2021 Playoff and Offseason Speculation - the playoffs. PLAYOFFS????

[bwgood77]

We can’t wait 145 more games from Ayton to decide on how much to pay him though. He’s up for a contract extension 5 months from now. Seeing as how he’s someone who didn’t wait a year to get paid by the league and instead illegally accepted $$ in college, I don’t think he’s someone that will wait a year for his extension. He will want an offer this summer and my guess is the Suns will have one on the table for him if he’s still on the roster then. Whether he accepts or not is up in the air but I highly doubt he’s earned a max extension offer based on the games and maturity (suspension) he’s shown thus far in his career. Looking around at the roster makeup of other teams, there’s not any other teams that will be competing for Ayton’s services by making him a max offer in RFA either and I think his agent may be well aware of it. Probably in Ayton’s best interest to re-sign for whatever contract is offered by James Jones.

Don’t know if Ayton is the type of player to have the drive to improve after signing his 2nd deal either. He’s already said that his only goal in the NBA is to be good enough to somehow secure a 2nd contract in the NBA.

You watched his game against the Nuggets, he played a terrific game on both sides of the court against one of the best teams in the league.

He is not consistent enough yet, but teams know that he can make that type of game on any game. They need to prepare their defensive system to stop Ayton around the rim and that is pretty valuable.

Then you add his improved defense and his age and you can not put a lowball offer next summer.

Do you think seriously that $40M / 4 years would be an ok offer? To me that would be an insult to him and his agent.

It’s more than what Montez Harrell got.

He was great defensively in the Denver game but can he do it consistently or only against Jokic? For some weird reason he averages career highs all across the board against Denver.

And again, based on his personality and interviews he’s done thus far, do you think Ayton is the type of player to stay driven after getting a 2nd contract or be complacent after it? He’s said before that his only goal in the league is to somehow earn a second contract after his rookie deal is up.

Ayton should get more than Harrell got...more than double. Harrell is a sixth man like Lou Williams or Jamal Crawford....a backup big.

Ayton has far far far far far far far more versatility already and will certainly be even more within a year and especially two. This argument is absurd.

[Saberestar]

We can’t wait 145 more games from Ayton to decide on how much to pay him though. He’s up for a contract extension 5 months from now. Seeing as how he’s someone who didn’t wait a year to get paid by the league and instead illegally accepted $$ in college, I don’t think he’s someone that will wait a year for his extension. He will want an offer this summer and my guess is the Suns will have one on the table for him if he’s still on the roster then. Whether he accepts or not is up in the air but I highly doubt he’s earned a max extension offer based on the games and maturity (suspension) he’s shown thus far in his career. Looking around at the roster makeup of other teams, there’s not any other teams that will be competing for Ayton’s services by making him a max offer in RFA either and I think his agent may be well aware of it. Probably in Ayton’s best interest to re-sign for whatever contract is offered by James Jones.

Don’t know if Ayton is the type of player to have the drive to improve after signing his 2nd deal either. He’s already said that his only goal in the NBA is to be good enough to somehow secure a 2nd contract in the NBA.

You watched his game against the Nuggets, he played a terrific game on both sides of the court against one of the best teams in the league.

He is not consistent enough yet, but teams know that he can make that type of game on any game. They need to prepare their defensive system to stop Ayton around the rim and that is pretty valuable.

Then you add his improved defense and his age and you can not put a lowball offer next summer.

Do you think seriously that $40M / 4 years would be an ok offer? To me that would be an insult to him and his agent.

It’s more than what Montez Harrell got.

He was great defensively in the Denver game but can he do it consistently or only against Jokic? For some weird reason he averages career highs all across the board against Denver.

And again, based on his personality and interviews he’s done thus far, do you think Ayton is the type of player to stay driven after getting a 2nd contract or be complacent after it? He’s said before that his only goal in the league is to somehow earn a second contract after his rookie deal is up.

For what I have heard he is coachable and does whatever he is asked for.

