Season Speculation, Trade Ideas & Discussion Pt. 2

[bwgood77]

With Okafor...

Think Nurkic.


Nurkic was written off by most (here and general board) when he lost his minutes at Denver.
He was slow and unathletic.....


But now?


As the main big man inside for Blazers.... he is a beast.

Nah. Nurkic was good. I do not remember anyone saying he wasn’t. Jokic was just better.

Okafor has never been on that level. When you think Okafor, think Armen Gilliam. Older Suns fans remember him. Empty stats and no d.

Still. I am not sure Okafor ever really got a chance to improve in Philly. He would be worth a look. He should be willing to put in some work in the g league. He is better than Anthony Bennett.


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That's the perfect option and I think that is the right option. I always liked him quite a bit during college. But a two way spot next year would be perfect. He'd HAVE to earn it. Again, depending on what happens in the draft and with our other Cs. I mean, if we draft Ayton I would probably wouldn't mess with Okafor. If we go into Tyson's final year and have Williams and Len is gone, then I think it makes sense to sign him to 2 way deal.

However, some team might be willing to do more. However, if we move James up, we will have an open 2 way deal spot. Of course we will have to cut DJJ or someone if we do move James up.

This is also the reason it's hard to take back more than one player in trade for Bledsoe, is that we would have to cut someone. And we NEED the filler, meaning Monroe who would be perfect. Or perhaps Arthur from the Nuggets...but then if we get another player we'd have to cut someone else...I can't imagine who it would be. I can't see them cutting Knight even though he might not be in the future plans. They owe him too much.

The most logical sense when/if they need to cut someone when the time comes and they need to cut someone other than DJJ, might be Len if he's not in the long term plans (that is, if you can cut someone playing on the QO).

[DaleyBlind]

That Heat pick is going to come in handy if we have to trade up.

[sunsbum]

Chriss is not going to be with us for very long. Better sell while he's high/unknown. Sarver saw Amare. That he is not.

[sunsbum]

Also, the last player I remember where we could literally see the lights going on like we have with Bender. Goran Dragic.

[NavLDO]

All this crying for an elite point guard to put next to Booker is crazy. We need three really good players ... Booker and Jackson look to be two of the three. The third could come from Bender, Chriss, our picks next year, or a free agent signing. What people need to realize is neither Jordan or Kobe had an elite point guard next to them. What we need is a point guard who was willing to play defense, hit a three reliably, and at times could help run the offense. Booker and Jackson will initiate a lot of the offense so I would not expect to get a PG that is going to dish 10+ assists per game.

Booker has already upped his assist output and that will get even better as he learns to handle double teams. Really one of James and/or Ulis look to be an decent candidates right now and seem to be happy with the opportunity they are getting. The secondary fact that we have Brandon Knight in the fold as a possible PG further eliminates the requirement of obtaining a PG in the Bledsoe trade. We will be unable to dump Knight so get used to thinking about how he fits into the equation next year.

Ideally people should consider an option at C with both Chandler and Len on short term contracts and only Williams in the hopper. The C needs to be in the mold of a younger Tyson Chandler, shot blocker, rebounder, and great in the pick-n-roll / diving to the basket / lob fest. Len still has hands-of-stone and I am not sold on him. His two point percentage is suspect and he really needs to get his true shooting percentage closer to .700. Old man Tyson is still a better player than Len at this current stage in the game. Len is a great backup C but I don't see him as a long term starter.

Not even close, IMO. Offensively, maybe...at times, but Defensively, Len all day. Plus, when given 25+ minutes starting, Len is a completely different player...he's engaged.

http://bkref.com/tiny/rj84Y

See that big 'goose egg' under GS for Len? Compare them when they both have close to equal starts, like last year...

http://bkref.com/tiny/l1jr3

...or maybe more than 6 games. Notice how Len has better Offensive Numbers in your example? Do we believe that to be true, as well.

And as you've just shown, Len is NOT a "GREAT" backup C...he actually sucks at it. He's much better when he starts. Go through his career games, as I have, and you'll see this to be true, as opposed to just basing it off 6 games from the bench.

[bigfoot]

Not even close, IMO. Offensively, maybe...at times, but Defensively, Len all day. Plus, when given 25+ minutes starting, Len is a completely different player...he's engaged.

http://bkref.com/tiny/rj84Y

See that big 'goose egg' under GS for Len? Compare them when they both have close to equal starts, like last year...

http://bkref.com/tiny/l1jr3

...or maybe more than 6 games. Notice how Len has better Offensive Numbers in your example? Do we believe that to be true, as well.

And as you've just shown, Len is NOT a "GREAT" backup C...he actually sucks at it. He's much better when he starts. Go through his career games, as I have, and you'll see this to be true, as opposed to just basing it off 6 games from the bench.

Obviously we see different things with Len. Against the Nets I watched him be part of a unit that gave up an 18 point lead. He took crappy shots and played poor defense during that stretch. Obviously not all on him but a contributing factor he was.

