Western Conference | Round 1 | (1) Phoenix Suns VS. (8) New Orleans Pelicans (PHX 3-2)

[kan_t]

For the remaining series it's interesting to see if the refs allow the Pelicans to play this physical to CP3. There are some borderline calls which could easily turn Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado into foul trouble. If the refs allow this level of contact, the Suns may be in trouble. Not having Booker allows the Pelicans to go all out blitz to CP3.

[PlatinumState]

Pelicans got this!!!

[Statlanta]

Genuinely curious:

Anyone here who hasn;t watched any Pels games prior to the play-ins/playoffs? What things jump out at you? Good or bad...

The team has a lot of players who were questioned for their defense in their prior stops(Val, McCollum, Ingram). Knowing Zion, do you think the team can play defense when he returns?

[BuddyBuckets]

Genuinely curious:

Anyone here who hasn;t watched any Pels games prior to the play-ins/playoffs? What things jump out at you? Good or bad...

The team has a lot of players who were questioned for their defense in their prior stops(Val, McCollum, Ingram). Knowing Zion, do you think the team can play defense when he returns?

Firstly thanks for the question, hopefully this isn't a TLDR and doesn't age like milk....

There are a few people elsewhere on the internet who claim to kinda have an inside track on Pels staff and post on other forums.... They are kinda suggesting Zion isn't a part of the teams future.

Before the McCollum trade the trade board was pretty active with ideas for CJ to Nawlins trades and my general consensus was I wouldnt be upset if it happened but I felt it was the wrong direction. The reason being is a little amplified by Jose's emergence. He is undersized but he is a legit problem for the opposition and can knock down a shot, he raises the intensity level to 10 every time hes on the court and you have him on a bargain deal for 3 more years. But he isn't an elite court vision guy. Neither in CJ. So Griff backed himself into a corner giving CJ the point guard spot, while not wanting to have Herb or BI come off the bench. So thats it. CJ/Herb/BI is your perimeter squad. Thats fine.

How does Zion mix in with that? There was certainlt sound bites out there about Zion that he 'just makes winning plays and will do anything to win basketball games' but he also can score 27pts a game on elite efficiency and has a camp of family that may or may not like the idea of him being the 'Bosh' to BI and CJ's 'LeBron/Wade'.

Jonas is a big who is a real problem for most teams, very underrated guy. Bargain contract. Those same sources with 'inside knowledge' say the Pels love what he brings on and off the court and it's hard to see him being moved.

So the question now is how invested in New Orleans is CJ? Would be take a 3rd 'star' role behind Zion and Ingram? I think he would, personally, for a ring.

Now you have to deal with the Zion issue. Sure he might play a bit if the Pels beat the Suns (if he doesnt then hes definitely gone in the offseason 100%) But can you get Zion back to Duke athletic ability, inspired by guys like Jose and Herb, and making multiple reads and efforts on D every possession to compensate for the lack of D in that amazing starting 5.

I just feel like Zion would prefer to put up 30 a game and half ass defend and wear overcompensating diamond chains when hes in street clothes than actually win a chip. And I think the Pels are on to that.

It's just going to be a real test of Griff as a GM on how he manages this. He has Jose, Herb and Murphy playing big roles for peanuts for 2 more years. And if he, the team, and CJ all buy in CJ might take less money on his final deal to get a ring.

I personally am a big fan of Milwaukee having Giannis, Middleton and Jrue who are all elite defenders and having cheapish shooters around them. Pels won't have that luxury. But they have some great defenders and elite offensive talent.

My gut feeling is Zion will be dealt but its really hard to see a good trade partner. My hopes and dreams is Zion comes back with a real dog mentality and just forces his way to getting shots with hustle and smarts.

The Pels can also use this LA lotto pick on the best defender available and essentially roll out JV/Zion/BI/Herb/CJ and a bench full of complete defensive dogs while rotating so that 2 of the 4 scorers in the starting 5 are always out there.

[WestGOAT]

Suns need to drive more to the basket if they want to get more FTA. All they did was brick 3s during the 4th qtr.

[ChiCitySPORTS#1]

Is there zero chance Zion returns? Either this series or if they advance? Would be heck of a storyline

[Mauro Pedrosa]

Genuinely curious:

Anyone here who hasn;t watched any Pels games prior to the play-ins/playoffs? What things jump out at you? Good or bad...

The team has a lot of players who were questioned for their defense in their prior stops(Val, McCollum, Ingram). Knowing Zion, do you think the team can play defense when he returns?

Firstly thanks for the question, hopefully this isn't a TLDR and doesn't age like milk....

