Game 38: Charlotte Hornets (17-17) @ Phoenix Suns (12-25)

[Mulhollanddrive]

Super impressed by his offensive versatility, impression was at the draft he might not develop that for years if ever.

He's even got a TJ Warren floater from 6 feet.

[letsgosuns]

I am not exaggerating when I say this. If Booker plays at least 30 minutes every game, he will be in the conversation for rookie of the year. I truly believe that. This guy has potential superstar written all over him. He does things I have not seen a young shooting guard do in a long time. A perfect example of that is the first shot he made against the Lakers the other day that you can see in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epsLFFAwLYg

Not many players in this league are capable of doing a quick post up and turn around fade away jump shot and make it. That takes a lot of skill. His shooting is so pure. Plus now that he is not hesitating like he did earlier in the season, his scoring should really take off. As long as Hornacek plays him of course.

And let's be honest about some posters claiming that he had better players playing in front him and that is why he did not play. That is the same garbage I heard last season about the reason why Warren did not play and it is ridiculous. Hornacek flat out does not like playing rookies and everyone knows it. And seriously, if hypothetically somebody said you have to choose to between Booker, Bledsoe, and Knight right now, and they all make the identical money, who do you choose? I would take Booker without thinking twice. And he is the 19 year old rookie. Not the veteran making 70 million dollars.

I'd easily without a doubt take Booker. For ROY, no way he gets it. It's between Porzingis and Towns. I think it would be great if he could make the 3 pt contest though.

Oh yeah. I did not mean win rookie of the year, just meant in the conversation along with other top rookies. Porzingis has been awesome.

[thamadkant]

Well, Suns are only 4.5 games back of 8th seed so I can see Sarver telling Hornacek let's try and get the last seed which would jeopardize our chances at a top 3 pick.

Yeah, sadly I see Sarver with his "Playoff tracker" on his daily memo.
he sees the "double digit" percentage change of making the playoff still and pushes for it. (double digit as in 10% chance, mainly due to the amount of games left)



And as some people have mentioned... it takes the Suns 50%+ from the 3pt line at 20+ attempts to beat a borderline east 8th seed team....



I cant see Sarver giving up the playoffs until the Suns are mathematically out of it... sure thats fair enough to the players and the staff... But its short sighted. The GM and ownership group should ALWAYS be looking at a 5 year plan.... the coach and players look at the daily plan.. but upper management have or should have one eye in the NOW and one eye in the near future, ESPECIALLY for a NON-CONTENDING team.

[Jarlaxle0204]

Santa was a little late on this Christmas gift, but he finally delivered.

Well, it was Little Christmas.

[bwgood77]

Well, Suns are only 4.5 games back of 8th seed so I can see Sarver telling Hornacek let's try and get the last seed which would jeopardize our chances at a top 3 pick.

Yeah, sadly I see Sarver with his "Playoff tracker" on his daily memo.
he sees the "double digit" percentage change of making the playoff still and pushes for it. (double digit as in 10% chance, mainly due to the amount of games left)

And as some people have mentioned... it takes the Suns 50%+ from the 3pt line at 20+ attempts to beat a borderline east 8th seed team....

I cant see Sarver giving up the playoffs until the Suns are mathematically out of it... sure thats fair enough to the players and the staff... But its short sighted. The GM and ownership group should ALWAYS be looking at a 5 year plan.... the coach and players look at the daily plan.. but upper management have or should have one eye in the NOW and one eye in the near future, ESPECIALLY for a NON-CONTENDING team.

BPI playoff odds have us finishing in about the 6th or 7th worst position, which still gives you an ok chance at a top 3 pick.....see these links...

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/BPI-Playoff-Odds/espn-nba-basketball-power-index-playoff-odds gives us a 21.6% chance at a top 3 pick, even with the 6th or 7th worst record.

http://www.tankathon.com/ This gives us a 21.5% chance at top 3, and a 6.3% chance at #1 overall. Still not that bad.

On top of this, these projected records don't take into account the Bledsoe injury...it's all based on pt differential and current record, so I'd say we probably finish between 5th and 7th, but Minnesota and Brooklyn, if they continue to improve, and word is Brooklyn wants to try and trade for players to compete (tanking does zilch for them)...so if those two finish ahead, and Minnesota should only get better, and if we trade a guy like Tucker, as much as people hate him, our defense likely gets brutal enough to make it tough to not lose unless we are on absolute fire....but the positive is even more minutes for Booker and Warren and we likely finish between the 3rd and 5th worst spots....which gives as between a 29% and 47% chance at a top 3 pick. Those are pretty good odds to move up.

[TASTIC]

Some VERY relieved players and Hornacek after that win - some really good candid interviews.

http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2016/1/7/10728712/aftermath-phoenix-suns-coach-players-cant-hide-their-relief-at-ending-9-game

[bwgood77]

Some VERY relieved players and Hornacek after that win - some really good candid interviews.

http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2016/1/7/10728712/aftermath-phoenix-suns-coach-players-cant-hide-their-relief-at-ending-9-game

I like this quote in the comments "teams are starting to shutter because the suns are throwing the "Book" at them"

[garrick]

Nooooo

I pray that flying bird came out alive. Geez

It's a javelin which detonates from above the tank to penetrate the thinner armor on the top of the tank or turret.