Adrian WojnarowskiVerified account@wojespn
Several teams tell ESPN that they're already easing out of the trade market today to focus on filling needs with what is expected to be a strong post-deadline pool of free agents in the buyout market.
I am interested in Smart. He would bring a defensive intensity this team needs. I am not sure I want to give up that much though. I dont think we should have to. Ainge owes us for giving him Moose.Milwaukee pick and Daniels for Smart would be my preference if a 2nd rd pick can't get it done.
Payton might be an option as well Mudiay for second round picks.
As discussed Smart might fit but he would cost more assets.
Please not Payton. Please.
Please not Payton. Please.
I like the addition. If PHX can’t get an upgrade (Trae Young) then they could pick up Payton’s option so he’s a nice back up plan unless he balls out the second half of the season. He is a good all around PG, if he continues to improve as a shooter he can become one of the better PGs in the NBA. I like the fact that he even plays defense. Plus he’s only 23 years old so he definitely fits the timeline if he works out.
In reading the write up on him that someone posted it seems his defensive issues are inflated primarily with the Magic’s three point defense blowing up when he’s on the court. But the article basically pointed out that given statistical analysis this was most likely an anomaly rather than directly related to Elfrid. That said they didn’t Ben try to make an argument that was a GOOD defender, just that perhaps he’s not as bad as his defensive advances metrics paint him to be. At least that’s what o took from the article. I guess we will all have the eye test to rely upon moving forward.The problem is that he apparently doesn't play defense. He had a reputation as a good defender, but in doing some digging around, he really doesn't appear to have played defense in Orlando.
Physically, that is possible. Emotionally, I sincerely don't think that philosophy is going to make us winners. It is a real conundrum.All that said, I hope he doesn’t win any games for us this year but shows enough promise that he can be a building block.
Well. its a good thing we are way past half way. Only 26 games left. We have injuries and our competition from here out is tough. Also, the other teams with worse records than us have fairly easy schedules and play one another alot. Teams do not seem to be tanking as hard this year. Its a draft with 7-8 really good players, so tanking hard is not so necessary.Physically, that is possible. Emotionally, I sincerely don't think that philosophy is going to make us winners. It is a real conundrum.
Play the second half of this season with a loser's mentality, but then, poof, you better lead us (as Point Guard) to the promised land next season.
I have never seen how playing mind games like that have led to success.
But then, our leadership (and their history of gimmicks) are dysfunctional. I guess that, whenever you are so bad, anything is an improvement.
Maybe we can pay Warren and Payton extra to kidnap Server during the off-season and lock him in a closet somewhere in Ethiopia. Yeah, that's the ticket. Ooh, I like that idea!
Well. its a good thing we are way past half way. Only 26 games left. We have injuries and our competition from here out is tough. Also, the other teams with worse records than us have fairly easy schedules and play one another alot. Teams do not seem to be tanking as hard this year. Its a draft with 7-8 really good players, so tanking hard is not so necessary.
I think many of you still don’t understand the tank. It isn’t telling players “go out and lose.” I actually think that’s illegal as it could lead to game fixing.
But how you can effectively tank? Parse out minutes judiciously. Sit key players with bumps and bruises. Rest veterans. Develop youth. You tank strategically not by telling players to lose.
We already were. Monroe.The Suns will not be involved in the buyout market.
xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media
The Suns will not be involved in the buyout market.
xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media
Then how exactly do they plan on improving the roster through the end of the year like McD said in his last radio interview? There really aren't many options at this point beyond the buy-out market.