KD to the Suns

[spanishninja]

This confident version of Mikal in last two playoffs and Suns have a title and don't get embarrassed by the Mavs. He's shooting technical FTs for the Nets and handling the ball more leading to more fouls are the reasons for increased FT attempts IMO. Good to see the Nets making the playoffs.

It would have been hard to see this version of Mikal since they just had him stand at the 3pt line to spread the floor and had one of he best mid range players ever in Paul and another great one in Booker doing all of the scoring, with Ayton being the guy in the middle to go to.

I think at this point after he kind of broke out while all the players were out and the decline of Paul he would have been the #2 option and Paul was urging to continue being aggressive even though Booker was back..and to not just let Booker do his thing and watch.

I think Suns were enamored by KD and didnt do anything with hopes at trade deadline we landed KD.

I do wish we either got Markannen and added to our depth

CP3
Booker
Bridges
Markannen
Ayton

you think we would have gotten Lauri without giving up Bridges? I don't see it.

[bwgood77]

We have seen so many times players that have a nice stretch of games averaging over 20 ppg and then teams start to figure out how to stop him and his numbers and efficiency goes down.

Mikal needs to do it at least for a full season to know for sure that he is a serious threat offensively and he can be a premier offensive player.

So far he is exceeding expectations, but we don't know if it's sustainable for him.

I don't think scoring that many on THAT high of efficiency is sustainable, likely for anyone, outside of someone like KD, but it's promising with the way he was doing it on the Suns before the trade and moreso after becoming a #1 option. I think he will get better at many other things as he becomes more familiar with his teammates, improving as a distributor and getting to the line, which he's already shown.

He's always had very high efficiency. Another HUGE thing, when it comes down to evaluating the trade, is his availability, which is extremely important, and how many years he has left compared to KD. KD won't be nearly as available or around for nearly as long. Those are pretty much sure things.

Yeah, I give you props for projecting a superhigh ceiling for Mikal and now he is getting closer to that status for real...BUT he needs to do it much more time to stablish himself as a premier scorer in the league.

He has been outstanding on offense for 30-35 games, but not more than that.

I want to watch him on that role for at least a full season, with more games teams will adapt their defensive schemes to him and he will have a tough time scoring the ball.

I think more teams saw the potential too, like Memphis, who we know has great scouting, offered 4-5 firsts for him, which seems crazy. I originally heard 4, but JJ Redick said 5 on his podcast with Mikal.

[bwgood77]

James Jones talking about KD's ankle sprain:

Are you concerned at all because Durant has had a history of injures?

“No. Players that play and play a lot it get banged up, but it’s a sprained ankle. It’s the type of thing that if we’re in the playoffs, if the playoffs were to start today, he’d be out there. He’d be struggling a little bit. I’m always concerned for our players’ health when guys are hurt. I’ve been in that seat where you’re hurt. You’re always concerned about health, but anything long-term, severe, no, not (concerned) at all.”

Read on Twitter

I don't know that it is good news. That's when he tore his achilles, when he may have come back too early from another injury. I know Jones also has to say "No" when asked if he's concerned, but of course he's concerned. Any sane GM would be. The guy hasn't played in over half of his games since leaving GS, just came off an injury that kept him out 6 weeks, played 3 games and got injured again.

[SSOL]

James Jones talking about KD's ankle sprain:

Are you concerned at all because Durant has had a history of injures?

“No. Players that play and play a lot it get banged up, but it’s a sprained ankle. It’s the type of thing that if we’re in the playoffs, if the playoffs were to start today, he’d be out there. He’d be struggling a little bit. I’m always concerned for our players’ health when guys are hurt. I’ve been in that seat where you’re hurt. You’re always concerned about health, but anything long-term, severe, no, not (concerned) at all.”

Read on Twitter

I don't know that it is good news. That's when he tore his achilles, when he may have come back too early from another injury. I know Jones also has to say "No" when asked if he's concerned, but of course he's concerned. Any sane GM would be. The guy hasn't played in over half of his games since leaving GS, just came off an injury that kept him out 6 weeks, played 3 games and got injured again.

How many games makes a half season? I recall KD playing in 55 (67%) games in 2021-22.

[bwgood77]

James Jones talking about KD's ankle sprain:

Read on Twitter

I don't know that it is good news. That's when he tore his achilles, when he may have come back too early from another injury. I know Jones also has to say "No" when asked if he's concerned, but of course he's concerned. Any sane GM would be. The guy hasn't played in over half of his games since leaving GS, just came off an injury that kept him out 6 weeks, played 3 games and got injured again.

How many games makes a half season? I recall KD playing in 55 (67%) games in 2021-22.

I meant half his games in total since then.

[lilfishi22]

We have seen so many times players that have a nice stretch of games averaging over 20 ppg and then teams start to figure out how to stop him and his numbers and efficiency goes down.

Mikal needs to do it at least for a full season to know for sure that he is a serious threat offensively and he can be a premier offensive player.

So far he is exceeding expectations, but we don't know if it's sustainable for him.

