Alex Len

[jcsunsfan]

Do not believe it. Absolutely made up.

[MathiasPW]

I got a story and it may shock some of you...

In Len's second year, he had two games where he had 17 points and 19 points to go along with 11 boards and 7 boards. Suns front office asked Len how did this happen. Len told them he smoked some MJ before the game, it helps him mellow out and find his groove, helps him catch the ball. The front office told him that is against league rules and to stop immediately. Len stopped, and wasn't able to find his rhythm for the rest of the season, he was only able to produce back to back games of at least double figures in points one more time that year!

Fast-forward to his 3rd season, Len got a vape pen that had his favorite substance in it. He figured it helps his anxiety on the court so he started secretly using it before games. During a 5 game stretch he averaged 15.6 points, 8.4 boards, 1.6 blocks on 54 FG%, while also shooting 4.8/6.6 FTs. Ridiculously good for a then 22-year old! He didn't want anyone to find out so he stopped using it for several games and figured maybe it was just a placebo effect. It turns out, not using had a negative impact for Len on the court as he was only able to produce double figures in points one time in the next 14 games. So Len of course, does his pre-game ritual of getting high and was able to put up stats of 15 points, 10.6 boards on 50 FG% in 3 games. He stopped again for 8 games, and it resulted in the same effect, Len playing like ass. Alex figured enough is enough, he was going to use it for the rest of the season and didn't care if he would get caught! During a 9 game stretch Len put up straight fire! 18 points & 13 boards! The problem was, Len was starting to take lazy shots, which resulted in poor FG% and defensively he wasn't defending the rim as well as he used to. His game play became sporadic the rest of the season, eventually coming down to whether or not Len felt like trying hard.

Front office was wary of Len's behavior and asked him to submit to a drug test during the summer. It came back positive so the team assigned a buddy to monitor him at all times. Alex Len has been clean ever since, but now suffers from depression, and this is the Alex Len we see today.

Spoiler:

Len while playing high


Len not so high

I take it this is another Mathias attempt?

It's a trend! I'm opening up competition! NotSoRealGM.com

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[NavLDO]

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But that's impossible...Len sucks, right?

Yep, I'm back alright...and did everyone notice how Len did in April? Extrapolate his 20 MPG to that of a typical, low end starter, of 25, and he's a dbl-dbl machine...11.6pts/10.4 TRB...oh, and then there is the 2.1 BPG...

In all honesty, I've been so wrapped up in everything else that deals with Military Retirement/House-hunting/Job-hunting, I have no idea how he's looked, but his numbers are great from mid-March on, especially his scoring, averaging double digits his last 14 games on just 23 MPG.

[darealjuice]

It's not Len's defense that's the problem, he showed all year he can contest shots at the rim (fouls way too much though) and that he can rebound the ball.

His problem is entirely on the offensive end. Compared to the 40 other centers who played 70% of their team's games he has the 9th worst TOV%, 5th worst AST%, 11th worth TS%, and 6th worst eFG%. About 25% of his shots this year were from 10+ feet, but he only shot 29% from that range. That's a lot of shots with very low expected value, and if he cut those out of his game his FG% would rise to about 57%. If he would just keep it simple on offense (i.e. minimize jump shooting to when he's wide open and doesn't hesitate, set strong screens and roll hard, look more to dribble handoff than thread the needle on backdoor cuts, limit extended post moves to when he has an advantage on a switch), then I think he can be successful as a defensive-oriented center. He needs to watch guys like Tyson and Rudy Gobert and play that style of basketball for us, we don't need him to pretend he's Jokic or something.

If I'm him this Summer, I'm setting up a JUGS machine to fire basketballs at me right under the basket in random intervals, going full speed sprint/back peddle between the FT line and baseline, catching the ball and keeping it high, and immediately going up to dunk it or put it in above the rim for 30+ minutes a day. Fix those butter finger hands, stop bringing the ball down for the little people to swipe at, and go up strong with contact because not only is he fairly athletic but he's a solid FT shooter.

