Lakers @ Suns 2-15-17

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

We simply aren't as bad as our record.

Steve I agree with much of what you say, but not this. This far into a season your record doesn't lie.

 

[slinslin]

Steve I agree with much of what you say, but not this. This far into a season your record doesn't lie.

We lost 13 or 14 1-posession games.

We are definitely not as bad as our record indicates.

 

[hsandhu]

We lost 13 or 14 1-posession games.

We are definitely not as bad as our record indicates.

Agree, but I'm glad we're worse than our record, hopefully we've got enough space now to get one of the top 4 or 5 worst records even if we start winning more in the last 25 games.

 

[slinslin]

And also noteworthy, not sure if it changed in the last 2 weeks or so, but we had the toughest schedule in the entire league for first 3 months of the season.

So our schedule will be much easier in the 2nd half so by default we are better than our record shows.

we have a solid winning record against the Eastern Conference...

Ultimately I want us to tank of course but as long as we have a top 5 pick to get one of Fultz, Smith, Ball, Jackson or Tatum it is fine for me. Besides the hype of getting the #1 pick finally, it would not matter too much to me which of the 4 would end up here.

I would have the most reservations about Isaac and Jackson/Ball.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I suppose I have to start adjusting my mindset. Hopefully one of the top 6 picks in fultz, ball, Jackson, smith, Tatum, or Isaac (I think in that order or flip flop ball and fultz)

 

[AzStevenCal]

Steve I agree with much of what you say, but not this. This far into a season your record doesn't lie.

The idea that you are what you are this far into the season is far less true in basketball than it tends to be in other sports. Your results can be so heavily influenced by the performance of just one player that getting a good player back from injury (or the reverse) can make a huge difference.

 

[Chaplin]

Let's not start saying the sky is falling because of a blowout win against the Lakers. It's not like they were the Spurs or anything. We certainly haven't turned any kind of corner and are ready to peel off a winning streak. Haven't we lost something like 9 of our last 11 or something?

The young guys are almost certainly going to break down pretty soon, especially Chriss and probably Len, Chandler's old body isn't going to hold up for much longer, and Bledsoe (who I love and want to keep) is way overdue for some sort of injury.

We're going to see more Barbosa and Dudley over these next few months--which doesn't really project "win streak" to me.

 

[Mainstreet]

On realgm they have Suns mods literally posting that Chriss is trash and that Chriss is the worst starter in the NBA, both absurd statements but still stuff regularly posted.

I give the most weight to the posts on this forum which is much more educated IMO. Chriss has played well this season. My hope is Chriss and Bender will be more developed physically next season. I only read RealGM posts for entertainment. I do like their news/rumor section though.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I give the most weight to the posts on this forum which is much more educated IMO. Chriss has played well this season. My hope is Chriss and Bender will be more developed physically next season. I only read RealGM posts for entertainment. I do like their news/rumor section though.

Only if you put that in context. Chriss has actually played quite poorly if measured against veterans but considering where he started in summer league and where he is now, I'm very pleased by his play.

 

[Mainstreet]

Let's not start saying the sky is falling because of a blowout win against the Lakers. It's not like they were the Spurs or anything. We certainly haven't turned any kind of corner and are ready to peel off a winning streak. Haven't we lost something like 9 of our last 11 or something?

The young guys are almost certainly going to break down pretty soon, especially Chriss and probably Len, Chandler's old body isn't going to hold up for much longer, and Bledsoe (who I love and want to keep) is way overdue for some sort of injury.

We're going to see more Barbosa and Dudley over these next few months--which doesn't really project "win streak" to me.

I agree. The Suns win over the Spurs really got the adrenaline flowing for awhile but the Suns came back to earth. I think the Suns last good stretch was when they beat the Knicks and Toronto on the road.

 

[Mainstreet]

Only if you put that in context. Chriss has actually played quite poorly if measured against veterans but considering where he started in summer league and where he is now, I'm very pleased by his play.

I guess I give points for youth and consideration he does not have an NBA body yet.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Let's not start saying the sky is falling because of a blowout win against the Lakers. It's not like they were the Spurs or anything. We certainly haven't turned any kind of corner and are ready to peel off a winning streak. Haven't we lost something like 9 of our last 11 or something?

The young guys are almost certainly going to break down pretty soon, especially Chriss and probably Len, Chandler's old body isn't going to hold up for much longer, and Bledsoe (who I love and want to keep) is way overdue for some sort of injury.

We're going to see more Barbosa and Dudley over these next few months--which doesn't really project "win streak" to me.

Chriss might hit a wall, I don't see why that would happen for anyone else. And I'm not predicting they'll tear up the league by any means. I just expect us to win between 10 and 14 of our remaining 24 games unless we have a roster change or start playing the 25 and under players a LOT more.

 

[Mainstreet]

Chriss might hit a wall, I don't see why that would happen for anyone else. And I'm not predicting they'll tear up the league by any means. I just expect us to win between 10 and 14 of our remaining 24 games unless we have a roster change or start playing the 25 and under players a LOT more.

