle to stay above .500 and in the play-ins.

Yeah, aside from Portland and the LAL, I kind of think the Kings and Pelicans will finish out of the top 8. Depends on Minnesota. The Kings are slotted nice in the standings but still only 2 games ahead of the Warriors who are currently in 9th.

I was expecting the Kings to kind of fall off at some point but they've just been chugging along. I'm impressed

It was great to see them beat the Mavs last night on Lukas and Irving’s debut together.

I think if we play insanely well we can catch them since we have 3 more games left against them. It’ll be tough though. They’re fun to watch at least.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I think only 2-3 guys in the west can cover KD decently. One would be really good and two others decent, though one probably won't make the playoffs. Anyone venture to guess which players I am talking about?

I'd think Vanderbilt, Kwahi, and Bridges would be the players if I had to guess. With Bridges being the one probably not making the playoffs? I would almost prefer to say Vanderbilt with the Flakers, but I figure somehow they'll find a way to sneak in! But V8 would have been a coup for us playing alongside of Durant!

I said in the west. I think Brooklyn actually stays in the 5 seed. They should have beaten Philly and with KD lost to Philly twice. We lost to Philly too. And Brooklyn played them so well with 4 starters who had never played a game with the Nets this season. They will be better once they practice and get to know each other's games better.

Surprised everyone missed the main defender I was talking about, JJJ.

Sure I missed that detail and focused on the 2-3 defenders mostly. And yes, I'm aware that AD has been promoted as the most successful defender on Giannis, But hadn't heard of him being that against KD personally. And probably wouldn't consider it as strongly either given his fragility might compound his mobility/ fluidity issues a bit post injury accumulation. But I know I'm one who looks at things through a different lens than most too. Did you forget however that Vanderbilt actually did a fairly elite job defending BOTH Durant and Ingram? I remember posting something on this awhile back when lobbying for us to pursue him prior to his getting traded to Utah. I believe he held Durant to something like 13 points for the night and can't remember exactly what he held Ingram to, but played elite defense on both though. And you're right, I totally missed JJJ. I have to wonder if we'll adjust to specific situational matchups against these elite defenders and try to maximize him by playing Craig at those positions they play at or look to switch up situationally??

[lilfishi22]

Yeah, aside from Portland and the LAL, I kind of think the Kings and Pelicans will finish out of the top 8. Depends on Minnesota. The Kings are slotted nice in the standings but still only 2 games ahead of the Warriors who are currently in 9th.

I was expecting the Kings to kind of fall off at some point but they've just been chugging along. I'm impressed

It was great to see them beat the Mavs last night on Lukas and Irving’s debut together.

I think if we play insanely well we can catch them since we have 3 more games left against them. It’ll be tough though. They’re fun to watch at least.

Yeah for me, the record and standing isn't the most important factor but rather it's us playing well together as a team going into the playoffs. As long as we are playing like a real team, building chemistry and we're healthy, it doesn't matter whether we finish #6 or #3.

[bwgood77]

I'd think Vanderbilt, Kwahi, and Bridges would be the players if I had to guess. With Bridges being the one probably not making the playoffs? I would almost prefer to say Vanderbilt with the Flakers, but I figure somehow they'll find a way to sneak in! But V8 would have been a coup for us playing alongside of Durant!

I said in the west. I think Brooklyn actually stays in the 5 seed. They should have beaten Philly and with KD lost to Philly twice. We lost to Philly too. And Brooklyn played them so well with 4 starters who had never played a game with the Nets this season. They will be better once they practice and get to know each other's games better.

Surprised everyone missed the main defender I was talking about, JJJ.

Sure I missed that detail and focused on the 2-3 defenders mostly. And yes, I'm aware that AD has been promoted as the most successful defender on Giannis, But hadn't heard of him being that against KD personally. And probably wouldn't consider it as strongly either given his fragility might compound his mobility/ fluidity issues a bit post injury accumulation. But I know I'm one who looks at things through a different lens than most too. Did you forget however that Vanderbilt actually did a fairly elite job defending BOTH Durant and Ingram? I remember posting something on this awhile back when lobbying for us to pursue him prior to his getting traded to Utah. I believe he held Durant to something like 13 points for the night and can't remember exactly what he held Ingram to, but played elite defense on both though. And you're right, I totally missed JJJ. I have to wonder if we'll adjust to specific situational matchups against these elite defenders and try to maximize him by playing Craig at those positions they play at or look to switch up situationally??

