The roster as of this moment

[Cheesebeef]

I dunno, I think we're probably going to be picked to make the playoffs. Portland is going to be awful, I think the Mavs will be a mess too. Two playoff spots are open, safe to assume OKC will take one of them, the other... Suns... Jazz? Nuggets, Lakers, Kings and Twolves all look pitiful.

I feel like it's gonna be a dogfight between us and the Jazz and I think most people will pick the Jazz based on the strength of their play down the stretch last year when they went 18-8. Whether that translates to next season, who knows. Agree on the rest of the flotsum above.

 

[Phrazbit]

I feel like it's gonna be a dogfight between us and the Jazz and I think most people will pick the Jazz based on the strength of their play down the stretch last year when they went 18-8. Whether that translates to next season, who knows. Agree on the rest of the flotsum above.

Fair.

I think the roster this year is way more talented than they were in 2013/14, the question is Brandon Knight. If he and Bledsoe function as well as Bledsoe/Dragic then this team will be pretty damn good, probably good enough for the Jazz to not matter. But thats a big if.

And I know this is a non-consensus opinion but I don't think the Pelicans are a playoff lock. That is a one player team. Anthony Davis is crazy good but Gentry has his work cut out with the rest of that roster. They've repeated the same mistakes Cleveland did with LeBron in his first go around. In a rush to compete they've surrounded their superstar with questionable talent, paying a premium to do so.

I'd also throw in Memphis as a dark-horse to not make the playoffs. Not that I think they won't make it, but they've been static for quite a while now and I certainly don't think this offseason improved them.

 

[Chaplin]

I feel like it's gonna be a dogfight between us and the Jazz and I think most people will pick the Jazz based on the strength of their play down the stretch last year when they went 18-8. Whether that translates to next season, who knows. Agree on the rest of the flotsum above.

We've moved into new territory, and I don't think it's a stretch to say that this is going to be something we've never experienced--a strong defensive presence. You can't underestimate the presence of Tyson Chandler.

 

[Cheesebeef]

We've moved into new territory, and I don't think it's a stretch to say that this is going to be something we've never experienced--a strong defensive presence. You can't underestimate the presence of Tyson Chandler.

I don't underestimate that, but Chandler's missed an average of 20 games per season... something that usually doesn't get better with age. But hopefully our magical training camp can do for him what they did for Nash/Hill.

But even with that said, as much as we're going to be improved defensively, I fear our offense is going to struggle. Most of that fear is borne out not having a good handle on Knight and still not totally trusting the dual combo guard back-court.

 

[SirStefan32]

We've moved into new territory, and I don't think it's a stretch to say that this is going to be something we've never experienced--a strong defensive presence. You can't underestimate the presence of Tyson Chandler.

That's an excellent point. Chandler may not get huge numbers, but he will contribute more than anyone thinks he will. Last year, Suns were a different team when Len was in, and now, he will play behind the best defensive big in the league.

Additionally, there are some big question marks. We don't know how good Knight is or how well he will play next to Bledsoe. Sure, it may be a disaster, but they may end up being awesome.
We don't know how Teletovic is going to fit in. Same applies to Leuer.

If something doesn't work, they can trade. I really think they need to play well and make playoffs. It's easier to get good players when you have a solid base, and you are a playoff team.

 

[Cheesebeef]

That's an excellent point. Chandler may not get huge numbers, but he will contribute more than anyone thinks he will. Last year, Suns were a different team when Len was in, and now, he will play behind the best defensive big in the league.

Additionally, there are some big question marks. We don't know how good Knight is or how well he will play next to Bledsoe. Sure, it may be a disaster, but they may end up being awesome.
We don't know how Teletovic is going to fit in. Same applies to Leuer.

If something doesn't work, they can trade. I really think they need to play well and make playoffs. It's easier to get good players when you have a solid base, and you are a playoff team.

agree with this too.

 

[sunsfan88]

I don't underestimate that, but Chandler's missed an average of 20 games per season... something that usually doesn't get better with age. But hopefully our magical training camp can do for him what they did for Nash/Hill.

But even with that said, as much as we're going to be improved defensively, I fear our offense is going to struggle. Most of that fear is borne out not having a good handle on Knight and still not totally trusting the dual combo guard back-court.

It's gonna be a (pleasant) change to actually be good defensively while not so much offensively.

 

[Mainstreet]

It's gonna be a (pleasant) change to actually be good defensively while not so much offensively.

Maybe. However, I believe good defense can create offense too like at GS. I'm not making a direct comparison. I think the Suns PGs are going to create a lot of open shots with penetration if someone can knock those shots down.

 

[JS22]

sadly, it's probably a 9 seed... again, leaving us right where we've been for half a decade. That is unless the Knight/Bledsoe backcourt ends up being good and Len takes a major step forward.

