2023-24 Season Discussion and Speculation 5 - the calm before the storm

[bwgood77]

I brought it up when it was announced he bought the team but I think most fans were euphoric that a billionaire was buying out broke ass Sarver they were willing to overlook any bad press about him.

Hell anyone could have gone to the UWM subreddit and gotten an insider look into how the man operates.

I was really hoping for Bezos who I imagine would be hands off but would not care about taxes. But anyone who didn't meddle and had a lot of money and was respectable. A hands off owner.

Ishbia just seems like a younger version of Sarver. I wonder how the players really feel about him. And if Jones likes him more or less than Sarver.

Isn’t he the opposite of Sarver? Sarver = hands off, sells picks for cash, hates lux tax

Ish = hands on, doesn’t care about lux tax

Well, I meant more in the bad press, sexual harrassment, racial stuff, bullying, etc. Sarver was more hands on at first, but I do think he became more hands off over time, but yes, still wouldn't go deep into the tax often or for long. Ishbia is obviously very hands on, showing a lot of nepotism, hiring unqualified people, but will spend money, which may not always be a great thing.

Not a fan of either. Sarver improved a bit over time. He was horrible the years before McD, then McD made a bunch of bad picks so we had a terrible GM (though some feel he still meddled a lot and of course after his terrible tenure, McD tried to blame it on Sarver). He was still more hands on than many owners though, like the ones previously mentioned.

[bwgood77]

Don't forget that was after a decade of no playoffs and average of 24 wins over the 2nd half of that decade. And not to mention the myriad of bad decisions over the decade before that

Yeah Sarver cut the Nash era early by not wanting to pay for Kurt Thomas (though we did have that unexpected 2010 run). Just one example of many.

KT was the big one people remember because he played a pivotal role in the Spurs series but most don't remember the timeline of when the cost cutting actually began (spoiler alert: almost immediately). Sarver bought the Suns in April 2004 and began to cut cost by trading his first FRP (Deng) in a draft day trade on 24 June of that year. He did it again the season after with a pick which turned into Rondo.

As innovative, influential and memorable as that SSOL Suns was, you would think it was a decade long perennial playoff team but that team really only lasted for 4 seasons (under MD) and a major part of that end was because of anti-competitive decisions Sarver made.

That summer was the worst even though we became really good the next year. We could have kept that Deng pick, taken Iguodala, had a minimum rookie with talent (or Deng) but the worst part was he wouldn't extend Joe Johnson...$5 million off and that changed everything. Sure Diaw ended up being key later and RoLo was ok, but had we kept JJ and had him 5 or 6 more years then I think we win a championship, especially if we also kept that pick and took one of those guys. They had said afterwards that it was an agreed upon pre draft trade and they didn't expect Iggy OR Deng to be there.

[Saberestar]

Read on Twitter

Book and KD will initiate a lot of sets yet but it's great to know that as a team we consider Beal our starting PG.

He is the best equipped to do a great job at that position.

[lilfishi22]

Read on Twitter

Book and KD will initiate a lot of sets yet but it's great to know that as a team we consider Beal our starting PG.

He is the best equipped to do a great job at that position.

Interesting little comp

Beal is averaging 14/5.5/7 over the last 10 games while shooting 51/44/83.

CP3's last season with us averaged 14/4.3/8.9 while shooting 44/37/83

Not an exact apples to apples comp but interesting to see Beal embracing his new role and doing a pretty decent job of it.

[Saberestar]

Read on Twitter

Book and KD will initiate a lot of sets yet but it's great to know that as a team we consider Beal our starting PG.

He is the best equipped to do a great job at that position.

Interesting little comp

Beal is averaging 14/5.5/7 over the last 10 games while shooting 51/44/83.

CP3's last season with us averaged 14/4.3/8.9 while shooting 44/37/83

Not an exact apples to apples comp but interesting to see Beal embracing his new role and doing a pretty decent job of it.

Yeah, solid comparison but Beal is better than CP3 was on his last year with us because he is way more dynamic, has more size and he puts pressure at the rim with his dribble penetration.

8 years younger so that's not a surprise for anyone.

[sunsbg]

Read on Twitter

Book and KD will initiate a lot of sets yet but it's great to know that as a team we consider Beal our starting PG.

He is the best equipped to do a great job at that position.

If Beal was not out at start of the season they would have figured out earlier that no clear responsibility means no responsibility.

Beal is still a combo guard and for that contract he should be more than someone who puts the ball in Book/KD's hands but as long as the team performs well I guess it doesn't matter that much.