AD I was less sure about but he has made multiple All Defensive teams and has a 7'6 wingspan. Vanderbilt's is 7'1. He might do ok. But I don't think the Lakers make the playoffs.

[bwgood77]

I was expecting the Kings to kind of fall off at some point but they've just been chugging along. I'm impressed

It was great to see them beat the Mavs last night on Lukas and Irving’s debut together.

I think if we play insanely well we can catch them since we have 3 more games left against them. It’ll be tough though. They’re fun to watch at least.

Yeah for me, the record and standing isn't the most important factor but rather it's us playing well together as a team going into the playoffs. As long as we are playing like a real team, building chemistry and we're healthy, it doesn't matter whether we finish #6 or #3.

True, we'd be playing the same team. We have been WAY better at home this season though so home court advantage could really come into play.

[lilfishi22]

It was great to see them beat the Mavs last night on Lukas and Irving’s debut together.

I think if we play insanely well we can catch them since we have 3 more games left against them. It’ll be tough though. They’re fun to watch at least.

Yeah for me, the record and standing isn't the most important factor but rather it's us playing well together as a team going into the playoffs. As long as we are playing like a real team, building chemistry and we're healthy, it doesn't matter whether we finish #6 or #3.

True, we'd be playing the same team. We have been WAY better at home this season though so home court advantage could really come into play.

Not disagreeing that having HCA is always nice to have especially given our home record this season but we also had an equally stellar home and away record last year but that HCA ultimately didn't pay dividends in G7. I also thought we didn't manage the end of the regular season very well last year. Felt like we were both gunning for the best record in Suns history while trying to half ass load manage some of the starters which led to us not really playing our best basketball heading into the playoffs.

This run to the end of the regular season, I expect we'll be favouring chemistry building over load management.

[bwgood77]

Yeah for me, the record and standing isn't the most important factor but rather it's us playing well together as a team going into the playoffs. As long as we are playing like a real team, building chemistry and we're healthy, it doesn't matter whether we finish #6 or #3.

True, we'd be playing the same team. We have been WAY better at home this season though so home court advantage could really come into play.

Not disagreeing that having HCA is always nice to have especially given our home record this season but we also had an equally stellar home and away record last year but that HCA ultimately didn't pay dividends in G7. I also thought we didn't manage the end of the regular season very well last year. Felt like we were both gunning for the best record in Suns history while trying to half ass load manage some of the starters which led to us not really playing our best basketball heading into the playoffs.

This run to the end of the regular season, I expect we'll be favouring chemistry building over load management.

It didn't matter in game 7 because we fell apart and no one could hit a shot in the first half, but it matted for the first 6 games and the first two in the finals. I'd prefer to have it. Obviously we need everyone to be playing healthy, etc, either way, and if not, it doesn't matter.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I think only 2-3 guys in the west can cover KD decently. One would be really good and two others decent, though one probably won't make the playoffs. Anyone venture to guess which players I am talking about?

I'd think Vanderbilt, Kwahi, and Bridges would be the players if I had to guess. With Bridges being the one probably not making the playoffs? I would almost prefer to say Vanderbilt with the Flakers, but I figure somehow they'll find a way to sneak in! But V8 would have been a coup for us playing alongside of Durant!

I said in the west. I think Brooklyn actually stays in the 5 seed. They should have beaten Philly and with KD lost to Philly twice. We lost to Philly too. And Brooklyn played them so well with 4 starters who had never played a game with the Nets this season. They will be better once they practice and get to know each other's games better.

Surprised everyone missed the main defender I was talking about, JJJ.

JJJ can guard him, for about 5 minutes before KD gets him in foul trouble.



Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

[bwgood77]

I'd think Vanderbilt, Kwahi, and Bridges would be the players if I had to guess. With Bridges being the one probably not making the playoffs? I would almost prefer to say Vanderbilt with the Flakers, but I figure somehow they'll find a way to sneak in! But V8 would have been a coup for us playing alongside of Durant!

I said in the west. I think Brooklyn actually stays in the 5 seed. They should have beaten Philly and with KD lost to Philly twice. We lost to Philly too. And Brooklyn played them so well with 4 starters who had never played a game with the Nets this season. They will be better once they practice and get to know each other's games better.

Surprised everyone missed the main defender I was talking about, JJJ.

JJJ can guard him, for about 5 minutes before KD gets him in foul trouble.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

Ahhh...he's reduced his fouls a lot, having the lowest per 36 in his career, all while becoming an even better defender. He averages 4.3 per 36, down from 5.9 2 years ago, all while guarding the best player on the other team every night....and being all over the place, blocking shots. Blocking shots usually is hard to do without having a lot of fouls, but he has gone up to 4.4 per 36 in blocks as well, up from 3 last year, 2.5 the year before, 2 the year before that..

We shouldn't have trouble with Memphis if we happen to remain healthy but he is best equipped to guard KD of anyone out there.

[lilfishi22]

I said in the west. I think Brooklyn actually stays in the 5 seed. They should have beaten Philly and with KD lost to Philly twice. We lost to Philly too. And Brooklyn played them so well with 4 starters who had never played a game with the Nets this season. They will be better once they practice and get to know each other's games better.

Surprised everyone missed the main defender I was talking about, JJJ.

JJJ can guard him, for about 5 minutes before KD gets him in foul trouble.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

Ahhh...he's reduced his fouls a lot, having the lowest per 36 in his career, all while becoming an even better defender. He averages 4.3 per 36, down from 5.9 2 years ago, all while guarding the best player on the other team every night....and being all over the place, blocking shots. Blocking shots usually is hard to do without having a lot of fouls, but he has gone up to 4.4 per 36 in blocks as well, up from 3 last year, 2.5 the year before, 2 the year before that..

We shouldn't have trouble with Memphis if we happen to remain healthy but he is best equipped to guard KD of anyone out there.

Haven't paid a ton of attention specifically to JJJr's foul rate but why is he still only playing 27mpg? That's basically his career average. You would think with fewer fouls committed, he'd play more? Even in games where he isn't having any foul troubles, he's still playing under 30mpg

[King4Day]

Anyone know if OKC will keep Dario?
If they plan to buy him out (dumb move IMO if they do as I believe he could help them), who do you think would pick him up?
Personally, I think Charlotte should go after him. They need a big and him being a connector could help that team

[GreatSunnyNorth]

Anyone know if OKC will keep Dario?
If they plan to buy him out (dumb move IMO if they do as I believe he could help them), who do you think would pick him up?
Personally, I think Charlotte should go after him. They need a big and him being a connector could help that team

Word at the deadline was that Miami was interested even with his existing contract, and he’d be a strong complement to Bam. But after trading Muscala, OKC would have reason to keep him as a veteran big.

[bwgood77]

JJJ can guard him, for about 5 minutes before KD gets him in foul trouble.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

Ahhh...he's reduced his fouls a lot, having the lowest per 36 in his career, all while becoming an even better defender. He averages 4.3 per 36, down from 5.9 2 years ago, all while guarding the best player on the other team every night....and being all over the place, blocking shots. Blocking shots usually is hard to do without having a lot of fouls, but he has gone up to 4.4 per 36 in blocks as well, up from 3 last year, 2.5 the year before, 2 the year before that..

We shouldn't have trouble with Memphis if we happen to remain healthy but he is best equipped to guard KD of anyone out there.

Haven't paid a ton of attention specifically to JJJr's foul rate but why is he still only playing 27mpg? That's basically his career average. You would think with fewer fouls committed, he'd play more? Even in games where he isn't having any foul troubles, he's still playing under 30mpg

They have a ton of depth, have been involved in a lot of blowouts both ways, and also they probably eased in back some coming back from injury.