I dont believe Len is our best replacement for Chandler in the long haul. Len really is not a better player than Chandler at this point in my opinion from watching games this season. Len has improved some ... he doesn't do as much stupid crap on offense but he still has his moments.

We need somebody who can anchor our starting defense and Len just doesn't bring me much confidence. I have been touting the defensive bench play of both Len and Bender when they are playing together. Much of that poor defense against the Nets came with Len and Chriss on the floor. Bender on the other hand when paired with Chandler was damn good. It might be that Len has been riding the coat tails of Bender a bit on the bench unit.

[gaspar]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/10/31/five-ripples-of-the-nets-eye-popping-sale-price-around-the-nba-and-beyond/?utm_term=.95c6bc63df17

The Phoenix Suns could be the next team to be sold

There are already rumblings around the league that Robert Sarver, who bought the team from Jerry Colangelo for $401 million in 2004, is looking to cash out. While the NBA would never publicly admit it, the league would likely be quite happy if Sarver chose to move on, given the complete collapse of the franchise under his watch.

Despite never winning a championship, the Suns were long one of the league’s top franchises, making the playoffs in 24 of their first 36 seasons. Since Sarver took over, the Suns have missed the playoffs eight times in 13 seasons — a number that’s almost certain to grow this year to nine whiffs in 14 seasons, given Phoenix has already fired its coach, Earl Watson, and appears destined for yet another high draft pick.

Given the recent sales of the Rockets and Nets, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Sarver get somewhere close to $2 billion for the team — five times what he initially paid, enough return on investment to make anyone think long and hard about moving on.

[Saberestar]

Chriss is not going to be with us for very long. Better sell while he's high/unknown. Sarver saw Amare. That he is not.

Is this some inside info or just a personal opinion?

[kennydorglas]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/10/31/five-ripples-of-the-nets-eye-popping-sale-price-around-the-nba-and-beyond/?utm_term=.95c6bc63df17

The Phoenix Suns could be the next team to be sold

There are already rumblings around the league that Robert Sarver, who bought the team from Jerry Colangelo for $401 million in 2004, is looking to cash out. While the NBA would never publicly admit it, the league would likely be quite happy if Sarver chose to move on, given the complete collapse of the franchise under his watch.

Despite never winning a championship, the Suns were long one of the league’s top franchises, making the playoffs in 24 of their first 36 seasons. Since Sarver took over, the Suns have missed the playoffs eight times in 13 seasons — a number that’s almost certain to grow this year to nine whiffs in 14 seasons, given Phoenix has already fired its coach, Earl Watson, and appears destined for yet another high draft pick.

Given the recent sales of the Rockets and Nets, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Sarver get somewhere close to $2 billion for the team — five times what he initially paid, enough return on investment to make anyone think long and hard about moving on.

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[Son of Ra]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/10/31/five-ripples-of-the-nets-eye-popping-sale-price-around-the-nba-and-beyond/?utm_term=.95c6bc63df17

The Phoenix Suns could be the next team to be sold

There are already rumblings around the league that Robert Sarver, who bought the team from Jerry Colangelo for $401 million in 2004, is looking to cash out. While the NBA would never publicly admit it, the league would likely be quite happy if Sarver chose to move on, given the complete collapse of the franchise under his watch.

Despite never winning a championship, the Suns were long one of the league’s top franchises, making the playoffs in 24 of their first 36 seasons. Since Sarver took over, the Suns have missed the playoffs eight times in 13 seasons — a number that’s almost certain to grow this year to nine whiffs in 14 seasons, given Phoenix has already fired its coach, Earl Watson, and appears destined for yet another high draft pick.

Given the recent sales of the Rockets and Nets, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Sarver get somewhere close to $2 billion for the team — five times what he initially paid, enough return on investment to make anyone think long and hard about moving on.

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

I'm praying it won't happen. This would most certainly mean relocation. Enjoy rooting for the SuperSonics...

[gaspar]

How many games do the Bucks have to lose badly before they soften up for a Brogdon/Bledsoe trade?

Doesn't matter we have a James / Ulis 1-2 punch

Ha!

[kennydorglas]

The thing about Okafor... he just doesnt help his team win.
Philly figured that out pretty quickly TBH.

In his rookie season he had NINE games with a +/- worse than -20. Just one above +20
On positive games (good +/-) he was 4W-6L. On negative/neutral ones: 2W-40L. Without him: 4W-24L.

Soph year: 4 games with a +/- worse than -20. Just one above +20.
On positive games: 7W-2L. On negative/neutral games: 8W-33L. Without him: 13W-19L

check his ON/OFF split here: https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/okafoja01/on-off/2017

That's why they signed Amir (exactly opposite of Okafor) and play Richaun over him.

[BobbieL]

With Okafor...

Think Nurkic.


Nurkic was written off by most (here and general board) when he lost his minutes at Denver.
He was slow and unathletic.....


But now?


As the main big man inside for Blazers.... he is a beast.

Nah. Nurkic was good. I do not remember anyone saying he wasn’t. Jokic was just better.

Okafor has never been on that level. When you think Okafor, think Armen Gilliam. Older Suns fans remember him. Empty stats and no d.

