Suns reported to make max contract offer to Rockets Center

[Phrazbit]

Which is why we shouldn’t be looking for one until players desire US.

That’s what GS, Boston and the Sixers have done. They weren’t FA destinations so they built in the draft until they were attractive and then reached for the brass ring in FA. None of them pressed the fast forward button on progress that might push them forward in the moment but would ultimately keep them stuck being good but unable to become GREAT because of a salary structure that had some bad contracts that would choke their caps, which would possibly force them to watch the REAL talent they cultivated from the draft walk because of a lack of money.

We FINALLY started doing the right thing a couple years ago, following in those teams’ footsteps. To go off the trail now would be incredibly foolish.

Totally agree. If we have vets that we can nab on the cheap, that's one thing, but I don't want to blow our wad on max deals or overpaying guys in the middle tier. We're just not there yet. Next season I hope we're competitive but "too young", a team that wins 35-40 games. If we're somehow better than that... aces! But we're not at the point where we should blow our wad to contend right away.

It is an awkward point where we shouldn't... and probably can't tank anymore, but we need a bit of time to figure out who is and isn't part of the future before blowing 150 million on a free agent who might be redundant when all the chips are sorted out.

That said... if we land Ayton then I'd be totally fine with the team making a serious push to land a high level pg that can be part of the future. Either by giving up future picks (and/or anyone that isn't Ayton, Jackson and Booker) to nab Young or signing or trading for someone... again, without giving up anyone from that grouping.

 

[Phrazbit]

Go after Bamba in the draft, regardless of where their own pick falls. I'd rather see them trade for a 2nd top 10 pick to get a center to fill out our roster than pay Capela upwards of $25 million a year. What that would cost, I don't know, but I think the Suns have the assets to pull it off. Someone in the top 10 is going to be willing to move their pick, perhaps Cleveland to please Lebron? If Bamba is off the board, take Jackson or Wendall Carter. NBADraft.net actually has Bamba going 8th to Cleveland right now. I could see them entertaining an offer for Warren, maybe, with Troy Daniels thrown in. Also using Chandler as an expiring deal. Warren would be the best contract on that team. They need to spend wisely because of how much tax they're paying in luxury taxes. They're into repeater tax territory so they've paying 3 times the amount they're over the threshold.

A number of deals could be worked out, we could take a bad contract off their hands also, give them Warren and Chandler for Tristan Thompson and #8? If they included a small salaried player like Cedi Osman that would work. They took on a lot of salary in their deadline deals acquiring Jordan Clarkson and George Hill. Chandler is expiring and Warren is a good value. That could save them a lot in taxes. A deal could be worked out with someone else also, like Kyle Korver, who is making $7 million a year for the next 2 years.

Here's one idea though, send the #8 pick to the Suns also...
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine/?tradeId=yd65zx6j

I'm not in favor of maxing out Capela... but if you like Bamba, then Capela is basically what you're hoping Bamba could be.

I also don't get why the people who like Bamba would take him over JJJ. JJJ is, again, already showing the skills people are hoping Bamba could show. I have a lot more faith that Jackson can cut back on his fouls than I have hope that Bamba can learn how to play on offense and somehow learn how to hustle.

 

[Hoop Head]

So, I am not in favor of maxing out Capela, but I have to point out a couple of obvious things here.

Bamba is NOT Capela. Capela is a proven commodity, while Bamba is a crapshoot.
Also, Capela wouldn't cost you additional assets. Why give up Warren to take on TT and draft someone who is a very high-risk player?

I don't like the idea of paying Capela $100 million over the next 4 years. I know Bamba is unproven but he could be what Capela is. Sure we'd lose TJ but I'd give that a shot before planning to enter free agency prepared to offer Capela a ton of money. He could kill our flexibility beyond this summer and I'm not confident he produces as much when he's out of D'Antoni's system. It's just an idea, that's it, sort of a starting point. I'd feel better gambling on Bamba developing than gambling on Capela not being a horrible contract. There are other options as well, Jaren Jackson may be a better choice, I'm not sold on that but I haven't seen a lot of him either. I think dealing with Cleveland is one way we could potentially add a 2nd pick in the top 10 and I'd rather do that then max out Capela, which doesn't guarantee we'd get him either.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I'm not in favor of maxing out Capela... but if you like Bamba, then Capela is basically what you're hoping Bamba could be.

