Suns updates and discussion for the 2021-22 season

[Chaplin]

This Suns team is a lot different than the SSOL teams.

A couple of similarities though are the emphasis on ball movement and spreading the court. How I wish the D'Antoni teams played more defense.

He also didn't play more than 7 guys a game in the playoffs. Here we can conceivably go 12 deep in any given game and 10 deep in the playoffs. Easily.

 

[Mainstreet]

Without looking it up, Monty seems content to play about eight players in a playoff game unless fouls or injuries dictate otherwise.

Frank Kaminsky had trouble getting minutes against the Bucks in the Finals.

 

[JCSunsfan]

He also didn't play more than 7 guys a game in the playoffs. Here we can conceivably go 12 deep in any given game and 10 deep in the playoffs. Easily.

Yep. The defense, team game, depth, it all makes it possible to win games even when shooting is off, calls aren't going your way, or even if you run into a very hot player. It should be even more effective in the ugly playoffs.

 

[Mainstreet]

Kevin Zimmerman at Arizona Sports writes an article that include 64 moments that helped define and shape the current Suns.

It's worth a look as it helps recap some key moments.

64 moments that shaped the Phoenix Suns' 64-win season

Here is one sentence on 64 moments spanning the clock ticking to 0:00 in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals until the regular-season finale.

arizonasports.com

 

[AzStevenCal]

He also didn't play more than 7 guys a game in the playoffs. Here we can conceivably go 12 deep in any given game and 10 deep in the playoffs. Easily.

He overplayed the top 3 or 4 players and underplayed the 8th and 9th guys but it wasn't strictly 7 players. Regardless of the numbers, he shortened the bench considerably and never adapted to the extra strain the long season/long playoffs had on the players compared to the Euro game he was acccustomed to.

 

[Bufalay]

I'm not sure if I am supposed to fill in the blank but here are a few:

a. If Chris Paul misses games like in the previous playoffs.
b. If Holiday can not effectively run the second unit.
c. Related to b, if Payton is forced to play.

Cam Payne is clearly the second best point guard on the team. The Suns are unlikely to advance far without him.

"a" is the correct choice, I just didn't want to be the one to say it.

 

[Ronin]

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[Mainstreet]

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YES!!! Monty earned Coach of the Year last season as well.

 

[Mainstreet]

Now Monty needs to get the NBA Coach of the Year award.

 

[Ronin]

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[Phrazbit]

Phoenix Suns NBA stats and data from 82games.com

Phoenix Suns, NBA player and team stats including plus/minus data and best five man units

www.82games.com

Great in depth site with rotational break downs and on court off court splits.

This squad is nuts, they dominate with almost anyone on the court. Bridges impact stands out especially, he is the only player that we really have anyl struggle when they are OFF the court, barely out scoring the opposition when he rests.

There is only one player, out of the guys with any notable playing time, who we get beat when they are ON the court and, no surprise, it is Payton. No one else even sniffs neutral ground, while Payton is at -3.1 per 100. For comparison, Aaron Holiday is at +6.3.

Some other interesting notes. We play play well with McGee in but much better with Ayton in, especially offensively. However, we rebound far better with McGee on the court.

Booker's eFG% in the clutch is an insane 65.7%. For comparison: Morant 44%, Giannis 53%, Doncic 53%, Durant 46%, Jokic 50%.

I will concede, Jokic is a monster. Denver is pretty damn good with him on the court, any time he rests they are a dumpster fire.

 

[Mainstreet]

Too bad the Suns couldn't find a way to add Lundberg to the playoff roster.

 

[Proximo]

Too bad the Suns couldn't find a way to add Lundberg to the playoff roster.

Really, why do you feel this way? He looked pretty bad to me in his limited time.

If we are at the point we are playing him in the playoffs we would be in big trouble.

 

[Mainstreet]

Really, why do you feel this way? He looked pretty bad to me in his limited time.

If we are at the point we are playing him in the playoffs we would be in big trouble.

When I see Gabriel Lundberg I see untapped potential. Hopefully he will get the opportunity to make the roster this summer or in training camp. I wouldn't mind another two-way contract either.

Against the Kings in 27 minutes he had 10 points (4-13), 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 0 turnovers.

I saw enough for me to want to see much more.

If the Suns are forced to play Payton significant minutes in the playoffs they are in trouble as well.

 

[Covert Rain]

Really, why do you feel this way? He looked pretty bad to me in his limited time.

If we are at the point we are playing him in the playoffs we would be in big trouble.

We didn't see enough of him by a long shot. He likely doesn't even feel comfortable in the system yet still learning it. We are getting NOTHING from Payton. I would have preferred to give this guy a shot.

 

[Finito]

Really, why do you feel this way? He looked pretty bad to me in his limited time.

If we are at the point we are playing him in the playoffs we would be in big trouble.

I don’t think he loves Iffe that much it’s more of an Iffe over Elf thing

 

[Mainstreet]

I don’t think he loves Iffe that much it’s more of an Iffe over Elf thing

Admittedly I'm intrigued by Iffe. I want to see more. Competing with Elfrid only makes it easier.

Anyway, Payton won't make the roster next season. Lundberg has a chance.

 

[Finito]

Admittedly I'm intrigued by Iffe. I want to see more. Competing with Elfrid only makes it easier.

Anyway, Payton won't make the roster next season. Lundberg has a chance.

Next year it should be
Paul
Payne
Holiday

 

[Mainstreet]

Next year it should be
Paul
Payne
Holiday

I agree but I think the Suns will carry four point guards and/or maybe one on a two-way contract. There is an opening for Iffe if he shows something.

Also Holiday is a RFA on a $5,791,701 contract next season. Do the Suns match? I hope so but you never know.

 

[capologist]

Now Monty needs to get the NBA Coach of the Year award.

The NBCA award is probably the more meaningful one, even though it gets less attention.

 

[AzStevenCal]

The NBCA award is probably the more meaningful one, even though it gets less attention.

Yeah it's the one that should really matter - it doesn't but it should.

 

[Mainstreet]

The NBCA award is probably the more meaningful one, even though it gets less attention.

I think so. There is probably an atmosphere that wants to split the award.

IMO, Monty is more deserving of the NBA Award (media) and he is 50. Jenkins should have more opportunities at 37.

 

[Chaplin]

We didn't see enough of him by a long shot. He likely doesn't even feel comfortable in the system yet still learning it. We are getting NOTHING from Payton. I would have preferred to give this guy a shot.

I agree. In a perfect world, Payton or Iffe wouldn't see a minute of playing time in the playoffs (unless there is a blowout). So not having him isn't a big loss.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Really, why do you feel this way? He looked pretty bad to me in his limited time.

If we are at the point we are playing him in the playoffs we would be in big trouble.

Agree. He’s (a) not ready to play against the nba’s best; and (b) isn’t fast, big, or athletic. His shooting looks okay and his vision looks okay. But we aren’t losing anything leaving him off the roster.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

When I see Gabriel Lundberg I see untapped potential. Hopefully he will get the opportunity to make the roster this summer or in training camp. I wouldn't mind another two-way contract either.

Against the Kings in 27 minutes he had 10 points (4-13), 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 0 turnovers.

I saw enough for me to want to see much more.

If the Suns are forced to play Payton significant minutes in the playoffs they are in trouble as well.

That’s a very Elfrid like game line in 27 minutes against a bad team.