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

[Qwigglez]

Yeah I'm just going to stop responding GoK. You are straying further away from your original argument and you seem to be getting a bit upset congratulating Lilfishi on the comparison of toast and destroyed
Back to my original argument that our C/PF rotation is fine. If Ayton goes down or if KD goes or if any of the Suns starters go down, Suns will be in trouble, I AGREE. But, I don't expect any of the current available free agents to help the Suns in this regard, except maybe Serge Ibaka. I think we are all aware of the stipulation that the Suns are likely the team to beat this year with the addition of KD, but the big caveat here is If healthy. But you could make the same case for any team if they lose any of their big premier players, no team has a reserve player that can contribute as much as their star player.

I will reiterate, I don't mind trying to upgrade from Landale if the Suns feel someone can do a better job (again Ibaka I feel could be a good candidate, I would even take Frank Kaminksy). I just don't see that being very likely as I believe CP3 recruited JJ to go and get Landale this summer.

CP tried to get Landale here? That's kind of strange. Did they have some sort of prior connection?

Backup PG is probably a bigger concern than backup C for multiple reasons (much more likely we get PG injuries, PG much more important position) but I share GoKs concern about bigs. I don't know anything about Bazley and don't expect him to get any burn so I'm not going to count him (maybe that is wrong) an although KD is 7ft he's not a true big and not someone we want banging and getting tired and in foul trouble. Which means we only have 3 actual bigs on the roster, and although I think Biz can give us some good minutes I don't feel the same way about Landale. Also agree on our options being limited though.... Is Ibaka completely cooked at this point? It would really suck to make it to the Finals again and run into Milwaukee and need big help that we don't have like '21 all over again.

Probably unlikely it will end up mattering, but since money ain't a thang anymore let's shore up as many holes as possible.

I remember hearing it from someone, maybe during a game or someone on Twitter. It was something simple, like CP3 just said, hey check on that Jock dude, he hustles and is making the correct play every time or something to that effect. It was while Jock was with the Spurs or Hawks when the Suns faced them that CP3 noticed Jock and mentioned it to James Jones this summer I believe. He knows we can't afford everyone so he gave Jones an option that is ultra-cheap.

[Qwigglez]

Read on Twitter

Good news for Ish fans! Also for everyone else too as I can now stop talking about every potential available buyout option that might offer value for our last spot! Sorry Fishi.........

So if Ish gets the last remaining spot does that mean Jock Landale is the odd man out? Landale was good the first month for us but after that not so much. He misses easy bunnies like Biz but at least Biz can play defense and block a ton of shots.

Not sure if you guys are just using this as an attempt to talk about Ish, but this is another obvious poor try at a joke attempt by Xin.

I do think Suns are going to keep Ish. But they are weighing their options first to see who else is potentially available that fit the Suns needs. He's a great end of roster guy. I don't think there is an need to offer him a lucrative contract besides a vet minimum deal.

[bwgood77]

So if Ish gets the last remaining spot does that mean Jock Landale is the odd man out? Landale was good the first month for us but after that not so much. He misses easy bunnies like Biz but at least Biz can play defense and block a ton of shots.

Not sure if you guys are just using this as an attempt to talk about Ish, but this is another obvious poor try at a joke attempt by Xin.

I do think Suns are going to keep Ish. But they are weighing their options first to see who else is potentially available that fit the Suns needs. He's a great end of roster guy. I don't think there is an need to offer him a lucrative contract besides a vet minimum deal.

Yeah, I think they might if they think they need him. Is there a deadline to do this or could they wait as long as they wanted? If they stay healthy they could also stay at 14. You only have to have 13 and we are already way into the tax, so a minimum contract could still cost 4-5x the amount of the actual contract with tax.

[Qwigglez]

Not sure if you guys are just using this as an attempt to talk about Ish, but this is another obvious poor try at a joke attempt by Xin.

I do think Suns are going to keep Ish. But they are weighing their options first to see who else is potentially available that fit the Suns needs. He's a great end of roster guy. I don't think there is an need to offer him a lucrative contract besides a vet minimum deal.

Yeah, I think they might if they think they need him. Is there a deadline to do this or could they wait as long as they wanted? If they stay healthy they could also stay at 14. You only have to have 13 and we are already way into the tax, so a minimum contract could still cost 4-5x the amount of the actual contract with tax.

I'm pretty sure what the Suns are doing, they are going to keep Ish on the 2 way to allow him access to the Suns facility, trainers, etc. Just a solid move by the organization that does not benefit the team whatsoever (except I suppose the players comradery and what not) They won't convert him unless absolutely necessary and they won't cut him unless he wants to be cut because his agent knows of another team wanting him to join their squad. I think GoK mentioned a deadline of mid-March for a team to have its roster set to be playoff eligible or something.

[NapoleonII]

I hope we keep Ish. He seems like a culture guy, hard worker, non-toxic, positive.

