Suns @ Grizzlies 3-6-16

[sunsfan88]

The range that this kid has at 19 years of age is just ridiculous

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Specifically the shots this kid takes at the 35 second mark and the 50 second mark...wow. Again, that's a 19 year old kid taking and making those shots with ease....I don't know how often we've seen that in this league from a player at his age but I'd assume its pretty rare.

 

[Catlover]

I was amazed to look at their record and see that their 37-25 and 5th seed in the West. I don't follow them at all so I'm guessing that most of their wins probably came before Gasol got injured.

They've had a very easy schedule since Gasol went down plus they've surprised a few of the better teams they faced. Their recent schedule included LAL twice and the Nets and Twolves once each. I'm sure they expected to notch easy wins against us too but we've actually played Memphis well the past 2 seasons. In addition to our 2 recent wins we have a pair of last second losses and another loss in double overtime. Quite a change considering how they use to dominate us.

 

[slinslin]

Hornacek exposed.

What did Hornacek coach exactly?

We went from absolutely clueless team to looking like a team that actually has a game plan and an idea of what they want to do offensively.

 

[slinslin]

What I hope:

- Len continues to progress. I can actually see him becoming All-Star worthy...
- Booker continues to develop. Knight simply has to be gone. There is no logic to Knight remaining with the team. Booker is a perennial All-Star.
- I hope Bledsoe can come back at full speed, but more mature and more under control.
- Watson remains as our head coach into and beyond next season. I think Earl can be something special. I think the Suns would be smart to leave him alone and allow him to work with this team.

Have no idea how MCD will deal with the rest of the team, trades, the draft and next seasons' crop of FA's... But I'm willing to give him another full season to work it all out.

Knight does not have to go.

Knight can play with both Booker and Bledsoe. These three guys should play ~30 minutes each next year basically covering all guard minutes by themselves.

Knight only has to go if he can't accept the 6th man role, even if he will play starter minutes regardless.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Knight does not have to go.

Knight can play with both Booker and Bledsoe. These three guys should play ~30 minutes each next year basically covering all guard minutes by themselves.

Knight only has to go if he can't accept the 6th man role, even if he will play starter minutes regardless.

We'll see... The predominant mins need to go to Booker and Bledsoe. I can't see the value in all three guards playing equal mins.

 

[JCSunsfan]

The range that this kid has at 19 years of age is just ridiculous

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsjy_q08caM

Specifically the shots this kid takes at the 35 second mark and the 50 second mark...wow. Again, that's a 19 year old kid taking and making those shots with ease....I don't know how often we've seen that in this league from a player at his age but I'd assume its pretty rare.

Steph Curry has opened up a whole new world of thinking regarding shooting in the NBA. I am completely convinced that if Steph was not making shots like that Booker would not even be attempting them.

In the end Steph might be the first of a new breed more than just being the only one like it.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Knight does not have to go.

Knight can play with both Booker and Bledsoe. These three guys should play ~30 minutes each next year basically covering all guard minutes by themselves.

Knight only has to go if he can't accept the 6th man role, even if he will play starter minutes regardless.

So what do you do with Archie and Bogdan.

 

[3rdside]

Knight does not have to go.

Knight can play with both Booker and Bledsoe. These three guys should play ~30 minutes each next year basically covering all guard minutes by themselves.

Knight only has to go if he can't accept the 6th man role, even if he will play starter minutes regardless.

I agree with that, he'd be an awesome 6th man, albeit an expensive one.

 

[JS22]

The range that this kid has at 19 years of age is just ridiculous

Specifically the shots this kid takes at the 35 second mark and the 50 second mark...wow. Again, that's a 19 year old kid taking and making those shots with ease....I don't know how often we've seen that in this league from a player at his age but I'd assume its pretty rare.

Seemingly better passing skills than any PG on the roster as well. I keep forgetting that he's only 19. Dude is going to be scary in his prime if he keeps this pace up.

 

[3rdside]

I agree with that, he'd be an awesome 6th man, albeit an expensive one.

A decent power forward and we're looking pretty competitive for next year (but haven't I thought exactly that about the last 2 seasons..)

 

[JS22]

Hornacek exposed.

What did Hornacek coach exactly?

We went from absolutely clueless team to looking like a team that actually has a game plan and an idea of what they want to do offensively.

Yeah, they clearly lack talent yet look like a totally different team. I'm not thrilled that they've decided to start competing and putting some wins together. But I can't be horribly disappointed when it's guys like Booker, Len, and occasionally Goodwin carrying them.

