2023-24 Season Discussion and Speculation - Free Agency Begins

[lilfishi22]

Supposed to be green. Apologies. That being said I'm still right lol. Monty is a fool

Ya still not though

Monty is dumb, that's why he was fired. Both times.

You're entitled to your opinion

[sunskerr]

I'm glad the only old player we have added was Eric Gordon who is 34 years old. Bradley Beal just turned 30, KD turns 35 in a couple of months, and Damion Lee will be 31 in early October. Getting guys that aren't washed up like KBD, Watanabe, Eubanks, and Goodwin makes me feel confident going into the upcoming season.

Yeah its a relief to have role players now who are in their primes or coming into their primes. I was sort of surprised we even brought back Damion Lee who was in the awful bottom tier (the Ross/Shamet/Warren etc tier) of players we had last year. But I think that was more an insurance move in case we didn't get Gordon, and he'll be 3rd string anyway.

[garrick]

Fact is this
You draw the line with DA right now
No more Monty to blame
No more CP to blame

Motor? I dont even know what that is.

Frank - you know damn well there will always be a contingent of blame. That's the nature of this kind of player who's a unicorn physically (formerly drafted #1), but a potato bug mentally. It's always going to be about what other individuals did or did not do to "unlock him" than what Ayton did to reach max potential.

We're now six years into this thing and in that video yesterday he still sounded like a rudderless rookie who's unsure of himself. He gave some generalized platitude about working this summer in the lab to overcome, but what does that mean? It was more about how everyone hates him and he doesn't know why. Aside from a few histrionic mentally unwell people - I don't think even the biggest detractors truly hate him on a personal level. What they hate is watching physical freaks like him waste talent and dogging it in important moments of the Suns franchise.

Not once in that video did we hear him go, "well I've heard the concerns about my effort/consistency and I want to let Suns fans know I've got to come out this year showing it every single night. It's not about scoring points, it's about winning titles." I mean could he at least acknowledge something like that? He'd be doing himself tremendous favors.

On that note, does he not have a management team to coach him on giving interviews like that? I get a sense he doesn't.

summed it up perfectly.

Engimatics did we watch two entirely different videos?

In the video he states that he was working on his game during the summer to address some of that noise?

[WeekapaugGroove]

I'm glad the only old player we have added was Eric Gordon who is 34 years old. Bradley Beal just turned 30, KD turns 35 in a couple of months, and Damion Lee will be 31 in early October. Getting guys that aren't washed up like KBD, Watanabe, Eubanks, and Goodwin makes me feel confident going into the upcoming season.

Yeah its a relief to have role players now who are in their primes or coming into their primes. I was sort of surprised we even brought back Damion Lee who was in the awful bottom tier (the Ross/Shamet/Warren etc tier) of players we had last year. But I think that was more an insurance move in case we didn't get Gordon, and he'll be 3rd string anyway.

I think Lee's role is the vet good vibe professional who's not going to bitch about not playing and will be ready if you need him. I totally agree it's good to see some upside on the bench this year but I don't mind using a spot on one dude like this.

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[Frank Lee]

Now that I’ve seen that interview it’s clear DA needs a sports psychologist, if not a regular one too. Dude is playing the victim and is reflective of this site, claiming honest criticism is hate. This is sports at the highest level … nature of the beast. The coddling is over bro, you are 5 years in.

Hes looking for whatever it is to unlock??? Wtf? How bout unlocking some effort?

Jones tried his best to spin it positive, but that was a mopey downer display of me me me over the fact that this may be the best team DA has ever been a part of and a clear contender. He should be jacked.

How different would it be if DeWaaWaandre said ‘im getting ready to ball with these guys and look forward to doing whatever coachV wants and needs to win it all’. F, anything positive over this clueless crydown would have been welcomed. This should be concerning to even the DA buttlovers here

I dont think he gives a rat’s rear about a championship. Doesnt seem to be a priority for
Mr SecondContract.

Honestly, this dude should just stfu and let his play speak. He has done himself no favors with the microphone. Somebody better straighten him out else hes prime to become a locker room liabilty.


Echoing enigs here, but had to spout. Hate to think this years run is contingent on an engaged DA

[Mulhollanddrive]

Vogel is going to be tougher on him than the internet, if he keeps getting benched for guys like Baynes, Saric, Landale.