He doesn't look a gym rat or a guy that breathes basketball, I will give you that, but I think he is a guy that does his job and he will not stop doing it after his next contract. And I have already said that I wouldn't offer him a max contract, so the risk wouldn't be too high.

All in all I am not worried about that.

[Revived]

You watched his game against the Nuggets, he played a terrific game on both sides of the court against one of the best teams in the league.

He is not consistent enough yet, but teams know that he can make that type of game on any game. They need to prepare their defensive system to stop Ayton around the rim and that is pretty valuable.

Then you add his improved defense and his age and you can not put a lowball offer next summer.

Do you think seriously that $40M / 4 years would be an ok offer? To me that would be an insult to him and his agent.

It’s more than what Montez Harrell got.

He was great defensively in the Denver game but can he do it consistently or only against Jokic? For some weird reason he averages career highs all across the board against Denver.

And again, based on his personality and interviews he’s done thus far, do you think Ayton is the type of player to stay driven after getting a 2nd contract or be complacent after it? He’s said before that his only goal in the league is to somehow earn a second contract after his rookie deal is up.

Ayton should get more than Harrell got...more than double. Harrell is a sixth man like Lou Williams or Jamal Crawford....a backup big.

Ayton has far far far far far far far more versatility already and will certainly be even more within a year and especially two. This argument is absurd.

He should get more than Harrell for sure. Never said he shouldn’t. I think $12-15M/yr is about his range.

Maybe I’m wrong on this but I think past performance and future projections have to both be factored in when giving extensions out. Booker wasn’t given the max because of only what he did before, he was given it because they envisioned him turning to an All Star caliber player over the course of his career.

Bigs who have zero ability to create their own shot and rely on PGs setting them up for open layups and dunks (mostly layups in DA’s case) usually don’t get paid all that much unless they have All Defense caliber type game to go with it. Ayton’s had two really strong defensive games in the past 2 games and if that continues over the course of the season then he can definitely be worth the $20M/yr or close to it type player.

Hopefully he isn’t the type of C to just mail it in and be complacent. He’s shown he has the talent to continue to get better but having a driven mindset will be equally or more important.

[bwgood77]

It’s more than what Montez Harrell got.

He was great defensively in the Denver game but can he do it consistently or only against Jokic? For some weird reason he averages career highs all across the board against Denver.

And again, based on his personality and interviews he’s done thus far, do you think Ayton is the type of player to stay driven after getting a 2nd contract or be complacent after it? He’s said before that his only goal in the league is to somehow earn a second contract after his rookie deal is up.

Ayton should get more than Harrell got...more than double. Harrell is a sixth man like Lou Williams or Jamal Crawford....a backup big.

Ayton has far far far far far far far more versatility already and will certainly be even more within a year and especially two. This argument is absurd.

He should get more than Harrell for sure. Never said he shouldn’t. I think $12-15M/yr is about his range.

Maybe I’m wrong on this but I think past performance and future projections have to both be factored in when giving extensions out. Booker wasn’t given the max because of only what he did before, he was given it because they envisioned him turning to an All Star caliber player over the course of his career.

Bigs who have zero ability to create their own shot and rely on PGs setting them up for open layups and dunks (mostly layups in DA’s case) usually don’t get paid all that much unless they have All Defense caliber type game to go with it. Ayton’s had two really strong defensive games in the past 2 games and if that continues over the course of the season then he can definitely be worth the $20M/yr or close to it type player.

Hopefully he isn’t the type of C to just mail it in and be complacent. He’s shown he has the talent to continue to get better but having a driven mindset will be equally or more important.

He can create his own shot. He's shown it. He doesn't do it a lot but he can do it.

[dremill24]

Ayton should get more than Harrell got...more than double. Harrell is a sixth man like Lou Williams or Jamal Crawford....a backup big.

Ayton has far far far far far far far more versatility already and will certainly be even more within a year and especially two. This argument is absurd.

He should get more than Harrell for sure. Never said he shouldn’t. I think $12-15M/yr is about his range.

