Suns 2024-2025 Season Discussions

Mainstreet

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Yeah. I still consider myself a Devin Booker fan but he hasn't been the same for a couple years now. I don't know if it's his private life or whatever but all too often he gets outplayed by much "lesser" players even when he's racking up stats.

In regard to Devin Booker, one of my favorite mottos is: "You are who you hang out with." IMO, some of it is this.

The other is I think Devin Booker needs some time off from basketball. He looks fatigued and disinterested.

Also, I have noticed he doesn't have the elevation on his shot he used to have when driving in the lane. The thought occurred to me, he is playing injured. Booker will play hurt, so this may be what we are seeing as well.
 

Hoop Head

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Yeah. I still consider myself a Devin Booker fan but he hasn't been the same for a couple years now. I don't know if it's his private life or whatever but all too often he gets outplayed by much "lesser" players even when he's racking up stats.

I think he was being prepped to take over the franchise from within by CP3 and then his friends were dealt for KD in a move that sort of made Booker second banana. He outplayed and performed KD that first year but the narrative became this was KD's team. It does no one good to fight that in the press and then that narrative took over more as guys like Paul, Monty, and everyone else from that finals team was sent packing. He realized first hand the NBA is a business and he's seemed disconnected since.
 

AzStevenCal

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I think he was being prepped to take over the franchise from within by CP3 and then his friends were dealt for KD in a move that sort of made Booker second banana. He outplayed and performed KD that first year but the narrative became this was KD's team. It does no one good to fight that in the press and then that narrative took over more as guys like Paul, Monty, and everyone else from that finals team was sent packing. He realized first hand the NBA is a business and he's seemed disconnected since.
I guess it's as good a guess as any. I sure can't say you're wrong.
 

clyde2tw

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On D, we dont play tight bodying-up harrassing defense others like Thunders, Magics etc even Spurs do on our stars, we can't seem to stop hot-hands even the likes of Tyres Martin.
On O, we don't set screens solid to creat more or better space for ball handlers or hot-hand catch-n-shooting. We rely too much on big-3 one-on-one after lousy screens on top, and often it becomes one-on-two/three as their ensuing moves are predictable. KD, even you knew what he'd do, is hard to stop, but Book and Beal are not as good. Book is worst of the three, so predictable with his moves! All of them suffer lots of TOs, that often lead to transition points by opponents.
 

Superbone

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What's striking is nearly every team we play is bigger/younger/stronger, and they play harder. That's tough to overcome, especially since Booker and Beal have been so bad.
And all all of those things are what makes it so hard on us fans. We finally have an owner willing to spend and this is the product on the court. Extremely frustrating to get out worked every night by much lesser paid players.
 

Superbone

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Yeah. I still consider myself a Devin Booker fan but he hasn't been the same for a couple years now. I don't know if it's his private life or whatever but all too often he gets outplayed by much "lesser" players even when he's racking up stats.
He's lost his edge for sure. He used to be an assassin. Now he seems content to just go through the motions.
 

Superbone

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Hey, our spirits may be low as fans but at least the team is still in high spirits and enjoying the ride. Good for them!
 

Hoop Head

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Hey, our spirits may be low as fans but at least the team is still in high spirits and enjoying the ride. Good for them!

Which seems odd, to me. The trade market opens up in a few days and I'd imagine the players would be tipped off to any moves. Maybe some have high spirits because they know they're on their way elsewhere.
 

95pro

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Yeah. I still consider myself a Devin Booker fan but he hasn't been the same for a couple years now. I don't know if it's his private life or whatever but all too often he gets outplayed by much "lesser" players even when he's racking up stats.

My opinion is that Book spends too much time going out. My guess both Book and KD are out partying too much. No way their lifestyle is preparing for the next game, they are "too chill" imo,
 

Covert Rain

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Fiddling on the Titanic?
This might be legit enthusiasm. I mean their record when all the guys are on the court is good. That might be grasping on the edge of the cliff by your fingernails but it's a legit player view if you feel the team can win it if healthy. That won't change for the players unless they get everyone back and continue to lose.
 

Superbone

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According to this "anonymous executive", Bud has "ruined" Booker.

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Covert Rain

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According to this "anonymous executive", Bud has "ruined" Booker.

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"Ruined" Booker feels dramatic. I mean, if Bud is a great coach he should be able to get Book to adjust when he takes 3's and other adjustments to get him to his spot. It's way to early to say "ruined".
 

Superbone

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"Ruined" Booker feels dramatic. I mean, if Bud is a great coach he should be able to get Book to adjust when he takes 3's and other adjustments to get him to his spot. It's way to early to say "ruined".
I agree. I really don't see it. His playmaking has been awful against all the double teams thrown at him.
 

95pro

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I agree. I really don't see it. His playmaking has been awful against all the double teams thrown at him.

With KD and Beal out, it's the obvious thing to do against us, and sadly there are no adjustments made on who initiates the offense. Book lately has be point-Book.
 

95pro

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According to this "anonymous executive", Bud has "ruined" Booker.

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Last person I would take advice from is some anon exec, mostly these are other owners who have no valuable input. Like the preseason polls when their takes are just way off for voting for mvp's and such.
 
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