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Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working

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WeekapaugGroove
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1541 » by WeekapaugGroove » Mon Mar 4, 2019 6:53 am

Ghost of Kleine wrote:
bwgood77 wrote:Alex Len with 28. 9. 2. 2 and 5 3s (5-8 from 3) http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071619


So upon reflection, Would he still be considered a bad pick for us in the lottery, Or more likely, Yet another example of our front offices lack of ability to develop talent properly???


I'm curious as to the percentage of former players that we have given up on, etc. Only to go on and perform better for other teams?
He's really the only mcd pick not on the suns and doing anything. But was actually kind of good last year just didn't shoot 3s like he is now.

You can really view his time with Chandler either way. Either he's a better player now because he got stuck behind him or he never got to really show how he was because of it...

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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1542 » by m1chal » Mon Mar 4, 2019 10:06 am

WeekapaugGroove wrote:You can really view his time with Chandler either way. Either he's a better player now because he got stuck behind him or he never got to really show how he was because of it...


I have serious doubts about Chandler's ability as a mentor, so yeah, Len is a decent player after all. And he even shoots 3s.
He would be a good backup to Ayton.
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1543 » by Saberestar » Mon Mar 4, 2019 10:29 am

WeekapaugGroove wrote:
Ghost of Kleine wrote:
bwgood77 wrote:Alex Len with 28. 9. 2. 2 and 5 3s (5-8 from 3) http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071619


So upon reflection, Would he still be considered a bad pick for us in the lottery, Or more likely, Yet another example of our front offices lack of ability to develop talent properly???


I'm curious as to the percentage of former players that we have given up on, etc. Only to go on and perform better for other teams?
He's really the only mcd pick not on the suns and doing anything. But was actually kind of good last year just didn't shoot 3s like he is now.

You can really view his time with Chandler either way. Either he's a better player now because he got stuck behind him or he never got to really show how he was because of it...

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He was a bad pick. NBA players are responsible for their success. Alex Len had a ton of opportunities and coaches/help here.

It was just a game. He is the same player that he was for us during five years, the only difference is that he has added a decent 3p shot ...like so many bigs in the current NBA.

He was for us a solid backup C and he is for the Hawks a solid backup C.

But we were expecting more out of him being selected with the #5 pick in the draft. It is a shame that he is not talented enough and he does not have the basketball IQ and hands to be a good C in the NBA.

10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds per game in around 20 minutes per game on a losing team. I am not impressed.
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1544 » by sunsbg » Mon Mar 4, 2019 10:35 am

Len showed good mid-range shooting in stretches during his first two years, then he was used strictly as a screen setter the remaining. Misusing Cs has turned into a Suns thing now.

I never understood why Len was not playing with Ukraine in tournaments until this summer to improve his skills. Only reports were he was working out in the fitness gym.
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1545 » by Ghost of Kleine » Mon Mar 4, 2019 12:55 pm

WeekapaugGroove wrote:
Ghost of Kleine wrote:
bwgood77 wrote:Alex Len with 28. 9. 2. 2 and 5 3s (5-8 from 3) http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071619


So upon reflection, Would he still be considered a bad pick for us in the lottery, Or more likely, Yet another example of our front offices lack of ability to develop talent properly???


I'm curious as to the percentage of former players that we have given up on, etc. Only to go on and perform better for other teams?
He's really the only mcd pick not on the suns and doing anything. But was actually kind of good last year just didn't shoot 3s like he is now.

You can really view his time with Chandler either way. Either he's a better player now because he got stuck behind him or he never got to really show how he was because of it...

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Yeah, I hear you, but I guess I'm more curious as to how players over a long stretch, like since Sarver took over have done after moving on to different teams as it might reflect on our franchises reputation for player development.

I wonder how the rest of the league views us in that regard?

As it pertains to overall player development and personnel management for developing systems that enrich the players overall development and learning curve if possible as well.

Maybe not just with rookies, Or with being in Dantonis' system either, during his time here as well.

And I think having a player/mentor as great as Nash was , was really a huge benefit to our team at the time too.

Not just with respect to McDs' picks, But suns players overall under different coaches that were here too?

Sorry if worded poorly, still tired a bit.....lol...
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1546 » by RunDogGun » Mon Mar 4, 2019 2:04 pm

Bigs take longer to develop. Len came into this league, and right away commented on not being ready for the speed of the game. Injuries didnt help either. Now he has a pg who looks for him, and Len is realizing where to be at the right times. He also clearly worked on his shot, and having a pg who can weave in to the lanes, he will get open looks.

