2020 Offseason Speculation, free agency, summer trades (keep draft prospect talk in draft thread)

[jredsaz]

Mikal’s defensive value largely comes from his ability to defend 1-3. He clamped Luka as well as anyone I’ve seen this season, and punishes smaller guards. He’s not a tier 1 perimeter defender but he’s probably in the 2nd tier, and being able to put him on 1s unlocks lineups that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. I’d love to see Booker-Bridges-Cam-Oubre-Ayton minutes in the Orlando games.

Having multiple good players at the wing position is not a bad thing. That’s how you win in this league. We’ve got plenty of room for both Bridges and Oubre with bird rights.

I like Oubre and I think we could keep him at a salary that's probably going to reflect AGs contract starting in 2021.

But he is somewhat of a ball stopper. Not great vision. Not a consistent defender. Not a great shooter. Not super efficient. I feel like if the Suns can add a player - whether through trade or acquired cap space - that is better at those things but not as good as a primary scorer I would take it.

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Didn't someone step in recently with some stats kind of debunking the idea of Oubre being a ball stopper? I went through the last several pages and couldn't find the post, but I thought I read that by the numbers, he moves the ball pretty well.

Fair if true. I'm talking about the eye test. Just been watching some recorded games recently and he doesnt seem to move the ball well. In the end I think Suns end up paying probably more than he is worth - which is okay and par for the course in the NBA. But if a better fit is available at a lower cost or even multiple lower cost players that fit better and fill specific roles, I would absolutely make a move.

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[WeekapaugGroove]

I like Oubre and I think we could keep him at a salary that's probably going to reflect AGs contract starting in 2021.

But he is somewhat of a ball stopper. Not great vision. Not a consistent defender. Not a great shooter. Not super efficient. I feel like if the Suns can add a player - whether through trade or acquired cap space - that is better at those things but not as good as a primary scorer I would take it.

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Didn't someone step in recently with some stats kind of debunking the idea of Oubre being a ball stopper? I went through the last several pages and couldn't find the post, but I thought I read that by the numbers, he moves the ball pretty well.

Fair if true. I'm talking about the eye test. Just been watching some recorded games recently and he doesnt seem to move the ball well. In the end I think Suns end up paying probably more than he is worth - which is okay and par for the course in the NBA. But if a better fit is available at a lower cost or even multiple lower cost players that fit better and fill specific roles, I would absolutely make a move.

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Kelly definitely has a couple possessions a game where he gets the ball and predetermines he's driving to the basket no matter what the defense does. Honestly just cutting that and the yolo heat check 3s out of his game would go a long ways.

I did think his 3pt selection improved this year some and his % went up with it.

A reason I'm a little higher on Kelly than some here is the talent is there for him to be a very high level two way player he just has things he needs to clean up. If he slowly rids his game of little flaws he will continue to get better.

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[Blonde]

Until an obvious upgrade in talent is walking through the door, Oubre and Bridges need to be kept. I’m open to letting either go if it means we get a better player, and I’ve been pretty vocal about Oubre’s issues in particular. I’ve argued in the past that Aaron Gordon is an obvious upgrade to Oubre. I think I’m still on that boat and would do a 1 for 1 swap. Bridges on the other hand will likely outplay his salary for most of his career and pretty soon we’ll have little to no cap flexibility so he’ll be even more valuable.

The league is built around wing-play and we have two good wings. I’d be thrilled to have 2 more good wings and wouldn’t consider it a logjam.

[Fo-Real]

Mikal’s defensive value largely comes from his ability to defend 1-3. He clamped Luka as well as anyone I’ve seen this season, and punishes smaller guards. He’s not a tier 1 perimeter defender but he’s probably in the 2nd tier, and being able to put him on 1s unlocks lineups that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. I’d love to see Booker-Bridges-Cam-Oubre-Ayton minutes in the Orlando games.

Having multiple good players at the wing position is not a bad thing. That’s how you win in this league. We’ve got plenty of room for both Bridges and Oubre with bird rights.

I like Oubre and I think we could keep him at a salary that's probably going to reflect AGs contract starting in 2021.

But he is somewhat of a ball stopper. Not great vision. Not a consistent defender. Not a great shooter. Not super efficient. I feel like if the Suns can add a player - whether through trade or acquired cap space - that is better at those things but not as good as a primary scorer I would take it.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

Didn't someone step in recently with some stats kind of debunking the idea of Oubre being a ball stopper? I went through the last several pages and couldn't find the post, but I thought I read that by the numbers, he moves the ball pretty well.

Oubre is not a ball stopper, he has done whatever he has been asked to do. Tj Warren was a ball stopper!!

[cberry78]

Why is no one talking about the obvious here? If we were to trade KO to GSW we could get probably get back both Bender AND Marquese!!!! Plus a FRP!

WIN!!!! Bring back The Scarecrow (if I only had a brain Quese) and The Cowardly Lion (No heart Baby Dragon)!!!! OH PLEASE STOP, I can only get so erect!!! CHAMPIONSHIP HERE WE COME!!