[MrMiyagi]

It's not Len's defense that's the problem, he showed all year he can contest shots at the rim (fouls way too much though) and that he can rebound the ball.

His problem is entirely on the offensive end. Compared to the 40 other centers who played 70% of their team's games he has the 9th worst TOV%, 5th worst AST%, 11th worth TS%, and 6th worst eFG%. About 25% of his shots this year were from 10+ feet, but he only shot 29% from that range. That's a lot of shots with very low expected value, and if he cut those out of his game his FG% would rise to about 57%. If he would just keep it simple on offense (i.e. minimize jump shooting to when he's wide open and doesn't hesitate, set strong screens and roll hard, look more to dribble handoff than thread the needle on backdoor cuts, limit extended post moves to when he has an advantage on a switch), then I think he can be successful as a defensive-oriented center. He needs to watch guys like Tyson and Rudy Gobert and play that style of basketball for us, we don't need him to pretend he's Jokic or something.

If I'm him this Summer, I'm setting up a JUGS machine to fire basketballs at me right under the basket in random intervals, going full speed sprint/back peddle between the FT line and baseline, catching the ball and keeping it high, and immediately going up to dunk it or put it in above the rim for 30+ minutes a day. Fix those butter finger hands, stop bringing the ball down for the little people to swipe at, and go up strong with contact because not only is he fairly athletic but he's a solid FT shooter.

Not to mention he has more fouls per game than Rudy Gobert in 13 less minutes a night.

EDIT: Chriss and Booker also foul a lot (all three are top 15 in fouls per game). I guess FOE (Foul On Everything) was our defensive strategy last season. DAMN THOSE MORRII!!!!! CORRUPTING OUR YOUTH!!!!!!!!

[bigfoot]

If I'm him this Summer, I'm setting up a JUGS machine to fire basketballs at me right under the basket in random intervals, going full speed sprint/back peddle between the FT line and baseline, catching the ball and keeping it high, and immediately going up to dunk it or put it in above the rim for 30+ minutes a day. Fix those butter finger hands, stop bringing the ball down for the little people to swipe at, and go up strong with contact because not only is he fairly athletic but he's a solid FT shooter.

I would add a member of the training staff to whack him across the shins with a broomstick handle anytime he brought the ball below his waist during the practice sessions. That would quickly correct the problem.

Honestly, Len should take no hook shots or jump shots. Simply play offense like Chandler does and focus on rebounding and defense. I can't see any team giving him a big contract this summer. The fives with 3 point shooting or who are super defenders/rebounders are the only valuable centers out there right now.

[darealjuice]

If I'm him this Summer, I'm setting up a JUGS machine to fire basketballs at me right under the basket in random intervals, going full speed sprint/back peddle between the FT line and baseline, catching the ball and keeping it high, and immediately going up to dunk it or put it in above the rim for 30+ minutes a day. Fix those butter finger hands, stop bringing the ball down for the little people to swipe at, and go up strong with contact because not only is he fairly athletic but he's a solid FT shooter.

I would add a member of the training staff to whack him across the shins with a broomstick handle anytime he brought the ball below his waist during the practice sessions. That would quickly correct the problem.

Honestly, Len should take no hook shots or jump shots. Simply play offense like Chandler does and focus on rebounding and defense. I can't see any team giving him a big contract this summer. The fives with 3 point shooting or who are super defenders/rebounders are the only valuable centers out there right now.

Either that or a shock collar that goes off when the ball reaches a sensor on his stomach, whatever works. He needs discipline, I remember that stuff being drilled into big men's head even back in high school so it's weird he is so bad what is essentially a fundamental for a big man.

That's honestly what I think too. 1.6% of Rudy Goberts shots were from 10 feet+, that is a number Len should strive for. If he gets a mouse in the house, then just bury him, turn over your inside shoulder without clobbering him with your big awkward elbows, and dunk on him. That should be about the extent of shots he's creating for himself.

