Suns sign Barbosa

[Mainstreet]

Yeah he said that near the end of the season. And I think Watson's been pretty clear on this too, he'll start whoever he believes gives the team the best chance.

We shall see how it plays out. If Knight comes off the bench, I don't think he will be happy. This could lead to a trade later on. Hopefully Watson can get him to buy into this role if necessary.

 

[Mainstreet]

I truly hope they don't start him just because they want to make him happy. That is just a bad idea IMO. You only start him if you believe it makes sense for basketball reasons. If Knight can't handle being 6th man than you start actively looking for a trade.

It will be intriguing how the roles of the guards evolve. I agree, Knight could be a good 6th man.

 

[JCSunsfan]

We shall see how it plays out. If Knight comes off the bench, I don't think he will be happy. This could lead to a trade later on. Hopefully Watson can get him to buy into this role if necessary.

If Knight comes off the bench, he will have a green light to gun it. If he gets decent minutes off the bench, he could be a big-time 6th man scorer, which could be good for the Suns or good in a trade. Knight against the other team's bench just makes Knight look better--hopefully.

If Knight is teamed up with Ulis, Ulis will be able to get him the ball in places to score. Knight would be very hard to keep up with off the ball. We will see how Watson does on selling Knight on this concept. It could greatly improve Knight's career.

 

[AzStevenCal]

We shall see how it plays out. If Knight comes off the bench, I don't think he will be happy. This could lead to a trade later on. Hopefully Watson can get him to buy into this role if necessary.

I seem to recall Watson responding to a loaded question about this and his answer was basically - he's a smart guy and he'll do what's best for the team.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I seem to recall Watson responding to a loaded question about this and his answer was basically - he's a smart guy and he'll do what's best for the team.

I think this is probably true. The closest thing to a negative comment Knight has ever said was the "I do not expect my role to change" comment. Not sure what he could have said that could have been better. Maybe he could have said "I will do whatever is necessary for our team to win" but that would have sounded like he was conceding the starting position to Booker. True competitors don't usually do that. He also had to come up with an answer on the spot.

I am really not expecting disruptiveness from Knight. If he is getting his minutes and being effective, I think he will be happy. Maybe?

 

[AzStevenCal]

I think this is probably true. The closest thing to a negative comment Knight has ever said was the "I do not expect my role to change" comment. Not sure what he could have said that could have been better. Maybe he could have said "I will do whatever is necessary for our team to win" but that would have sounded like he was conceding the starting position to Booker. True competitors don't usually do that. He also had to come up with an answer on the spot.

I am really not expecting disruptiveness from Knight. If he is getting his minutes and being effective, I think he will be happy. Maybe?

Yeah, I'm just going to assume he understands and values the concept of team until he gives us a reason believe otherwise. There is something about him personally that I find unsettling but it's probably nothing more than the fact he seems distant, aloof.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

I seem to recall Watson responding to a loaded question about this and his answer was basically - he's a smart guy and he'll do what's best for the team.

Yep, can't have players dictating their roles - that's for FO/coach to decide, and players to accept. The Suns have been far too willing to let the players dictate their roles, which is part of the reason we're in the mess we are now.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

If Knight comes off the bench, he will have a green light to gun it. If he gets decent minutes off the bench, he could be a big-time 6th man scorer, which could be good for the Suns or good in a trade. Knight against the other team's bench just makes Knight look better--hopefully.

If Knight is teamed up with Ulis, Ulis will be able to get him the ball in places to score. Knight would be very hard to keep up with off the ball. We will see how Watson does on selling Knight on this concept. It could greatly improve Knight's career.

These are my thoughts exactly. It would be great for Knights career.

 

[Mainstreet]

If Knight comes off the bench, he will have a green light to gun it. If he gets decent minutes off the bench, he could be a big-time 6th man scorer, which could be good for the Suns or good in a trade. Knight against the other team's bench just makes Knight look better--hopefully.

If Knight is teamed up with Ulis, Ulis will be able to get him the ball in places to score. Knight would be very hard to keep up with off the ball. We will see how Watson does on selling Knight on this concept. It could greatly improve Knight's career.

As long as Knight or Booker are willing to come off the bench for the Suns, I think it will work. Both could be very good at this. What I like about Knight coming of the bench (as you note) is his explosive ability to score especially against opposing bench players.

 

[Mainstreet]

I seem to recall Watson responding to a loaded question about this and his answer was basically - he's a smart guy and he'll do what's best for the team.

Let's hope Knight is a smart unselfish guy.

 

[devilalum]

Yep, can't have players dictating their roles - that's for FO/coach to decide, and players to accept. The Suns have been far too willing to let the players dictate their roles, which is part of the reason we're in the mess we are now.