[Calvin Klein]

Read on Twitter

Book and KD will initiate a lot of sets yet but it's great to know that as a team we consider Beal our starting PG.

He is the best equipped to do a great job at that position.

It's our best hope that he can do a decent job. Book needs to play SG. And KD shouldn't be handling the ball.

[bwgood77]

I guess it's unlikely we catch the Mavs though. They hold the tiebreaker and still have games against the Hawks, Hornets and Pistons. And there others are not super difficult probably, with GS and Houston at home. Houston reeling a bit. The Warriors playing well. I think the Rockets are about out of it though.

Their two tougher games are at Miami and at OKC in their last game.

[spanishninja]

I think if we can beat Wolves and Pelicans to end the week, we have a good chance of at least beating the Clips once (the first game at home more likely), and the Kings (at home and Kings are on second night of back to back after playing the Pels). If that happens, we end up at 49-33. Maybe we can even get to 50 depending on where the Wolves are at seeding-wise on the last day. For example, if they are locked into 3rd and we have a chance of climbing to 5th by beating them on the season finale, maybe they throw it to avoid us? Minny is 3-1 vs Dallas this season, for example.

Meanwhile, looking at Dallas' schedule, they got easier opponents but play twice on the second night of back to back, against Golden State and Miami. Golden State is trying to stay above Houston and Miami wants to avoid dropping to the play-in so hopefully they both put up good fights.

[MrMiyagi]

Book and Beal both averaging 7 assists over the last 11 games.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I'm glad that they figured out our long term backcourt roles for our big three salaried stars. Now that these roles are more defined, our backcourt can focus better on their roles in a maximized capacity. And our backcourt can be clearly set for the future.

Now the focus can shift more to key areas of our frontcourt. With KD playing the role more of an opportunistic assassin, and Nurkic as a physical, imposing big. Ultimately though, our title hopes will be best served and truly only reach full fruition once we're able to:

1- Move KD to the SF role, and have him use his size and skill as the ultimate mismatch against smaller wings WITHOUT HAVING TO bang against bigger and more physically dominant NBA 4s and 5s.

2- acquiring a ( cost controlled) two way defensive oriented ATHLETIC, QUICK, LONG 4/5 power forward center that can switch off with Nurkic or Eubanks in drop coverage recovery roles, as Nurkic despite his production, just isn't mobile or fluid and athletic enough to recover effectively. And in adding this aspect defensively, we'll be able to extend our lengthy defense further outward to limit 3 point scoring from the opposition.

3- Add a ( cost controlled) skilled backup guard for our bench to help keep our bench players properly engaged, and table set the offense for whenever Book or Beal need greater rest. This will allow us to better sustain leads offensively and get all three of our backup stars much needed rest throughout the season.

*** One more point to reference for #2, in adding a more dynamic post presence with greater versatility and athleticism, etc. We'll be adding that critical missing component that WILL create both vertical and lateral gravity and force double and maybe even the occasional triple teams that will leave our offensive weapons wide open for threes as they'll have to sag into the paint.


This should make our offense even more lethal and efficient with a greater number of threes made towards our success. And would allow us to also significantly deepen our bench further by moving both Allen and O'neale to the bench to bolster it along with Bol ( IF we can resign him). Our bench could then become:

Draft pick/ Allen/ O'neale / Bol/ Draft Pick? And Eubanks would move to a 3rd rotation 4/5 matchup frontcourt role in order to maximize his value against lesser garbage time players or break glass in case of emergency situational roles.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/275200/Shaquille-Harrison-Named-2024-G-League-Defensive-Player-Of-The-Year

Shaquille Harrison Named 2024 G League Defensive Player Of The Year


Shaquille Harrison has been named the 2023-24 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year. Harrison previously won the award in 2022.

Harrison led the G League in steals per game (2.9) and total steals (99) while averaging 15.1 points and 6.5 assists.

I've mentioned Shaq Harrison before a few times earlier this year as a really good candidate for a bench backcourt role defensively to help lockdown our wing a bit since Kris Dunn was already signed by the Jazz and not available anymore. Shaq Harrison obviously does have familiarity with Phoenix from his previous time playing here, he'd have decent size at 6'4, and even though he's not a traditional playmaker or knockdown shooter, he does possess a modicum of playmaking/passing abilities as he did average 9 assists in his time playing for Portland in the 22-23 season. All I'm suggesting is that we keep him on our radar for this upcoming summer as another potential high end defensive perimeter/POA defensive option. Also he could be a low cost high motor disruptive energizer with good strength creating chaos in the passing lanes and in full court pressure situations for us.