[Zelaznyrules]

But that's impossible...Len sucks, right?

Yep, I'm back alright...and did everyone notice how Len did in April? Extrapolate his 20 MPG to that of a typical, low end starter, of 25, and he's a dbl-dbl machine...11.6pts/10.4 TRB...oh, and then there is the 2.1 BPG...

In all honesty, I've been so wrapped up in everything else that deals with Military Retirement/House-hunting/Job-hunting, I have no idea how he's looked, but his numbers are great from mid-March on, especially his scoring, averaging double digits his last 14 games on just 23 MPG.

I won't say he sucks but I'm done defending him and hope the Suns are done with him too. I defended his first half-season performance because I felt he was better starting and being forced to come off the bench alongside Brandon Knight would make anyone's stats look pathetic. But we started him from the all star break on, without Knight, and we really let us down.

That's not to say he doesn't do some things for us, just that all in all, we suffered almost every time he took the court. And it was so obvious as we'd go through an instant turnaround most games the moment he went to the bench. Don't believe me? Look at his +/- and pay attention to how they pale in comparison even against a very marginal player such as Alan Williams.

[NavLDO]

But that's impossible...Len sucks, right?

Yep, I'm back alright...and did everyone notice how Len did in April? Extrapolate his 20 MPG to that of a typical, low end starter, of 25, and he's a dbl-dbl machine...11.6pts/10.4 TRB...oh, and then there is the 2.1 BPG...

In all honesty, I've been so wrapped up in everything else that deals with Military Retirement/House-hunting/Job-hunting, I have no idea how he's looked, but his numbers are great from mid-March on, especially his scoring, averaging double digits his last 14 games on just 23 MPG.

I won't say he sucks but I'm done defending him and hope the Suns are done with him too. I defended his first half-season performance because I felt he was better starting and being forced to come off the bench alongside Brandon Knight would make anyone's stats look pathetic. But we started him from the all star break on, without Knight, and we really let us down.

That's not to say he doesn't do some things for us, just that all in all, we suffered almost every time he took the court. And it was so obvious as we'd go through an instant turnaround most games the moment he went to the bench. Don't believe me? Look at his +/- and pay attention to how they pale in comparison even against a very marginal player such as Alan Williams.

I get what you are saying, but c'mon, how many positive +/- do you expect on this team this last season; Bledsoe had 24 games with a net positive; our best player...Booker, had 30. Len? He had 20 (I counted the 0's as +'s). So, my point is, yes, Len did not play great again, for us, this year, but if you look at this year, compared to last year, he improved is FG% by .075%, to get back up to near .500, he dropped his TOVs, bust most importantly, he doubled his Blks (and BTW, looking at per36, since his mpg went down by 3 this season). His FT/%, ORB/DRV/TRB, Stls, and Pts/gm all stayed fairly consistent, with really only his assts and foul numbers getting worse. All his WS and PMs (OB/DB/B), plus his VORP, PER, eFG, and Short-Range Shooting, both % of attempts and % of makes made drastic improvements over last season.

Does any of these mean he's worth keeping? I think so, and I think this allows us to get him on the cheap while he's on his 'climb' up out of mediocrity. Do I like Alan Williams? Absolutely, but we have to face the fact that he's 5" shorter than Len, and sorry, but his talent level and ceiling is nowhere near that of Len. Plus, you complain about Len's PF numbers, and Williams' are .8 more per36? Now, I get what you are saying, in that Len is putting himself out of games early due to his foul problem 'issue'. But give Len another season or two to prove himself and increase his 'standing' in the league, and some of those fouls will 'magically' start disappearing.