Maybe I’m wrong on this but I think past performance and future projections have to both be factored in when giving extensions out. Booker wasn’t given the max because of only what he did before, he was given it because they envisioned him turning to an All Star caliber player over the course of his career.

Bigs who have zero ability to create their own shot and rely on PGs setting them up for open layups and dunks (mostly layups in DA’s case) usually don’t get paid all that much unless they have All Defense caliber type game to go with it. Ayton’s had two really strong defensive games in the past 2 games and if that continues over the course of the season then he can definitely be worth the $20M/yr or close to it type player.

Hopefully he isn’t the type of C to just mail it in and be complacent. He’s shown he has the talent to continue to get better but having a driven mindset will be equally or more important.

He can create his own shot. He's shown it. He doesn't do it a lot but he can do it.

Lol wut

[lilfishi22]

Ayton should get more than Harrell got...more than double. Harrell is a sixth man like Lou Williams or Jamal Crawford....a backup big.

Ayton has far far far far far far far more versatility already and will certainly be even more within a year and especially two. This argument is absurd.

He should get more than Harrell for sure. Never said he shouldn’t. I think $12-15M/yr is about his range.

Maybe I’m wrong on this but I think past performance and future projections have to both be factored in when giving extensions out. Booker wasn’t given the max because of only what he did before, he was given it because they envisioned him turning to an All Star caliber player over the course of his career.

Bigs who have zero ability to create their own shot and rely on PGs setting them up for open layups and dunks (mostly layups in DA’s case) usually don’t get paid all that much unless they have All Defense caliber type game to go with it. Ayton’s had two really strong defensive games in the past 2 games and if that continues over the course of the season then he can definitely be worth the $20M/yr or close to it type player.

Hopefully he isn’t the type of C to just mail it in and be complacent. He’s shown he has the talent to continue to get better but having a driven mindset will be equally or more important.

He can create his own shot. He's shown it. He doesn't do it a lot but he can do it.

If we're talking about isolating on the block, he's got one move - the jab step and rise up for the fadeaway. I'm not sure I could tell someone that Ayton can create his own shot with a straight face. Yeah occasionally we've seen him do a quick turnaround jump hook, we've seen him drive on the very rare occasion and we've seen him back a big down just to turn back around for the fadeaway but he's really not a creator on offense.

[lilfishi22]

What's the go with Moore? I guess he's been so thoroughly outplayed by Payne it's not worth giving him minutes?

[bwgood77]

He should get more than Harrell for sure. Never said he shouldn’t. I think $12-15M/yr is about his range.

Maybe I’m wrong on this but I think past performance and future projections have to both be factored in when giving extensions out. Booker wasn’t given the max because of only what he did before, he was given it because they envisioned him turning to an All Star caliber player over the course of his career.

Bigs who have zero ability to create their own shot and rely on PGs setting them up for open layups and dunks (mostly layups in DA’s case) usually don’t get paid all that much unless they have All Defense caliber type game to go with it. Ayton’s had two really strong defensive games in the past 2 games and if that continues over the course of the season then he can definitely be worth the $20M/yr or close to it type player.

Hopefully he isn’t the type of C to just mail it in and be complacent. He’s shown he has the talent to continue to get better but having a driven mindset will be equally or more important.

He can create his own shot. He's shown it. He doesn't do it a lot but he can do it.

Lol wut

He did it a couple times in the last game.

[bwgood77]

He should get more than Harrell for sure. Never said he shouldn’t. I think $12-15M/yr is about his range.

Maybe I’m wrong on this but I think past performance and future projections have to both be factored in when giving extensions out. Booker wasn’t given the max because of only what he did before, he was given it because they envisioned him turning to an All Star caliber player over the course of his career.

Bigs who have zero ability to create their own shot and rely on PGs setting them up for open layups and dunks (mostly layups in DA’s case) usually don’t get paid all that much unless they have All Defense caliber type game to go with it. Ayton’s had two really strong defensive games in the past 2 games and if that continues over the course of the season then he can definitely be worth the $20M/yr or close to it type player.