Shaquille Harrison Named 2023-24 Kia NBA G League Defensive Player Of The Year

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Shaq Harrison Posts Near QUADRUPLE-DOUBLE with 23 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST & 7 STL

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

[Saberestar]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/275200/Shaquille-Harrison-Named-2024-G-League-Defensive-Player-Of-The-Year

Shaquille Harrison Named 2024 G League Defensive Player Of The Year


Shaquille Harrison has been named the 2023-24 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year. Harrison previously won the award in 2022.

Harrison led the G League in steals per game (2.9) and total steals (99) while averaging 15.1 points and 6.5 assists.

I've mentioned Shaq Harrison before a few times earlier this year as a really good candidate for a bench backcourt role defensively to help lockdown our wing a bit since Kris Dunn was already signed by the Jazz and not available anymore. Shaq Harrison obviously does have familiarity with Phoenix from his previous time playing here, he'd have decent size at 6'4, and even though he's not a traditional playmaker or knockdown shooter, he does possess a modicum of playmaking/passing abilities as he did average 9 assists in his time playing for Portland in the 22-23 season. All I'm suggesting is that we keep him on our radar for this upcoming summer as another potential high end defensive perimeter/POA defensive option. Also he could be a low cost high motor disruptive energizer with good strength creating chaos in the passing lanes and in full court pressure situations for us.

Shaquille Harrison Named 2023-24 Kia NBA G League Defensive Player Of The Year

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Shaq Harrison Posts Near QUADRUPLE-DOUBLE with 23 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST & 7 STL

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

He just played on 5 GAMES for the Blazers and averaged 6 assists per game. Not a playmaker at all.

Shaq Harrison isn't good enough.

[lilfishi22]

Read on Twitter

Book and KD will initiate a lot of sets yet but it's great to know that as a team we consider Beal our starting PG.

He is the best equipped to do a great job at that position.

Interesting little comp

Beal is averaging 14/5.5/7 over the last 10 games while shooting 51/44/83.

CP3's last season with us averaged 14/4.3/8.9 while shooting 44/37/83

Not an exact apples to apples comp but interesting to see Beal embracing his new role and doing a pretty decent job of it.

Yeah, solid comparison but Beal is better than CP3 was on his last year with us because he is way more dynamic, has more size and he puts pressure at the rim with his dribble penetration.

8 years younger so that's not a surprise for anyone.

Agree to all of that but don't discount all of the intangibles and PG experience CP3 brought to the table even when he was a shell of his former self. CP3's ability to control pace, make plays at the highest level and altogether limiting the number of mistakes made by the team because he's running the show shouldn't be understated.

I think having CP3 on this team would significantly reduce if not eliminate our historically poor 4th quarters

[spanishninja]

Interesting little comp

Beal is averaging 14/5.5/7 over the last 10 games while shooting 51/44/83.

CP3's last season with us averaged 14/4.3/8.9 while shooting 44/37/83

Not an exact apples to apples comp but interesting to see Beal embracing his new role and doing a pretty decent job of it.

Yeah, solid comparison but Beal is better than CP3 was on his last year with us because he is way more dynamic, has more size and he puts pressure at the rim with his dribble penetration.

8 years younger so that's not a surprise for anyone.

Agree to all of that but don't discount all of the intangibles and PG experience CP3 brought to the table even when he was a shell of his former self. CP3's ability to control pace, make plays at the highest level and altogether limiting the number of mistakes made by the team because he's running the show shouldn't be understated.

I think having CP3 on this team would significantly reduce if not eliminate our historically poor 4th quarters

limiting turnovers is valuable but towards the end of his time here, CP3 hurt more as much as he helped when it comes to pace. We needed to play a lot faster against the Nuggets for example, and he wouldn't/couldn't.

[lilfishi22]

Yeah, solid comparison but Beal is better than CP3 was on his last year with us because he is way more dynamic, has more size and he puts pressure at the rim with his dribble penetration.

8 years younger so that's not a surprise for anyone.

Agree to all of that but don't discount all of the intangibles and PG experience CP3 brought to the table even when he was a shell of his former self. CP3's ability to control pace, make plays at the highest level and altogether limiting the number of mistakes made by the team because he's running the show shouldn't be understated.

I think having CP3 on this team would significantly reduce if not eliminate our historically poor 4th quarters

limiting turnovers is valuable but towards the end of his time here, CP3 hurt more as much as he helped when it comes to pace. We needed to play a lot faster against the Nuggets for example, and he wouldn't/couldn't.