Why not keep Len on a cheap contract--what he is worth now--and bring in a 'big' via the draft to compete; if not this year, then next, when the class is supposed to be loaded with them. And if available in FA, a good deal presents itself, then fine, take it; but do not five up on Len yet. Think that is a decision that may come back to haunt us...or maybe not...who knows, but there is nothing wrong with keeping him, other than he'll eat some of our cap, which we seem to have plenty of in order to entertain this scenario. UNLESS, we are able to secure a stud Center in FA then, by all means, ignore all I've said, but I've been out of following sports for a few months, so have no idea who is out there in FA for us.

[Zelaznyrules]

^^I believe the Len experiment is over, as much by his choice as ours. I also think that he picked the wrong time in history to be a slow developing big man. Right now, much of the league is looking for ways to do without the type of player he is so a struggling version of the traditional big man is going to have some problems pleasing his employers (and fans). Like I said, he hasn't been bad overall; his defense has actually been pretty good but he still can't stay on the court.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I think it's going to be a rough market for len. Too many teams have bigs they want to get rid of. I doubt we see many mosgov or mahmni deals this summer. It wouldn't surprise me at all if len simply returns on the qualify offer and hopes to have a decent year and hit ufa in 2018.

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[Zelaznyrules]

I think it's going to be a rough market for len. Too many teams have bigs they want to get rid of. I doubt we see many mosgov or mahmni deals this summer. It wouldn't surprise me at all if len simply returns on the qualify offer and hopes to have a decent year and hit ufa in 2018.

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Assuming Alan is still available at a reasonable rate it wouldn't surprise me to see us not even make the qualifying offer for Len. With our second round picks we have to figure we can get someone cheap to man the 3rd center spot if we haven't already drafted a center to move Alan back to that spot. Of course much of that might depend on whether we move on from Tyson too.

[bigfoot]

Well based on this assessment there are at least 7 other centers better than Len still on the FA market. I don't see Len getting an offer from another team with that many players in front of him. Wondering if he is going to take the QO and play one more season for the Suns.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2720168-2017-nba-free-agency-big-board-top-25-remaining-players

[bwgood77]

Well based on this assessment there are at least 7 other centers better than Len still on the FA market. I don't see Len getting an offer from another team with that many players in front of him. Wondering if he is going to take the QO and play one more season for the Suns.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2720168-2017-nba-free-agency-big-board-top-25-remaining-players

Yes, I knew he was not ranked highly, which is why I kept saying I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't get an offer. I'd still probably give him a small contract with a team option in year 3 or maybe year 2. He could feel that if he doesn't get an offer now he should take $7 million or so for a year with a team option for that the next year. That would certainly give him motivation to play well. Of course he should have that motivation anyway, but I don't see any downside in having potential control for 2-3 years if we don't need the cap space. I'd hate to see him break out somewhere else. Letting him play for the QO gives us no control if he plays well.

[Mulhollanddrive]

We gave Dudley $30m / 3 to be a good influence I think anything lower than that for Len would be good value.

In 2019 we'll need a starting Center, he gives you a free swing before then.

[Bogyo]

Yeah, a 3year contract (3rd a team option) around these numbers seem OK to me.
Tyson is old, Sauce is small, you need someone to protect the rim and get some rebounds for the time being.
20 minutes a night, some chance to improve, not a bad contract.

[JMac1]

So disappointing that he hasn't fulfilled at least 70 percent of the player he could have been. I'd would have still preferred his style of play over Gobert's one way potential. Len should be closer defensively and waaaay better offensively. That would have been a good trade off. But he isn't close defensively and not even better offensively, so we lost on both ends.

[BobbieL]

One year deal - maybe an option for year 2 at best at this time ..

[jcsunsfan]

Give Len a 4 year deal with two team options, one for the second and one for the 4th (if the CBA allows it).

[Mulhollanddrive]

I'd go 4 years (with team option if possible) at anything around $7m. On the 1 in 10 chance he becomes a difference maker it could become the best contract in the league, if not it's a cheaper contract than Dudley who got $30m to practice and drive Sarver around.