2021-22 Season Discussion and Speculation

[SunsRback4Good]

^^All this just justifies what I put in the game thread pretty bluntly. They should get their heads out of their behinds and start taking their jobs seriously, and play like they mean it. They are just a half second late, a half inch short or long, whatever. But that's only on them and the coaching. We have been voted up by many analyst becouse of the continuity we had - now we are blaming finals hangover? wtf? Go out and beat some trash teams - like the Kings. Do your job! (and earn your new contract)

I wish you could be in Suns locker room prior to tip off and use your inspiring words to get their heads out of them a** to finally show up and win as a unit.

[Qwigglez]

^^All this just justifies what I put in the game thread pretty bluntly. They should get their heads out of their behinds and start taking their jobs seriously, and play like they mean it. They are just a half second late, a half inch short or long, whatever. But that's only on them and the coaching. We have been voted up by many analyst becouse of the continuity we had - now we are blaming finals hangover? wtf? Go out and beat some trash teams - like the Kings. Do your job! (and earn your new contract)

I wish you could be in Suns locker room prior to tip off and use your inspiring words to get their heads out of them a** to finally show up and win as a unit.

I get where Bogyo is coming from though. Suns fans had high expectations for this unit and ultimately this team should be better than they were 4 months ago with recent additions along with personal development. The lack of effort is concerning but I imagine the team doesn't care so much about the beginning of the season as opposed to later on throughout the year. The target on the Suns back is there so you can't be caught sleeping anymore.

[Revived]

Mikal Bridges signed a four-year, $90 million extension with the Phoenix Suns.

"When he was in negotiations for his extensions a couple of weeks ago, I'm told the Hornets' baseline offer was four years, $60 million," said Brian Windhorst. "Which is $15 million per year. If you look at what Mikal Bridges, which we've compared him to during his career, got... which some people in the league feel is an overpay."

Surprising that “people in the league” feel Mikal’s contract was overpay. I guess the league wide expectation was that he would sign for something similar to OG Anunoby’s deal.

But Mikal’s off to a great start this season for sure and has a chance to outplay the contract over its duration.

[Ghost of Kleine]

^^All this just justifies what I put in the game thread pretty bluntly. They should get their heads out of their behinds and start taking their jobs seriously, and play like they mean it. They are just a half second late, a half inch short or long, whatever. But that's only on them and the coaching. We have been voted up by many analyst becouse of the continuity we had - now we are blaming finals hangover? wtf? Go out and beat some trash teams - like the Kings. Do your job! (and earn your new contract)

I wish you could be in Suns locker room prior to tip off and use your inspiring words to get their heads out of them a** to finally show up and win as a unit.

I get where Bogyo is coming from though. Suns fans had high expectations for this unit and ultimately this team should be better than they were 4 months ago with recent additions along with personal development. The lack of effort is concerning but I imagine the team doesn't care so much about the beginning of the season as opposed to later on throughout the year. The target on the Suns back is there so you can't be caught sleeping anymore.

Part of our majority core being so young still and making the finals so quickly without having to really go through the full process to improve and fight their way through the years of adversity, Has unfortunately fostered a mentality that they're much better than they truly are yet! And that they can just turn things on at will and win games whenever they feel like it. Also that since they've made it there rather easily last season, they've convinced themselves that they'll make it back there just by virtue of being a finals team last season.

The veterans that we brought in ( as well as Monty himself) were/ are supposed to be keeping us settled down and focused. Only problem is that our vets are still gassed from the finals, So they're focused more on just pacing themselves till they regain their form.

- Young core suffering from a false sense of security and entitlement that they're a shoe in for a finals again just because they made it there quicker and easier than expected.

- Our vets are still gassed/ fatigued do to age, and are just pacing themselves till they find their games and regain their form.

This is a new season, Nothing is guaranteed just because we kept the majority of our team together. We're not sneaking up on anyone. We have the bullseye on our backs now. All of the these losses are simply a result of our team deluding ourselves into thinking that we're guaranteed a finals return. Eventually ( 10- 15 games in) as the losses mount, Our team should finally wake up and regain a sense of urgency upon realizing that they're guaranteed nothing by virtue of past seasons' success. At our current rate though, IF the team doesn't find that sense of urgency and humility, we'll be at best looking at a play in situation, And likely barely sneaking into the playoffs by sure luck!

Or at worst, a 12- 14 lottery range where in this season becomes a total wash. We still need some tough, relentless high motor energy glue guy to be the heart of our team. A player with an irritating non stop, never give up always fighting style of play to counter our team's issues of apathy and indifference.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/fadeawayworld.net/.amp/nba/10-best-remaining-nba-free-agents-left-on-the-market

OCT 14, 2021

10 Best Remaining NBA Free Agents Left On The Market

BY KYLE DAUBS

Summarized list
10- Marc Gasol.
9- Yogi Farrell.
8- Tyler Johnson.
7- James Ennis 3rd.
6- Meyers Leonard.
5- Bismack Biyombo.
4- Aaron Baynes.
3- Jeff Teague.
2- Wesley Matthews.
1- DeMarcus Cousins.