I just think our issues (esp in the 4th) really stick out like a nail with CP3 being the guy who could hammer it in. Obviously I'm happy with Beal but when looking specifically at what I think is probably our biggest issue so far in the regular season, CP3 seems to be the perfect problem solver. Of course, we also give up a lot elsewhere with CP3 being who he is at this point.

[spanishninja]

Agree to all of that but don't discount all of the intangibles and PG experience CP3 brought to the table even when he was a shell of his former self. CP3's ability to control pace, make plays at the highest level and altogether limiting the number of mistakes made by the team because he's running the show shouldn't be understated.

I think having CP3 on this team would significantly reduce if not eliminate our historically poor 4th quarters

limiting turnovers is valuable but towards the end of his time here, CP3 hurt more as much as he helped when it comes to pace. We needed to play a lot faster against the Nuggets for example, and he wouldn't/couldn't.

I just think our issues (esp in the 4th) really stick out like a nail with CP3 being the guy who could hammer it in. Obviously I'm happy with Beal but when looking specifically at what I think is probably our biggest issue so far in the regular season, CP3 seems to be the perfect problem solver. Of course, we also give up a lot elsewhere with CP3 being who he is at this point.

yes exactly. CP3 may have solved the particular problems we have, but he was responsible for other problems when he was here.

[lilfishi22]

limiting turnovers is valuable but towards the end of his time here, CP3 hurt more as much as he helped when it comes to pace. We needed to play a lot faster against the Nuggets for example, and he wouldn't/couldn't.

I just think our issues (esp in the 4th) really stick out like a nail with CP3 being the guy who could hammer it in. Obviously I'm happy with Beal but when looking specifically at what I think is probably our biggest issue so far in the regular season, CP3 seems to be the perfect problem solver. Of course, we also give up a lot elsewhere with CP3 being who he is at this point.

yes exactly. CP3 may have solved the particular problems we have, but he was responsible for other problems when he was here.

Definitely not wrong. Just pointing out that while statistically they look similar and Beal is the better overall player, there is a real and different positive impact CP3 brings as a true PG that Beal doesn't.

[spanishninja]

I just think our issues (esp in the 4th) really stick out like a nail with CP3 being the guy who could hammer it in. Obviously I'm happy with Beal but when looking specifically at what I think is probably our biggest issue so far in the regular season, CP3 seems to be the perfect problem solver. Of course, we also give up a lot elsewhere with CP3 being who he is at this point.

yes exactly. CP3 may have solved the particular problems we have, but he was responsible for other problems when he was here.

Definitely not wrong. Just pointing out that while statistically they look similar and Beal is the better overall player, there is a real and different positive impact CP3 brings as a true PG that Beal doesn't.

and vice versa in terms of the benefits of Beal as a legit scoring threat that CP3 couldn't match. This season would look a lot differently if Beal played as many games as CP3 did during his time here in the regular season. But hopefully playoff injuries are less of a concern for him.

[bigfoot]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/275200/Shaquille-Harrison-Named-2024-G-League-Defensive-Player-Of-The-Year

Shaquille Harrison Named 2024 G League Defensive Player Of The Year


Shaquille Harrison has been named the 2023-24 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year. Harrison previously won the award in 2022.

Harrison led the G League in steals per game (2.9) and total steals (99) while averaging 15.1 points and 6.5 assists.

I've mentioned Shaq Harrison before a few times earlier this year as a really good candidate for a bench backcourt role defensively to help lockdown our wing a bit since Kris Dunn was already signed by the Jazz and not available anymore. Shaq Harrison obviously does have familiarity with Phoenix from his previous time playing here, he'd have decent size at 6'4, and even though he's not a traditional playmaker or knockdown shooter, he does possess a modicum of playmaking/passing abilities as he did average 9 assists in his time playing for Portland in the 22-23 season. All I'm suggesting is that we keep him on our radar for this upcoming summer as another potential high end defensive perimeter/POA defensive option. Also he could be a low cost high motor disruptive energizer with good strength creating chaos in the passing lanes and in full court pressure situations for us.

Shaquille Harrison Named 2023-24 Kia NBA G League Defensive Player Of The Year

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Shaq Harrison Posts Near QUADRUPLE-DOUBLE with 23 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST & 7 STL

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

He just played on 5 GAMES for the Blazers and averaged 6 assists per game. Not a playmaker at all.

Shaq Harrison isn't good enough.

Harrison needs to shoot 100,000 three pointers this summer to ever have a chance of making it back into the NBA by age 31