2020 Preseason Speculation - Lineup battles underway

[nevetsov]

Either Houston or NY are going to need a PG. Maybe MIL if they get involved too.

Or could see Utah wanting Rubio back after the dumpster fire that was Mike Conley.

EDIT: I meant finding a team for Ricky

[bwgood77]

Don't know how to post a tweet and it's reply, but that Vin Fosh guy says it looks like we traded Cam. Lol if we actually did that...

I saw that tweet you posted that now says delete...it said we traded Cam but I went to his twitter and couldn't find it, so I assumed you realized it was a fake account pretending to be that guy or he deleted his own tweet.

Oh, I see one now you must be talking about...

Read on Twitter

Is there a Cam replacement in the upcoming draft??

Nesmith maybe, though Cam's a better passer.

[Djedefre]

Yeah, Cam virtually has no upside, but he's a smart, useful player. Why giving him up in order to try drafting someone who (just maybe) turns out as good as him. You won't pick a star @ #10 in this draft, it's that simple.

[bwgood77]

I can see James Jones working his magic and agreeing to add Cam to the trade and getting it done.

Cam Payne.

It’s both funny and true. Lol.

That would be funny if he called the league to submit the trade and said he agreed on Cam Payne and then totally backed out when OKC said they wanted Cam Johnson.

I still think ultimately if we stand firm with only Rubio and Oubre, OKC eventually does it. They definitely want to unload that enormous contract and start their rebuild. They can maybe get picks for Rubio and/or Oubre....whether in the trade or in trades later.

[BobbieL]

I think if it comes down to making book happy or trading Cam and keeping the #10...... bye bye cam

I am keeping Cam J over the tenth pick in this draft

If need be swap the 10 for 28 and keep Cam J

[BobbieL]

I can see James Jones working his magic and agreeing to add Cam to the trade and getting it done.

Cam Payne.

It’s both funny and true. Lol.

That would be funny if he called the league to submit the trade and said he agreed on Cam Payne and then totally backed out when OKC said they wanted Cam Johnson.

I still think ultimately if we stand firm with only Rubio and Oubre, OKC eventually does it. They definitely want to unload that enormous contract and start their rebuild. The can maybe get picks for Rubio and/or Oubre....whether in the trade or in trades later.

Adams is a FA next summer
green is a FA next summer

Presti will have a prett clean cap if Paul is moved


Paul might want the Suns but Thunder doesn’t have many options

The Bucks would send guys that would clutter the cap - like Bledsoe

The Clippers would have to send like five guys

[Mjee]

I think if it comes down to making book happy or trading Cam and keeping the #10...... bye bye cam

I am keeping Cam J over the tenth pick in this draft

If need be swap the 10 for 28 and keep Cam J

I agree 100 but if CAA is curping in JJs ear and book is pushing this to the limits ... it leaves JJ in a very tough spot

[Jdiddy701]

Let me get this straight, OKC will probably get Rubio and Oubre, which is already a GREAT trade for OKC. Now, we may INCLUDE our 10 pick or Cam Johnson?

I really do not believe any sources at this point. Everyone sounds like fools. There is absolutely no way in hell Jame Jones includes either one unless more players are going to Phoenix on a multiple team trade.

I really hope another team takes CP3. Would be a huge mistake for Phoenix IMO. All these years we have been waiting for the right player to become available to finally pull the trigger on a big trade, Chris Paul is not that player.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nevetsov]

If JJ is keeping the #10 over Cam, there must be someone he REALLY likes in this draft. Or maybe he's made a promise to someone.

[nevetsov]

Or it could be Paul and CAA trying to free up more salary for guys like Gallo etc. Do CAA have any FA wings?

[lilfishi22]

I've gotten to like Cam over the season despite hating the pick and while I do agree that his upside isn't that of a typical 1st round draft pick, I think it's a little presumptuous to say he has no upside. FWIW, he did played to expectations and arguably showed more than most expected. Given what he is shown, I do think he can be considered a known quantity and that is of a solid 3PT shooting wing who fits quite well in our offense.

I wouldn't be so keen to just throw him in. But I do understand the sentiment that this FO likely won't make Cam the dealbreaker in a trade that both the NBPA President and our franchise player wants to make happen.

[Mjee]

I've gotten to like Cam over the season despite hating the pick and while I do agree that his upside isn't that of a typical 1st round draft pick, I think it's a little presumptuous to say he has no upside. FWIW, he did played to expectations and arguably showed more than most expected. Given what he is shown, I do think he can be considered a known quantity and that is of a solid 3PT shooting wing who fits quite well in our offense.