I also don't get why the people who like Bamba would take him over JJJ. JJJ is, again, already showing the skills people are hoping Bamba could show. I have a lot more faith that Jackson can cut back on his fouls than I have hope that Bamba can learn how to play on offense and somehow learn how to hustle.

Let’s see. 7-9 vs 7-4, 7-0 vs 6-10, 9-6 vs 9-1. Length is one of the most important factors in today’s game. Players are used to shooting over a certain amount of length. In the NBA it’s probably about a 7-4 wingspan. Bambas length is just so much more it is disorienting.

I saw no problem with Bamba’s hustle. I did see an issue with JJJ’s rebounding.

And plenty of players develop offensively after coming into the league. It’s the easiest thing to develop. Poor rebounders seldom get better. It’s an instinct thing.

It’s really simple. Bamba will have an impact from day one without adding anything to his game.

I know most prognosticators will disagree with me, but that is how I see it. Workouts will be important.

 

[Carolinacacti]

We FINALLY started doing the right thing a couple years ago, following in those teams’ footsteps. To go off the trail now would be incredibly foolish

I thought we needed to fire the GM

 

[Phrazbit]

Let’s see. 7-9 vs 7-4, 7-0 vs 6-10, 9-6 vs 9-1. Length is one of the most important factors in today’s game. Players are used to shooting over a certain amount of length. In the NBA it’s probably about a 7-4 wingspan. Bambas length is just so much more it is disorienting.

I saw no problem with Bamba’s hustle. I did see an issue with JJJ’s rebounding.

And plenty of players develop offensively after coming into the league. It’s the easiest thing to develop. Poor rebounders seldom get better. It’s an instinct thing.

It’s really simple. Bamba will have an impact from day one without adding anything to his game.

I know most prognosticators will disagree with me, but that is how I see it. Workouts will be important.

Questions about Bamba's motor pop up on basically every scouting report. If you watch him play he is often lagging behind in transition and he goes through stretches where he just sort of... stands around. And motor is one of the things that players typically have or don't.

And Bamba's length won't matter if he does not improve his skills... because he won't be on the court.

I also disagree about the workouts. IMO they don't matter at all other than interviewing the player or if you're worried about an injury. A guy moving around in an empty gym with no defenders or teammates tell you nothing about how they do in a real game.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Questions about Bamba's motor pop up on basically every scouting report. If you watch him play he is often lagging behind in transition and he goes through stretches where he just sort of... stands around. And motor is one of the things that players typically have or don't.

And Bamba's length won't matter if he does not improve his skills... because he won't be on the court.

I also disagree about the workouts. IMO they don't matter at all other than interviewing the player or if you're worried about an injury. A guy moving around in an empty gym with no defenders or teammates tell you nothing about how they do in a real game.

I just don't see it. People like Givony rip him for not jogging off the court when he is subbed out. That is just stupid. Does LeBron do that? How about Chuck or Devin or anyone? He stands around because his job in that defense and offense was to protect the rim and catch lobs, which he can do without having to work to get open. He doesn't have to juke and jive to get open, he can just stand there and reach up and grab it. To move around like other players is pointless at the college level.

To me, Mo Bamba is the big sleeper of this draft. He will be on the court A LOT, wherever he is drafted.

And workouts, they matter, they don't tell you the whole story, but first, workouts do not typically happen in an empty gym. Teams bring in players and they work against other players in the draft, and players from the team. To say those workouts do not tell you anything is WAY overstatement.

 

[BC867]

To move around like other players is pointless at the college level.

To me, Mo Bamba is the big sleeper of this draft.