Haslem 2.0

[RedIndian]

RJ Hampton waived by the Magic. That's a guy I'd like us to pick up on a cheap deal. Not that he'd help us this year, but I think he'd be a good young development piece. Read somewhere that he's close to Chris Paul as well.

[Fo-Real]

Talking about nba buyouts!! Nate McMillan just got fired!!! PICK HIM UP FOR THE STAFF!!!

[sunsbg]

Ish getting more love than DA on this board lol.

[Bogyo]

RJ Hampton waived by the Magic. That's a guy I'd like us to pick up on a cheap deal. Not that he'd help us this year, but I think he'd be a good young development piece. Read somewhere that he's close to Chris Paul as well.

I was actually looking at him around the trade deadline for the same reasons. Even better that he can be picked up without giving up anything.

[BobbieL]

Not sure if you guys are just using this as an attempt to talk about Ish, but this is another obvious poor try at a joke attempt by Xin.

I do think Suns are going to keep Ish. But they are weighing their options first to see who else is potentially available that fit the Suns needs. He's a great end of roster guy. I don't think there is an need to offer him a lucrative contract besides a vet minimum deal.

Yeah, I think they might if they think they need him. Is there a deadline to do this or could they wait as long as they wanted? If they stay healthy they could also stay at 14. You only have to have 13 and we are already way into the tax, so a minimum contract could still cost 4-5x the amount of the actual contract with tax.

DavidIVPoint play has written about using part of the TPMLE on Ish. He gets a bit more than the veteran minimium and they lock him to a contract when they will need cheap players this next summer. Maybe he is worth the extra 5m in actual costs that BWG mentions

One thing about the luxury tax - why are the Suns, as first time lux tax payers, penalized the same as the Clippers and Warriors - meaning 4x level. I think if you are in it, multiple years in a row - there should be an even higher % paid.

[starbosa10]

I do think Suns are going to keep Ish. But they are weighing their options first to see who else is potentially available that fit the Suns needs. He's a great end of roster guy. I don't think there is an need to offer him a lucrative contract besides a vet minimum deal.

Yeah, I think they might if they think they need him. Is there a deadline to do this or could they wait as long as they wanted? If they stay healthy they could also stay at 14. You only have to have 13 and we are already way into the tax, so a minimum contract could still cost 4-5x the amount of the actual contract with tax.

DavidIVPoint play has written about using part of the TPMLE on Ish. He gets a bit more than the veteran minimium and they lock him to a contract when they will need cheap players this next summer. Maybe he is worth the extra 5m in actual costs that BWG mentions

One thing about the luxury tax - why are the Suns, as first time lux tax payers, penalized the same as the Clippers and Warriors - meaning 4x level. I think if you are in it, multiple years in a row - there should be an even higher % paid.

I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure there is a repeater tax

[BobbieL]

Yeah, I think they might if they think they need him. Is there a deadline to do this or could they wait as long as they wanted? If they stay healthy they could also stay at 14. You only have to have 13 and we are already way into the tax, so a minimum contract could still cost 4-5x the amount of the actual contract with tax.

DavidIVPoint play has written about using part of the TPMLE on Ish. He gets a bit more than the veteran minimium and they lock him to a contract when they will need cheap players this next summer. Maybe he is worth the extra 5m in actual costs that BWG mentions

One thing about the luxury tax - why are the Suns, as first time lux tax payers, penalized the same as the Clippers and Warriors - meaning 4x level. I think if you are in it, multiple years in a row - there should be an even higher % paid.

I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure there is a repeater tax

Oh okay - thanks for that. As its fine if the Suns go above a certain level and are hit with 4x. But if you are not penalized further - seems kind of unfair. Or if a team jumps in and out of the lux tax.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Talking about nba buyouts!! Nate McMillan just got fired!!! PICK HIM UP FOR THE STAFF!!!

Yeah! I saw that yesterday evening, and thought about mentioning him. But figured he might not be open to accepting an assistant position and might prefer a lead position? But experienced depth on the bench helping Monty out wouldn't be a bad thing!

[Ghost of Kleine]

Absolutely not

You can't look at every free agent, find the 2-3 redeeming qualities and use that to justify adding them to the roster. You do that with almost every name, like you just did that with Melo just because CP3/KD is interested in him

I'm only making suggestions to foster discussion man. It's not like I truly believe/expect we'll extend our roster to 30 players or something.....lol. Besides, it hurts nothing to consider all available options for potential complimentary fit now doesn't it? Then focus on the best remaining option that checks the most boxes. With one remaining roster spot available, it might be reasonable to consider a number of players and try to secure the best available value before committing to one with the last spot don't you think?

But you suggest damn near everyone that's available lol like no one knows what players you are legitimately interested in.

