What is the plan?

[Mainstreet]

I don't think this quote has been posted but it's been hinted about for a few months now. I'd go even further and say that we might trade it no matter how far it falls out of the first spot. Morant and a few others are nice projects but everyone mentioned other than Zion comes with big concerns IMO and we don't need any more of those.

I thought the Suns might trade their first round pick if they couldn't get Zion or Morant especially after listening to James Jones express the need for veterans. However, if Gambo has it right, I will be disappointed if they have already made this decision.

The Suns may not get the return they want on the pick. I hope the Suns have done their due diligence in scouting.

 

[Hoop Head]

I don't think this quote has been posted but it's been hinted about for a few months now. I'd go even further and say that we might trade it no matter how far it falls out of the first spot. Morant and a few others are nice projects but everyone mentioned other than Zion comes with big concerns IMO and we don't need any more of those.

I understand what you're saying but that idea runs counter to the theory that the front office is enamored with Ja. There were those reports a week or so back saying they viewed Ja ahead of Zion. That could be a smokescreen as far as creating value for the pick but I doubt that. If we can get Ja, we'll take him.

I don't want to get into debating the whole Ja over Zion thing again. I think that was covered well before. That's not why I'm mentioning that, just that I can't see the front office being open to dealing the pick if it's not #1.

 

[Mainstreet]

I understand what you're saying but that idea runs counter to the theory that the front office is enamored with Ja. There were those reports a week or so back saying they viewed Ja ahead of Zion. That could be a smokescreen as far as creating value for the pick but I doubt that. If we can get Ja, we'll take him.

I don't want to get into debating the whole Ja over Zion thing again. I think that was covered well before. That's not why I'm mentioning that, just that I can't see the front office being open to dealing the pick if it's not #1.

I do think the Suns will draft Morant, given the opportunity, if they miss on Zion.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I understand what you're saying but that idea runs counter to the theory that the front office is enamored with Ja. There were those reports a week or so back saying they viewed Ja ahead of Zion. That could be a smokescreen as far as creating value for the pick but I doubt that. If we can get Ja, we'll take him.

I don't want to get into debating the whole Ja over Zion thing again. I think that was covered well before. That's not why I'm mentioning that, just that I can't see the front office being open to dealing the pick if it's not #1.

It's my understanding that those reports were a misunderstanding. The guy they were quoting vehemently denies that he said anything of the sort and has constantly ridiculed those that took it that way. And IMO, if by some incredible chance that they accidentally got it right and our front office does prefer Morant, we're doomed regardless. There is no fix to that level of stupidity. I like Morant's potential but he might be a better bet to bust completely than he is for stardom. Zion will be a plus player even if he never takes one step further in his development.

For me this is one of those rare drafts where I have zero confidence in any player outside the number one pick. I'm sure there will be a few stars, a few more starters, some valuable role players and some deep bench guys from this class but identifying who falls into which group is beyond me. Hopefully we'll know a little more after the combine and workouts but I wouldn't hold my breath on that.

 

[Hoop Head]

It's my understanding that those reports were a misunderstanding. The guy they were quoting vehemently denies that he said anything of the sort and has constantly ridiculed those that took it that way. And IMO, if by some incredible chance that they accidentally got it right and our front office does prefer Morant, we're doomed regardless. There is no fix to that level of stupidity. I like Morant's potential but he might be a better bet to bust completely than he is for stardom. Zion will be a plus player even if he never takes one step further in his development.

I know that the writer has denied those claims but the reason I was quoting it at all was your suggestion that we'll trade any pick that isn't #1 because Morant is too much of a project. That's why I referenced them at all. I know they won't be taking Ja ahead of Zion but I think those reports do stand to reason that we're very interested in Ja also so trading out of the 1st if we don't get the #1 pick like you suggested isn't likely. If we can't get Zion or Ja then I can see a trade scenario.

 

[JCSunsfan]

One of the companies I worked for didn't let guys who took supervisor positions and didn't like being supervisors stay on as employees. They said in their experience it never worked out for either side. You have people you supervised, and potentially may have irritated, and then you are back on their same level and people refuse to work them. Also, some guys knew what went on in manager meetings and were privy to things in other departments, and that didn't work well when they were back in the working man's arena. Not saying this is the Suns philosophy, but I have talked to other people who have told me their companies did the same thing.

