Suns are headed for chemistry problems

[JCSunsfan]

I really do believe this. The team had great chemistry last year because everyone had a role and accepted it. This year, the Suns have a big problem. . .

too many players who expect substantial minutes.

And they are mid-level type players to boot. I cannot believe that a player like Warrick is going to be content with under 20 mins a game. But he is going to share minutes at the 3 with Hill, Childress, Dudley, and more. Turk wants the ball, Nash and Dragic are going to have, JRich probably should have it most.

We might be better off cutting a player or two to simply have addition by subtraction. IMO, Earl Clark is probably the player to go. We'll see.

 

[Hat]

Why do you want to cut a player that's going to see limited minutes anyways?

Look, we are into 3 preseason games. Can't talk about chemistry just yet, wait and see how it plays out. If it's anyone that's going to see limited minutes, it will be Hill IMO. Dudley will be a close second.

 

[Folster]

I don't see how waiving Earl Clark, a second-year player already out of our ten man rotation is going to solve our "chemistry problems". I also think any chemistry or playing time issues are short term with Hill likely to retire and Richarson and Dudley in the final year of their respective deals. And let's not forget about injuries just because we've been relatively healthy aside from Stoudemire the last few seasons.

 

[Chaplin]

I really do believe this. The team had great chemistry last year because everyone had a role and accepted it. This year, the Suns have a big problem. . .

too many players who expect substantial minutes.

And they are mid-level type players to boot. I cannot believe that a player like Warrick is going to be content with under 20 mins a game. But he is going to share minutes at the 3 with Hill, Childress, Dudley, and more. Turk wants the ball, Nash and Dragic are going to have, JRich probably should have it most.

We might be better off cutting a player or two to simply have addition by subtraction. IMO, Earl Clark is probably the player to go. We'll see.

Makes zero sense. Their chemistry is already not too bad, but to out and out say we are going to have bad chemistry this year... very strange considering how early it is... Well, maybe not so strange that Suns fans are doom and gloom. The Suns are easily the best team in Phoenix right now and it's hard to not get sidetracked by how bad all the other teams are.

 

[Gaddabout]

I'm half convinced this team was put together in the way it was so they could make mid-season trades. Like they were trying to lock up the back-up small forward market or something. Maybe they get some second-round picks in return or something.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I'm half convinced this team was put together in the way it was so they could make mid-season trades. Like they were trying to lock up the back-up small forward market or something. Maybe they get some second-round picks in return or something.

I like the Childress acquisition. As for the others, I felt the way you do - they were a prelude to mid-season trades. However, I went south on that idea when I took a look at our opening schedule. I'm just highly doubtful that this team's psyche will survive this start and I don't have the same kind of confidence in this FO that I held for years with the Colangelos involved.

I still think we'll make mid-season trades; I'm just no longer confident they will be done with an eye to this season. I'm actually okay with that as long as we don't panic and make the kind of deals we made when we jettisoned Thomas and Gugliotta (and yes, I know that occurred on the Colangelo watch). Move Nash, Richardson, Hedo and whoever else for young talent and draft picks and I'm a happy camper. Move them for "financial flexibility" and I'm a lot less happy.

This isn't a roster designed for success. It's also a lot of new faces tossed together and there is no guarantee that they will come together like last years squad. Gentry kept the bench happy with their playing time last year because they got quite a bit of time but what will he do if we're losing regularly?

Steve

 

[JCSunsfan]

Left out a word. Earl Clark should be the FIRST player to go.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Makes zero sense. Their chemistry is already not too bad, but to out and out say we are going to have bad chemistry this year... very strange considering how early it is... Well, maybe not so strange that Suns fans are doom and gloom. The Suns are easily the best team in Phoenix right now and it's hard to not get sidetracked by how bad all the other teams are.

I don't know. I think the Cards, as bad as they are, are still better than the Suns. I am usually the pollyanna type, but this team really gives me bad vibes.

Yes, its speculation. We will see. Hope I am wrong.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I don't know. I think the Cards, as bad as they are, are still better than the Suns. I am usually the pollyanna type, but this team really gives me bad vibes.

Yes, its speculation. We will see. Hope I am wrong.

As has usually been the case for us over the last decade and a half, I agree with you completely.