He is coming off the bench often, and really utilizing his minutes. For the most part, the draft is a crapshoot. Its hard to reach one's potential if the system isn't strong.
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1547 » by alamin330 » Mon Mar 4, 2019 2:21 pm

Doesn’t Sarver own the Phoenix Mercury? Haven’t they won a few championships under him? Aren’t they a perennial playoff team with taurasi returning year after year? I don’t believe everything that’s being said about Sarver. I think it all started with the hiring of blanks. Sarver wants to win so bad he’s impatient and is probably easily persuaded by these nba execs that he buys into their plans. That would explain his quick hires. I believe he hired McDonough based off the same logic where he was Danny ainges understudy and the Celtics won a championship so he hired him. McDonough was given full autonomy I believe and blew it head coach after head coach. Traded players for draft picks to eventually turn those picks into a star and kept procrastinating all while veterans like Bledsoe were getting fed up of losing. But Sarver was patient and let McDonough carry out his plan until James Jones or someone told him this summer there was a better plan and the team is not going to win with just young players and also got the heads up from jones that players around the league don’t trust McDonough so they won’t play here. Hence the firing preseason.
I believe Sarver has a short temper and is probably arrogant and tries to be involved in decision making of the roster but I don’t believe he makes all the decisions and it’s his way or nothing at all. All these reports about Sarver are because someone in the media obviously doesn’t like him for personal reasons.
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1548 » by BobbieL » Mon Mar 4, 2019 2:24 pm

Bob Sarver - cluster bleep of epic proportions


http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26088024/inside-phoenix-suns-messy-dysfunctional-front-office?platform=amp


So my guess is Sarver is the worst kind of owner. Not only does he meddle but he probably will be hands off one day and than do something the next day which totally jacks with the plan

He has yet to figure out if he would pay for good people and let them do their job, he wins more and makes more money
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1549 » by RunDogGun » Mon Mar 4, 2019 2:47 pm

BobbieL wrote:Bob Sarver - cluster bleep of epic proportions


http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26088024/inside-phoenix-suns-messy-dysfunctional-front-office?platform=amp


So my guess is Sarver is the worst kind of owner. Not only does he meddle but he probably will be hands off one day and than do something the next day which totally jacks with the plan

He has yet to figure out if he would pay for good people and let them do their job, he wins more and makes more money

So what did he do right with regards to the Mercury?
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1550 » by Wilber85 » Mon Mar 4, 2019 3:01 pm

alamin330 wrote:Doesn’t Sarver own the Phoenix Mercury? Haven’t they won a few championships under him? Aren’t they a perennial playoff team with taurasi returning year after year? I don’t believe everything that’s being said about Sarver. I think it all started with the hiring of blanks. Sarver wants to win so bad he’s impatient and is probably easily persuaded by these nba execs that he buys into their plans. That would explain his quick hires. I believe he hired McDonough based off the same logic where he was Danny ainges understudy and the Celtics won a championship so he hired him. McDonough was given full autonomy I believe and blew it head coach after head coach. Traded players for draft picks to eventually turn those picks into a star and kept procrastinating all while veterans like Bledsoe were getting fed up of losing. But Sarver was patient and let McDonough carry out his plan until James Jones or someone told him this summer there was a better plan and the team is not going to win with just young players and also got the heads up from jones that players around the league don’t trust McDonough so they won’t play here. Hence the firing preseason.
I believe Sarver has a short temper and is probably arrogant and tries to be involved in decision making of the roster but I don’t believe he makes all the decisions and it’s his way or nothing at all. All these reports about Sarver are because someone in the media obviously doesn’t like him for personal reasons.


nobody cares about the Phoenix Mercury. I don't even think Phoenicians know they have a WNBA team!
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1551 » by BobbieL » Mon Mar 4, 2019 3:04 pm

RunDogGun wrote:
BobbieL wrote:Bob Sarver - cluster bleep of epic proportions


http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26088024/inside-phoenix-suns-messy-dysfunctional-front-office?platform=amp


So my guess is Sarver is the worst kind of owner. Not only does he meddle but he probably will be hands off one day and than do something the next day which totally jacks with the plan

He has yet to figure out if he would pay for good people and let them do their job, he wins more and makes more money

So what did he do right with regards to the Mercury?


He got lucky with the lotto and drafted the greatest female player of all time. Even than, I am sure he has screwed up the team. Like I thought the pick should have been Della Donne and not Griner - Della Donne is a btter pure basketball player skill set wise
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1552 » by WeekapaugGroove » Mon Mar 4, 2019 3:07 pm

BobbieL wrote:Bob Sarver - cluster bleep of epic proportions


http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26088024/inside-phoenix-suns-messy-dysfunctional-front-office?platform=amp


So my guess is Sarver is the worst kind of owner. Not only does he meddle but he probably will be hands off one day and than do something the next day which totally jacks with the plan

He has yet to figure out if he would pay for good people and let them do their job, he wins more and makes more money
https://goo.gl/images/wKakPT

I have to admit I literally LOL'd at the part about goats pooping in mcd's office.

