Free Agency 2018

[Raze]

That's a really tough question. Longevity counts, because you can't predict how the timing of your other pieces will work out. Adaptability to different eras or different styles of play counts too. I think I have four tiers:

Tier I -- You'd better be able to win multiple championships with this guy
James
Duncan
Jordan

Tier II -- You should be a contender most years, with a decent supporting cast
Olajuwon
Bryant
Curry
O'Neal

Tier III -- Can be a core piece of a great team, but doesn't have the "it" factor on his own
Davis
Durant
Robinson
Garnett

I'm not sure I take Garnett over Barkley, by the way. And maybe not even Robinson over Ewing.

I feel like this is one of those "we're all bored in the Suns offseason" convos and some of us are just making comments to be controversial. That said:

Absolutely no way does Steph belong in that second tier. Granted, Steph is one of the most amazing shooters I've seen. But in the same category with Kobe Bryant!?! Olajuwon!?! O'Neal?!?! No flipping way.

Are we completely forgetting that Steph can't guard anyone? Kobe Bryant was a monster on D and a juggernaut on O. Just basic common sense would say that Bryant would COMPLETELY wipe the floor with Steph one on one.

Take Steph and switch him on, say Kobe Bryant's uber crappy 2005 team. Starters: Steph, Smush Parker, Lamar Odom, Bryan Cook, and Chris Mihm. Seriously, how many games do they win? 30? Maybe. Kobe won 45 with that trash.

I wouldn't even put Steph in that 3rd tier. Given that the other 4 players next to the star are exactly average, he's not winning more games than Davis, Durant, Robinson, Barkley, Garnett, or Ewing. That guy is seriously the product of a GREAT cast and HC. And no, he's not better than Kevin Durant.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I feel like this is one of those "we're all bored in the Suns offseason" convos and some of us are just making comments to be controversial. That said:

Absolutely no way does Steph belong in that second tier. Granted, Steph is one of the most amazing shooters I've seen. But in the same category with Kobe Bryant!?! Olajuwon!?! O'Neal?!?! No flipping way.

Are we completely forgetting that Steph can't guard anyone? Kobe Bryant was a monster on D and a juggernaut on O. Just basic common sense would say that Bryant would COMPLETELY wipe the floor with Steph one on one.

Take Steph and switch him on, say Kobe Bryant's uber crappy 2005 team. Starters: Steph, Smush Parker, Lamar Odom, Bryan Cook, and Chris Mihm. Seriously, how many games do they win? 30? Maybe. Kobe won 45 with that trash.

I wouldn't even put Steph in that 3rd tier. Given that the other 4 players next to the star are exactly average, he's not winning more games than Davis, Durant, Robinson, Barkley, Garnett, or Ewing. That guy is seriously the product of a GREAT cast and HC. And no, he's not better than Kevin Durant.

 

[Mainstreet]

Well this is easy to say because most "starter quality" pg's will be gone by #16. Lets see what happens if the suns move up a couple/few spots. Then let's see what BPA means.

I'm not sure any point guards are capable of starting in this draft. I think Doncic and Young come the closest.

When we are talking about starting quality point guards, I think we are projecting into the future. That said, I think there will be some 2nd round points guards that will eventually become starters as well.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I'm not sure any point guards are capable of starting in this draft. I think Doncic and Young come the closest.

When we are talking about starting quality point guards, I think we are projecting into the future. That said, I think there will be some 2nd round points guards that will eventually become starters as well.

It's becoming clear that even Doncic does not view himself as a pg.

 

[Mainstreet]

It's becoming clear that even Doncic does not view himself as a pg.

I agree with this, however, I think Young and Doncic might be able to start at the point guard position.

Although Doncic really doesn't have a set position, if Doncic were starting next to a player like Booker he might be called a point guard. The NBA as is really moving into positionless basketball.

Thank goodness the Suns will have a center though.

