2021-22 Around the NBA Thread

[AzStevenCal]

Look out but here comes the Jazz again. I know the prevailing thought by many fans is focusing on Golden State and rightfully so. However, the Jazz? Even though we beat them last year look out. They have also improved. Currently they have the eighth-highest mark in scoring average of all-time which is better than they were playing offensively last season. In terms of efficiency, they are currently third-best offense in NBA history. Only the 03-04 Mavs and the 04-05 Suns did it better. The Jazz are only 3 games back from the Suns and Golden State and riding a 6 game win streak. This is officially a 3 way race to the top in the Western Conference right now.

Yeah, people have been quick to write that team off but they are still one of the elite teams when healthy.

 

[Mainstreet]

Look out but here comes the Jazz again. I know the prevailing thought by many fans is focusing on Golden State and rightfully so. However, the Jazz? Even though we beat them last year look out. They have also improved. Currently they have the eighth-highest mark in scoring average of all-time which is better than they were playing offensively last season. In terms of efficiency, they are currently third-best offense in NBA history. Only the 03-04 Mavs and the 04-05 Suns did it better. The Jazz are only 3 games back from the Suns and Golden State and riding a 6 game win streak. This is officially a 3 way race to the top in the Western Conference right now.

I never forget about the Jazz. They are right there with the Warriors as competition. Also trades can change the landscape as well.

 

[JCSunsfan]

All this talk about a mid-season trade reminds me of the Gar Heard trade that propelled the Suns to the finals in 1976. They had offense, but needed a defender and rebounder. They traded Shumate for Heard. Heard could defend and score near the hoop but had no jump shot at all. However, he was just what the team needed. He was that bit of chemistry to make it happen. Of course, his lack of a jump shot made that shot in overtime against the Celtics all the more amazing (lucky?).

This team is not missing a chemistry piece. The great danger would be trading away a chemistry piece. Potential injuries are a concern. A simple upgrade at pf would be nice, but not sure it is even possible. The best possible upgrade would be a little more offensive growth from Ayton. If he could put up about 3 more shots a game, and maybe have 1-2 drives to the hoop per game, it would open up everything.

If we could trade Smith, Kaminsky, and Saric, or a combination of those for a quality big that could start or could at least compete for a starting job, it would help. I suppose there is a chance we could have Saric back by the playoffs.

 

[Mainstreet]

If we could trade Smith, Kaminsky, and Saric, or a combination of those for a quality big that could start or could at least compete for a starting job, it would help. I suppose there is a chance we could have Saric back by the playoffs.

This is what makes the trade of Smith for Craig so perfect. Unless the Suns don't want the second year of his salary, he doesn't disrupt team chemistry and he knows the system.

I think Kaminsky and Saric have a positive impact on team chemistry so I would think twice before trading either one although the second year of Saric' salary may be viewed as a hindrance.

 

[JCSunsfan]

It is so hard to improve a team when it is at this stage. Any tweak has as much potential to backfire as help.

 

[AzStevenCal]

It is so hard to improve a team when it is at this stage. Any tweak has as much potential to backfire as help.

I think it's even more difficult for us than most teams in this position. We wasted so many assets prior to signing Paul which left us with little room to maneuver. It will get a little better when we move beyond the pick we owe but other than a not so valuable Jalen Smith, we just don't have the young and available trade pieces you'd expect a team to have. I think we're shopping from the bargain bin or waiting for a player or two to choose us during the buyout period.

 

[Mainstreet]

I think it's even more difficult for us than most teams in this position. We wasted so many assets prior to signing Paul which left us with little room to maneuver. It will get a little better when we move beyond the pick we owe but other than a not so valuable Jalen Smith, we just don't have the young and available trade pieces you'd expect a team to have. I think we're shopping from the bargain bin or waiting for a player or two to choose us during the buyout period.

No doubt the Suns have wasted assets, most recently the 10th draft pick, but I think teams in the their position are generally relegated to looking for role players.

 

[Ronin]

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[Mainstreet]

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Can a trade request be far behind? I'm hearing a frustrated player tired of losing.

 

[GatorAZ]

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You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Ronin]

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[GatorAZ]

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Those feet are supporting a lot of weight. Now he probably has to stay off them so he won’t be doing much conditioning.

 

[Ronin]

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[Chaplin]

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No way this guy becomes the superstar he’s touted as being right now.

 

[Mainstreet]

Jerami Grant of the Pistons is reported out indefinitely with torn ligaments in right thumb.

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[GatorAZ]

Embiid taking over. Philly about to beat Golden St.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Thank you Sixers!

 

[Mainstreet]

Suns are alone in 1st place in the West and the best record in the NBA.

 

[JCSunsfan]

What a time to be a Phoenix sports fan. Cards with the best record in the NFL ditto the Suns in the NBA.

And the Coyotes about to be locked out of their building for not paying the light bill.

 

[elindholm]

I'm hearing a frustrated player tired of losing.

You're really going out on a limb there. Do you think the player might have been Karl-Anthony Towns?

 

[Mainstreet]

You're really going out on a limb there. Do you think the player might have been Karl-Anthony Towns?

You forgot the part, "Can a trade request be far behind?"

 

[Hoop Head]

I don't see KAT asking for a trade yet. The Wolves haven't been that bad this year. They're 11-15 but have lost 5 in a row, so they were just over 500 before this losing streak.

 

[Finito]

I don't see KAT asking for a trade yet. The Wolves haven't been that bad this year. They're 11-15 but have lost 5 in a row, so they were just over 500 before this losing streak.

Oh only 11-15 and on a 5 game losing streak is that it.

Combine that with losing pretty much every year he’s been in the league

 

[Ronin]

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[Ronin]

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