Sun's vs Trailblazers (Preseason) 10/3

[Hoop Head]

I don't see Bender as a Center, I get why people pencil him in there but he's much more of a Forward, sort of a combo forward at that, which is fine for today's NBA. He doesn't have the strength to be a Center down low on defense. Maybe Center by committee, with Bender & Chriss playing together to cover the paint, but neither is a very good rebounder.

 

[Superbone]

The kid is only 19 years old. He’s going to fill out. Let’s give him a little time before we say what he can and can’t do.

 

[Carolinacacti]

Bledsoe only played 15min. but boy did he look good. Suns big three Bled, Book and Warren. Is it enough to win?

 

[pokerface]

I don't see Bender as a Center, I get why people pencil him in there but he's much more of a Forward, sort of a combo forward at that, which is fine for today's NBA. He doesn't have the strength to be a Center down low on defense. Maybe Center by committee, with Bender & Chriss playing together to cover the paint, but neither is a very good rebounder.

For right now I agree with that. He's only penciled in for that because of his height and because we're lacking at center. Plus I don't know if he's a "defender" per say. But right now he's not a lot of stuff because he's so raw.

 

[pokerface]

Bledsoe only played 15min. but boy did he look good. Suns big three Bled, Book and Warren. Is it enough to win?

Not in the west it isn't

 

[SirStefan32]

Depends on what you mean by "win." It's good enough to win some games, but if they are going to make playoffs, they will need others to step up. If the Suns end up in playoffs, it will be because the second unit steps up and ends up being the best in the league. I was really optimistic that would happen before Reed and Williams got hurt. Perhaps Len and Daniels will step up?

 

[Finito]

I think it's a big year for Chriss. I really didn't like what I seen in summer league not just the body but him pouting and hanging his head everytime something happened that he didn't like.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I watched the game. As he matures I believe JJ is going to be incredible. He could be our #1 eventually. Would still like to see more consistency from Booker. Chriss still looks lost. Benders shot is incredibly flat but he looks like he's got nice bball IQ. The new kid can definitely drain threes which we desperately need. Warren looked good. Actually played defense.

But from a macro perspective our regulars were totally outplayed by their regulars. We won this game with our deep bench beating their deep bench. This team has a long way to go.

 

[overseascardfan]

Bledsoe only played 15min. but boy did he look good. Suns big three Bled, Book and Warren. Is it enough to win?

If they can stay off the injured list, they'll at least put up some points. Can they play enough defense to win is the question.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Anyone going to give Len some credit. 14 and 14 all in the second half, which also coincided with the team coming back.

I do not see why Chandler is starting. Len has his issues but he is still our best center, especially if he doesn't try to be a stretch 5.

 

[Chaplin]

Anyone going to give Len some credit. 14 and 14 all in the second half, which also coincided with the team coming back.

I do not see why Chandler is starting. Len has his issues but he is still our best center, especially if he doesn't try to be a stretch 5.

Defense.

 

[Hoop Head]

Anyone going to give Len some credit. 14 and 14 all in the second half, which also coincided with the team coming back.

I do not see why Chandler is starting. Len has his issues but he is still our best center, especially if he doesn't try to be a stretch 5.

I'm fine with starting Len and seeing how things happen but I think we need to move Chandler first. Start Chandler until we can move him, benching him for Len right now won't help us find anyone to take Chandler and the final 2 years of his contract. However I wouldn't be looking at Len as our best Center yet, wait to see how he performs in his game. Consistency is one of his biggest flaws.

 

[Phrazbit]

Anyone going to give Len some credit. 14 and 14 all in the second half, which also coincided with the team coming back.

I do not see why Chandler is starting. Len has his issues but he is still our best center, especially if he doesn't try to be a stretch 5.

Because one half of one game vs 2nd and 3rd string players does not wipe out that only Knight had a worse on court impact than Len last year. Chandler was worlds better.

 

[pokerface]

I'm fine with starting Len and seeing how things happen but I think we need to move Chandler first. Start Chandler until we can move him, benching him for Len right now won't help us find anyone to take Chandler and the final 2 years of his contract. However I wouldn't be looking at Len as our best Center yet, wait to see how he performs in his game. Consistency is one of his biggest flaws.

Yeah we need to move Chandler period. He doesn't fit in with our future.

And Kingdad is absolutely right that consistency is one of Lens biggest flaws. I'm one of Lens biggest detractors but I even won't deny he looks good at times and can string some impressive stats...at times. But a part time center isn't what we want..

But hey... dump Chandler and make Len full time. He tanks our team or impresses us . Either way we end up with a center we want!

 

[BC867]

The kid is only 19 years old. He’s going to fill out. Let’s give him a little time before we say what he can and can’t do.

Wouldn't it make more sense for his development if he doesn't play down low until he fills out? By then his confidence might be shot. How could it not?

Let's face it. Suns management has failed miserably in covering the position and considering using young lightweights to make up for it.

In any endeavor, it is management's responsibility to put their people in a position to do the job well. Especially young, developing ones.

Management is desperate because of their lack of skill.

 

[pokerface]

Wouldn't it make more sense for his development if he doesn't play down low until he fills out? By then his confidence might be shot. How could it not?

I agree with this but it's kinda a double edge sword...Yeah he's definitely not ready for center and yeah it could hurt his confidence to play him there...but he's so raw that doesn't he need as much game time as possible to accelerate his development? I guess not at center though...

 

[Hoop Head]

We got Chandler and Len who are legit Centers, Bender can play against them in practice and if he can do ok there then Watson should try him there in games but if he doesn't do well up against them while practicing I'd rather not see him eaten alive by competition in actual games. This is something that Watson will need to figure out how to handle best.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

We got Chandler and Len who are legit Centers, Bender can play against them in practice and if he can do ok there then Watson should try him there in games but if he doesn't do well up against them while practicing I'd rather not see him eaten alive by competition in actual games. This is something that Watson will need to figure out how to handle best.

The name and avatar are a thing of beauty.

 

[Hoop Head]

The name and avatar are a thing of beauty.

Once I thought of making the avatar I was totally sold on the name.

 

[BC867]

We got Chandler and Len who are legit Centers, Bender can play against them in practice and if he can do ok there then Watson should try him there in games but if he doesn't do well up against them while practicing I'd rather not see him eaten alive by competition in actual games. This is something that Watson will need to figure out how to handle best.

OK. formerly kingdad. I'll be the first to say it. With your new avatar, I'll have to remember to not check the ASFN board right before, or after, eating. (I chose eek over the barf emoticon.)

 

[Hoop Head]

OK. formerly kingdad. I'll be the first to say it. With your new avatar, I'll have to remember to not check the ASFN board right before, or after, eating. (I chose eek over the barf emoticon.)

I went with the emoji on purpose, so as it's not too realistic, apologies in advance of any lost lunches.

 

[Superbone]

OK. formerly kingdad. I'll be the first to say it. With your new avatar, I'll have to remember to not check the ASFN board right before, or after, eating. (I chose eek over the barf emoticon.)

Imagine the emoticon speaking like Patrick Stewart and it might calm your bowels as he does voice the poop emoticon in the emoticon movie.