There's a lot of talent on this team. Perhaps even more talent than we've had here since Joe Johnson left Phoenix. But it just doesn't look like pieces that will mesh on the court and maybe not even off the court. There's always a chance, but I don't like ours. I'll change my mind if the lightbulb goes off for Warrick or if Lawal develops into a solid forward but I don't see either happening this year.

Steve

 

[mojorizen7]

I dont forsee many chemistry problems w/this team. Steve Nash oozes chemistry to the relatively ego-less players around him.

I forsee the usual other problems w/this team.....offensively they will likely be exposed even more so without an offensive focal point in the paint. We thought the SUNS were a perimeter-oriented team in the past.....Oh Boy.

Relying on Lopez to be the defensive focal point will be a tall order as well,unless he continues to get better,can play 48 min a game, and play 82 gms.

 

[dodie53]

nash will find a way for everyone to be happy.

 

[Gaddabout]

I like the Childress acquisition. As for the others, I felt the way you do - they were a prelude to mid-season trades. However, I went south on that idea when I took a look at our opening schedule. I'm just highly doubtful that this team's psyche will survive this start and I don't have the same kind of confidence in this FO that I held for years with the Colangelos involved.

I still think we'll make mid-season trades; I'm just no longer confident they will be done with an eye to this season. I'm actually okay with that as long as we don't panic and make the kind of deals we made when we jettisoned Thomas and Gugliotta (and yes, I know that occurred on the Colangelo watch). Move Nash, Richardson, Hedo and whoever else for young talent and draft picks and I'm a happy camper. Move them for "financial flexibility" and I'm a lot less happy.

This isn't a roster designed for success. It's also a lot of new faces tossed together and there is no guarantee that they will come together like last years squad. Gentry kept the bench happy with their playing time last year because they got quite a bit of time but what will he do if we're losing regularly?

Steve

Oh, I didn't mean to imply they thought they might have some players to trade to improve the team this year. This squad is ... let's roll some offense out there and keep the fans happy and maybe they won't notice how bad we suck. Suddenly the Suns = the Kings.

I meant I think they acquired these players with the idea if you're going to pay veterans for a mediocre to bad team, might as well acquire guys other teams might want midseason and see what you can get back in return.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Oh, I didn't mean to imply they thought they might have some players to trade to improve the team this year. This squad is ... let's roll some offense out there and keep the fans happy and maybe they won't notice how bad we suck. Suddenly the Suns = the Kings.

I meant I think they acquired these players with the idea if you're going to pay veterans for a mediocre to bad team, might as well acquire guys other teams might want midseason and see what you can get back in return.[/QUOTE]

Well, then you pretty much started out where I ended up. The main difference being, I think our mid-season trade activity might be fueled by desperation rather than design.

Steve

 

[Chaplin]

Well, then you pretty much started out where I ended up. The main difference being, I think our mid-season trade activity might be fueled by desperation rather than design.

Steve

I think you're going to be wrong simply because of the pending possibility of a strike happening. I just don't see desperation being a factor come the trade deadline--because if we're at the point where we are "desperate", that means we are a top 5 team in the league, and it's pretty obvious NOBODY thinks that.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I think you're going to be wrong simply because of the pending possibility of a strike happening. I just don't see desperation being a factor come the trade deadline--because if we're at the point where we are "desperate", that means we are a top 5 team in the league, and it's pretty obvious NOBODY thinks that.

I could easily be wrong but it won't be on that point. The reason I say that is that I'm not predicting this as an outcome, merely concerned about the possibility. I am, however, predicting that we will be much worse than many people seem to think and I could well be wrong there. We have enough talent to succeed but I think it's such a horribly constructed roster that we'll be lucky to win 40 games.

Steve

 

[Chaplin]

I could easily be wrong but it won't be on that point. The reason I say that is that I'm not predicting this as an outcome, merely concerned about the possibility. I am, however, predicting that we will be much worse than many people seem to think and I could well be wrong there. We have enough talent to succeed but I think it's such a horribly constructed roster that we'll be lucky to win 40 games.

Steve

How bad do you think people think they will be? If you think they are going to compete for the #1 pick in next year's draft, I would say yes, you are absolutely wrong. If you think they are merely going to squeak into the playoffs and be one and done, then we definitely have something to talk about--since that is what everybody thinks we are. They thought we were the exact same thing last year and we all know how that turned out.

