Suns News: Week 5 (11/20 - 11/26)

[Wally_West]

[ShelC]

I was confident his FG% would bounce up. He's not so terrible in the paint that he'd remain at 40% and with Book and KD on the perimeter, he should be getting nothing but dunks and layups.

[Mori Chu]

I mostly really like the way Nurk has been playing. In his first few games he was kind of reaching horizontally on defense, leading to fouls, but he's been more vertical and careful since. And in the first few games it felt like he was trying to do too much, taking his man 1-on-1 or shooting too many 3s. Now he seems to be doing it more surgically when he's wide open, where it's more likely to pay off. I am very happy with his play overall. He has a few nights where he kind of underperforms, but I don't mind that so long as he isn't out there hurting us. If you add Grayson Allen (who's been awesome, probably our 4th best player) and Little (earned a spot in the rotation) into the equation, I'm very happy with the return on the trade.

[ShelC]

You can also see what Jones wanted from the center spot. There was talk of someone like Capela for his defense and rebounding, but you wouldn't have that kind of passing in the high and low post, or bringing the ball up court and initiating offense. The defense is part of the tradeoff with Nurk. But the idea of breaking up DA's contract and getting that kind of offensive player who's still a rebounding force in the middle, along with Allen and Little is everything we were targeting in a trade.

[Split T]

[Split T]

Also someone you might want to follow if you’re on twitter(X)

[specialsauce]

I mostly really like the way Nurk has been playing. In his first few games he was kind of reaching horizontally on defense, leading to fouls, but he's been more vertical and careful since. And in the first few games it felt like he was trying to do too much, taking his man 1-on-1 or shooting too many 3s. Now he seems to be doing it more surgically when he's wide open, where it's more likely to pay off. I am very happy with his play overall. He has a few nights where he kind of underperforms, but I don't mind that so long as he isn't out there hurting us. If you add Grayson Allen (who's been awesome, probably our 4th best player) and Little (earned a spot in the rotation) into the equation, I'm very happy with the return on the trade.

And he makes middle of the road money, so if he doesn’t perform it’s whatever just bench him that game. No pressure, little expectations, we have plenty of room to pay other role players

[Shabazz]

At some point here don't we think we should rest KD? He's having a hell of a year and just don't want to abuse him.... on the flip side he's playing so well and don't want to ruin his flow.

No, let him keep playing. If we sit him, we run the risk of him coming back 1 game too early.

We should sit him for the game Beal is scheduled to return.

[Wally_West]

At some point here don't we think we should rest KD? He's having a hell of a year and just don't want to abuse him.... on the flip side he's playing so well and don't want to ruin his flow.

No, let him keep playing. If we sit him, we run the risk of him coming back 1 game too early.

We should sit him for the game Beal is scheduled to return.

So for next year’s season opener?

[Kryptonic]

At some point here don't we think we should rest KD? He's having a hell of a year and just don't want to abuse him.... on the flip side he's playing so well and don't want to ruin his flow.

No, let him keep playing. If we sit him, we run the risk of him coming back 1 game too early.

We should sit him for the game Beal is scheduled to return.

So for next year’s season opener?

Com’on Wally! Positive thoughts!

[ShelC]

[JeremyG]

[Superbone]

Draymond Green friendship?! He's dead to me.

[Superbone]

[TOO]

More Metu is fun.

[Flagrant Fowl]

Eubanks is pretty fun too. I don't think anyone dislikes watching him work his ass off for every minute.

But I'm also glad Metu is getting a chance at some real minutes. I just wish it didn't come due to an injury.

[ShelC]

KD (on his foot, the trade to Phx, relationship with Book, playing with different lineups), Vogel and Goodwin post-practice quotes in NYC.

Spoiler: show/hide

[Split T]

If I told you the suns had two players in the top 10 of offensive EPM and 1 player in the top 10 of defensive EPM, could you name the 3 players? Neither of the offensive guys are the defensive guy.

[Flagrant Fowl]

Seems kinda easy. Obviously Booker and KD on offense, and I'd probably go with Nurkic on defense because it seems like the Suns lose a lot of leads with him on the bench and there hasn't been a standout perimeter defender.

[Split T]

It just surprised me Nurkic was top 10…I wouldn’t have expected anyone defensively. Booker is 4th overall and KD 10th overall by the way