I wouldn't be so keen to just throw him in. But I do understand the sentiment that this FO likely won't make Cam the dealbreaker in a trade that both the NBPA President and our franchise player wants to make happen.

What a great post !!! Well said

[BobbieL]

I've gotten to like Cam over the season despite hating the pick and while I do agree that his upside isn't that of a typical 1st round draft pick, I think it's a little presumptuous to say he has no upside. FWIW, he did played to expectations and arguably showed more than most expected. Given what he is shown, I do think he can be considered a known quantity and that is of a solid 3PT shooting wing who fits quite well in our offense.

I wouldn't be so keen to just throw him in. But I do understand the sentiment that this FO likely won't make Cam the dealbreaker in a trade that both the NBPA President and our franchise player wants to make happen.

Who cares what Paul and Booker want?


Don't make a stupid trade that makes your team worse!

[Slim Charless]

I've gotten to like Cam over the season despite hating the pick and while I do agree that his upside isn't that of a typical 1st round draft pick, I think it's a little presumptuous to say he has no upside. FWIW, he did played to expectations and arguably showed more than most expected. Given what he is shown, I do think he can be considered a known quantity and that is of a solid 3PT shooting wing who fits quite well in our offense.

I wouldn't be so keen to just throw him in. But I do understand the sentiment that this FO likely won't make Cam the dealbreaker in a trade that both the NBPA President and our franchise player wants to make happen.

It helps that Nesmith and Vassell who both can shoot lights out (and can also defend) as well as Okoro all available as decent wing choices. All 3 should likely be there at 10 too and are on average 4 years younger than Cam. Still, Cam was a great find and I'd prefer to keep him. Who else does OKC think is gonna trade for CP3 anyway? Hopefully we hold strong here.

[lilfishi22]

I've gotten to like Cam over the season despite hating the pick and while I do agree that his upside isn't that of a typical 1st round draft pick, I think it's a little presumptuous to say he has no upside. FWIW, he did played to expectations and arguably showed more than most expected. Given what he is shown, I do think he can be considered a known quantity and that is of a solid 3PT shooting wing who fits quite well in our offense.

I wouldn't be so keen to just throw him in. But I do understand the sentiment that this FO likely won't make Cam the dealbreaker in a trade that both the NBPA President and our franchise player wants to make happen.

Who cares what Paul and Booker want?


Don't make a stupid trade that makes your team worse!

Does it make the team worse? If you can make a trade that is aligned with what Booker wants *and* we get better from it....why not?

I do think we're a better team and a guy like Cam is replaceable as much as I hate to say it.

[Stark]

James Jones will lose all of his credibility if he includes Cam or FRP to the deal. It's insane how people ok with giving away Cam. We'll lose 3 starter level players for a 35 year old PG with an insane salary and injury history. Free agency is a huge gamble and without any solid wings left on the roster we'll probably overpay for a SF while the team desperately needs a back up five and a combo guard.

Why do you do that when you have all the leverage in the deal. CP3 wants to play for the Suns and nobody can offer better players.

What happened to the bubble run? Have you guys forgetten about it? We were kicking everybody's ass. Cam and Rubio were essential pieces of that squad. Cam is one of the best shooters in the league and he is just starting to feel comfortable. He showed that he is much more than a shooter. He is a wing who can play either 3/4 positions, underrated finisher with high bball iq and great character. HE IS ON A ROOKIE CONTRACT. Main reason why we can afford Paul's contract is because we have guys like Cam, Mikal and Ayton on a rookie contract. Good luck building a roster when you give away guys like that.

What happened to building a culture? Why would you destroy everything you built for 2 years of Paul when you still have a pretty good roster you can improve. What will happen to the chemistry this roster had built over the year. I don't care if Paul is a powerful name in the league. He can use his influence to pressure OKC if he is that important. I don't care if this trade makes Booker happy. Booker is a moron if he thinks that trade will benefit the team. I can be ok with this if it is Rubio/Oubre for CP3 (still a risky deal for the team) if Presti wants more than that he can f. off.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using RealGM mobile app

[BobbieL]

I've gotten to like Cam over the season despite hating the pick and while I do agree that his upside isn't that of a typical 1st round draft pick, I think it's a little presumptuous to say he has no upside. FWIW, he did played to expectations and arguably showed more than most expected. Given what he is shown, I do think he can be considered a known quantity and that is of a solid 3PT shooting wing who fits quite well in our offense.

I wouldn't be so keen to just throw him in. But I do understand the sentiment that this FO likely won't make Cam the dealbreaker in a trade that both the NBPA President and our franchise player wants to make happen.

Who cares what Paul and Booker want?


Don't make a stupid trade that makes your team worse!

