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

[SunsRback4Good]

Answer this question now:

Was this a successful season?

Without question!! From the ashes baby!!

Winning two games against Lakers deems it a successful season. Beating them is just icing on the cake. Going further gives our players much needed playoff experience for years to come. So yes, I believe it's already been successful regardless what happens.

[Qwigglez]

I haven't been paying attention to other playoff games really, I know the Mavs were up 2-0 but shot an absurd percentage from the field and 3, and then looking at tonight's game where they shot 15% from 3. Are the Mavs just streaky? I looked at the GB game thread and people mentioned Doncic being hurt. Was really hoping the Mavs would take the Clippers out and the Clippers would implode this off-season.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Answer this question now:

Was this a successful season?

Without question!! From the ashes baby!!

Winning two games against Lakers deems it a successful season. Beating them is just icing on the cake. Going further gives our players much needed playoff experience for years to come. So yes, I believe it's already been successful regardless what happens.

Yeah while it would be disappointing if they lose after the initial pain wears off the totality of the year would absolutely be a success.

Ending the long playoff drought lifts a black cloud. But to me the biggest thing is this season served as a proof of concept that you can be a good team with the Booker, Ayton, Bridges core. So now when Paul eventually leaves at some point this is the type of foundation that the next good PG who wants out will target as a destination. They also have a coach that most guys will like playing for. Perception is more important in the NBA than any other pro sport and becoming a place guys want to come to is such a huge factor in long term success.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

[Saberestar]

I haven't been paying attention to other playoff games really, I know the Mavs were up 2-0 but shot an absurd percentage from the field and 3, and then looking at tonight's game where they shot 15% from 3. Are the Mavs just streaky? I looked at the GB game thread and people mentioned Doncic being hurt. Was really hoping the Mavs would take the Clippers out and the Clippers would implode this off-season.

Zubac to the bench (and no Ibaka) and they are playing Batum at C.

This move changed everything, Doncic was doing whatever he wanted in front of Zubac and the Clippers were having a lot of trouble trying to hide him in defense.

Now they just switch everything.

Edit: That is one of the reasons, obviously Doncic having some physical problems is big too.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I haven't been paying attention to other playoff games really, I know the Mavs were up 2-0 but shot an absurd percentage from the field and 3, and then looking at tonight's game where they shot 15% from 3. Are the Mavs just streaky? I looked at the GB game thread and people mentioned Doncic being hurt. Was really hoping the Mavs would take the Clippers out and the Clippers would implode this off-season.

Zubac to the bench (and no Ibaka) and they are playing Batum at C.

This move changed everything, Doncic was doing whatever he wanted in front of Zubac and the Clippers were having a lot of trouble trying to hide him in defense.

Now they just switch everything.

Edit: That is one of the reasons, obviously Doncic having some physical problems is big too.

Yeah and going small against Dallas works because Porzingis might be 7'2 but he plays 6'5 and none of their other bigs can really punish the clips either.

It's also some natural regression from the insane 3pt shooting Dallas had early in this series.

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[sunsbg]

I haven't been paying attention to other playoff games really, I know the Mavs were up 2-0 but shot an absurd percentage from the field and 3, and then looking at tonight's game where they shot 15% from 3. Are the Mavs just streaky? I looked at the GB game thread and people mentioned Doncic being hurt. Was really hoping the Mavs would take the Clippers out and the Clippers would implode this off-season.

Zubac to the bench (and no Ibaka) and they are playing Batum at C.

This move changed everything, Doncic was doing whatever he wanted in front of Zubac and the Clippers were having a lot of trouble trying to hide him in defense.

Now they just switch everything.

Edit: That is one of the reasons, obviously Doncic having some physical problems is big too.

Yeah and going small against Dallas works because Porzingis might be 7'2 but he plays 6'5 and none of their other bigs can really punish the clips either.

It's also some natural regression from the insane 3pt shooting Dallas had early in this series.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

The Mavs and Doncic are streaky. Also Clippers figured out Mavs have no interior D. PG is not shooting fade aways anymore, but attacking the paint, Kawhi too. We are lucky to have Ayton in the middle.

[NapoleonII]

I'm worried about Luka TBH. He looks like old man back-nearly broken Bird out there.

I don't like to see any player have their career shortened, but his neck thing doesn't look good. I'm no expert, but he's pretty stocky and plays a lot like Wade IMO, lots of cuts, first steps, misdirections with good strength and tight handles.