Hopefully he isn’t the type of C to just mail it in and be complacent. He’s shown he has the talent to continue to get better but having a driven mindset will be equally or more important.

He can create his own shot. He's shown it. He doesn't do it a lot but he can do it.

If we're talking about isolating on the block, he's got one move - the jab step and rise up for the fadeaway. I'm not sure I could tell someone that Ayton can create his own shot with a straight face. Yeah occasionally we've seen him do a quick turnaround jump hook, we've seen him drive on the very rare occasion and we've seen him back a big down just to turn back around for the fadeaway but he's really not a creator on offense.

No, he hasn't made it a big part of his game yet, but I don't think that's necessarily important yet.

[Qwigglez]

Read on Twitter

This is clear sign of having smart, high basketball IQ players on our roster.

Like we are flopping? Are we getting charges against our players or Suns players are taking charges?

[Bogyo]

What's the go with Moore? I guess he's been so thoroughly outplayed by Payne it's not worth giving him minutes?

Not sure, but I wanted to see him too for a while now. But I guess we don't change stuff up if it works. If/when Galloway/Payne/Carter/Cam have a really bad strech or injury I'm sure we'll see him.

He can't really be a that bad player, I remember him starting playoff game(s?) on the Pels a few years back, and doing OK. Crazy how we have a player like that on our bench this year - and that he can't get off it. We're really 13 deep.

[NTB]

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

[cberry78]

The Suns a Defensive team? That's gotta be a typo!!!

[Barkley6]

What's the go with Moore? I guess he's been so thoroughly outplayed by Payne it's not worth giving him minutes?

Not sure, but I wanted to see him too for a while now. But I guess we don't change stuff up if it works. If/when Galloway/Payne/Carter/Cam have a really bad strech or injury I'm sure we'll see him.

He can't really be a that bad player, I remember him starting playoff game(s?) on the Pels a few years back, and doing OK. Crazy how we have a player like that on our bench this year - and that he can't get off it. We're really 13 deep.

My patience with Carter is wearing thin tbh. I like him and I like his mentality, but I havent really seen him DO much. His shot hasn't been great and he provides literally nothing on offense most nights. I'm starting to think that maybe giving Moore a run would be good for multiple reasons, 1. Moore's time in the league has shown he's the better overall player, 2. Would motivate Moore to stay engaged if he knows his chance can come and he can get on the floor outside of garbage time, and 3. Motivate Carter to continue to improve.

[Saberestar]

What's the go with Moore? I guess he's been so thoroughly outplayed by Payne it's not worth giving him minutes?

Not sure, but I wanted to see him too for a while now. But I guess we don't change stuff up if it works. If/when Galloway/Payne/Carter/Cam have a really bad strech or injury I'm sure we'll see him.

He can't really be a that bad player, I remember him starting playoff game(s?) on the Pels a few years back, and doing OK. Crazy how we have a player like that on our bench this year - and that he can't get off it. We're really 13 deep.

My patience with Carter is wearing thin tbh. I like him and I like his mentality, but I havent really seen him DO much. His shot hasn't been great and he provides literally nothing on offense most nights. I'm starting to think that maybe giving Moore a run would be good for multiple reasons, 1. Moore's time in the league has shown he's the better overall player, 2. Would motivate Moore to stay engaged if he knows his chance can come and he can get on the floor outside of garbage time, and 3. Motivate Carter to continue to improve.

Yeah, not bad idea BUT... If it's not broken, don't fix it.

The team is playing really well and rotations need time to gel even better. Saric is huge for that second unit and he has only played on three games. Carter and Galloway had a bad few minutes yesterday, but they usually play better.

2nd unit looks solid to me:

Payne
Carter
Galloway
Cam Johnson
Saric

[cberry78]

Not sure, but I wanted to see him too for a while now. But I guess we don't change stuff up if it works. If/when Galloway/Payne/Carter/Cam have a really bad strech or injury I'm sure we'll see him.