Does it make the team worse? If you can make a trade that is aligned with what Booker wants *and* we get better from it....why not?

I do think we're a better team and a guy like Cam is replaceable as much as I hate to say it.

The Suns are not a better team trading Cam, Ruibo and Oubre for Paul?

But to your point - I would have to see the other moves to get the full picture. But they better be damn sure of the "other moves>"

Oh we were trying to sign Gallo but lets just bring Frank the Tank back - he is a tall white guy - who will notice?!?

[bhawk]

James Jones will lose all of his credibility if he includes Cam or FRP to the deal. It's insane how people ok with giving away Cam. We'll lose 3 starter level players for a 35 year old PG with an insane salary and injury history. Free agency is a huge gamble and without any solid wings left on the roster we'll probably overpay for a SF while the team desperately needs a back up five and a combo guard.

Why do you do that when you have all the leverage in the deal. CP3 wants to play for the Suns and nobody can offer better players.

What happened to the bubble run? Have you guys forgetten about it? We were kicking everybody's ass. Cam and Rubio were essential pieces of that squad. Cam is one of the best shooters in the league and he is just starting to feel comfortable. He showed that he is much more than a shooter. He is a wing who can play either 3/4 positions, underrated finisher with high bball iq and great character. HE IS ON A ROOKIE CONTRACT. Main reason why we can afford Paul's contract is because we have guys like Cam, Mikal and Ayton on a rookie contract. Good luck building a roster when you give away guys like that.

What happened to building a culture? Why would you destroy everything you built for 2 years of Paul when you still have a pretty good roster you can improve. What will happen to the chemistry this roster had built over the year. I don't care if Paul is a powerful name in the league. He can use his influence to pressure OKC if he is that important. I don't care if this trade makes Booker happy. Booker is a moron if he thinks that trade will benefit the team. I can be ok with this if it is Rubio/Oubre for CP3 (still a risky deal for the team) if Presti wants more than that he can f. off.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using RealGM mobile app

Had to come out of lurking mode to AND1 this post. Well said. Please don't break the bank for CP3. Never liked him, but if he is on the Suns, I will have to. Hope it makes us better. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

[BobbieL]

James Jones will lose all of his credibility if he includes Cam or FRP to the deal. It's insane how people ok with giving away Cam. We'll lose 3 starter level players for a 35 year old PG with an insane salary and injury history. Free agency is a huge gamble and without any solid wings left on the roster we'll probably overpay for a SF while the team desperately needs a back up five and a combo guard.

Why do you do that when you have all the leverage in the deal. CP3 wants to play for the Suns and nobody can offer better players.

What happened to the bubble run? Have you guys forgetten about it? We were kicking everybody's ass. Cam and Rubio were essential pieces of that squad. Cam is one of the best shooters in the league and he is just starting to feel comfortable. He showed that he is much more than a shooter. He is a wing who can play either 3/4 positions, underrated finisher with high bball iq and great character. HE IS ON A ROOKIE CONTRACT. Main reason why we can afford Paul's contract is because we have guys like Cam, Mikal and Ayton on a rookie contract. Good luck building a roster when you give away guys like that.

What happened to building a culture? Why would you destroy everything you built for 2 years of Paul when you still have a pretty good roster you can improve. What will happen to the chemistry this roster had built over the year. I don't care if Paul is a powerful name in the league. He can use his influence to pressure OKC if he is that important. I don't care if this trade makes Booker happy. Booker is a moron if he thinks that trade will benefit the team. I can be ok with this if it is Rubio/Oubre for CP3 (still a risky deal for the team) if Presti wants more than that he can f. off.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using RealGM mobile app

I am sure the front office can show Booker a power point of
we keep Rubio
we keep Oubre or even trade Oubre for a player that helps
with cap space we sign Player X
We draft player Y

See - we are a BETTER team/.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Don't know how to post a tweet and it's reply, but that Vin Fosh guy says it looks like we traded Cam. Lol if we actually did that...

I saw that tweet you posted that now says delete...it said we traded Cam but I went to his twitter and couldn't find it, so I assumed you realized it was a fake account pretending to be that guy or he deleted his own tweet.

Oh, I see one now you must be talking about...

Read on Twitter

Is there a Cam replacement in the upcoming draft??

Nobody quite like Cam. But in the draft, The best that we could hope for IF ( AND I THINK TRADING CAM IS REALLY STUPID) we actually do include him in the deal for Paul is to:

Pick up 1 or 2 late 2nds and draft Justinian Jessup and or Sam Merrill. I mean in this premise, We'd lose Cam to get Paul, But still get back a Duncan Robinson ( Jessup) and Luke Kennard ( Sam Merrill).