The one time he wasn't was 2021 playoffs where he was a beast and we needed him and when he had to sit we lost the championship.

Get DPOTY votes and he'll earn everything and win us a title.

[enigmatics]

Engimatics did we watch two entirely different videos?

In the video he states that he was working on his game during the summer to address some of that noise?

I literally mentioned his comments about that - "He gave some generalized platitude about working this summer in the lab to overcome, but what does that mean? It was more about how everyone hates him and he doesn't know why."

I believe his comments were 5-6 days a week in the gym to unlock whatever the f-. OK, what does that mean? Why not say 8 days a week - yes I know there's not 8, but you typically see that exaggeration when someone wants you to know they're working OVERTIME.

Who is he training with?
Is he working on his handles?
Is he working on his 3pt shot?
What's he he doing about the mental aspect of his game?

This is where there's a complete disconnect for me and it's baffling how others sometimes can't see it.

His tone was soft and he literally went THERE saying everyone hates him - which is an immature ass response in itself because I said previously it's not about HATE. He reminds me of this newer generation that literally can't handle criticism and needs their safe spaces.

The complaints are tied directly into wanting to see the man live up to his abilities. It shouldn't come as any surprise that when people don't see him maximizing them they're going to be harder on him. That's why he has gotten reactions he has from some - including his own teammates out there on the court (i.e. Booker, Durant, etc). It certainly is what stained his relationship with Monty - the man who coached him in his vaunted '20/'21 season we tirelessly hear about.

Call me crazy, but I'd expect to be hearing that he's been attending any of the very well known summer big man camps or pairing up with some of the NBA's legends. I would expect that I'd see press clippings where he's tagging along with some of his big dog teammates. In fact, I've already seen a photo of freaking Bol Bol in a gym with Durant, PG13, etc and he hadn't even signed with the Suns at that point. Booker/Durant were in his own Bahamanian back yard without him! Oh, but I'm told by a certain poster in here that he has a kid now so somehow it's not possible even though the "5-6 days a week in the summer" Ayton stated he was training in the gym is.

One of the biggest mistakes the Suns made was holding onto Mark Bryant too long as his big man coach. They need to get him around other bigs who can relate to his talents and know what the extra gear looks like that - the one the Suns are going to need to win their first title. He also needs to get a management/marketing team to work with him on interviewing because this off the cuff stuff he puts out there (another example was the Tesla battery BS) is not how he should be handling his criticism.

All in all - there's a certain MINDSET this dude needs to unlock his physical talents. Can't get there hanging by himself in a gym. Like the old saying goes - if you have 9 broke friends you're bound to be the 10th.

[enigmatics]

Now that I’ve seen that interview it’s clear DA needs a sports psychologist, if not a regular one too. Dude is playing the victim and is reflective of this site, claiming honest criticism is hate. This is sports at the highest level … nature of the beast. The coddling is over bro, you are 5 years in.

Hes looking for whatever it is to unlock??? Wtf? How bout unlocking some effort?

Jones tried his best to spin it positive, but that was a mopey downer display of me me me over the fact that this may be the best team DA has ever been a part of and a clear contender. He should be jacked.

How different would it be if DeWaaWaandre said ‘im getting ready to ball with these guys and look forward to doing whatever coachV wants and needs to win it all’. F, anything positive over this clueless crydown would have been welcomed. This should be concerning to even the DA buttlovers here

I dont think he gives a rat’s rear about a championship. Doesnt seem to be a priority for
Mr SecondContract.

Honestly, this dude should just stfu and let his play speak. He has done himself no favors with the microphone. Somebody better straighten him out else hes prime to become a locker room liabilty.


Echoing enigs here, but had to spout. Hate to think this years run is contingent on an engaged DA

This dude.

He should be BEYOND ecstatic with the possibilities of this upcoming season. That's the furthest thing from a vibe anyone could possibly get from his interview. Instead his victim mindset was on full display.

[bigfoot]

Vogel is going to be tougher on him than the internet, if he keeps getting benched for guys like Baynes, Saric, Landale.

The one time he wasn't was 2021 playoffs where he was a beast and we needed him and when he had to sit we lost the championship.