I'm thinking your your caveat will apply towards roster changes. The Suns could be better or worse depending on what happens. If the Suns stand pat, it is also likely they will start playing their youth more. I guess I will take a wait and see attitude until after the trade deadline.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I agree. The Suns win over the Spurs really got the adrenaline flowing for awhile but the Suns came back to earth. I think the Suns last good stretch was when they beat the Knicks and Toronto on the road.

Two things followed that victory. One, thinking he had turned a corner, Watson put Knight back into the regular rotation. And, two, just about everyone connected to the team, including our announcer, came down with flu-like symptoms between Mexico City and the trip to New York and Toronto. It really took a toll on Bledsoe, he had a couple of games there where he was being dominated by just about every opponent. Now, he's back to playing like one of the best guards in the game.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I'm thinking your your caveat will apply towards roster changes. The Suns could be better or worse depending on what happens. If the Suns stand pat, it is also likely they will start playing their youth more. I guess I will take a wait and see attitude until after the trade deadline.

Yeah, it's quite likely we can manage it somehow by playing Ulis, Jones JR and Len more minutes but keep in mind, other teams will be doing the same. And we can't compete with LA who will almost surely trade both Nick and Lou which drastically changes that team in the short run. Although getting Bender back and ready to play (if it happens) would help the tank considerably. Add to that, the relative ease of schedule and we are almost assured of a stronger finish than any of us here really want.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I give the most weight to the posts on this forum which is much more educated IMO. Chriss has played well this season. My hope is Chriss and Bender will be more developed physically next season. I only read RealGM posts for entertainment. I do like their news/rumor section though.

I got sidetracked and didn't respond to this portion. I'm not sure I'd agree with this, I've seen some very educated posters there too. Each site has it's own strengths IMO.

 

[Chaplin]

I got sidetracked and didn't respond to this portion. I'm not sure I'd agree with this, I've seen some very educated posters there too. Each site has it's own strengths IMO.

They are certainly much busier than here.

 

[Mainstreet]

I got sidetracked and didn't respond to this portion. I'm not sure I'd agree with this, I've seen some very educated posters there too. Each site has it's own strengths IMO.

It's hard to argue the point, each side has it's strength. It's true about every site. However, I think posters on the Suns forum generally follows local news more closely which gives it an edge. It's not black and white of course. Also, I think RealGM is more national. The huge plus for RealGM is it gets out the news/rumors more quickly, unless one happens to be be following Gambo on twitter.

 

[Mainstreet]

Yeah, it's quite likely we can manage it somehow by playing Ulis, Jones JR and Len more minutes but keep in mind, other teams will be doing the same. And we can't compete with LA who will almost surely trade both Nick and Lou which drastically changes that team in the short run. Although getting Bender back and ready to play (if it happens) would help the tank considerably. Add to that, the relative ease of schedule and we are almost assured of a stronger finish than any of us here really want.

We agree. The Lakers are likely to finish the season with a worse record than the the Suns barring the unforeseen.

 

[Mainstreet]

Two things followed that victory. One, thinking he had turned a corner, Watson put Knight back into the regular rotation. And, two, just about everyone connected to the team, including our announcer, came down with flu-like symptoms between Mexico City and the trip to New York and Toronto. It really took a toll on Bledsoe, he had a couple of games there where he was being dominated by just about every opponent. Now, he's back to playing like one of the best guards in the game.

Indeed, the flu struck. The need to play Knight for the purpose of trade will continue.

Bledsoe has almost played himself out of the trade category. He has been impressive.

If the Suns trade for Cousins, I think they will be banking heavily on their desire to play together.

 

[BC867]

We lost 13 or 14 1-posession games.

We are definitely not as bad as our record indicates.

I am trying to understand that point of view. But losing 13 or 14 1-possession games is indeed bad.

I guess you are saying that it is a small obstacle to overcome, but is it an alibi? Or is it part of the explanation of our not being a good team?

Especially with our only above average play in the back court, we are a very unbalanced team. Now and for the future. Until we have the kind of roster to change it, we are indeed as bad as our record indicates.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I am trying to understand that point of view. But losing 13 or 14 1-possession games is indeed bad.

I guess you are saying that it is a small obstacle to overcome, but is it an alibi? Or is it part of the explanation of our not being a good team?

Especially with our only above average play in the back court, we are a very unbalanced team. Now and for the future. Until we have the kind of roster to change it, we are indeed as bad as our record indicates.

I'd argue the "very" portion this. This is a guard driven league and our strength is our guards. That's the way you want it. As Chriss continues to progress, what imbalance we have on the offensive end of the court becomes even less of an issue. I'd even argue that if Chandler were 5 years younger, we wouldn't really be unbalanced at all.

 

[Carolinacacti]

I hate to put a curse on the Suns, but no way they win 25% of their remaining games

 

[Mainstreet]

I hate to put a curse on the Suns, but no way they win 25% of their remaining games

If you are saying the Suns win less than 25% of their remaining games it is probably a blessing not a curse.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I hate to put a curse on the Suns, but no way they win 25% of their remaining games

I hope you're right. But unless they take steps to make that happen (or suffer injuries), I really doubt they win 6 or fewer games from here on out.