I have been in several companies that allow such employees to remain and it worked out well--as long as the moving back was the employee's idea and not just the employer. In fact, I do this. Sometimes an employee is really really good in one role, but not suited for a managing role. I have no problem switching positions around until I get that employee in a place where he functions best.

However. This was a firing, not a role change. If they had announced that Igor was moving to a "director of player development" or some position like that I could see it. But they just plain fired him.

 

[Yuma]

I know that the writer has denied those claims but the reason I was quoting it at all was your suggestion that we'll trade any pick that isn't #1 because Morant is too much of a project. That's why I referenced them at all. I know they won't be taking Ja ahead of Zion but I think those reports do stand to reason that we're very interested in Ja also so trading out of the 1st if we don't get the #1 pick like you suggested isn't likely. If we can't get Zion or Ja then I can see a trade scenario.

My thinking is you only trade a high pick for a starting NBA point guard. Otherwise you take a Coby White, etc. If we trade for a back up, that's like getting Tyler Johnson again. We don't need that. We need an upgrade.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I am not sold on Coby White. I think I would take Garland over him.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I know that the writer has denied those claims but the reason I was quoting it at all was your suggestion that we'll trade any pick that isn't #1 because Morant is too much of a project. That's why I referenced them at all. I know they won't be taking Ja ahead of Zion but I think those reports do stand to reason that we're very interested in Ja also so trading out of the 1st if we don't get the #1 pick like you suggested isn't likely. If we can't get Zion or Ja then I can see a trade scenario.

I think most teams look at Ja as the second highest up-side in this class but I doubt any consider him anywhere close to a sure thing. He more than most in this class will have to prove himself in private workouts (IMO) because of the level of competition he's faced. He has some intriguing gifts but he doesn't play defense at all and he has some major holes on the offensive side too along with a physical frame that raises questions too. He could easily win us over leading up to the draft, I was just allowing for the possibility that doesn't happen. To me, it's not a given either way.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I am not sold on Coby White. I think I would take Garland over him.

Well, I'd imagine you already know how I feel about players with certain kinds of injuries so I'll go a different way - I don't see us taking a Rich Paul client any time soon. I agree on White, I'm not sold on him either but then again, other than Zion, I'm not sold an anyone in this class. Some will turn out well though, White has as good a chance as any of them IMO.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Well, I'd imagine you already know how I feel about players with certain kinds of injuries so I'll go a different way - I don't see us taking a Rich Paul client any time soon. I agree on White, I'm not sold on him either but then again, other than Zion, I'm not sold an anyone in this class. Some will turn out well though, White has as good a chance as any of them IMO.

Oh yeah. Rich Paul. Forgot about that.

 

[Yuma]

I am not sold on Coby White. I think I would take Garland over him.

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I know they compare Garland to Steph Curry physically, but it looks like Coby White has much more range on his jumper. I like Garland's handles. I like White's defense. I would love to see how a 6'5" White would guard James Harden for example, or a smaller Steph Curry. Maybe I am wrong, but Garland's play looks more like CP3. Garland has that mid-range game and twitchy dribble into shots.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I thought the Suns might trade their first round pick if they couldn't get Zion or Morant especially after listening to James Jones express the need for veterans. However, if Gambo has it right, I will be disappointed if they have already made this decision.

The Suns may not get the return they want on the pick. I hope the Suns have done their due diligence in scouting.

Right? If the front office actually let this outta the bag it’s incredibly idiotic. Hold your cards close to your vest to maximize your return. Besides, they better effen’ be doing the due diligence on other players!

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Well, I'd imagine you already know how I feel about players with certain kinds of injuries so I'll go a different way - I don't see us taking a Rich Paul client any time soon. I agree on White, I'm not sold on him either but then again, other than Zion, I'm not sold an anyone in this class. Some will turn out well though, White has as good a chance as any of them IMO.

Garland is with Paul? Pass.