 

[GatorAZ]

Wade is way, way down for me. Only once did he rank as high as third in MVP voting. Everyone else on that list was an MVP (except Davis, but give him time).

That’s on the voters, not Wade.

 

[pokerface]

I'm not sure any point guards are capable of starting in this draft. I think Doncic and Young come the closest.

When we are talking about starting quality point guards, I think we are projecting into the future. That said, I think there will be some 2nd round points guards that will eventually become starters as well.

If we moved up and snagged a pg he'd be starting. Whether he's ready or not...eh.

 

[JCSunsfan]

So, who would be the best pg for the Suns? Draft, free agency, or trade.

I still like Brogdon if we could get him.

 

[Hoop Head]

If we moved up and snagged a pg he'd be starting. Whether he's ready or not...eh.

I don't see it that cut and dry. I think Knight will be given the opportunity to earn the starting job in the preseason and training camp. He's been seen working with other players and Kokoskov already. I think it's good he's taking to the changes made to the team positively and hopes to help however he can but we'll see what happens when the games actually start being played. I don't think someone taken at #16 would become our default starter ahead of Knight and possibly Payton as well. We won't know who our starting PG is until training camp, unless we can pull off a trade for someone much more established before then.

 

[pokerface]

I don't see it that cut and dry. I think Knight will be given the opportunity to earn the starting job in the preseason and training camp. He's been seen working with other players and Kokoskov already. I think it's good he's taking to the changes made to the team positively and hopes to help however he can but we'll see what happens when the games actually start being played. I don't think someone taken at #16 would become our default starter ahead of Knight and possibly Payton as well. We won't know who our starting PG is until training camp, unless we can pull off a trade for someone much more established before then.

Oh yeah my bad...I forgot about Knight. Yeah and free agency is an option too.

We probably will start Knight.

 

[Mainstreet]

I don't see it that cut and dry. I think Knight will be given the opportunity to earn the starting job in the preseason and training camp. He's been seen working with other players and Kokoskov already. I think it's good he's taking to the changes made to the team positively and hopes to help however he can but we'll see what happens when the games actually start being played. I don't think someone taken at #16 would become our default starter ahead of Knight and possibly Payton as well. We won't know who our starting PG is until training camp, unless we can pull off a trade for someone much more established before then.

I think you bring up a good point. Kokoskov will be looking at Knight through new eyes.

 

[pokerface]

So, who would be the best pg for the Suns? Draft, free agency, or trade.

I still like Brogdon if we could get him.

I've been hyping Shai. Don't know if he'd be the "best" pg out there but I don't think we'd have to move up too far in the draft to get him...maybe just three spots higher.

Shai shoots good percentages across the board. His length and defense would really be a big help in the backcourt...he could help cover for Booker.

With Ayton, Jackson, and Shai that could be the makings of some decent defense across the spectrum (frontcourt, backcourt, wing).

 

[BC867]

I've been hyping Shai. Don't know if he'd be the "best" pg out there but I don't think we'd have to move up too far in the draft to get him...maybe just three spots higher.

Shai shoots good percentages across the board. His length and defense would really be a big help in the backcourt...he could help cover for Booker.

With Ayton, Jackson, and Shai that could be the makings of some decent defense across the spectrum (frontcourt, backcourt, wing).

That sounds good. Is Shai also a skilled distributor? That would be great. Add a PF who would serve a purpose but not get in the way of Ayton and it would be perfect. Plus a solid bench, of course.

 

[pokerface]

That sounds good. Is Shai also a skilled distributor? That would be great. Add a PF who would serve a purpose but not get in the way of Ayton and it would be perfect. Plus a solid bench, of course.

Tankathon shows him at 5.5 assists "per 36"....that's ahead of Brunson and Sexton but a lot less than Young. So he's solid in assists.

 

[Mainstreet]

Here is a scouting video on Shai Gilgeous Alexander. He has been on my radar for awhile as well.

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[Mainstreet]

Here is something more on Shai.