There are a few people elsewhere on the internet who claim to kinda have an inside track on Pels staff and post on other forums.... They are kinda suggesting Zion isn't a part of the teams future.

Before the McCollum trade the trade board was pretty active with ideas for CJ to Nawlins trades and my general consensus was I wouldnt be upset if it happened but I felt it was the wrong direction. The reason being is a little amplified by Jose's emergence. He is undersized but he is a legit problem for the opposition and can knock down a shot, he raises the intensity level to 10 every time hes on the court and you have him on a bargain deal for 3 more years. But he isn't an elite court vision guy. Neither in CJ. So Griff backed himself into a corner giving CJ the point guard spot, while not wanting to have Herb or BI come off the bench. So thats it. CJ/Herb/BI is your perimeter squad. Thats fine.

How does Zion mix in with that? There was certainlt sound bites out there about Zion that he 'just makes winning plays and will do anything to win basketball games' but he also can score 27pts a game on elite efficiency and has a camp of family that may or may not like the idea of him being the 'Bosh' to BI and CJ's 'LeBron/Wade'.

Jonas is a big who is a real problem for most teams, very underrated guy. Bargain contract. Those same sources with 'inside knowledge' say the Pels love what he brings on and off the court and it's hard to see him being moved.

So the question now is how invested in New Orleans is CJ? Would be take a 3rd 'star' role behind Zion and Ingram? I think he would, personally, for a ring.

Now you have to deal with the Zion issue. Sure he might play a bit if the Pels beat the Suns (if he doesnt then hes definitely gone in the offseason 100%) But can you get Zion back to Duke athletic ability, inspired by guys like Jose and Herb, and making multiple reads and efforts on D every possession to compensate for the lack of D in that amazing starting 5.

I just feel like Zion would prefer to put up 30 a game and half ass defend and wear overcompensating diamond chains when hes in street clothes than actually win a chip. And I think the Pels are on to that.

It's just going to be a real test of Griff as a GM on how he manages this. He has Jose, Herb and Murphy playing big roles for peanuts for 2 more years. And if he, the team, and CJ all buy in CJ might take less money on his final deal to get a ring.

I personally am a big fan of Milwaukee having Giannis, Middleton and Jrue who are all elite defenders and having cheapish shooters around them. Pels won't have that luxury. But they have some great defenders and elite offensive talent.

My gut feeling is Zion will be dealt but its really hard to see a good trade partner. My hopes and dreams is Zion comes back with a real dog mentality and just forces his way to getting shots with hustle and smarts.

The Pels can also use this LA lotto pick on the best defender available and essentially roll out JV/Zion/BI/Herb/CJ and a bench full of complete defensive dogs while rotating so that 2 of the 4 scorers in the starting 5 are always out there.

Trade Zion for Kevin Durant so we get the best memes

[BuddyBuckets]

Is there zero chance Zion returns? Either this series or if they advance? Would be heck of a storyline

Depends who you listen to. Zion is doing light 5v5 stuff now. Nance on the other hand had 1 5v5 practice and was playing the next game. There definitely is a squad on the net that wants Zion in a big market. There is also a squad of players who have the best team in the league 2-2 in the first round and a guy on the sideline with Pels staff saying 'be patient'.

I think the Pels wants a Joel Embiid story out of Zion. I think Zion's fam might want a big market ultra money/marketing binge while it's still all 'potential'.

If the Pels/Suns goes to game 7 and Zion doesn't suit up, then he is just simply blackballed culture-wise in that org.

[oldshoolballer]

Willie Green has done an incredible job. And a rookie coach at that. His speeches are pure fire. Motivation on steroids. It makes me want to run thru a wall and I'm old lol.

Watch on YouTube

[PaKwAn]

The team has a lot of players who were questioned for their defense in their prior stops(Val, McCollum, Ingram). Knowing Zion, do you think the team can play defense when he returns?

Firstly thanks for the question, hopefully this isn't a TLDR and doesn't age like milk....

There are a few people elsewhere on the internet who claim to kinda have an inside track on Pels staff and post on other forums.... They are kinda suggesting Zion isn't a part of the teams future.

Before the McCollum trade the trade board was pretty active with ideas for CJ to Nawlins trades and my general consensus was I wouldnt be upset if it happened but I felt it was the wrong direction. The reason being is a little amplified by Jose's emergence. He is undersized but he is a legit problem for the opposition and can knock down a shot, he raises the intensity level to 10 every time hes on the court and you have him on a bargain deal for 3 more years. But he isn't an elite court vision guy. Neither in CJ. So Griff backed himself into a corner giving CJ the point guard spot, while not wanting to have Herb or BI come off the bench. So thats it. CJ/Herb/BI is your perimeter squad. Thats fine.