At least this team isn't like the final year or two Nash teams. It would suck getting the #9 seed but at least they've got a young roster that has the potential to grow into something pretty good. Not a traditional treadmill team like some claim IMO.

 

[JCSunsfan]

OK. After watching summer league, I am fairly well convinced that Booker is going to move ahead of Archie in the rotation immediately. So, the guard rotation, in order of minutes will probably look like this:

Bledsoe, Knight, Weems, Booker, Archie, Price.

Hopefully Price doesn't move ahead of Archie.

The forward rotation in terms of minutes would be.

Kieff, PJ, TJ, Tele, Leuer (Weems may play some at F) I would not mind seeing Harrelson make the squad to play f/c.

Of course the center rotation will be Chandler, Len, with the minutes being fairly evenly split.

 

[Chaz]

Booker sure looks smart and poised.

Hard to tell what the rotation will look like prior to training camp.
Not even Hornacek knows for sure at this point.

 

[Joe Mama]

OK. After watching summer league, I am fairly well convinced that Booker is going to move ahead of Archie in the rotation immediately. So, the guard rotation, in order of minutes will probably look like this:

Bledsoe, Knight, Weems, Booker, Archie, Price.

Hopefully Price doesn't move ahead of Archie.

The forward rotation in terms of minutes would be.

Kieff, PJ, TJ, Tele, Leuer (Weems may play some at F) I would not mind seeing Harrelson make the squad to play f/c.

Of course the center rotation will be Chandler, Len, with the minutes being fairly evenly split.

really? I've only been watching these games out of the corner of my eye, but apart from a few three-pointers he hasn't done anything to excite me. I have really thought he would push for a bench spot or at least a camp invite. Maybe I'm just basing this on a few random possessions, but it seemed like opposing frontcourt players shot over him like he wasn't even there. He's big but he's got short arms… no reach.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I really like some of the lesser heralded acquisitions in Weems and Teletovic or whatever his name is. Anyone see that 34 point game he had 2013. I mean dude looked unstoppable. And he was injured last year. Could be a good strechh 4 off the bench. I like what I have read about Weems too.

Bledsoe/Weems/Knight
Knight/Booker/Goodwin
Warren/Tucker/Goodwin
Kieff/Teletovic/Leuer/Chandler
Chandler/Len

That provides some interesting combinations and much improved outside shooting. I predict a 6 or 7th seed for us this year if the chemistry is better and Kieff doesnt regress with Marcus gone. Warren/Booker/Len all NEED to take the next step too.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Here is the Youtube. I know i know its highlights but i got a little excited watching this as it looks like when hes on, hes Dirk light.

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Pass the Koolaid!

 

[Phrazbit]

The additions of him and Booker give the Suns some legit catch and shoot threats, something they lacked entirely last year. It makes the guards job MUCH easier when there are players like that keeping the defense from collapsing the interior.

 

[JCSunsfan]

The additions of him and Booker give the Suns some legit catch and shoot threats, something they lacked entirely last year. It makes the guards job MUCH easier when there are players like that keeping the defense from collapsing the interior.

Add two catch and shoot threats, actually three since Knight hardly played for the Suns last year. Then add another big to defend the rim and you have changed the chemistry dramatically.

 

[Chaz]

Looks like one (now two) spot(s) left for that 15th roster player.
Can Alec Brown earn it in Training Camp?
Maybe some other practice center.

I will be interested to see who the first guard off the bench is going to be.

Bledsoe/Price/???
Knight/Goodwin/Booker
Tucker/Warren/Weems
Morris/Teletovic/Leuer
Chandler/Len/?????

Edit: Looks like they waived McNeal today.
Based on Summer League Mike James had passed him.

 

[Errntknght]

I think Alec Brown can make it someday but I'd certainly add Harrellson to the training camp roster. I wish I'd watched him more closely but I did come away thinking he would give us more rebounding and defense and he may be the biggest 3pt threat of all the bigs. He and Mike James were the two I thought performed the best of the non-roster guys.

 

[Chaz]

I think Alec Brown can make it someday but I'd certainly add Harrellson to the training camp roster. I wish I'd watched him more closely but I did come away thinking he would give us more rebounding and defense and he may be the biggest 3pt threat of all the bigs. He and Mike James were the two I thought performed the best of the non-roster guys.

I really like Harrellson and James.
Brown seems like a long shot but I like his shot blocking potential and the idea of 3 legit 7' roster players. I imagine he will end up in Bakersfield.

Even if they make the team they will probably (hopefully) be inactive anyway.

IIRC 20 player positions available for Training camp.

 

[Mainstreet]

I believe Harrellson has a real chance to make the Suns roster but I would not be surprised if the Suns snag a player from another team's summer league roster to make it to 15. I'm fascinated by the depth on Houston's roster like Alan Williams who had 22 points and 21 rebounds last night against Philadelphia and the play of Montrezl Harrell.