Displaying NBA-ready height and length, Gilgeous-Alexander’s work ethic is just as strong as his measurables. He’s labeled as a “safe” pick by some draft analysts for his experience in Calipari’s pro-ready system and his potential to adapt to the pro game.

After moving into the starting lineup on January 9, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 16.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists, highlighted by his 29-point barrage in the SEC championship game, taking MVP honors while doing so.

Despite Kentucky falling short of the ultimate goal of winning the NCAA championship, Gilgeous-Alexander finished the tournament averaging 20.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists.

https://www.nba.com/kings/blog/get-know-shai-gilgeous-alexander

The Suns would likely have to move up from #16 to draft him.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Here is a scouting video on Shai Gilgeous Alexander. He has been on my radar for awhile as well.

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I like SGA but he’s a less than ideal athlete. His size helps make up for it. He is incredibly slinky and smooth but I think he might have trouble getting past NBA players.

 

[pokerface]

I like SGA but he’s a less than ideal athlete. His size helps make up for it. He is incredibly slinky and smooth but I think he might have trouble getting past NBA players.

He's all around pretty solid though. I think he would fill a lot of needs for the suns. Plus he's within arms reach of attaining. Pgs above him might cost too much and pgs below him might not be what we want long term.

 

[Mainstreet]

I like SGA but he’s a less than ideal athlete. His size helps make up for it. He is incredibly slinky and smooth but I think he might have trouble getting past NBA players.

I agree with your description but I think he has the skills as evidenced by his year at Kentucky. IMO, he has enough athleticism to get the job done. Really like his length as well.

 

[JCSunsfan]

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Big long twitter interaction of Philly fans with Kyler. They are incensed that he would even mention Phoenix as a potential option, even though all he was doing was sharing what various execs have told him.

 

[elindholm]

If the Suns can figure out a way to land a PG in the draft, bringing in James at PF suddenly makes the team look very, very good. The sell to James would have to be that playing with the young guys would, after a couple of years, help to extend his career. He could be winding down (a little) while the rest grow into greater leadership roles.

 

[JCSunsfan]

If the Suns can figure out a way to land a PG in the draft, bringing in James at PF suddenly makes the team look very, very good. The sell to James would have to be that playing with the young guys would, after a couple of years, help to extend his career. He could be winding down (a little) while the rest grow into greater leadership roles.

It's a pipe dream, but its two weeks before the draft, so. The Suns would have to clear about $30 million to sign him by asking Cleveland for a S&T with TJ. I think Cleveland would do that. They get a good young player back on a reasonable contract. LeBron could force them into it by saying that if they don't he will just sign here for less.

So now you have a roster of.

Unknown point guard, Knight
Booker, Daniels
JJ, Dudley
LeBron, Bender
Ayton, Chriss

You would have no problem finding vet min players to sign on to that roster. Rondo might actually a good fit on that roster. Maybe we just go all in on Doncic. Plug him into the PG role on that roster and it doesn't really matter. You have JJ and LeBron defending. LeBron can distribute. It would work.

Its just silliness of course. At least Kyler got Phoenix involved in the speculation.

 

[Folster]

If the Suns can figure out a way to land a PG in the draft, bringing in James at PF suddenly makes the team look very, very good. The sell to James would have to be that playing with the young guys would, after a couple of years, help to extend his career. He could be winding down (a little) while the rest grow into greater leadership roles.

The same sell that Philly offers, only in the Eastern Conference.

The fact the Kyler mentioned this just cements the fact that chance of it happening are zero.

 

[elindholm]

The fact the Kyler mentioned this just cements the fact that chance of it happening are zero.

I think that's too harsh. It's not like it's coming from Gambo.

 

[JCSunsfan]

The same sell that Philly offers, only in the Eastern Conference.

The fact the Kyler mentioned this just cements the fact that chance of it happening are zero.

Its execs talking. For whatever its worth.