It is ironic that not moving around at the college level and "sleeper" may or may not have similar meanings.

How would a team find out before draft day if a college player is capable of making the transition to today's NBA?

 

[pokerface]

I just don't see it. People like Givony rip him for not jogging off the court when he is subbed out. That is just stupid. Does LeBron do that? How about Chuck or Devin or anyone? He stands around because his job in that defense and offense was to protect the rim and catch lobs, which he can do without having to work to get open. He doesn't have to juke and jive to get open, he can just stand there and reach up and grab it. To move around like other players is pointless at the college level.

To me, Mo Bamba is the big sleeper of this draft. He will be on the court A LOT, wherever he is drafted.

And workouts, they matter, they don't tell you the whole story, but first, workouts do not typically happen in an empty gym. Teams bring in players and they work against other players in the draft, and players from the team. To say those workouts do not tell you anything is WAY overstatement.

I really want to believe in Bamba but I'm scared of another Len situation. I mean if we have #4 and it's either Young or Bamba I'd have to go with Young because he seems much much more a sure thing.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I really want to believe in Bamba but I'm scared of another Len situation. I mean if we have #4 and it's either Young or Bamba I'd have to go with Young because he seems much much more a sure thing.

Right now, at this moment, I probably go with Young too. But I think I would go Bamba over JJJr and maybe even Bagley.

My top 4 is probably Ayton, Doncic, Young, Bamba.

 

[Errntknght]

It is ironic that not moving around at the college level and "sleeper" may or may not have similar meanings.

How would a team find out before draft day if a college player is capable of making the transition to today's NBA?

One thing that does give you an idea about that is what he's doing during this slack time before the draft. According to an article post in the 'Draft Prospect Watch' thread, Bomba is working all day, every day with a coach, a trainer and a dietician to get himself ready. And playing chess to relax.

 

[pokerface]

Right now, at this moment, I probably go with Young too. But I think I would go Bamba over JJJr and maybe even Bagley.

My top 4 is probably Ayton, Doncic, Young, Bamba.

Actually it sounds reasonable. I have concerns over Bagley...but I have concerns over Bamba too.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Actually it sounds reasonable. I have concerns over Bagley...but I have concerns over Bamba too.

Yeah. We argue a lot, but it is over small differences sometimes.

I would not take Doncic over Ayton. But I would consider Doncic at #2.
I would not take JJJr over Bamba. But I would take Young over Bamba.

 

[Mainstreet]

I think Jared Jackson Jr. can be the whole package as a big man after Ayton. It is hard to project how ready he will be for the NBA as he still is only 18.

I don't have JJJ in my top four but he really could be one of the best big men in the draft. I'm thinking a lot of teams are going to be sorry if they pass on him.

 

[Phrazbit]

I just don't see it. People like Givony rip him for not jogging off the court when he is subbed out. That is just stupid. Does LeBron do that? How about Chuck or Devin or anyone? He stands around because his job in that defense and offense was to protect the rim and catch lobs, which he can do without having to work to get open. He doesn't have to juke and jive to get open, he can just stand there and reach up and grab it. To move around like other players is pointless at the college level.

To me, Mo Bamba is the big sleeper of this draft. He will be on the court A LOT, wherever he is drafted.

And workouts, they matter, they don't tell you the whole story, but first, workouts do not typically happen in an empty gym. Teams bring in players and they work against other players in the draft, and players from the team. To say those workouts do not tell you anything is WAY overstatement.

Well... I also just don't see what you're seeing. The guy that played center for Texas last year, that guy who's intensity varied wildly and was offensively impotent unless gift wrapped baskets... he is anything but a lock to contribute early in his career.

As far as workouts go, they're not totally pointless, I think it is the chance for coaches to gauge a player's personality, but I think they're completely worthless if you're trying to assess their ability.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I think Jared Jackson Jr. can be the whole package as a big man after Ayton. It is hard to project how ready he will be for the NBA as he still is only 18.