3 years ago they let Bled have his way because he was a free agent. 2 years ago they did the same for Knight. Last year they just played whoever was dressed.

Maybe this year they can stay healthy and actually develop roles. IMO this will work itself out if everybody stays healthy.

sent from a fone

 

[JCSunsfan]

Let's hope Knight is a smart unselfish guy.

The alternative might be Booker coming off the bench as a super sub. Giving him the green light against everyone else's subs and getting fed by Ulic could have the same impact upon him. I would prefer to see Booker start and Knight come off the bench, but it is not going to be a bad thing for the bench guy either way. I just think Knight is a big more explosive and may be more impactful off the bench.

 

[Carolinacacti]

Last year the closest thing the Suns had to a 6th man was Warren and Miza. Warren better be starting so someone has to come off the bench.

 

[Mainstreet]

The alternative might be Booker coming off the bench as a super sub. Giving him the green light against everyone else's subs and getting fed by Ulic could have the same impact upon him. I would prefer to see Booker start and Knight come off the bench, but it is not going to be a bad thing for the bench guy either way. I just think Knight is a big more explosive and may be more impactful off the bench.

I agree that Knight might be the more explosive player coming off the bench (when he is on), although I think Booker would be the more consistent coming off the bench or starting.

 

[Hoop Head]

If Knight comes off the bench, he will have a green light to gun it. If he gets decent minutes off the bench, he could be a big-time 6th man scorer, which could be good for the Suns or good in a trade. Knight against the other team's bench just makes Knight look better--hopefully.

If Knight is teamed up with Ulis, Ulis will be able to get him the ball in places to score. Knight would be very hard to keep up with off the ball. We will see how Watson does on selling Knight on this concept. It could greatly improve Knight's career.

I see people say that guys like Knight should be better coming off the bench because they'll be playing against the other teams 2nd unit or bench and that's just not true in today's NBA. Most coaches only use a 8-9 person rotation, especially when the game is close, which leaves at least 1 starter on the floor at all times. True franchise players like Lebron, Durant, Curry, Harden, etc all play around 40 minutes a game also. Substitution patterns aren't the same for each team or with each coach. There is no guarantee that bringing a player off of the bench means he'll mostly be against the other teams bench players. If it were that easy then more teams would exploit that and players would be more willing to come off of the bench to play against inferior competition. I think bench players, especially guards used in a 6th man type of roles like Jamal Crawford, Ginobili, or Jason Terry get a green light because they're brought in as instant offense to give teams a spark when some fatigue starts coming into play. Bench players have a role, just like starters do, and that's usually as instant offense or to provide an offensive spark.

 

[sunsfan88]

Booker actually moves well without the ball and knows how to play off ball. Thing with going with a Knight/Bledsoe backcourt is that it's going to be just ISO all the time and it's not good to start games like that.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Booker actually moves well without the ball and knows how to play off ball. Thing with going with a Knight/Bledsoe backcourt is that it's going to be just ISO all the time and it's not good to start games like that.

I don't think it's written in stone they have to play like that. And there's nothing wrong with driving and kicking like Bledsoe does as long as he doesn't return to the jump in the air, turn around and look for an option maneuver that has worked so poorly for him in the past.

But I don't think it matters anyway. The last interview I heard from Watson came across like he'd already decided to start Booker even if Knight outplays him. He didn't actually say those words but the message seemed clear to me. He wants Knight to accept the "Ginobili role" and I think we'll all be happier if he comes off the bench.

 

[Mainstreet]

The Suns have extended the deadline guarantee date for John Jenkins and even have considered bringing back Ronnie Price. Either the Suns are very indecisive or perhaps they are still looking at trade options. The Suns cannot carry this many guards which is obvious.

The Suns avoided a difficult decision on guard John Jenkins' status by delaying his contract guarantee date until October.

Jenkins' $1.05 million 2016-17 salary was going to become guaranteed Monday if he was not waived but the Suns now plan to bring Jenkins, 25, to training camp in Flagstaff. Jenkins has sat courtside for each of the Suns' NBA Summer League games in Las Vegas.

The Suns backcourt is deep now that Leandro Barbosa has agreed to terms to join Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker, Archie Goodwin, Brandon Knight, Tyler Ulis and Jenkins. The Suns also have considered bringing back Ronnie Price.

The Suns claimed Jenkins off waivers in February after Dallas let him go in his fourth season. Jenkins played 22 games for Phoenix, averaging 5.0 points in 13.0 minutes per game with 40.6 percent 3-point shooting (13 for 32).

The quote is taken from a Paul Coro article written today.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...-pro-experience-helps-summer-league/86931436/

 

[Hoop Head]

I don't like the idea of bringing Jenkins back in mainly because there is already a bunch of young and developing guards on the roster. There isn't room to develop another young guard. Him being at the Summer League games even though he's not playing shows some dedication to the team or at least it's players. Brining Price back though makes no sense since we have a plethora of guards already and at best he's a 3rd string PG. He's not a good shooter or that good of a PG, he's 33 but he's been a career backup who has played really limited minutes so he's not even really a quality veteran.