[NapoleonII]

I'm rooting for the Mavs, though, for Luka to heal up and start torching the Clippers again.

Only because Paul George plays like prime Kobe against us.

[sunsbg]

I'm worried about Luka TBH. He looks like old man back-nearly broken Bird out there.

I don't like to see any player have their career shortened, but his neck thing doesn't look good. I'm no expert, but he's pretty stocky and plays a lot like Wade IMO, lots of cuts, first steps, misdirections with good strength and tight handles.

40+ usage rate will do this to you. I was arguing with Luka fans on GB that at this pace he will be often broken down in the playoffs and late in his career, but they say he has no choice as the team is bad (not true) and look mostly interested in him racking up stats. No wonder he reported to camp fat, the guy needs rest.

[Waylay13]

Answer this question now:

Was this a successful season?

Yes it has been a great season. I am still worried that we are going to be losing CP in a couple years and not having a good point guard to replace him but this year has been great.

[BobbieL]

Without question!! From the ashes baby!!

Winning two games against Lakers deems it a successful season. Beating them is just icing on the cake. Going further gives our players much needed playoff experience for years to come. So yes, I believe it's already been successful regardless what happens.

Yeah while it would be disappointing if they lose after the initial pain wears off the totality of the year would absolutely be a success.

Ending the long playoff drought lifts a black cloud. But to me the biggest thing is this season served as a proof of concept that you can be a good team with the Booker, Ayton, Bridges core. So now when Paul eventually leaves at some point this is the type of foundation that the next good PG who wants out will target as a destination. They also have a coach that most guys will like playing for. Perception is more important in the NBA than any other pro sport and becoming a place guys want to come to is such a huge factor in long term success.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I agree with this. And I said the same about Rubio but Paul is just a better player than Ricky. But part of the goal of getting a better point guard was making sure Booker, Ayton and BRidges (maybe Cam too ) - improve on the court so they can form a nucleus of the squad to build around. And if the Suns show enough - players will want to play with them. And though Sarver said he is willing to pay some luxury tax - I am sure he has a figure of what is acceptable. So these three or four players showing they can win - will help get those veterans on a minimum or lower cost deal

I already saw a twitter conversation today about how Cam Payne is a "MUST SIGN." And I like Payne - but I don't see him as a Must sign if that is kind of where Sarver draws the line at long term money. There will be veteran back up PGs out there - every year it seems.

[Wilber85]

Funny to see all the Ayton doubters on the wagon now! Big game tonight! We need this

[Revived]

Read on Twitter

Both him and Ayton have done better on both ends than expected for first time playoff performers. If CP3 was healthy for games 2-3 then I think Booker’s offense #s would’ve looked a bit better. Hopefully he sees it in the game film that he just needs to make quicker decisions with the ball when the double comes. I’m sure it’s discouraging to seeing all our 3pt shooters just brick after brick though.

The only disappointment for me from the first 4 games has been Bridges and Cam Johnson. LeBron has been able to get any shot he wants on Bridges and Bridges has barely provided anything on offense to make up for it (10 pts or less in all 4 games). The creating his own shot thing vanished completely in the playoffs thus far. Cam Johnson, same thing, except he has probably had more wide open 3s attempted and is shooting below 40% from 3.

I do think it has to do with first time playoff jitters (some guys have it, some don’t) so not worried longterm wise. But I do wish Bridges especially would take more shots and be more of a force offensively rather than just deferring to Booker/CP3 each time he gets the ball.

[spanishninja]

Read on Twitter

Both him and Ayton have done better on both ends than expected for first time playoff performers. If CP3 was healthy for games 2-3 then I think Booker’s offense #s would’ve looked a bit better. Hopefully he sees it in the game film that he just needs to make quicker decisions with the ball when the double comes. I’m sure it’s discouraging to seeing all our 3pt shooters just brick after brick though.

The only disappointment for me from the first 4 games has been Bridges and Cam Johnson. LeBron has been able to get any shot he wants on Bridges and Bridges has barely provided anything on offense to make up for it (10 pts or less in all 4 games). The creating his own shot thing vanished completely in the playoffs thus far. Cam Johnson, same thing, except he has probably had more wide open 3s attempted and is shooting below 40% from 3.