Alec Brown as others have said is not ready.

 

[overseascardfan]

I believe Harrellson has a real chance to make the Suns roster but I would not be surprised if the Suns snag a player from another team's summer league roster to make it to 15. I'm fascinated by the depth on Houston's roster like Alan Williams who had 22 points and 21 rebounds last night against Philadelphia and the play of Montrezl Harrell.

Alec Brown as others have said is not ready.

Alan Williams is an underrated ****. This guy is a rebounding machine. Valley product who played at UCSB and put up some impressive numbers throughout his college career. If rebounding translates into NBA this guy should have been drafted. I would have been cool with taking a flyer on him in Round 2.

 

[slinslin]

I am sad we did not pick up Montrezl Harrell. Much rather have him than Leuer.

 

[Mainstreet]

I am sad we did not pick up Montrezl Harrell. Much rather have him than Leuer.

The thing is, Houston drafted Harrell at #32 and the Suns second round pick was not until #44 (which they traded for Leuer). So the Suns really never had a chance unless they had secured another draft pick earlier than #32.

However I'm with you, I would have liked for the Suns to get Harrell.

 

[JCSunsfan]

So comparing this summer to last year this time

C: Chandler, Len vs Len, Plumlee. Big improvement in defense, rebounding, saavy, even offense.

PF: Kieff, Randolf/Wright/Tolliver vs. Kieff, Teletovic, Leuer (Harrelson?). Better shooting, worse defensively. I really liked Wright. Call it a wash.

SF: PJ, Marcus, TJ, Green vs PJ, TJ, Weems. OK. I will call it an improvement. Addition by subtraction. TJ is ready to step up.

SG: Goran, Archie, Gerald, Zoran, Thornton, vs Knight, Weems, Booker. Hmm. Goran is a loss and I am not sure Knight makes up for it. Zoran and Thornton don't even count. Weems is probably an improvement over Gerald and Booker is a needed additional shooter. I will call it an improvement since Goran was not as good at sg as pg.

PG: Bledsoe, Thomas, Ennis vs Bledsoe, Price. Wow. The fact that Knight plays pg helps here. The advantage of this over last year is that the Suns just had too many players that would demand minutes. Have to call it a negative though until I see the results on the court.

Its really hard to figure. I know the center position is improved. Beyond that improvement is not really certain--its just different.

 

[Mainstreet]

So comparing this summer to last year this time

C: Chandler, Len vs Len, Plumlee. Big improvement in defense, rebounding, saavy, even offense.

Improvement.

PF: Kieff, Randolf/Wright/Tolliver vs. Kieff, Teletovic, Leuer (Harrelson?). Better shooting, worse defensively. I really liked Wright. Call it a wash.

Randolph did not help the Suns much. Tolliver and Wright were not good fits even though both have the talent to help another team. The Suns needed a backup center with more size and ability to hit the outside shot than Wright. IMO, Markieff plus Teletovic, Leuer and maybe Harrelson have the size and outside shot to help the Suns spread the court.

On paper, I call it an improvement.

SF: PJ, Marcus, TJ, Green vs PJ, TJ, Weems. OK. I will call it an improvement. Addition by subtraction. TJ is ready to step up.

I can understand the logic to call it addition by subtraction at SF with the trade of Marcus Morris. However, I'm not sure the Suns are improved at SF unless Warren steps up. PJ Tucker will play hard as usual. I'm hoping Archie can play some SF so he can get some minutes. Green would have been nice to keep for the money.

I call it a wash at SF for now.

SG: Goran, Archie, Gerald, Zoran, Thornton, vs Knight, Weems, Booker. Hmm. Goran is a loss and I am not sure Knight makes up for it. Zoran and Thornton don't even count. Weems is probably an improvement over Gerald and Booker is a needed additional shooter. I will call it an improvement since Goran was not as good at sg as pg.

Expecting Knight, Weems, Booker and Goodwin to be better than Dragic, Green and Archie is a tough call. Potentially they could be but nothing has been proven.

I will stick my neck out and call it an improvement.

PG: Bledsoe, Thomas, Ennis vs Bledsoe, Price. Wow. The fact that Knight plays pg helps here. The advantage of this over last year is that the Suns just had too many players that would demand minutes. Have to call it a negative though until I see the results on the court.

I saw Ennis as a non-factor last season. Thomas was good at PG, almost too good. He wanted to be a starter. I'm hoping the three PG rotation of Bledsoe, Knight and Price will be better because Price knows his role.

I will call PG a wash because the players should know their role.

Its really hard to figure. I know the center position is improved. Beyond that improvement is not really certain--its just different.

No argument here.

I think the Suns should be better at center, PF and guard. A lot depends if the Suns have improved their chemistry and how Markieff plays at PF.