 

[SirStefan32]

So what do you do with Archie and Bogdan.

I don't think Bogdan is coming over until 2017/2018 season. He can avoid a rookie deal and sign a real contract after next year. As far as Archie goes, I don't think he is really good enough to consider when making roster/ rotation decisions. I am not advocating keeping Knight, but I don't think Bogdanovic and Goodwin really factor into that decision.

EDIT: Keep in mind that the draft seems to be loaded with shooting guards, so the Suns may end up with another SG/SF or SG/PG combo guard.

 

[slinslin]

Even if Bogdan comes over he is a rookie and you can't pencil him in as someone playing 20mpg immediately.

 

[leclerc]

I wish we would stop winning what the hell is the point now... Besides screwing up what should be a good pick. It will be totally like us to win meaningless games that end up totally screwing us! This has disaster written all over it, willing to bet we win one to many games and miss a great player because of it...

I have the same fear. Nice to see Booker snap out and assert himself and that Len is getting confidence but the wins? Come on guys, don't try so hard. Lol.

 

[slinslin]

Suns have to bring back Earl Watson, he is clearly having an impact and a good idea of how to play.

Just look at what he got out of Markieff and Len in a few weeks time. He gave us structure and visible improvement from the young guys.

 

[Iceman]

Suns have to bring back Earl Watson, he is clearly having an impact and a good idea of how to play.

Just look at what he got out of Markieff and Len in a few weeks time. He gave us structure and visible improvement from the young guys.

I would actually like to see him back for next year, just to see how he does. So far I think he has done a good job. Guys seem to be playing hard for him and he has put the right players out on the court together at the right times. It's feels weird to have back to back wins again...

 

[elindholm]

Hornacek had a great first year. Projecting Watson as the Coach of the Future after two or three wins is pretty naive.

 

[Catlover]

I hope you guys are right and we really have turned some corner with our recent play but I am unconvinced. That was a Memphis team without their best player (Marc Gasol), his backup (Brandon Wright), his backup's backup (Chris Anderson-injured in game) and their best defender (Tony Allen). I do believe we're playing a little better but the main reason we look so much better out there is our opponent, not us IMO.

 

[Iceman]

Hornacek had a great first year. Projecting Watson as the Coach of the Future after two or three wins is pretty naive.

True and I wish Horny would have had a better opportunity. He was thrown to the wolves. Unless there is a no brainer coach to hire in the offseason, maybe Watson will get the chance to come back. Highly unlikely that he will though right?

 

[Iceman]

I hope you guys are right and we really have turned some corner with our recent play but I am unconvinced. That was a Memphis team without their best player (Marc Gasol), his backup (Brandon Wright), his backup's backup (Chris Anderson-injured in game) and their best defender (Tony Allen). I do believe we're playing a little better but the main reason we look so much better out there is our opponent, not us IMO.

Most likely its probably the opponents, but it has been nice to see the Suns give us a few games of decent basketball. Love watching Booker. He is so smooth and is only going to get better

 

[Cheesebeef]

man... that kid's only 19. He's already shown major major flashes and he's got sooooooo much room to get better.

 

[StreetTruckinTitan]

The suns opponents are taking them to lightly. They see the record and feel they can just half ass it. By the time they figure the Suns came to play, its too late to flip the switch. The GS Warriors also took the Lakers to lightly. Its hard to mfg energy or intensity against the bottom feeders.
I feel the Suns will pursue a head coach with experience this off season. Watson has no chance imo, Bob Hill probably has much to do with the Suns sudden success than Watson since he's his mentor on the bench.

 

[Ronin]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsjy_q08caM

@ 1:24

 

[JCSunsfan]

Hornacek had a great first year. Projecting Watson as the Coach of the Future after two or three wins is pretty naive.

I am not sure that is an accurate picture. Its not about the wins, its about philosophy and usage. He has been willing to stick with and develop young players in spite of the losses that keep piling up and in spite of the fact that it could cost him his own personal record and potentially a job.

He has done a pretty good job of developing future talent, and developing confidence in young players. He has moved away from a a guard centered offense to a more balanced "high/low" approach.

With all of that in mind, he looks like a good bet for this team's present situation. He is a good developmental coach and relates well to young talent. I am not at all sure that he could be a good coach of a centending team.

The jury is still out, and its important to take all of the time available to evaluate. But it is possible that he could be the coach of the Suns NEAR future, but not necessarily long term future.

 

[JCSunsfan]

@ 1:24

Yep. Freeze the screen at 1:24. That's a pretty athletic play. His athleticism was the knock on him, as well as his defense.