Bring back McD! GET THIS THING DONE!!!!

[King4Day]

With the report that some players on non contending teams, who are going to Orlando, don't want to play since they don't have much of a chance at a ring, do you think there are players on our team who won't go?

I'm sure the Wiz have players. They have no chance at all. Neither do we but I am sure many want to try.

[Saberestar]

With the report that some players on non contending teams, who are going to Orlando, don't want to play since they don't have much of a chance at a ring, do you think there are players on our team who won't go?

I'm sure the Wiz have players. They have no chance at all. Neither do we but I am sure many want to try.

I think Oubre will be out, but is not confirmed yet.

[jredsaz]

Didn't someone step in recently with some stats kind of debunking the idea of Oubre being a ball stopper? I went through the last several pages and couldn't find the post, but I thought I read that by the numbers, he moves the ball pretty well.

Fair if true. I'm talking about the eye test. Just been watching some recorded games recently and he doesnt seem to move the ball well. In the end I think Suns end up paying probably more than he is worth - which is okay and par for the course in the NBA. But if a better fit is available at a lower cost or even multiple lower cost players that fit better and fill specific roles, I would absolutely make a move.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

Kelly definitely has a couple possessions a game where he gets the ball and predetermines he's driving to the basket no matter what the defense does. Honestly just cutting that and the yolo heat check 3s out of his game would go a long ways.

I did think his 3pt selection improved this year some and his % went up with it.

A reason I'm a little higher on Kelly than some here is the talent is there for him to be a very high level two way player he just has things he needs to clean up. If he slowly rids his game of little flaws he will continue to get better.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I agree. His improvement continues year after year. I think he has the opportunity to improve in all these areas. It makes me hesitant to actually move him. I can see a worls in two to three years where he has improved into a legit #3 guy. Only problem is that you may have to pay him huge money without really knowing. Lol

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[WeekapaugGroove]

Fair if true. I'm talking about the eye test. Just been watching some recorded games recently and he doesnt seem to move the ball well. In the end I think Suns end up paying probably more than he is worth - which is okay and par for the course in the NBA. But if a better fit is available at a lower cost or even multiple lower cost players that fit better and fill specific roles, I would absolutely make a move.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

Kelly definitely has a couple possessions a game where he gets the ball and predetermines he's driving to the basket no matter what the defense does. Honestly just cutting that and the yolo heat check 3s out of his game would go a long ways.

I did think his 3pt selection improved this year some and his % went up with it.

A reason I'm a little higher on Kelly than some here is the talent is there for him to be a very high level two way player he just has things he needs to clean up. If he slowly rids his game of little flaws he will continue to get better.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I agree. His improvement continues year after year. I think he has the opportunity to improve in all these areas. It makes me hesitant to actually move him. I can see a worls in two to three years where he has improved into a legit #3 guy. Only problem is that you may have to pay him huge money without really knowing. Lol

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Another reason I'd be leery to move him is he's one of the few elite athletes on this team. Guys like Booker, bridges, Rubio aren't bad athletes by any means but they also aren't top of the scale quick twitch types and you will need some of that to be a real playoff threat.

I think a an athletic combo guard type and an big athlete who can play both 4 and 5 would be the perfect off-season additions to the suns bench this summer.

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[Walt_Uoob]

With the report that some players on non contending teams, who are going to Orlando, don't want to play since they don't have much of a chance at a ring, do you think there are players on our team who won't go?

I'm sure the Wiz have players. They have no chance at all. Neither do we but I am sure many want to try.

Hm yeah I think our guys are probably generally very hungry to play and most of them (I think?) don't have kids, so it shouldn't affect us too much. Family would be the biggest reason I could see people preferring to skip Orlando. I'm also not sure what their spouses do but if they have kids who are out of school and their spouses are working from home, seven weeks is a really long time to go on an optional business trip that could do more harm than good to your business anyway (injury). They are all millionaires but probably aren't trying to just let the hired help raise their families, so I could totally see people in that situation opting out. Rubio could be in a tough spot as a team leader who also happens to have FIVE kids, so maybe he comes to Orlando but leaves once we get mathematically eliminated.

Other possible reason for wanting to skip though: embarrassment over all the weight gained during the break! Before they announced the Orlando plan, some friends and I were debating who could be the Shawn Kemp of Covid, returning like 50 pounds heavier all of a sudden. My nominees were Blake Griffin, James Harden, and Kevin Love:
--Griffin because he's relied on athleticism historically and is about the same age Kemp was when he got fat, plus playing for the Pistons would be depressing
--Harden because practicing those one-foot double-step-backs alone in quarantine has to get boring eventually
--Love just because fat Kevin Love would be funny to watch

[starbosa10]

With the report that some players on non contending teams, who are going to Orlando, don't want to play since they don't have much of a chance at a ring, do you think there are players on our team who won't go?

I'm sure the Wiz have players. They have no chance at all. Neither do we but I am sure many want to try.