Justinian Jessup-
https://ahbanalytics.wordpress.com/2020/04/10/scouting-report-justinian-jessup-4-9-20/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.grizzlybearblues.com/platform/amp/2020/10/20/21524412/2020-nba-draft-profiles-justinian-jessup-memphis-grizzlies-boise-state

Over four years Jessup made an obscene 325 three-point shots for Boise State, and especially in his last three years with the Broncos he showed a remarkable ability from beyond the arc. Jessup averaged roughly 219 threes per season over that stretch of time and made about 92 of them. Do the math, folks - that is a 42% from three mark across almost seven attempts a game! 

the first player in Boise State history to record 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 steals and 50 blocks.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.peachtreehoops.com/platform/amp/2020/10/12/21502154/justinian-jessup-nba-draft-scouting-report-profile-atlanta-hawks-boise-state-nbl-stash-shooting

As left-handed marksman, Jessup shot 41.9 percent from three-point range across the last three seasons, attempting 6.8 per game and 11.7 per 100 possessions. In addition, Jessup shot 70 of 73 (95.9 percent) from the free throw line as a senior, and he was named to the All-Mountain West first team for the 2019-20 campaign.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

( Duncan Robinson)???

Sam Merrill

https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/sixers/2020-nba-draft-profile-sam-merrill-sixers

Merrill is one of the best shooters in the draft, shooting 42.0 percent from the three-point line and 89.1 percent from the free throw line over his four seasons at Utah State.

He has a nice crossover and step-back combo that’s reminiscent of Luka Doncic. He’ll also run around screens and execute dribble-handoffs like JJ Redick. He doesn’t need much room to get his shot off and can make shots with a defender in his face, which makes that 42.0 three-point percentage even more impressive.

He’s not just a shooter, though, which makes him such a tantalizing prospect. Merrill is also an impressive passer and has tremendous potential as a pick-and-roll ball handler because teams will have to honor his three-point shot. When he drives, he generally makes good decisions and gets teammates the ball in optimal scoring positions. He had a better than 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio in each of the last two seasons, which is excellent for a player who was the fulcrum of the offense

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.peachtreehoops.com/platform/amp/2020/5/5/21247783/sam-merrill-2020-nba-draft-scouting-report-utah-state-shooting

In short, Merrill is a tremendous shooter.

The 6’5, 205-pound guard was a four-year contributor at Utah State, but Merrill took on a more prominent role in his final three seasons. Over that three-year sample, Merrill connected on 41.6 percent of his three-point attempts, with a significant portion of those attempts arriving via self-creation. Beyond his impressive efficiency from beyond the arc, Merrill was also able to post a 53.3 percent mark on two-point attempts, representing a wildly impressive figure for a guard with only modest athleticism.

Merrill is an elite free throw shooter, burying 89.2 percent of his attempts from the charity stripe over the last three seasons. All told, Merrill posted a ridiculous 63.1 percent true shooting in that sample and, well, there is very little concern about his jump shot translating in any setting.

He does have the ability to shoot on the move, both using off-ball movement and on-ball creation, and Merrill isn’t a player that is a pure specialist. In fact, he is a creative player with the ball in his hands and, despite limited burst, Merrill made a significant jump in free throw creation in his last two seasons, attempting 9.2 free throws per 100 possessions.

In addition to his shooting and overall efficiency as a scorer, Merrill is also a strong passer, producing a career 22.2 percent assist rate and 6.3 assists per 100 possessions in his 132-game career. The former Utah State star also does a fantastic job at taking care of ball, with only a 10.6 percent turnover rate in his career, and only a 9.0 percent rate as a senior.

While the sample sizes are small, Merrill also enjoyed success against top-tier college opponents, scoring 24 points (including 10 free throw attempts) against LSU, 21 points against Florida and a 23-point scoring average against a nationally ranked San Diego State team.

Zach Milner (@ZachMilner13) Tweeted:
Sam Merrill is one of the best shooters in the class, but he’s also an impressive passer who has shown the ability to make passes/reads out of the PnR, coming off of handoffs, in transition, and more. https://t.co/jNYaNWIdHP

Read on Twitter

?s=20
Zach Milner (@ZachMilner13) Tweeted:
Currently digging a little deeper into Sam Merrill's shooting throughout his career.

Merrill had a career 42.0 3PT%, and shot 47.8% on "Spot Up No Dribble" 3s. Incredible shooter. https://t.co/GmDwq14S6Q

Read on Twitter

?s=20
( 47% on spot up no dribble threes over 4 yrs!!!

Watch on YouTube

So losing Cam would suck big time! But imagine getting a Duncan Robinson and Luke Kennard back for losing Cam? Would that make it a bit easier to accept?