 

[Mainstreet]

Right? If the front office actually let this outta the bag it’s incredibly idiotic. Hold your cards close to your vest to maximize your return. Besides, they better effen’ be doing the due diligence on other players!

I hope the Suns have done their due diligence. The draft can play out in so many different ways.

They might look at a trade back where they get a later pick and still get an asset. I have become intrigued watching center Mfiondu Kabengele in the NCAA Tournament. He is slated to go #28 in Tankathon.com.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I hope the Suns have done their due diligence. The draft can play out in so many different ways.

They might look at a trade back where they get a later pick and still get an asset. I have become intrigued watching center Mfiondu Kabengele in the NCAA Tournament. He is slated to go #28 in Tankathon.com.

I think as we get closer to draft day he's one of the players likely to climb several spots.

 

[Mainstreet]

I think as we get closer to draft day he's one of the players likely to climb several spots.

This is the way I view it as well. With Kabengele size and athleticism it's easy to see him being an NBA player. I can see him consistently improving like a Paul Millsap.

 

[overseascardfan]

AZ Central has been running several rumors the last few days on their website. Russell, Westbrook and yesterday Davis. I don't see a trade for Westbrook (wouldn't want his toxic attitude here). Russell could be an option if Brooklyn goes after Walker or Irving and Davis would be intriguing but would cost us most of our core if we don't get the #1 pick to offer a swap of him for Zion. I've seen articles on BSOTS suggesting PHX should go after KAT and pair him with Ayton. That could be interesting as MIN may be looking to dump salary but doubtful they start with their best player. Unfortunately for MIN no one would be willing to take Wiggins off their hands.

Gotta hope Brooklyn can lure either Irving or Walker because that could really open the door for Russell to PHX.

 

[Mainstreet]

AZ Central has been running several rumors the last few days on their website. Russell, Westbrook and yesterday Davis. I don't see a trade for Westbrook (wouldn't want his toxic attitude here). Russell could be an option if Brooklyn goes after Walker or Irving and Davis would be intriguing but would cost us most of our core if we don't get the #1 pick to offer a swap of him for Zion. I've seen articles on BSOTS suggesting PHX should go after KAT and pair him with Ayton. That could be interesting as MIN may be looking to dump salary but doubtful they start with their best player. Unfortunately for MIN no one would be willing to take Wiggins off their hands.

Gotta hope Brooklyn can lure either Irving or Walker because that could really open the door for Russell to PHX.

I think this is the Suns only hope of landing Russell.

 

[1Sun]

I think this is the Suns only hope of landing Russell.

Yep, but I think it's at least 50/50 that the Nets land Walker or Irving. The question is whether they keep Russell as well and start him at shooting guard (in which case perhaps Dinwiddie becomes available in a trade).

 

[Mainstreet]

Yep, but I think it's at least 50/50 that the Nets land Walker or Irving. The question is whether they keep Russell as well and start him at shooting guard (in which case perhaps Dinwiddie becomes available in a trade).

Dinwiddie is on such a reasonable contract they might want to keep him unless the Suns overpay.

 

[Yuma]

AZ Central has been running several rumors the last few days on their website. Russell, Westbrook and yesterday Davis. I don't see a trade for Westbrook (wouldn't want his toxic attitude here). Russell could be an option if Brooklyn goes after Walker or Irving and Davis would be intriguing but would cost us most of our core if we don't get the #1 pick to offer a swap of him for Zion. I've seen articles on BSOTS suggesting PHX should go after KAT and pair him with Ayton. That could be interesting as MIN may be looking to dump salary but doubtful they start with their best player. Unfortunately for MIN no one would be willing to take Wiggins off their hands.

Gotta hope Brooklyn can lure either Irving or Walker because that could really open the door for Russell to PHX.

That's the only way I see them getting rid of KAT, is if the other team takes Wiggins, too!

 

[Mainstreet]

Josh Jackson is arrested at a music festival. He is reportedly charged with escape and resisting Arrest.

It's definitely not what fans what to see.

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[Mainstreet]

This is from Gina Mizell.

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[1Sun]

My guess is that we won't see Josh Jackson in a Suns uniform again. Really too bad. All the talent in the world, and originally a great attitude and hunger, all gone to waste here.