I don't think scoring that many on THAT high of efficiency is sustainable, likely for anyone, outside of someone like KD, but it's promising with the way he was doing it on the Suns before the trade and moreso after becoming a #1 option. I think he will get better at many other things as he becomes more familiar with his teammates, improving as a distributor and getting to the line, which he's already shown.

He's always had very high efficiency. Another HUGE thing, when it comes down to evaluating the trade, is his availability, which is extremely important, and how many years he has left compared to KD. KD won't be nearly as available or around for nearly as long. Those are pretty much sure things.

Yeah, I give you props for projecting a superhigh ceiling for Mikal and now he is getting closer to that status for real...BUT he needs to do it much more time to stablish himself as a premier scorer in the league.

He has been outstanding on offense for 30-35 games, but not more than that.

I want to watch him on that role for at least a full season, with more games teams will adapt their defensive schemes to him and he will have a tough time scoring the ball.

I don't think what you said is unreasonable. I think he can do it but I also want to see him do it before pronouncing his performances to be sustainable.

[lilfishi22]

James Jones talking about KD's ankle sprain:

Are you concerned at all because Durant has had a history of injures?

“No. Players that play and play a lot it get banged up, but it’s a sprained ankle. It’s the type of thing that if we’re in the playoffs, if the playoffs were to start today, he’d be out there. He’d be struggling a little bit. I’m always concerned for our players’ health when guys are hurt. I’ve been in that seat where you’re hurt. You’re always concerned about health, but anything long-term, severe, no, not (concerned) at all.”

Read on Twitter

I don't know that it is good news. That's when he tore his achilles, when he may have come back too early from another injury. I know Jones also has to say "No" when asked if he's concerned, but of course he's concerned. Any sane GM would be. The guy hasn't played in over half of his games since leaving GS, just came off an injury that kept him out 6 weeks, played 3 games and got injured again.

You could literally take that statement in a good or bad way, and you chose the bad way.

[bwgood77]

James Jones talking about KD's ankle sprain:

Read on Twitter

I don't know that it is good news. That's when he tore his achilles, when he may have come back too early from another injury. I know Jones also has to say "No" when asked if he's concerned, but of course he's concerned. Any sane GM would be. The guy hasn't played in over half of his games since leaving GS, just came off an injury that kept him out 6 weeks, played 3 games and got injured again.

You could literally take that statement in a good or bad way, and you chose the bad way.

Yeah, I think you are stating the obvious, as it's kind of posted in a way like it should be good news, and in the sense it isn't serious, it is good news. But the fact that he'd play on the injury after what happened in GS, I prefer a more cautious approach if they think it's serious enough right now to take 3 weeks off and revisit then. But at the same time I think they know he is more than likely going to be injured often so if he can play at all when it comes time for the playoffs, we need to play him given we gave up so much for himin the hopes we can win a championship, and the earlier we can win one, if he can play at all, the better, since him and Paul are not getting any younger.

[bullsaficianado]

He will be back before the playoffs start. There is enough time for the sprain to heal right before the playoffs start. It probably already has healed quite alot. So if he only plays 3 more regular season games for the Suns fine. People better hope the rest of the Suns roster stays healthy for the playoffs because KD will be ready. Let the man heal it's just an ankle sprain and fortunately nothing more serious.

[Hitachi77]

Has a sprained ankle ever turned into an injury that could bleed into the following season though? The GS situation seemed much riskier.

[MrMiyagi]

Has a sprained ankle ever turned into an injury that could bleed into the following season though? The GS situation seemed much riskier.

Don't **** around with leg and back issues. The muscles and tendons are so intricate that lacking in one will lead to compensation in others which can cause them to be overtaxed and lead to further injury. We don't need to risk a 2nd Achilles tear over playoff seeding.

[bwgood77]

Has a sprained ankle ever turned into an injury that could bleed into the following season though? The GS situation seemed much riskier.

Don't **** around with leg and back issues. The muscles and tendons are so intricate that lacking in one will lead to compensation in others which can cause them to be overtaxed and lead to further injury. We don't need to risk a 2nd Achilles tear over playoff seeding.

Yeah, overcompensation is something that may not be clear, as you may not make an ankle injury worse, but your leg may be trying to adjust and put extra pressure somewhere else, which may have been already happening with him.

[Saberestar]

Durant is going to miss a bulk of the remaining regular season. What do you want to see in this last stretch before the playoffs?

“In 16 games, we’re going to be in the playoffs regardless. Kevin being with us for 10 of those or six of those, Kevin knows how to play. We’re not concerned about Kevin forgetting how to play basketball over the next eight games.”

So here James Jones somewhat said that he expects KD to be back for the last 8 ( from 10 to 6) games of the season.

I have been looking in the schedule when we play with 6 games remaining in the regular season and it will be hosting the Nuggets on March 31st, Friday.

[ArksNetsSince99]

Has a sprained ankle ever turned into an injury that could bleed into the following season though? The GS situation seemed much riskier.

Don't **** around with leg and back issues. The muscles and tendons are so intricate that lacking in one will lead to compensation in others which can cause them to be overtaxed and lead to further injury. We don't need to risk a 2nd Achilles tear over playoff seeding.