I don't have JJJ in my top four but he really could be one of the best big men in the draft. I'm thinking a lot of teams are going to be sorry if they pass on him.

If he becomes the "whole package", he'll be better than Ayton IMO. I just don't know if he's the real deal or if his limited minutes hides more weaknesses than excessive fouling.

 

[Cheesebeef]

If he becomes the "whole package", he'll be better than Ayton IMO. I just don't know if he's the real deal or if his limited minutes hides more weaknesses than excessive fouling.

I’m with ya here.

 

[Phrazbit]

If he becomes the "whole package", he'll be better than Ayton IMO. I just don't know if he's the real deal or if his limited minutes hides more weaknesses than excessive fouling.

Yeah, but I think his floor is Chriss with good D and a more respectable 3pt shot... but that fouls too often to rely heavily on.

What I like about JJJ is that he tries to do too much. I'd much rather that problem than the bigs who seem to turn invisible for stretches.

 

[Mainstreet]

If he becomes the "whole package", he'll be better than Ayton IMO. I just don't know if he's the real deal or if his limited minutes hides more weaknesses than excessive fouling.

As I said it's hard to know. However, if the Suns selected him after the first pick I would not be banging by head against the wall. The Suns would need to add a veteran center while he develops if he projects to play this position.

The beauty is he may be able to play the 4/5.

However, the Suns may opt for a more NBA ready player. I can see JJJ being a better player than Bamba.

 

[Folster]

Clint who?

 

[Hoop Head]

Who still wants to offer Capella the max? I'm glad the Suns won't need to do this, or they shouldn't need to because they'll have Ayton. Ayton's floor should be putting up numbers similar to Capella now. He's not the same rim protector but offensively he brings so much more to the table. The idea of paying Capella max money worried me, quite a bit. I know they could go with Doncic and still pursue Capella but that would be foolish. They could have a better Center locked in for about 1/3 of the price of Capella for the next 4 years who produces much more by taking Ayton and not needing to worry about another team matching and spoiling their plans.

 

[Evil Ash]

Who still wants to offer Capella the max? I'm glad the Suns won't need to do this, or they shouldn't need to because they'll have Ayton. Ayton's floor should be putting up numbers similar to Capella now. He's not the same rim protector but offensively he brings so much more to the table. The idea of paying Capella max money worried me, quite a bit. I know they could go with Doncic and still pursue Capella but that would be foolish. They could have a better Center locked in for about 1/3 of the price of Capella for the next 4 years who produces much more by taking Ayton and not needing to worry about another team matching and spoiling their plans.

Like I brought up in another thread. There are lots of options to fix the pg position. Big men, not so much.

Getting ayton fixes many issues at once

 

[GatorAZ]

Who still wants to offer Capella the max? I'm glad the Suns won't need to do this, or they shouldn't need to because they'll have Ayton. Ayton's floor should be putting up numbers similar to Capella now. He's not the same rim protector but offensively he brings so much more to the table. The idea of paying Capella max money worried me, quite a bit. I know they could go with Doncic and still pursue Capella but that would be foolish. They could have a better Center locked in for about 1/3 of the price of Capella for the next 4 years who produces much more by taking Ayton and not needing to worry about another team matching and spoiling their plans.

I can’t believe how much time we wasted talking about Capela. The Rockets are starting Trevor Ariza at PF. They aren’t trading or not matching Capela lol.

Well I guess I just wasted more time talking about it.

 

[Hoop Head]

I thought I'd look at Houston's salary situation to see if they'd give up Ryan Anderson for peanuts since they'll need to clear cap space but he's set to make $42 million over the next 2 seasons. If he was only on the books for next season I'd try getting him for either of our 2nd round picks because that would allow them to avoid the luxury tax and he'd be a solid stretch 4 for a year or two for us but not at that price.

Luc Mbah a Moute is an unrestricted free agent who could be a decent acquisition for the Suns to play the 4, depending on the price. He's someone I can't see staying in Houston because of their cap situation. He shot 36.8% from 3 this year.