Get DPOTY votes and he'll earn everything and win us a title.

It's a bummer that Monty was not able to sit this guy on the bench during the regular season. Sarver would have thrown a fit about wasting his dough. Honestly an unmotivated Ayton is a huge liability and is the biggest question mark coming into this season.

I really hope Ishbia tells Vogel to play the center that give the Suns the best chance at a chip, dollars and trade value be damned. If he is going to be a problem send him home like Crowder. Eubanks, Metu, and Bol could platoon the position. Just need quality defense, rim protection, and rebounding from the position with the threat of a three point shot. Lots of room for Booker, Durant, and Beal to operate in the paint.

[KdoubleDees23]

Let's Go Ayton! I am giving you one last chance. Let's grind, lets hustle, and lets rebound / defend, and anchor this team

[bigfoot]

Let's Go Ayton! I am giving you one last chance. Let's grind, lets hustle, and lets rebound / defend, and anchor this team

Everyone wants exactly this!

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Let's Go Ayton! I am giving you one last chance. Let's grind, lets hustle, and lets rebound / defend, and anchor this team

Everyone wants exactly this!

I would love to see him add a top of the key 3-point shot. He's worked on it for years but hasn't gotten there. If he could be a consistent threat from there, it would really open up our offense.

I'm not even going to hope he adds a dribble game, because that would require bending his GD knees which it sure seems he can't do.

I say all that, and yet I still consider myself a DA fan. I hate being a part of the criticism, because, clearly, it's not helping him. I hope he knows that his bandwagon is sitting in the station, fueled up and ready to go. All it would take is a few good games in a row to get it going. Give us a good season and we'll all be on board, bro!

[bwoolf2]

Let's Go Ayton! I am giving you one last chance. Let's grind, lets hustle, and lets rebound / defend, and anchor this team

Everyone wants exactly this!

I would love to see him add a top of the key 3-point shot. He's worked on it for years but hasn't gotten there. If he could be a consistent threat from there, it would really open up our offense.

I'm not even going to hope he adds a dribble game, because that would require bending his GD knees which it sure seems he can't do.

I say all that, and yet I still consider myself a DA fan. I hate being a part of the criticism, because, clearly, it's not helping him. I hope he knows that his bandwagon is sitting in the station, fueled up and ready to go. All it would take is a few good games in a row to get it going. Give us a good season and we'll all be on board, bro!

Rebound and defend I want no time spent on a 3 point shot, never going to shoot it enough for it to matter, spend that time on ball handling it will make a significant difference in his game vs a 3 almost none. Unless the Suns decide the want him taking 5 or 6 threes a game, which will never happen.

[bigfoot]

“We’re committed to Deandre,” the anonymous member of the Suns said. “He’s going to play a key role for us this year as the backline of our defense. And we’ll make sure he gets enough touches on offense to keep him involved on that end too. It’s not just going to be him living off screens and offensive rebounds.”

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/suns_bold_deandre_ayton_plans_amid_trade_rumors_revealed/s1_17149_39042838

[bwoolf2]

“We’re committed to Deandre,” the anonymous member of the Suns said. “He’s going to play a key role for us this year as the backline of our defense. And we’ll make sure he gets enough touches on offense to keep him involved on that end too. It’s not just going to be him living off screens and offensive rebounds.”

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/suns_bold_deandre_ayton_plans_amid_trade_rumors_revealed/s1_17149_39042838

Good now is his time to put up or shut up no excuses. I expect 22 and 11 and defensive anchor numbers anything less and I'll join the time to move on Parade of posters.

[sunsbg]

Let's Go Ayton! I am giving you one last chance. Let's grind, lets hustle, and lets rebound / defend, and anchor this team

Preach, brother!

[bwgood77]

There is a lot of talk on what Ayton "should have said" but in the clip I have seen below, you don't even see the question. Maybe someone has a longer clip but it sounds like he is giving an honest answer to a question along the lines of "What do you think about all the criticism that is thrown or way?" They may have mentioned Jock alluding to it or something. Would be nice to see entire interview.

But it's just an honest answer.

It was clear near the end of last season he lost his confidence in some games and really started overthinking things, freezing, etc.

But this answer is clearly to a very specific question about all the criticism he gets. He may have said a lot of other stuff about the team, moves, additions, in the interview. I'm sure there was a lot more...and this wasn't just the entire interview, one question and answer.

