New lineup

[Phrazbit]

Maybe Gentry does need to go, this team obviously is not going anywhere and they need to use this season to develop players like Beasley and Marshall for the future, Gentry does the opposite.

If the team would give Gentry a contract he might be more likely to focus on the long term. Right now they give him no choice but to scrap for meaningless wins, especially with their stupid "compete and rebuild at the same time" philosophy. They should either fire him or extend him. Having him play out a lame duck contract with an awful roster is pointless.

But the last thing we need is more Beasley. Even if you want to develop players, he hinders the play of everyone around him.

 

[Errntknght]

How can you say that Gentry hasn't tried to develop Beasley? Heck, Beas has made little bits of progress in the directions Gentry has said he wants him to - driving more and passing the ball. He even tries to defend, though his instincts are sorely lacking. I'm surprised he's even trying... I expected a worse attitude. If his shot hadn't disappeared down the toilet, he'd probably be out of the running for the worst player in the league.

 

[Mainstreet]

I think benching Beasley immediately improves the Suns especially if Tucker is healthy. Regardless, Beasley should go to the bench. Also if the Suns are serious about winning, benching Gortat for O'Neal might be in order as well.

 

[Superbone]

But the last thing we need is more Beasley. Even if you want to develop players, he hinders the play of everyone around him.

Thank you!

 

[95pro]

I think benching Beasley immediately improves the Suns especially if Tucker is healthy. Regardless, Beasley should go to the bench. Also if the Suns are serious about winning, benching Gortat for O'Neal might be in order as well.

Something needs to light a fire under Gortats ass, if making him part of the second unit does the trick I'm all for it.

 

[BC867]

...Also if the Suns are serious about winning, benching Gortat for O'Neal might be in order as well.

That would be pushing O'Neal's age and health too far. Playing him for most of the 4th quarter accomplishes the same thing, regarding Gortat.

If Marcin isn't motivated by sitting out the 4th quarter with Beasley and Morris, it shows that he wants out and all hope is gone. Actually, Gortat has already given the impression that it is what he wants.

 

[Mainstreet]

That would be pushing O'Neal's age and health too far. Playing him for most of the 4th quarter accomplishes the same thing, regarding Gortat.

If Marcin isn't motivated by sitting out the 4th quarter with Beasley and Morris, it shows that he wants out and all hope is gone. Actually, Gortat has already given the impression that it is what he wants.

As 95pro said, something needs to light a fire under Gortat. Starting O'Neal might be that spark. I equally agree that I am concerned about O'Neal's age and health but if it reboots Gortat, so be it.

If the Suns could trade Gortat for something of value, I'd welcome it. IMO, he plays too frail for a center.

 

[BC867]

If the Suns could trade Gortat for something of value, I'd welcome it. IMO, he plays too frail for a center.

Unless we go with a two Power Forward lineup, we would have to get a Center -- a not-frail Center -- in return. That would require a 3-team trade.

I recognize that there is a trend in the NBA to play two Power Forward lineups. If so, one would still have to be stronger than Scola or Morris. Unless the team is looking to tank.

Do you agree?

 

[AzStevenCal]

Unless we go with a two Power Forward lineup, we would have to get a Center -- a not-frail Center -- in return. That would require a 3-team trade.

I recognize that there is a trend in the NBA to play two Power Forward lineups. If so, one would still have to be stronger than Scola or Morris. Unless the team is looking to tank.

Do you agree?

Well, I never support the idea of tanking but my definition might be a bit different than some others. I'd trade Gortat for future picks without concern for any players we get in return. I'd find the best available D League Center to play alongside Morris. And then I'd play Beasley, Johnson and Marshall heavy minutes. Although that will result in a horrible record and a better drafting opportunity it will also develop or weed out the younger players. I think there is still a chance that one of those three can become a star. I think the odds are greater that the world will end on December 21st but this team is going nowhere and a quadrillion to one odds sounds doable to me.

Steve