Hm yeah I think our guys are probably generally very hungry to play and most of them (I think?) don't have kids, so it shouldn't affect us too much. Family would be the biggest reason I could see people preferring to skip Orlando. I'm also not sure what their spouses do but if they have kids who are out of school and their spouses are working from home, seven weeks is a really long time to go on an optional business trip that could do more harm than good to your business anyway (injury). They are all millionaires but probably aren't trying to just let the hired help raise their families, so I could totally see people in that situation opting out. Rubio could be in a tough spot as a team leader who also happens to have FIVE kids, so maybe he comes to Orlando but leaves once we get mathematically eliminated.

Other possible reason for wanting to skip though: embarrassment over all the weight gained during the break! Before they announced the Orlando plan, some friends and I were debating who could be the Shawn Kemp of Covid, returning like 50 pounds heavier all of a sudden. My nominees were Blake Griffin, James Harden, and Kevin Love:
--Griffin because he's relied on athleticism historically and is about the same age Kemp was when he got fat, plus playing for the Pistons would be depressing
--Harden because practicing those one-foot double-step-backs alone in quarantine has to get boring eventually
--Love just because fat Kevin Love would be funny to watch

Mikal was streaming Call of Duty today and said he's ready for Orlando.so Bridges will be there at least.

[darmani]

Watch on YouTube

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

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[Jdiddy701]

I feel like Ricky Rubio is one that might not want to play with his new baby boy. We are pretty much screwed if Okobo gets playing time.


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[jredsaz]

I feel like Ricky Rubio is one that might not want to play with his new baby boy. We are pretty much screwed if Okobo gets playing time.


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I really hope he goes. There was some talk from Monte a few weeks ago, maybe a month, about more point book. Maybe that's why.

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[jredsaz]

Kelly definitely has a couple possessions a game where he gets the ball and predetermines he's driving to the basket no matter what the defense does. Honestly just cutting that and the yolo heat check 3s out of his game would go a long ways.

I did think his 3pt selection improved this year some and his % went up with it.

A reason I'm a little higher on Kelly than some here is the talent is there for him to be a very high level two way player he just has things he needs to clean up. If he slowly rids his game of little flaws he will continue to get better.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I agree. His improvement continues year after year. I think he has the opportunity to improve in all these areas. It makes me hesitant to actually move him. I can see a worls in two to three years where he has improved into a legit #3 guy. Only problem is that you may have to pay him huge money without really knowing. Lol

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

Another reason I'd be leery to move him is he's one of the few elite athletes on this team. Guys like Booker, bridges, Rubio aren't bad athletes by any means but they also aren't top of the scale quick twitch types and you will need some of that to be a real playoff threat.

I think a an athletic combo guard type and an big athlete who can play both 4 and 5 would be the perfect off-season additions to the suns bench this summer.

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For sure. Athleticism doesnt feel like it's a priority for Jones but the Suns need more of it.

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[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

?s=19

June 15 — International players must return (ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski)

June 22 — Players in United States must report to teams (Wojnarowski)

June 23 — Head coaches can begin conducting individual workouts (Stein)

June 23-30 — Coronavirus testing window (The Athletic’s Shams Charania)

July 7-9 — Teams arrive in Orlando (Stein)

July 9-29 — Training camps will be conducted with three intersquad scrimmages included from July 21-29 (Stein)

July 30-Aug. 14 — Eight seeding games to conclude “regular season” (Charania)

Aug. 15-16 — Play-in tournaments, if necessary (Charania)

Aug. 17 — Playoffs begin (Charania)

Aug. 30 — Family/guests of teams can arrive (Charania)

Aug. 31-Sept. 13 — Conference semifinals (Charania)

Sept. 15-Sept. 28 — Conference finals (Charania)

Sept. 30-Oct. 13 — NBA Finals (Charania)

Also directly from Woj himself:

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[Saberestar]

I feel like Ricky Rubio is one that might not want to play with his new baby boy. We are pretty much screwed if Okobo gets playing time.


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I would hate to see that, and that's not a serious reason to not play ball IMO.

It will be just around 35 days away from his family (we know that we are gonna play only eight games) and he has been all the time with them already for more than three consecutive months.

[Jdiddy701]

I feel like Ricky Rubio is one that might not want to play with his new baby boy. We are pretty much screwed if Okobo gets playing time.


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I would hate to see that, and that's not a serious reason to not play ball IMO.

It will be just around 35 days away from his family (we know that we are gonna play only eight games) and he has been all the time with them already for more than three consecutive months.

Honestly, if I’m a Suns player, why would I want to isolate myself and risk my health to play meaningless games? This means so much more to the fans and owner than it does to the team. I don’t think they really care about the money they are losing.


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[Saberestar]

I feel like Ricky Rubio is one that might not want to play with his new baby boy. We are pretty much screwed if Okobo gets playing time.


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I would hate to see that, and that's not a serious reason to not play ball IMO.

It will be just around 35 days away from his family (we know that we are gonna play only eight games) and he has been all the time with them already for more than three consecutive months.

Honestly, if I’m a Suns player, why would I want to isolate myself and risk my health to play meaningless games? This means so much more to the fans and owner than it does to the team. I don’t think they really care about the money they are losing.


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