I do think it has to do with first time playoff jitters (some guys have it, some don’t) so not worried longterm wise. But I do wish Bridges especially would take more shots and be more of a force offensively rather than just deferring to Booker/CP3 each time he gets the ball.

You can't talk about disappointment without talking about mentioning Saric. We prided ourselves in the regular season on having a team where nobody is a terrible player. That's not the case so far in the playoffs.

[spanishninja]

I'm rooting for the Mavs, though, for Luka to heal up and start torching the Clippers again.

Only because Paul George plays like prime Kobe against us.

To have the playoffs be free of LA teams would be a dream scenario for me. Plus, this would be great for the league as we got tons of new stars in the postseason this year. Should begin promoting them as much as possible while guys like Lebron and CP3 are aging.

[Revived]

Read on Twitter

Both him and Ayton have done better on both ends than expected for first time playoff performers. If CP3 was healthy for games 2-3 then I think Booker’s offense #s would’ve looked a bit better. Hopefully he sees it in the game film that he just needs to make quicker decisions with the ball when the double comes. I’m sure it’s discouraging to seeing all our 3pt shooters just brick after brick though.

The only disappointment for me from the first 4 games has been Bridges and Cam Johnson. LeBron has been able to get any shot he wants on Bridges and Bridges has barely provided anything on offense to make up for it (10 pts or less in all 4 games). The creating his own shot thing vanished completely in the playoffs thus far. Cam Johnson, same thing, except he has probably had more wide open 3s attempted and is shooting below 40% from 3.

I do think it has to do with first time playoff jitters (some guys have it, some don’t) so not worried longterm wise. But I do wish Bridges especially would take more shots and be more of a force offensively rather than just deferring to Booker/CP3 each time he gets the ball.

You can't talk about disappointment without talking about mentioning Saric. We prided ourselves in the regular season on having a team where nobody is a terrible player. That's not the case so far in the playoffs.

I’m not disappointed by Saric because he was hot garbage from March till end of reg season.

I never thought he was going to suddenly play better against the best front court in the NBA in the playoffs.

He’s our only “bad contract” on the roster thankfully.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

Both him and Ayton have done better on both ends than expected for first time playoff performers. If CP3 was healthy for games 2-3 then I think Booker’s offense #s would’ve looked a bit better. Hopefully he sees it in the game film that he just needs to make quicker decisions with the ball when the double comes. I’m sure it’s discouraging to seeing all our 3pt shooters just brick after brick though.

The only disappointment for me from the first 4 games has been Bridges and Cam Johnson. LeBron has been able to get any shot he wants on Bridges and Bridges has barely provided anything on offense to make up for it (10 pts or less in all 4 games). The creating his own shot thing vanished completely in the playoffs thus far. Cam Johnson, same thing, except he has probably had more wide open 3s attempted and is shooting below 40% from 3.

I do think it has to do with first time playoff jitters (some guys have it, some don’t) so not worried longterm wise. But I do wish Bridges especially would take more shots and be more of a force offensively rather than just deferring to Booker/CP3 each time he gets the ball.

You can't talk about disappointment without talking about mentioning Saric. We prided ourselves in the regular season on having a team where nobody is a terrible player. That's not the case so far in the playoffs.

I’m not disappointed by Saric because he was hot garbage from March till end of reg season.

I never thought he was going to suddenly play better against the best front court in the NBA in the playoffs.

He’s our only “bad contract” on the roster thankfully.

Thank you for saying what everyone is quietly thinking! I've tried for a long time to find a reason to endorse Saric. But I just can't, As he's just so wildly inconsistent!!! I mean I love his effort, But honestly, it's really his only redeeming quality as a basketball player. I mean for the life of me, I still can't understand how a professional basketball player whose 6'10 and only around 225 lbs, Can't really run (he's slow and plodding), Can't dunk ( no vertical), Can't play reasonable defense for a big man and isn't a rim protector by any measure! ( WOEFULLY UNATHLETIC).

I mean is it his conditioning??? Does he have some underlying injury issues that no one's aware of? He honestly reminds me of fat Boris Diaw, Wherein Diaw late in his career, struggled with weight/ eating disorder, had terrible conditioning, but could still pass and score at times. But his overall impact was mediocre and inconsistent! What's even more sad is that neither of our frontline bigs in Saric or Kaminsky offer anything worthwhile defensively or otherwise if they aren't hitting their shots! They're just far too streaky as floor spacing bugs. The only thing that they're really consistent with is being unathletic and mediocre. We definitely need someone alot more dynamic and athletic and fluid at the 4, to compliment Ayton. As Ayton plays more along the lines of an Embiid or a Olajuwan ( ultimate upside ceiling) himself. But yes, Saric, And to a lesser degree Kaminsky ( at only 1 million +) are more or less wasted salary at this point!