How does Zion mix in with that? There was certainlt sound bites out there about Zion that he 'just makes winning plays and will do anything to win basketball games' but he also can score 27pts a game on elite efficiency and has a camp of family that may or may not like the idea of him being the 'Bosh' to BI and CJ's 'LeBron/Wade'.

Jonas is a big who is a real problem for most teams, very underrated guy. Bargain contract. Those same sources with 'inside knowledge' say the Pels love what he brings on and off the court and it's hard to see him being moved.

So the question now is how invested in New Orleans is CJ? Would be take a 3rd 'star' role behind Zion and Ingram? I think he would, personally, for a ring.

Now you have to deal with the Zion issue. Sure he might play a bit if the Pels beat the Suns (if he doesnt then hes definitely gone in the offseason 100%) But can you get Zion back to Duke athletic ability, inspired by guys like Jose and Herb, and making multiple reads and efforts on D every possession to compensate for the lack of D in that amazing starting 5.

I just feel like Zion would prefer to put up 30 a game and half ass defend and wear overcompensating diamond chains when hes in street clothes than actually win a chip. And I think the Pels are on to that.

It's just going to be a real test of Griff as a GM on how he manages this. He has Jose, Herb and Murphy playing big roles for peanuts for 2 more years. And if he, the team, and CJ all buy in CJ might take less money on his final deal to get a ring.

I personally am a big fan of Milwaukee having Giannis, Middleton and Jrue who are all elite defenders and having cheapish shooters around them. Pels won't have that luxury. But they have some great defenders and elite offensive talent.

My gut feeling is Zion will be dealt but its really hard to see a good trade partner. My hopes and dreams is Zion comes back with a real dog mentality and just forces his way to getting shots with hustle and smarts.

The Pels can also use this LA lotto pick on the best defender available and essentially roll out JV/Zion/BI/Herb/CJ and a bench full of complete defensive dogs while rotating so that 2 of the 4 scorers in the starting 5 are always out there.

Trade Zion for Kevin Durant so we get the best memes

We already got the better kevin durant on the team

[Funcrusher]

Genuinely curious:

Anyone here who hasn;t watched any Pels games prior to the play-ins/playoffs? What things jump out at you? Good or bad...

The team has a lot of players who were questioned for their defense in their prior stops(Val, McCollum, Ingram). Knowing Zion, do you think the team can play defense when he returns?

Firstly thanks for the question, hopefully this isn't a TLDR and doesn't age like milk....

There are a few people elsewhere on the internet who claim to kinda have an inside track on Pels staff and post on other forums.... They are kinda suggesting Zion isn't a part of the teams future.

Before the McCollum trade the trade board was pretty active with ideas for CJ to Nawlins trades and my general consensus was I wouldnt be upset if it happened but I felt it was the wrong direction. The reason being is a little amplified by Jose's emergence. He is undersized but he is a legit problem for the opposition and can knock down a shot, he raises the intensity level to 10 every time hes on the court and you have him on a bargain deal for 3 more years. But he isn't an elite court vision guy. Neither in CJ. So Griff backed himself into a corner giving CJ the point guard spot, while not wanting to have Herb or BI come off the bench. So thats it. CJ/Herb/BI is your perimeter squad. Thats fine.

How does Zion mix in with that? There was certainlt sound bites out there about Zion that he 'just makes winning plays and will do anything to win basketball games' but he also can score 27pts a game on elite efficiency and has a camp of family that may or may not like the idea of him being the 'Bosh' to BI and CJ's 'LeBron/Wade'.

Jonas is a big who is a real problem for most teams, very underrated guy. Bargain contract. Those same sources with 'inside knowledge' say the Pels love what he brings on and off the court and it's hard to see him being moved.

So the question now is how invested in New Orleans is CJ? Would be take a 3rd 'star' role behind Zion and Ingram? I think he would, personally, for a ring.

Now you have to deal with the Zion issue. Sure he might play a bit if the Pels beat the Suns (if he doesnt then hes definitely gone in the offseason 100%) But can you get Zion back to Duke athletic ability, inspired by guys like Jose and Herb, and making multiple reads and efforts on D every possession to compensate for the lack of D in that amazing starting 5.

I just feel like Zion would prefer to put up 30 a game and half ass defend and wear overcompensating diamond chains when hes in street clothes than actually win a chip. And I think the Pels are on to that.

It's just going to be a real test of Griff as a GM on how he manages this. He has Jose, Herb and Murphy playing big roles for peanuts for 2 more years. And if he, the team, and CJ all buy in CJ might take less money on his final deal to get a ring.