Of that list, The only players that really intrigue me are: James Ennis, Meyers Leonard, Bismack Biyombo, Aaron Baynes, and Wesley Matthews. Ennis and Matthews for perimeter defense/ shooting. And Biyombo and Baynes for toughness and hustle! I'd love to bring Baynes back for the effect he had on Ayton and could have on Smith as well. It would also be good to have that added toughness in our frontcourt, As if we're being honest, Crowder doesn't really bring that. He's more of a fake tough guy at this stage of his career. If Cousins wasn't such an unpredictable headache, I'd consider him just for the edge he'd bring to our post defense. But currently, our perimeter defense is of much greater need!

Anyone on this list that you guys find intriguing?

[bwgood77]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/fadeawayworld.net/.amp/nba/10-best-remaining-nba-free-agents-left-on-the-market

OCT 14, 2021

10 Best Remaining NBA Free Agents Left On The Market

BY KYLE DAUBS

Summarized list
10- Marc Gasol.
9- Yogi Farrell.
8- Tyler Johnson.
7- James Ennis 3rd.
6- Meyers Leonard.
5- Bismack Biyombo.
4- Aaron Baynes.
3- Jeff Teague.
2- Wesley Matthews.
1- DeMarcus Cousins.

Of that list, The only players that really intrigue me are: James Ennis, Meyers Leonard, Bismack Biyombo, Aaron Baynes, and Wesley Matthews. Ennis and Matthews for perimeter defense/ shooting. And Biyombo and Baynes for toughness and hustle! I'd love to bring Baynes back for the effect he had on Ayton and could have on Smith as well. It would also be good to have that added toughness in our frontcourt, As if we're being honest, Crowder doesn't really bring that. He's more of a fake tough guy at this stage of his career. If Cousins wasn't such an unpredictable headache, I'd consider him just for the edge he'd bring to our post defense. But currently, our perimeter defense is of much greater need!

Anyone on this list that you guys find intriguing?

No, but could dependo n inuries. Not a very good list though. If one of our Cs got a bad injury, I'd consider Biyombo. That's probably it.

I would watch the G league when it starts..and maybe utilize Ish if we need him, but for now we just need to shorten the rotation, play Cam, Jae and Shamet more, while playing Nader little to none, and get Payne back.

I wonder if we will see Kaminsky tomorrow.

[Barkley6]

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Monty here explaining that they are going to simplify some things on offense. I think that while continuity for this team in terms of personnel is high, there were comments coming out of camp that Monty had designed a ton of new stuff for them. I think it's always tough to strike a balance between building off what worked last year and not becoming predictable. Might have over corrected at the start of this year to avoid predictability, and hopefully we'll revert to our comfort zone soon.

[WeekapaugGroove]

It's 4 games so not reading too much into the start but it seems like across all sports it's tough the year after you get super close but don't actually win it. I think it's hard to get back to the grind mentally.

The heat struggled early last season and lots of examples in the NFL where the super bowl loser missed the playoffs the following year.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

[Revived]

Monty should focus more on the defense. Suns are ranked like 28th in defense right now. And it looks even worse when watching them play.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Because our perimeter defense has become so lousy, And seeing as how we've been getting killed by opposing teams from three too. These are the players that we need to heavily prioritize as potential roster upgrades through trades or in free agency! If any roster alterations are in the works, We should look to acquire one ( possibly two)?? Of these players to boost our perimeter defense and defense in general back up to competitive levels. Whether we accomplish this through trade or in free agency, We need to figure out how to make these upgrades. Chris Boucher would be my top target ( if possible via sign n trade) or in 22' free agency.
https://hoopshype.com/2021/02/22/toronto-raptors-chris-boucher-nick-nurse-defense-sixth-man/

Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) Tweeted:
Most blocks on 3-pointers ever recorded (per 100)

1. Chris Boucher ('21): 0.95

2. James Johnson ('14): 0.88

3. Mitchell Robinson ('19): 0.86

4. Robert Williams ('19): 0.84

5. Matisse Thybulle ('21): 0.83

More thoughts about Boucher on @HoopsHype:
https://t.co/ZiHV8hYl0V

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- Boucher,
Maybe Saric/ Smith/ First? Or sign him if he reaches free agency ( doubtful).

- James Johnson. Sign him in 22' free agency?
Or trade for him around the deadline. Maybe Nader and a 2nd?

- Mitchell Robinson ( Only IF we look to trade Ayton). If so, then maybe Ayton for Robinson/ Barrett/ Quickly/ 2 firsts.
** Then I'd look to flip Barrett and one of the firsts to another team for a really solid player? Could Barrett and another piece and an unprotected first maybe get us a Jerami Grant,
Christian Wood, Harrison Barnes, or Isiah Stewart ( if we go cheaper)?