Yeah, overcompensation is something that may not be clear, as you may not make an ankle injury worse, but your leg may be trying to adjust and put extra pressure somewhere else, which may have been already happening with him.

I think Brooklyn took more risks with his Achilles injury , most posters and experts were saying if he is 60-70% himself we will be lucky , truth is he was close to 100% maybe 95% post Achilles , after this he played **** 40+ minutes games for us and his Achilles hold up well but … Nets always took their time with his all others smaller injuries

He should rest as long as possible, you don’t need him for seedings, last 4-6 reg season games

[bwgood77]

Don't **** around with leg and back issues. The muscles and tendons are so intricate that lacking in one will lead to compensation in others which can cause them to be overtaxed and lead to further injury. We don't need to risk a 2nd Achilles tear over playoff seeding.

Yeah, overcompensation is something that may not be clear, as you may not make an ankle injury worse, but your leg may be trying to adjust and put extra pressure somewhere else, which may have been already happening with him.

I think Brooklyn took more risks with his Achilles injury , most posters and experts were saying if he is 60-70% himself we will be lucky , truth is he was close to 100% maybe 95% post Achilles , after this he played **** 40+ minutes games for us and his Achilles hold up well but … Nets always took their time with his all others smaller injuries

He should rest as long as possible, you don’t need him for seedings, last 4-6 reg season games

Yeah, I wasn't talking Brooklyn, where I think they did a good job allowing his achilles to heal, but in the series he came back when playing for GS, his ankle had been injured and I remember reading some people were worried something really bad could happen coming back from that injury too early and then he tore his achilles.

I agree, seeding doesn't matter, though it would be good to avoid a play in game, where anything can happen in one game. And KD has higher probability of injury than most players so the fewer games you play him, the better and you cross your fingers he stays healthy in the playoffs and can play like he did two years ago and not last year.

[KdoubleDees23]

It would have been hard to see this version of Mikal since they just had him stand at the 3pt line to spread the floor and had one of he best mid range players ever in Paul and another great one in Booker doing all of the scoring, with Ayton being the guy in the middle to go to.

I think at this point after he kind of broke out while all the players were out and the decline of Paul he would have been the #2 option and Paul was urging to continue being aggressive even though Booker was back..and to not just let Booker do his thing and watch.

I think Suns were enamored by KD and didnt do anything with hopes at trade deadline we landed KD.

I do wish we either got Markannen and added to our depth

CP3
Booker
Bridges
Markannen
Ayton

you think we would have gotten Lauri without giving up Bridges? I don't see it.

Yeah - Saric, CamJo , and a First would have got the deal done

[spanishninja]

I think Suns were enamored by KD and didnt do anything with hopes at trade deadline we landed KD.

I do wish we either got Markannen and added to our depth

CP3
Booker
Bridges
Markannen
Ayton

you think we would have gotten Lauri without giving up Bridges? I don't see it.

Yeah - Saric, CamJo , and a First would have got the deal done

ehhhhh, i doubt it. an aging KD required 4 firsts and both twins and you expect that package to work for Markannen? He doesn't have that much lower value given his rising stock.

[bwgood77]

you think we would have gotten Lauri without giving up Bridges? I don't see it.

Yeah - Saric, CamJo , and a First would have got the deal done

ehhhhh, i doubt it. an aging KD required 4 firsts and both twins and you expect that package to work for Markannen? He doesn't have that much lower value given his rising stock.

They were never going to trade him. He is their break out star. The type of player you could only hope to find in the draft. It's kind of crazy it took until his 6th year to really break out, and he wasn't highly valued by Chicago or Cleveland (and of course Minnesota traded him and LaVine for one season of Jimmy Butler).

They will pretty much build around him and hopefully find another star to pair with him. They have plenty of picks to work with. Lots of up and coming teams in the west. Will be interesting to see the WC battles in a few years between them, who were already tough and battled with us early when we were mostly healthy, OKC, who we only beat twice without Shai, Denver (still young), Memphis, NO, SAC, MIN as Ant keeps getting better, etc.

[spanishninja]

Yeah - Saric, CamJo , and a First would have got the deal done

ehhhhh, i doubt it. an aging KD required 4 firsts and both twins and you expect that package to work for Markannen? He doesn't have that much lower value given his rising stock.

They were never going to trade him. He is their break out star. The type of player you could only hope to find in the draft. It's kind of crazy it took until his 6th year to really break out, and he wasn't highly valued by Chicago or Cleveland (and of course Minnesota traded him and LaVine for one season of Jimmy Butler).

They will pretty much build around him and hopefully find another star to pair with him. They have plenty of picks to work with. Lots of up and coming teams in the west. Will be interesting to see the WC battles in a few years between them, who were already tough and battled with us early when we were mostly healthy, OKC, who we only beat twice without Shai, Denver (still young), Memphis, NO, SAC, MIN as Ant keeps getting better, etc.

yeah, I don't know why we are still talking about Lauri as a "what-if". was never gonna happen.

[MrMiyagi]

Fact is, we had the opportunity to add to our team - that was surging - and instead we chose to overhaul our roster. It was too rash a decision by a dude with very little understanding of the organization.