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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1553 » by RaisingArizona » Mon Mar 4, 2019 3:35 pm

If you still don't think Sarver is the problem, you need to wake up!
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1554 » by alamin330 » Mon Mar 4, 2019 3:41 pm

Lol. If you fall for that article you’ll fall for anything. There’s been so many bad teams in the nba in my lifetime much worse than the suns. At the end of the day players want to play and make millions. So many people at espn dislike Sarver because of el Hassan being Rachel Nichols pet and I guess Wojnarowski and McDonough being secret lovers. Sarver isn’t the greatest but suns are like any other struggling franchise in nba history. Lol
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1555 » by Jarlaxle0204 » Mon Mar 4, 2019 3:44 pm

That story does give me some concerns regarding Jones.
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1556 » by Crives » Mon Mar 4, 2019 3:45 pm

WeekapaugGroove wrote:
Crives wrote:
lilfishi22 wrote:Likewise. I think Morant is skilled but it's hard to judge especially since this year's crop of PG's is pretty shallow. I don't buy into those numbers.



I think it’s critical that our next pg compliments Booker with strong perimeter defense.

From what I’ve seen Ja is not a strong defender. He looks like he would be great 6th man spark off the bench, but we need to prioritize our assets to get starting pg/pf first if possible.

Did scouts mention anything about Ja’s defensive potential in a few years?
You should be rooting for Melton to develop if you want a defender next to Booker. Probably won't see a guy with more defensive upside this draft.



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Melton save us!
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1557 » by BobbieL » Mon Mar 4, 2019 3:51 pm

Jarlaxle0204 wrote:That story does give me some concerns regarding Jones.


Yes - like he might not be ready for the job.

I just think they need a true veteran VP type - that has been around the block

I thought of Stu Jackson the other day -- he is working for the Big East now. The problem is Sarver though. I just know Sarver needs somebody that will tell him to shut the hell up. Keep him in his place. and from April 15 to July 15 - he needs to be on a 90 day cruise with no cell phone service

Kevin O'Connor from the Ringer talking about the Celtics mentioned the Sujns offered a protected 1st for Rozier and were turned down - Ainge wanted an unprotected 1st. GTFO Ainge

I think the Suns will still get Rozier - but based on Bledsoes 4/70 - he should be around 4/48
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1558 » by RunDogGun » Mon Mar 4, 2019 3:51 pm

BobbieL wrote:
RunDogGun wrote:
BobbieL wrote:Bob Sarver - cluster bleep of epic proportions


http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26088024/inside-phoenix-suns-messy-dysfunctional-front-office?platform=amp


So my guess is Sarver is the worst kind of owner. Not only does he meddle but he probably will be hands off one day and than do something the next day which totally jacks with the plan

He has yet to figure out if he would pay for good people and let them do their job, he wins more and makes more money

So what did he do right with regards to the Mercury?


He got lucky with the lotto and drafted the greatest female player of all time. Even than, I am sure he has screwed up the team. Like I thought the pick should have been Della Donne and not Griner - Della Donne is a btter pure basketball player skill set wise


It could be some luck, but usually the women go through four years of college before entering the draft, so there is less drafting on potential alone, like there is for men.

The Nash era happened under Sarver, and the only reason we have Sarver, is because Jerry put the team so far into debt.

I dont think Sarver is a great owner, but if we keep trying to build through the draft, with one and done players, we will continue to have problems.
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1559 » by Crives » Mon Mar 4, 2019 3:53 pm

Remember to ask yourself why all these Sarver hit pieces are coming out now, he has been the same owner for 15 years.

Most of that article is rediclous. Leaving a goat in your gms office is pretty funny.
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Re: Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working 

Post#1560 » by BobbieL » Mon Mar 4, 2019 3:55 pm

RunDogGun wrote:
BobbieL wrote:
RunDogGun wrote:So what did he do right with regards to the Mercury?


He got lucky with the lotto and drafted the greatest female player of all time. Even than, I am sure he has screwed up the team. Like I thought the pick should have been Della Donne and not Griner - Della Donne is a btter pure basketball player skill set wise


It could be some luck, but usually the women go through four years of college before entering the draft, so there is less drafting on potential alone, like there is for men.

The Nash era happened under Sarver, and the only reason we have Sarver, is because Jerry put the team so far into debt.

I dont think Sarver is a great owner, but if we keep trying to build through the draft, with one and done players, we will continue to have problems.


If the Suns stretch Tyler Johnson and trade Jackson or Oubre doesn't resign, they should have good cap space to sign 3 maybe 4 players. One guy - the PG in the 13-15m range; maybe a PF like Aminu or Mirotic or Kleber and two more role players

If they don't get the Zion pick and trade that - a veteran can be got that way

I thought of this deal - if the Raptors implode it if Kawhi leaves; Johnson, Okobo, Jackson and the Bucks pick for Lowry

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