- Robert Williams, definitely would love to get Timelord! Might have to be a 3 team trade though: Phoenix/ New Orleans/ Boston.
https://fanspo.com/nba/s/suns/trades/ArgKi9vZnBwShC/3-team-upgrade-spitball-framework-idea

- Thybulle, Would be a dream scenario honestly to play alongside " Point Book". Or in an ultra defensive lockdown perimeter duo alongside of Bridges. His value is probably pretty high to Philly. So not sure we could afford his value in a trade, But I'd at least try something along the lines of:
Saric/ Shamet/ Nader/ first. IF it came down to it, I would even maybe offer one of either Johnson or Shamet and a first, Only because Thybulles' defense is absolutely elite. And the opportunity to put Bridges and Thybulle together as a dynamic lockdown perimeter defensive duo is almost irresistible to me. Also, Thybulle would likely be cheaper than Johnson's next deal too. * Would prefer a shamet/ player/ first ( if possible).

[Mulhollanddrive]

Has there ever been a team with a heavily compromised pre-season able to reach their peak in any sport?

We got about 40% less rest than other teams, our 2 best players got Covid, the 36 year old had surgery and barely picked up a ball, other had Olympics and half a pre-season game, next best has a $200m distraction, and then there's the actual finals hangover and increased scrutiny from being an NBA Finalist.

Consider Shamet, McGee, Payton (from other teams) are 1, 2, 5 in TS% for us despite being 8, 9, 13 in our rotation.

Template I'm looking at is the Miami Heat after the bubble finals. Started off 7-13, finished 33-19, got swept by the Champions. But they're now 4-1 with the addition of Lowry and an extra year for Adebayo, Herro, Robinson and looking like contenders again.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
I asked Monty Williams if Cleveland’s size could lead to some of the bigger lineups we saw from last year like starting Kaminsky. He said they’d like to get their forwards/wings running around more to take advantage. Said we could see Jalen Smith get minutes, though.

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[lilfishi22]

Monty should focus more on the defense. Suns are ranked like 28th in defense right now. And it looks even worse when watching them play.

It's easier to play D when the other team has to inbound from the baseline after a make.

[Ghost of Kleine]

This definitely stings a bit!!!
We should've got creative and found a way to give Craig his 5 million. Maybe incentives that we knew he could hit?? But he's definitely missed.
Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) Tweeted:
career night for @TCraig_23

28 PTS | 11 REB | 3 AST https://t.co/gWBu3qNwws

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[Bogyo]

^^One of the reasons I'm not head over heels with Jones and our offseason. Bunch of valuable guys signed for this 4,5 - 5 mill contract types... Had we signed Chandler for a bit smaller contract (or gotten him or somebody like him for the vet min, like Portland got Zeller), we could have another difference maker on the squad... Just like how we didn't get Chandler (or someone like him - Dedmon is still on the Heat team doing OK...) at the deadline, and it likely cost us the title.

[bwgood77]

^^One of the reasons I'm not head over heels with Jones and our offseason. Bunch of valuable guys signed for this 4,5 - 5 mill contract types... Had we signed Chandler for a bit smaller contract (or gotten him or somebody like him for the vet min, like Portland got Zeller), we could have another difference maker on the squad... Just like how we didn't get Chandler (or someone like him - Dedmon is still on the Heat team doing OK...) at the deadline, and it likely cost us the title.

What Chandler are you talking about? Chandler we signed later if you are talking Hutchinson. Unless you mean McGee.

[Bogyo]

^^One of the reasons I'm not head over heels with Jones and our offseason. Bunch of valuable guys signed for this 4,5 - 5 mill contract types... Had we signed Chandler for a bit smaller contract (or gotten him or somebody like him for the vet min, like Portland got Zeller), we could have another difference maker on the squad... Just like how we didn't get Chandler (or someone like him - Dedmon is still on the Heat team doing OK...) at the deadline, and it likely cost us the title.

What Chandler are you talking about? Chandler we signed later if you are talking Hutchinson. Unless you mean McGee.

It's McGee ofcourse. Brainfart on my part.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) Tweeted:
- Ricky Rubio
- Call of Duty
- Cam Payne's money
- His Rams fandom

Mikal had time today
https://t.co/3daN9qwEj8

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[Ghost of Kleine]

Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
Close shooting game today. Crowder nearly had it https://t.co/eUH9k3ledV

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Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
Then Shamet nearly had it https://t.co/bPDJdaObEm

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Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
Only for Crowder to not capitalize to the amusement of his peers https://t.co/ZB0TJPqqTx

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Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
And then Shamet won it https://t.co/GHJhm2LApJ

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Let's see if it translates to the game now!

[Ghost of Kleine]

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