I don't see what the hold up is on Jenkins. Not retaining him at this point would be another mark against this teams managements and how they treat players. I know he's far from a big name or even an established NBA player but holding onto him through free agency with all the contracts being thrown around just to release him right before training camp would be a dick move. Surely one of the guards won't be here at that point. I'm thinking that if they don't trade Bledsoe or Knight they'll probably unload Archie as a throw in to a larger trade or maybe just send him out for a 2nd round pick.

 

[Mainstreet]

I don't like the idea of bringing Jenkins back in mainly because there is already a bunch of young and developing guards on the roster. There isn't room to develop another young guard. Him being at the Summer League games even though he's not playing shows some dedication to the team or at least it's players. Brining Price back though makes no sense since we have a plethora of guards already and at best he's a 3rd string PG. He's not a good shooter or that good of a PG, he's 33 but he's been a career backup who has played really limited minutes so he's not even really a quality veteran.

I don't see what the hold up is on Jenkins. Not retaining him at this point would be another mark against this teams managements and how they treat players. I know he's far from a big name or even an established NBA player but holding onto him through free agency with all the contracts being thrown around just to release him right before training camp would be a dick move. Surely one of the guards won't be here at that point. I'm thinking that if they don't trade Bledsoe or Knight they'll probably unload Archie as a throw in to a larger trade or maybe just send him out for a 2nd round pick.

I don't think keeping Jenkins has anything to do with team image. He would probably be better off if the Suns released him Monday unless they want him for their D-League team or possibly a trade. I can't help but think the Suns want to tweak the guard position with all the bodies they have at this position.

IMO, obtaining Leandro Barbosa likely filled the need for another PG. So no to Price. If all goes well, Tyler Ulis will likely become the Suns backup PG behind Bledsoe.

 

[sunsfan88]

I don't think it's written in stone they have to play like that. And there's nothing wrong with driving and kicking like Bledsoe does as long as he doesn't return to the jump in the air, turn around and look for an option maneuver that has worked so poorly for him in the past.

But I don't think it matters anyway. The last interview I heard from Watson came across like he'd already decided to start Booker even if Knight outplays him. He didn't actually say those words but the message seemed clear to me. He wants Knight to accept the "Ginobili role" and I think we'll all be happier if he comes off the bench.

Ah that's probably the best news I've heard Suns related all summer.

 

[sunsfan88]

The Suns have extended the deadline guarantee date for John Jenkins and even have considered bringing back Ronnie Price. Either the Suns are very indecisive or perhaps they are still looking at trade options. The Suns cannot carry this many guards which is obvious.



The quote is taken from a Paul Coro article written today.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...-pro-experience-helps-summer-league/86931436/

I think Goodwin might be getting traded. He was absent in the Bledsoe workout camp and didn't come to summer league either for support. Might be a good option at this point, he's not gonna get any burn here and I don't think he'll be content with that...where as a guy like Jenkins is probably cool with DNPs and won't mind it as much.

Jenkins from all accounts seems like a good vet to have around and iirc, Rick Carslie especially recommended him to McD and I respect Carslie quite a bit.

I say resign Jenkins, let Price walk and trade Goodwin and our backcourt looks like

Bledsoe/Knight/Ulis
Booker/Barbosa/Jenkins

 

[Chaplin]

Goodwin will be a throw-in on any trade.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Waived more likely. All teams have to do is look at the Suns roster and wait.

 

[Mainstreet]

I think Goodwin might be getting traded. He was absent in the Bledsoe workout camp and didn't come to summer league either for support. Might be a good option at this point, he's not gonna get any burn here and I don't think he'll be content with that...where as a guy like Jenkins is probably cool with DNPs and won't mind it as much.

Jenkins from all accounts seems like a good vet to have around and iirc, Rick Carslie especially recommended him to McD and I respect Carslie quite a bit.

I say resign Jenkins, let Price walk and trade Goodwin and our backcourt looks like

Bledsoe/Knight/Ulis
Booker/Barbosa/Jenkins

It's hard to know what the Suns have in mind but it may be hard for Archie to get minutes so anything is possible. The Suns have extended the guarantee date on Jenkins so I think the Suns are looking at all their options. If the Suns are confident that Tyler Ulis can play backup PG they may go with the players they already have. Plus the Suns have Barbosa who can play some minutes at this position. Devin Booker also appears able to run the offense in stretches.

Ronnie Price has told the Suns he is signing elsewhere.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...er-ulis-leaves-big-2-way-mark-vegas/87040238/