[Slim Charless]

Winning two games against Lakers deems it a successful season. Beating them is just icing on the cake. Going further gives our players much needed playoff experience for years to come. So yes, I believe it's already been successful regardless what happens.

Yeah while it would be disappointing if they lose after the initial pain wears off the totality of the year would absolutely be a success.

Ending the long playoff drought lifts a black cloud. But to me the biggest thing is this season served as a proof of concept that you can be a good team with the Booker, Ayton, Bridges core. So now when Paul eventually leaves at some point this is the type of foundation that the next good PG who wants out will target as a destination. They also have a coach that most guys will like playing for. Perception is more important in the NBA than any other pro sport and becoming a place guys want to come to is such a huge factor in long term success.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I agree with this. And I said the same about Rubio but Paul is just a better player than Ricky. But part of the goal of getting a better point guard was making sure Booker, Ayton and BRidges (maybe Cam too ) - improve on the court so they can form a nucleus of the squad to build around. And if the Suns show enough - players will want to play with them. And though Sarver said he is willing to pay some luxury tax - I am sure he has a figure of what is acceptable. So these three or four players showing they can win - will help get those veterans on a minimum or lower cost deal

I already saw a twitter conversation today about how Cam Payne is a "MUST SIGN." And I like Payne - but I don't see him as a Must sign if that is kind of where Sarver draws the line at long term money. There will be veteran back up PGs out there - every year it seems.

I agree with all this. We've talked about it before on here but Phoenix is a great destination as long as Sarver chills out and isn't cheap. We're the closest team to LA without having the LA prices and BS. Great weather, golf, real estate...and the women in Scottsdale and various places in AZ are amazing lol. Hell, I think the image of the state is changing too now that it's seems to being going more blue (not to make this a political thing-but that stuff probably helps). Players will want to sign here.

If Monty and JJ were right about Stix and we have our new Ayton (please God please) we're set-up for a great run if everyone stays healthy. Resigning Cam payne is big but other than that we're good. I think it's a lock that CP3 finishes his career here.

[bwgood77]

Read on Twitter

Both him and Ayton have done better on both ends than expected for first time playoff performers. If CP3 was healthy for games 2-3 then I think Booker’s offense #s would’ve looked a bit better. Hopefully he sees it in the game film that he just needs to make quicker decisions with the ball when the double comes. I’m sure it’s discouraging to seeing all our 3pt shooters just brick after brick though.

The only disappointment for me from the first 4 games has been Bridges and Cam Johnson. LeBron has been able to get any shot he wants on Bridges and Bridges has barely provided anything on offense to make up for it (10 pts or less in all 4 games). The creating his own shot thing vanished completely in the playoffs thus far. Cam Johnson, same thing, except he has probably had more wide open 3s attempted and is shooting below 40% from 3.

I do think it has to do with first time playoff jitters (some guys have it, some don’t) so not worried longterm wise. But I do wish Bridges especially would take more shots and be more of a force offensively rather than just deferring to Booker/CP3 each time he gets the ball.

Bridges is smart at taking good shots...3s or rim, but CP3 only recognizes him on cuts and gets him cleaner looks from 3. Not a coincidence Bridges got a lot more shots in games 1 and 4 than 2 and 3. Cam too with the cleaner looks.

Booker most disappointing shooting 40% and 26% from 3 with 5 turnovers a game. Doesn't matter how many points you get if they are not efficient and you give the opponent 5 more possessions while giving yourself 5 fewer.

Well, I guess I can say Dario and Crowder have been even worse, but expectations for Booker are much higher.

And when talking about Bridges vs Booker's D, that's a joke because guarding LeBron and AD, there is only so much you can do...and then Booker is always on the worst offensive player on the floor.

And then the help/team D is worlds apart obviously. Seems you rely more on tweets than eye test.

[NapoleonII]

Booker is up for a big game.

35 points tonight, 18 in a quarter.

He'll sense blood tonight when Lebron and Kuzma start clanking jumpers.