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

I hate when things blow up without seeing the full picture.

But the guy's just being honest. He's human. Would it be better if he had a different attitude, demeanor, etc? Sure, but that's who he is.

Honestly I can't imagine trying to work with so much noise and excessive criticism so loud all the time. Whether it's warranted or not.

We've seen guy's confidence get destroyed in this league before and they are never the same...hopefully that is not what has happened with Ayton. I do agree it would be great if he personally had a good psychologist and hopefully the team has one too..seems every team should.

One reason it might have been nice to have Kevin Love on the team is I think he may have gone through some of the same mental issues.

[enigmatics]

“We’re committed to Deandre,” the anonymous member of the Suns said. “He’s going to play a key role for us this year as the backline of our defense. And we’ll make sure he gets enough touches on offense to keep him involved on that end too. It’s not just going to be him living off screens and offensive rebounds.”

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/suns_bold_deandre_ayton_plans_amid_trade_rumors_revealed/s1_17149_39042838

Think about this for a minute .......

Why on Earth would the Suns need an "anonymous" member of their organization to supposedly make a statement like this? And to YardBarker no less lol. Why wouldn't James Jones, Vogel, Ishbia etc put the word COMMITTED out there and in print?

I think you know what I'm getting at here. It's likelier his agent put that out there in response to some of the poor reception stemming from his "they all hate me" video.

[enigmatics]

There is a lot of talk on what Ayton "should have said" but in the clip I have seen below, you don't even see the question. Maybe someone has a longer clip but it sounds like he is giving an honest answer to a question along the lines of "What do you think about all the criticism that is thrown or way?" They may have mentioned Jock alluding to it or something. Would be nice to see entire interview.

But it's just an honest answer.

It was clear near the end of last season he lost his confidence in some games and really started overthinking things, freezing, etc.

But this answer is clearly to a very specific question about all the criticism he gets. He may have said a lot of other stuff about the team, moves, additions, in the interview. I'm sure there was a lot more...and this wasn't just the entire interview, one question and answer.

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

I hate when things blow up without seeing the full picture.

But the guy's just being honest. He's human. Would it be better if he had a different attitude, demeanor, etc? Sure, but that's who he is.

Honestly I can't imagine trying to work with so much noise and excessive criticism so loud all the time. Whether it's warranted or not.

We've seen guy's confidence get destroyed in this league before and they are never the same...hopefully that is not what has happened with Ayton. I do agree it would be great if he personally had a good psychologist and hopefully the team has one too..seems every team should.

This is not a mentally strong willed individual.

One reason it might have been nice to have Kevin Love on the team is I think he may have gone through some of the same mental issues.

Ayton invoked the "the whole world hates me" nonsense and it's not a metaphor or code speak. He means what he means. It couldn't be anything further than the truth (almost offensive) and he clearly is not mentally able to separate criticism from hatred.

I'm not shocked though. His 5 year career is littered with examples of this kind of adolescent thought process. A true professional would have gotten in front of the camera and would have left it at "Yes I heard the criticisms and it's on me to change them. Here's what I'm currently doing to work at it ......"

But nope, we got the "they all hate me" line. It's on him to stop feeding it whether warranted or not. You just don't say that if you're trying to curry favor.

[bwgood77]

Good now is his time to put up or shut up no excuses. I expect 22 and 11 and defensive anchor numbers anything less and I'll join the time to move on Parade of posters.

He won't put up those #s. I'll be happy with 14 and 10 if he plays solid defense and is efficient. Those were his numbers in 20-21.

I see you mention 11 boards...I've seem a number of people mention 12..but only 2 guys in the NBA averaged 12 (Sabonis & AD), and they both played 34 or more minutes. Jokic and Vucevic averaged 11 but they were at like 33.5 minutes. Embiid was at 10.2 on 34.6 mpg.

Ayton played a tad over 30 mpg and averaged 10. Had he played 10%+ more like those guys he is likely over 11 with those guys.

There are times Ayton can do better at rebounding but he's still right there.

I care more about team rebounding anyway and KD is a better rebounding PF than we've ever had too, and KBD and Okogie are better rebounding SFs than Bridges as well.