Yeah! That's true man and obviously a very fair statement. But I just see the potential (wherever complimentary or untapped remaining) that might benefit our team in some capacity. Now whether our team's front office sees anything is unknown of course until after the fact. But because I respect and am genuinely intrigued by everyone's perspectives on such things ( differening or not) I make the suggestion for conversation. And because I don't have as much intrinsic knowledge or insight on specific discussion topics as some might here, I view it as beneficial for garnering more perspective. Nothing needing to be too controversial beyond that.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

Good news for Ish fans! Also for everyone else too as I can now stop talking about every potential available buyout option that might offer value for our last spot! Sorry Fishi.........

So if Ish gets the last remaining spot does that mean Jock Landale is the odd man out? Landale was good the first month for us but after that not so much. He misses easy bunnies like Biz but at least Biz can play defense and block a ton of shots.

Not sure if you guys are just using this as an attempt to talk about Ish, but this is another obvious poor try at a joke attempt by Xin.

Honestly! Kinda straddling the fence a bit on this one man.

[KdoubleDees23]

Ish getting more love than DA on this board lol.

Ish is trash! Ayton is our top 3 . Dude is a stud! Everyone just wants him to make highlight dunks, because they dont understand basketball

[spanishninja]

Talking about nba buyouts!! Nate McMillan just got fired!!! PICK HIM UP FOR THE STAFF!!!

Yeah! I saw that yesterday evening, and thought about mentioning him. But figured he might not be open to accepting an assistant position and might prefer a lead position? But experienced depth on the bench helping Monty out wouldn't be a bad thing!

most guys who have made it to head coach will not want to be downgraded back to assistant. Brett Brown and Gentry did downgrade but likely not their choice lol

[Fo-Real]

Talking about nba buyouts!! Nate McMillan just got fired!!! PICK HIM UP FOR THE STAFF!!!

Yeah! I saw that yesterday evening, and thought about mentioning him. But figured he might not be open to accepting an assistant position and might prefer a lead position? But experienced depth on the bench helping Monty out wouldn't be a bad thing!

most guys who have made it to head coach will not want to be downgraded back to assistant. Brett Brown and Gentry did downgrade but likely not their choice lol

Maybe he doesn't. But maybe he wants to stay involved in basketball this year while still getting paid from the Hawks, also pick up some extra cash from the suns while enjoying helping his friend Monty. Then he can put his name in the hat for jobs starting next season? MAYBE!!

[King4Day]

Talking about nba buyouts!! Nate McMillan just got fired!!! PICK HIM UP FOR THE STAFF!!!

Yeah! I saw that yesterday evening, and thought about mentioning him. But figured he might not be open to accepting an assistant position and might prefer a lead position? But experienced depth on the bench helping Monty out wouldn't be a bad thing!

most guys who have made it to head coach will not want to be downgraded back to assistant. Brett Brown and Gentry did downgrade but likely not their choice lol

McMillan's best chance at head coach again is via being an assistant. That's really the only reason Atlanta gave him a shot after they fired their previous coach. If I recall, he went to interim, had a good run, and was promoted.
I don't think he'd mind taking a backseat. He needs to rebuild his value.

IMO, that's a reason why it's dangerous for new coaches (like Nash, Lindsey Hunter, Earl Watson, etc) to just start without much, if any, experience. They needed to learn and really didn't. Kerr is a rarity and likely would have failed if not given the roster he was brought on with. Those other guys haven't gotten second chances (to this point).

[bhawk]

Ish getting more love than DA on this board lol.

Ish is trash! Ayton is our top 3 . Dude is a stud! Everyone just wants him to make highlight dunks, because they dont understand basketball

I don't understand basketball... just watch it on TV. Sometimes in person. Basketball is fun.

I suspect that Ayton gets crushed because of his lack of effort and heart. It's the little things that he does and doesn't do. You know... like when he doesn't box out or rebound. It would be super cool if he tried harder and pushed the little guys around. Maybe he can anticipate a jump shot and position himself better on the offensive side? To me, it seems like Ayton is always 8 feet from the basket and being boxed out by the opposing teams back-up point guard.

Better screens would be nice... I think it is year 5 for Ayton and he screens like a matador. WOOOSH. "Hey look I'm open!" Oh wait... I set a weak ass screen and the defender is still on you so you can't pass me the ball.

For someone who doesn't understand basketball, can someone explain to me why Ayton looks like he is afraid of contact? It seems odd for someone who is 7 feet 270lb.

I guess it's not just about the dunks... although a dunk every now and then would be an improvement over that dumb ass surprised look he gets when he is wide open under the basket. "whoa... lookie here! There's nobody around me... I better lay it in before somebody finds out... oh... whoops... I missed."

Ayton is good enough, the thing is that he COULD be great... and he isn't... and he doesn't have any plans or ambition to be great. I personally question his heart, work ethic, competitive fire and motivation. Ayton thinks he is good enough which isn't good enough for this basketball fan.