Can't wait for the game tonight, not bothered one bit with Durant, Payne and Shamet riding the pine - on the contrary I'm quite delighted with the timing of tonight's scratches and all 3 should be ready to run soon
So I kinda see these next couple few games as the final auditions of Phoenix Got Talent
Shamet and Payne are already in the playoffs along with Okogie and along with our starters/regulars. Monty's already hinted only a select few will be added to the playoff crew. I, like many others wish he were willing to roll with a deeper entourage, but this post will be more about concentrating on tonight's internal match ups
T.J. Warren vs Darius Bazley
We already know what Tony Buckets can do (spark plug, can drain it when hot, active on offensive boards) we're just left to wonder if he can still do it, and on a consistent basis
Darius Bazley - people say he's long and he is, he's like Kevin Durant long. And apparently he is highly motivated to earn a spot on Monti's rotation. He isn't likely dropping 20+ on limited minutes like TJ might but it'll be interesting to see how Bazley and Biz defend and share the paint, and what he can contribute on offense
Both could have a large amount of playing time IF Monti is still window shopping AND because Durant isn't playing
Terrence Ross vs Damion Lee
You'd figure Damion Lee would already have his ticket stamped considering early in the season Damion Lee was early 2000's NBA Jams on fire. It seemed like the golden state certified acquisition couldn't miss. But that feels like an eternity ago and now we're all Janet Jackson singing what have you done for me lately. Dude just fell off
Terrence Ross tore it up in his Phoenix debut, unapologetically hitting every kind of shot EXCEPT for the 3 pointer lol. His energy was impressive. If you want a little more defense, and a bit more of an inside presence on offense you can get it at Ross. But how important is a small forward's ability to hit the 3 in Phoenix?
I think both match ups will be hard fought, I believe everyone knows what's at stake, and I hope all four ball out so hard Monty may have to rethink it and be open to extending our options come playoff time
