Nuggets @ Suns 1-28-17

[Errntknght]

I'd just as soon do without, play a small forward at the center spot even. No more big immobile centers. There's a reason Toronto is trying to get rid of their V and Orlando is trying to get rid of their V and it's the same reason we should avoid those type of players.

Len, every now and then shows flashes of being able to defend in the modern game but the more he plays behind Chandler, the less often we see those flashes. I'm okay letting him walk as long as we don't sign any of the other big, slow stiffs. JMO.

I'm still of a mind to let Len have a shot at being the starting C, trading Chandler so its clear the spot is his to win. I'm still remembering those few months when he was starting - he not only played well but the whole team played better with him on the floor. If he does revert to that form then there will be a bidding war and we may decide not to match but at least we're operating in the light instead of the dark. Incidentally, as bad as Len looks on the floor this year his defense (from NBA tracking data defense at the rim - he's about 8th in % among bigs) and his rebounding and shot blocking are all good, statistically.

 

[Phrazbit]

I'm still of a mind to let Len have a shot at being the starting C, trading Chandler so its clear the spot is his to win. I'm still remembering those few months when he was starting - he not only played well but the whole team played better with him on the floor. If he does revert to that form then there will be a bidding war and we may decide not to match but at least we're operating in the light instead of the dark. Incidentally, as bad as Len looks on the floor this year his defense (from NBA tracking data defense at the rim - he's about 8th in % among bigs) and his rebounding and shot blocking are all good, statistically.

To make up for how inept he is offensively he'd have to be a flat out stud on D, and he isn't close. Even as a starter, his numbers were merely serviceable, the kind of stats that if that is what you were truly getting from a full time guy you'd be saying "we should upgrade that spot". Len is a mediocre backup center, bordering on below replacement level, his production is easily replaced. Chandler has been a good soldier, don't move him unless he asks to be moved, and don't extend Len unless it's for a price that fits with what he has shown. The guy is a 4 year player who has had a lot of playing time. I don't care if some crap centers got stupid money from bad teams last year, I don't want to be those teams. If someone id dumb enough to give him 70 million over 4 years... then adios Len. If I'm the Suns I'm capping my offer at 10 mil a year and let him decide how many years he wants.

 

[AzStevenCal]

To make up for how inept he is offensively he'd have to be a flat out stud on D, and he isn't close. Even as a starter, his numbers were merely serviceable, the kind of stats that if that is what you were truly getting from a full time guy you'd be saying "we should upgrade that spot". Len is a mediocre backup center, bordering on below replacement level, his production is easily replaced. Chandler has been a good soldier, don't move him unless he asks to be moved, and don't extend Len unless it's for a price that fits with what he has shown. The guy is a 4 year player who has had a lot of playing time. I don't care if some crap centers got stupid money from bad teams last year, I don't want to be those teams. If someone id dumb enough to give him 70 million over 4 years... then adios Len. If I'm the Suns I'm capping my offer at 10 mil a year and let him decide how many years he wants.

I think you're underselling him as a starter. The only reason I'm not sold on him long term is his inability to stay on the court. Even when he's starting and playing well he disappears every 4th game or so when he picks up a couple of early quick fouls. The rest of the time, when he starts for a stretch, he plays acceptably if not better up until he sees Chandler back on the bench and ready to roll. At which point he tends to slip back into bad Len.

And I don't think he's a "mediocre backup center", quite the contrary. IMO he's a horrible backup center more often than not. Give him the job full-time, convince him the center position is his even if he has an off night. Otherwise, trade him or let him walk.

 

[leclerc]

Can't understand the frail psyche of (today's?) professional athletes. Was it like this in the 80's? If so probably for the players we have forgotten. Probably been this way forever. Be the ball, Lenny.

 

[Phrazbit]

I think you're underselling him as a starter. The only reason I'm not sold on him long term is his inability to stay on the court. Even when he's starting and playing well he disappears every 4th game or so when he picks up a couple of early quick fouls. The rest of the time, when he starts for a stretch, he plays acceptably if not better up until he sees Chandler back on the bench and ready to roll. At which point he tends to slip back into bad Len.

And I don't think he's a "mediocre backup center", quite the contrary. IMO he's a horrible backup center more often than not. Give him the job full-time, convince him the center position is his even if he has an off night. Otherwise, trade him or let him walk.

This year and last year as a starter he has averaged 10 and 9, in both years the Suns have fared better with him on the bench. I just don't see the urgency to ditch a really solid player in Chandler to let a guy who is mediocre (and that is on his good nights) and is often terrible be gifted the starting job.

I don't think his disappearing acts or lack of consistency are about Chandler looking over his shoulder, its simply who he is. He did the same stuff in college with no competition for playing time.

If our only goal is to be terrible, then fine, let him start, but I don't like treating Chandler that way, while he has been busting his ass for a losing team. It sets a really bad precedent IMO. I would be fine with trading him or if someone offers him stupid money then, absolutely, wish him the best of luck and let him walk.

 

[sunsfan88]

Craig Grialou‏ @CraigAZSports
Watson, "Playing w/a lot of purpose, a lot of energy re: Brandon Knight; added he's "done a great job finding his place"

Brandon Knight has done a great job finding his place?

Which place is that exactly?