Suns @ Rockets Tuesday game thread 12-13-2022

[95pro]

We’re spending 60 million dollars a year on two role players moving forward.

That’s not good for a team that needs major upgrades.

This team would have had a really bright future if just one of their two lottery picks in a loaded draft in 2020 ended up a star. Instead they got two roles, but still paid them like stars.

I think the problem isn't those two "role players". Its the "star" that we are paying 28.5M this year who's just about done with his career. Doesn't want to or can't shoot. Slow on defense and can't use his quickness he used to have on defense anymore.

Bridges contract isn't horrible nor is it great, more like 15-18M would be better. This season his defense sucks. He just too damn soft attacking (when he does) the rim. He just too weak to deal with anyone bigger than him.

Ayton may get a pass, by default, as he's the only big guy we have who is our only defense at long teams like the Pelicans and Bucks.

These two role players happen to be our best defenders imo but just can't create their own shot.

Crowder, Shamet and Saric are eating up 30M combined and provide squat, that's another issue right now too.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I think the problem isn't those two "role players". Its the "star" that we are paying 28.5M this year who's just about done with his career. Doesn't want to or can't shoot. Slow on defense and can't use his quickness he used to have on defense anymore.

Bridges contract isn't horrible nor is it great, more like 15-18M would be better. This season his defense sucks. He just too damn soft attacking (when he does) the rim. He just too weak to deal with anyone bigger than him.

Ayton may get a pass, by default, as he's the only big guy we have who is our only defense at long teams like the Pelicans and Bucks.

These two role players happen to be our best defenders imo but just can't create their own shot.

Crowder, Shamet and Saric are eating up 30M combined and provide squat, that's another issue right now too.

Man I never want to watch shamet

 

[Proximo]

No one would make this argument if Bridges was a legit threat to create and have the ability to be a consistent 20 ppg scorer.

Nobody is saying he is a consistent 20 PPG scorer now - he clearly isn't currently.

We are saying he can become one if given the opportunity consistently.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Nobody is saying he is a consistent 20 PPG scorer now - he clearly isn't currently.

We are saying he can become one if given the opportunity consistently.

Which is contrary to any statistical or anecdotal evidence.

 

[Chaplin]

Nobody is saying he is a consistent 20 PPG scorer now - he clearly isn't currently.

We are saying he can become one if given the opportunity consistently.

And tell me, what opportunity hasn't he gotten? I mean, it's not like he's missed any games. And even with a distributor like Chris Paul, he still isn't making himself available on a game-to-game basis.

I despise the "if given the opportunity" excuse. It was used for years to describe Ayton, now it's being used to describe Mikal, as if that is a good reason not to include him in possible trade scenarios.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

And tell me, what opportunity hasn't he gotten? I mean, it's not like he's missed any games. And even with a distributor like Chris Paul, he still isn't making himself available on a game-to-game basis.

I despise the "if given the opportunity" excuse. It was used for years to describe Ayton, now it's being used to describe Mikal, as if that is a good reason not to include him in possible trade scenarios.

Right. We have had three of our top 10 scorers out most of the season and he still isn’t averaging 20. Not even close to it. He’s had nothing but opportunity this season.

 

[Covert Rain]

I think on a great team Bridges is a perfect fit. On a team with a bunch of inconsistent role players? No.

 

[95pro]

And tell me, what opportunity hasn't he gotten? I mean, it's not like he's missed any games. And even with a distributor like Chris Paul, he still isn't making himself available on a game-to-game basis.

I despise the "if given the opportunity" excuse. It was used for years to describe Ayton, now it's being used to describe Mikal, as if that is a good reason not to include him in possible trade scenarios.

He's played the most minutes per game, and hasn't missed a game in a while, so there's that much opportunity.

His "growth" is incremental, has he added a few new skills like dribbling the ball up the court, yes. But have those new skills translate into more impact without either an open 3 or open lane, no.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

He's played the most minutes per game, and hasn't missed a game in a while, so there's that much opportunity.

His "growth" is incremental, has he added a few new skills like dribbling the ball up the court, yes. But have those new skills translate into more impact without either an open 3 or open lane, no.

“Like dribbling the ball up the court.” Lol. You made me snort out loud.

 

[Mainstreet]

No one would make this argument if Bridges was a legit threat to create and have the ability to be a consistent 20 ppg scorer.

I never thought Bridges was in the star category. Yes, he is a good, well rounded player but not a star.

 

[Mainstreet]

My brother and I were just talking about this. Every time the Suns have been close, at the time you don't think that's it or imagine how quickly it can unravel. Which is why if you get a chance to pull off a show stopping trade (risk or not), you have to do it. You never know when it's over.

Too bad James Jones didn't realize it the last two seasons. Or perhaps he did, but he was never given a free rein.

The window looks like it is about ready to close unless he pulls a rabbit or two out of his hat.

 

[Yuma]

I think there are two windows. One with CP3, and one after CP3. I think things change again after CP3. We have mostly young guys aside from him. One thing I think James Jones needs to look at, is we are losing to more athletic teams. When we finally fill the PG and PF positions, they need to be long athletic guys like the dudes that have been causing us all the problems. Gordon last night just looked like and old guy like CP3. I hope we are not trading for him.

 

[Phrazbit]

We're going to need to use CP3's option heavy contract and Shamet's deal and a butt load of draft capital to land a star this summer.

Of the potentially available, SGA would have the most appeal. Age in line with the rest of the core and, obviously, crazy talented. Lets hope the Thunder get the hots for some college guard and decide to dangle SGA, he doesn't really fit with their timeline of drafting 5 first round picks, per season, for the next decade anyway.

 

[Carolinacacti]

“Like dribbling the ball up the court.” Lol. You made me snort out loud.

Mikal's not that bad but after that last game I'm not backing him anymore............