I personally am a big fan of Milwaukee having Giannis, Middleton and Jrue who are all elite defenders and having cheapish shooters around them. Pels won't have that luxury. But they have some great defenders and elite offensive talent.

My gut feeling is Zion will be dealt but its really hard to see a good trade partner. My hopes and dreams is Zion comes back with a real dog mentality and just forces his way to getting shots with hustle and smarts.

The Pels can also use this LA lotto pick on the best defender available and essentially roll out JV/Zion/BI/Herb/CJ and a bench full of complete defensive dogs while rotating so that 2 of the 4 scorers in the starting 5 are always out there.

im sure you realize much of this is entirely speculation about zion not being invested in the team or it's culture? correct? also lmao at zion ever being chris bosh on this team, cmon dude

[BuddyBuckets]

Willie Green has done an incredible job. And a rookie coach at that. His speeches are pure fire. Motivation on steroids. It makes me want to run thru a wall and I'm old lol.

Watch on YouTube

Love that back story behind that timeout. But I truly believe coaches like him, Monty and Doc will get schooled by coaches like Kerr and Pop if he ever gets back to the PO's.

If Willie wants to be the best coach in the NBA he has to figure out how to make Herb Jones Dramond Green but a SF.

[GSP]

Read on Twitter

Phoenix are 29th in free throw rate I believe only Orlando is worse. They are ass at getting to the line and their best player at getting calls is out for the series. Besides Cp3 rip throughs who they are just blitzing and trapping now how else are they even going to get calls? They dont have dynamic players or athletes. Monty is crying about calls b/c hes scared theyre gonna lose IMO

[hardenASG13]

The NBA is a league of attrition and long has been. There's a level of luck in every single championship run, but to consider them luckier than any of the others? I don't buy it. Everyone wants to look for asterisks in the immediate, and they fade over time.

Every team they played along the way was badly injured, with star/superstar players out. Not one series, all of them. They were a group who had never been to the playoffs. Name me the last team that went from never making the playoffs to the NBA finals.

Erm, the 2020 Lakers literally the year before.

Erm, they had lebron james, hed won some stuff i think. Phoenix was just a young unproven team prior to last year, without a playoff appearance by almost all of their core. It happens that way very rarely.

[hardenASG13]

For those complaining about the refs, who on Phoenix consistently goes to the rim to draw contact? Certainly not their “mvp candidate” CP3, who almost strictly hunts efficient shots or defers, like he’s always done. Man that TS% is so impressive though, year after year

[kan_t]

Suns need to drive more to the basket if they want to get more FTA. All they did was brick 3s during the 4th qtr.

The Pelicans actually just have 7 more drive than the Suns in Game 4.

[kan_t]

For those complaining about the refs, who on Phoenix consistently goes to the rim to draw contact? Certainly not their “mvp candidate” CP3, who almost strictly hunts efficient shots or defers, like he’s always done. Man that TS% is so impressive though, year after year

You may not believe it. The Suns actually had more points in paint than Pelicans in Game 4. 56 to 54.

[hardenASG13]

For those complaining about the refs, who on Phoenix consistently goes to the rim to draw contact? Certainly not their “mvp candidate” CP3, who almost strictly hunts efficient shots or defers, like he’s always done. Man that TS% is so impressive though, year after year

You may not believe it. The Suns actually had more points in paint than Pelicans in Game 4. 56 to 54.

Ok....lots of pull ups and turnaround Js, doesnt mean they are aggressively attacking the rim. Nobody i can think of was for them. Ingram, Jval, and the pels role players certainly did though.

[skones]

Every team they played along the way was badly injured, with star/superstar players out. Not one series, all of them. They were a group who had never been to the playoffs. Name me the last team that went from never making the playoffs to the NBA finals.

Erm, the 2020 Lakers literally the year before.

Erm, they had lebron james, hed won some stuff i think. Phoenix was just a young unproven team prior to last year, without a playoff appearance by almost all of their core. It happens that way very rarely.

Right, because Phoenix didn't obtain an all time great PG in CP3. You asked a question, you got it answered in a fashion that made it look bad, and now you're moving goalposts.

[hardenASG13]

Erm, the 2020 Lakers literally the year before.

Erm, they had lebron james, hed won some stuff i think. Phoenix was just a young unproven team prior to last year, without a playoff appearance by almost all of their core. It happens that way very rarely.

Right, because Phoenix didn't obtain an all time great PG in CP3. You asked a question, you got it answered in a fashion that made it look bad, and now you're moving goalposts.

Comparing CP3 to Lebron is laughable first of all. Can you name another instance, that isnt a superteam, which the suns arent?