He can't really be a that bad player, I remember him starting playoff game(s?) on the Pels a few years back, and doing OK. Crazy how we have a player like that on our bench this year - and that he can't get off it. We're really 13 deep.

My patience with Carter is wearing thin tbh. I like him and I like his mentality, but I havent really seen him DO much. His shot hasn't been great and he provides literally nothing on offense most nights. I'm starting to think that maybe giving Moore a run would be good for multiple reasons, 1. Moore's time in the league has shown he's the better overall player, 2. Would motivate Moore to stay engaged if he knows his chance can come and he can get on the floor outside of garbage time, and 3. Motivate Carter to continue to improve.

Yeah, not bad idea BUT... If it's not broken, don't fix it.

The team is playing really well and rotations need time to gel even better. Saric is huge for that second unit and he has only played on three games. Carter and Galloway had a bad few minutes yesterday, but they usually play better.

2nd unit looks solid to me:

Payne
Carter
Galloway
Cam Johnson
Saric

As long as Carter stops shooting like he's Galloway and focuses on D I'm fine with him in the rotation. If he keeps missing everything he throws at the rim then maybe it's time to give Moore a shot.

[Slim Charless]

My patience with Carter is wearing thin tbh. I like him and I like his mentality, but I havent really seen him DO much. His shot hasn't been great and he provides literally nothing on offense most nights. I'm starting to think that maybe giving Moore a run would be good for multiple reasons, 1. Moore's time in the league has shown he's the better overall player, 2. Would motivate Moore to stay engaged if he knows his chance can come and he can get on the floor outside of garbage time, and 3. Motivate Carter to continue to improve.

Yeah, not bad idea BUT... If it's not broken, don't fix it.

The team is playing really well and rotations need time to gel even better. Saric is huge for that second unit and he has only played on three games. Carter and Galloway had a bad few minutes yesterday, but they usually play better.

2nd unit looks solid to me:

Payne
Carter
Galloway
Cam Johnson
Saric

As long as Carter stops shooting like he's Galloway and focuses on D I'm fine with him in the rotation. If he keeps missing everything he throws at the rim then maybe it's time to give Moore a shot.

Whats his current deal. He's getting what 16 over 4 years i think...?

[cberry78]

Yeah, not bad idea BUT... If it's not broken, don't fix it.

The team is playing really well and rotations need time to gel even better. Saric is huge for that second unit and he has only played on three games. Carter and Galloway had a bad few minutes yesterday, but they usually play better.

2nd unit looks solid to me:

Payne
Carter
Galloway
Cam Johnson
Saric

As long as Carter stops shooting like he's Galloway and focuses on D I'm fine with him in the rotation. If he keeps missing everything he throws at the rim then maybe it's time to give Moore a shot.

Whats his current deal. He's getting what 16 over 4 years i think...?

Jevon Carter
Signed 3-yr/$11.5M contract November 23, 2020.
E'Twaun Moore
Signed 1-yr/$2.3M contract November 28, 2020.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/contracts/PHO.html

[King4Day]

Regarding the top 7 surprise teams in the NBA...

1. Phoenix Suns
Record: 5-2
Point differential: +7.3 PPG

Unlike most of the teams in this group, the Suns entered the season projected to make their first playoff appearance since 2010 after adding Chris Paul via trade.

Phoenix only improved its outlook by starting the season 5-1 with three wins over 2020 playoff teams, and there's no shame in losing a thriller to the LA Clippers on Sunday night. That game saw opponent 3-point shooting start to even out for the Suns, who'd had opponents make just 30% beyond the arc before the Clippers went 17-of-29 (59%).

Aside from that opponent shooting, there was something a little fluky about how Phoenix started. Sure, Mikal Bridges won't keep making 46% of his 3s, but the Suns can count on Devin Booker rebounding from a slow start that has seen him commit an incredible 5.3 turnovers per game. FiveThirtyEight's projections have moved Phoenix up to finishing third in the West on average

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/30648171/which-lottery-teams-make-playoffs-ranking-nba-seven-surprise-teams

[carey]

I would legit cry if we finished 3rd in the West.