 

[Folster]

Let's not forget that only four games separated the Suns as the #3 seed and OKC as the #8 seed. A few bad bounces and we could have easily been playing the Lakers in the first round.

 

[AzStevenCal]

How bad do you think people think they will be? If you think they are going to compete for the #1 pick in next year's draft, I would say yes, you are absolutely wrong. If you think they are merely going to squeak into the playoffs and be one and done, then we definitely have something to talk about--since that is what everybody thinks we are. They thought we were the exact same thing last year and we all know how that turned out.

I think, if everything comes together and we once again have more luck than could reasonably be expected - we MIGHT compete for a playoff spot. A more likely scenario is that we hover around 11th all season without ever really entering the postseason picture. Less fortune than could reasonably be expected (Lopez, Nash and Richardson all out for extended periods) and we could be battling for 13th or 14th place.

Steve

 

[JCSunsfan]

I think, if everything comes together and we once again have more luck than could reasonably be expected - we MIGHT compete for a playoff spot. A more likely scenario is that we hover around 11th all season without ever really entering the postseason picture. Less fortune than could reasonably be expected (Lopez, Nash and Richardson all out for extended periods) and we could be battling for 13th or 14th place.

Steve

Yeah, I am about there.

 

[Chaplin]

I think, if everything comes together and we once again have more luck than could reasonably be expected - we MIGHT compete for a playoff spot. A more likely scenario is that we hover around 11th all season without ever really entering the postseason picture. Less fortune than could reasonably be expected (Lopez, Nash and Richardson all out for extended periods) and we could be battling for 13th or 14th place.

Steve

Lopez, Nash and Richardson out for extended periods? Well, duh, we would suffer. There a big difference between proclaiming us a 13th place team and then retracting and saying we're a 13th place team IF half our team is hit with injuries. That would happen with the Lakers, Heat and Celtics too.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Lopez, Nash and Richardson out for extended periods? Well, duh, we would suffer. There a big difference between proclaiming us a 13th place team and then retracting and saying we're a 13th place team IF half our team is hit with injuries. That would happen with the Lakers, Heat and Celtics too.

I got a shiny nickel with your name on it (figuratively speaking) if you can back up either half of that statement. Where did I proclaim us a (13th place team) and when did I retract that statement. In the prediction thread, I said I expected them to fall between 10th and 14th IIRC and I still pretty much expect that kind of finish. The poll itself didn't offer this range so I selected the one that came closest (once you factor in injury risks).

I agree that most (all) teams would struggle if they lost 3 of their better players for an extended period. In our case though, it wouldn't exactly be like getting hit with lightning. I's not going to be much of a surprise for both Nash and Lopez to be out because of back issues and from that point it's not much of a stretch to allow for the possibility that one more key player goes down. Having two players with chronic injuries makes this scenario far from a worst case envisioning.

Steve

 

[Chaplin]

Which is it? Are we 13th regardless of injuries, or 13th ONLY if Nash and Richardson have extended injuries? You've proclaimed both.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Which is it? Are we 13th regardless of injuries, or 13th ONLY if Nash and Richardson have extended injuries? You've proclaimed both.

?????????????????????????

Steve

 

[Gaddabout]

The worst possible thing that could happen to this team is to be just good enough to squeak into the playoffs or just mediocre enough to barely miss them. Both places are no-man's land for an aging team like this one.

The Suns need a game-changer in the draft. Unless this team defies all reasonable expectations and keeps pace with the top of the WC, I wish they'd just stop pretending and trade the best talent on the team.

 

[AzStevenCal]

The worst possible thing that could happen to this team is to be just good enough to squeak into the playoffs or just mediocre enough to barely miss them. Both places are no-man's land for an aging team like this one.

The Suns need a game-changer in the draft. Unless this team defies all reasonable expectations and keeps pace with the top of the WC, I wish they'd just stop pretending and trade the best talent on the team.

I'm all for that. By my reckoning, there are 8 teams in the West that are clearly better than us and 4 or 5 that are right there with us. It's hard to see us climbing out of that mess and doing anything special this year. Move Nash, Richardson and anyone else that has value and start all over again once the lockout comes to an end in 2019.

Steve