Still. I am not sure Okafor ever really got a chance to improve in Philly. He would be worth a look. He should be willing to put in some work in the g league. He is better than Anthony Bennett.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

That's the perfect option and I think that is the right option. I always liked him quite a bit during college. But a two way spot next year would be perfect. He'd HAVE to earn it. Again, depending on what happens in the draft and with our other Cs. I mean, if we draft Ayton I would probably wouldn't mess with Okafor. If we go into Tyson's final year and have Williams and Len is gone, then I think it makes sense to sign him to 2 way deal.

However, some team might be willing to do more. However, if we move James up, we will have an open 2 way deal spot. Of course we will have to cut DJJ or someone if we do move James up.

This is also the reason it's hard to take back more than one player in trade for Bledsoe, is that we would have to cut someone. And we NEED the filler, meaning Monroe who would be perfect. Or perhaps Arthur from the Nuggets...but then if we get another player we'd have to cut someone else...I can't imagine who it would be. I can't see them cutting Knight even though he might not be in the future plans. They owe him too much.

The most logical sense when/if they need to cut someone when the time comes and they need to cut someone other than DJJ, might be Len if he's not in the long term plans (that is, if you can cut someone playing on the QO).

I am surprised the Suns didn't take a flyer on Okafor in a trade but it probably has more to do with the players they have, needing to make the James contract a full time contract plus the fact that a Bledsoe deal - unless its Faried or Teletovic plus a draft pick for Bledsoe - meaning one for one.

So, Ryan does have some roster updates to do even with a Bledsoe deal - that could be part of the hold up now. They need to find a team for Daniels. What team has a trade exception and willing to take Daniels for nothing? Or Derrick Jones as filler.

I wouldn't mind seeing Okafor on this roster - see what he has if given the chance. Seems like he does have low post game.

[BobbieL]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/10/31/five-ripples-of-the-nets-eye-popping-sale-price-around-the-nba-and-beyond/?utm_term=.95c6bc63df17

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

I'm praying it won't happen. This would most certainly mean relocation. Enjoy rooting for the SuperSonics...

I am praying they are sold to a person who wants to keep them in Phoenix

[Fo-Real]

Bledso, Chandler , Chriss for Love, Zizic, Frye.

[WeekapaugGroove]

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

I'm praying it won't happen. This would most certainly mean relocation. Enjoy rooting for the SuperSonics...

I am praying they are sold to a person who wants to keep them in Phoenix

Yeah its a risk but I really think we'll end up seeing expansion with Seattle and probably vegas getting teams. I realize seattle didn't ever think they would lose their team too but I really doubt the NBA wants to lose a market the size of Phoenix thats had a team for 50 years.

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[Fo-Real]

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ycckomdw

[ShawnBronald]

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

I'm praying it won't happen. This would most certainly mean relocation. Enjoy rooting for the SuperSonics...

I am praying they are sold to a person who wants to keep them in Phoenix

I don't think the league would allow an owner to move the franchise from Phoenix. Don't all the other owners have to agree on a sale before it's approved by the league? Regardless, even if Sarver wanted to spite the fans, I don't think he'd try selling it to someone that wanted to move the team or purposely not sell to someone that loves the city and state.

I remember a while back there was talk of a group of former Suns players that expressed the desire of purchasing/owning the team. Wouldn't that be amazing? At this point, I'll take just about anyone not named Sarver.

[Fo-Real]

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y96vdxvd
added Holmes

[jcsunsfan]

http://bkref.com/tiny/rj84Y

See that big 'goose egg' under GS for Len? Compare them when they both have close to equal starts, like last year...

http://bkref.com/tiny/l1jr3

...or maybe more than 6 games. Notice how Len has better Offensive Numbers in your example? Do we believe that to be true, as well.

And as you've just shown, Len is NOT a "GREAT" backup C...he actually sucks at it. He's much better when he starts. Go through his career games, as I have, and you'll see this to be true, as opposed to just basing it off 6 games from the bench.

Obviously we see different things with Len. Against the Nets I watched him be part of a unit that gave up an 18 point lead. He took crappy shots and played poor defense during that stretch. Obviously not all on him but a contributing factor he was.

I dont believe Len is our best replacement for Chandler in the long haul. Len really is not a better player than Chandler at this point in my opinion from watching games this season. Len has improved some ... he doesn't do as much stupid crap on offense but he still has his moments.

We need somebody who can anchor our starting defense and Len just doesn't bring me much confidence. I have been touting the defensive bench play of both Len and Bender when they are playing together. Much of that poor defense against the Nets came with Len and Chriss on the floor. Bender on the other hand when paired with Chandler was damn good. It might be that Len has been riding the coat tails of Bender a bit on the bench unit.

I watched Len closely in this game and I did not see what you saw. I saw him contest shots and provide solid interior defense. He was the center during that horrible run the Nets had during the third quarter, but there were five players in the court. He was a monster on the glass. I watched him closely through the whole game.

I thought he had a great game and the +- star I thing is a horrible measure for a bench player.


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