Game Day: Suns (5-5) @ Celtics (3-5), Mon 11/17/14

[Ring_Wanted]

The knock when it comes to draft stuff (beyond selling picks) is ultimately the same, always. 'This is not one of the players I wanted', for one reason or another. It takes a ton of performance to remove that from a brain, whereas very little negative output is enough to resurrect it. Happens to everybody, but much more to those who are into the draft as much as into the NBA.

[SwingMan]

As it stands, I believe that P.J. and Thomas will be the ones dealt if we're to make any moves this season - Horford's deal fits like a glove, but regardless, I think those two will be the first to go in any deals.

Why would Atlanta want either (even with picks)?

They wouldn't. Atlanta could do much better. I'm not sure why Swing keeps pushing that deal.

I'm, frankly, not sure how you can be so sure - whether you want to admit it or not, snagging Bledsoe for Dudley and a 2nd rounder was a steal & a half, so I put nothing past this FO as far as being able to orchestrate something similar, be it with Atlanta or someone else.

Now, how's about easing back on the potshoting and offer up a few solutions yourself? Things seem to be in such dire straights, how's about you sacking up and giving the rest of us something to shoot down?

[INFORMER]

Things seem to be in such dire straights, how's about you sacking up and giving the rest of us something to shoot down?

Yeah, because I've never posted a trade scenario before. Lol.

Now, how's about easing back on the potshoting and offer up a few solutions yourself?

Expressing bewilderment as to why you keep mentioning a deal or thinking it isn't feasible is a potshot?

snagging Bledsoe for Dudley and a 2nd rounder was a steal & a half

There were clear factors that drove that deal in the Suns favor. Bledsoe was approaching free agency. He was still on his rookie deal which limited how much the Clips could get back. And Orlando (and other teams) were stonewalling the Clippers on their trade demands, and they look pretty smart for doing so.

It was still a smart move by McDonough (I've never denied that) but I wouldn't use that deal to point to some ability to pull a rabbit out of a hat anytime he pleases.

[INFORMER]

The knock when it comes to draft stuff (beyond selling picks) is ultimately the same, always. 'This is not one of the players I wanted', for one reason or another.

That sounds condescending. It also makes it sound like the opinions people make are petty, which I don't think is true. But whatever.

[SwingMan]

Things seem to be in such dire straights, how's about you sacking up and giving the rest of us something to shoot down?

Yeah, because I've never posted a trade scenario before. Lol.

Now, how's about easing back on the potshoting and offer up a few solutions yourself?

Expressing bewilderment as to why you keep mentioning a deal or thinking it isn't feasible is a potshot?

snagging Bledsoe for Dudley and a 2nd rounder was a steal & a half

There were clear factors that drove that deal in the Suns favor. Bledsoe was approaching free agency. He was still on his rookie deal which limited how much the Clips could get back. And Orlando (and other teams) were stonewalling the Clippers on their trade demands, and they look pretty smart for doing so.

It was still a smart move by McDonough (I've never denied that) but I wouldn't use that deal to point to some ability to pull a rabbit out of a hat anytime he pleases.

Uh-uh, INF - quit back-pedaling and deflecting. The bullshit stops.

McDonough's fired, you're in - how do *you* move forward?

[INFORMER]

Uh-uh, INF - quit back-pedaling and deflecting. The bullshit stops.

How am I back-pedaling and deflecting?

[SwingMan]

Uh-uh, INF - quit back-pedaling and deflecting. The bullshit stops.

How am I back-pedaling and deflecting?

Just as I thought - you'll relentlessly down others' takes, yet, when pointedly asked for your own, you stiff.

Thank you for making my point - carry on with the eye-rolls, cheerio-pissing and one-word responses.

[jkalldaway]

Okay, well the Green/Plumlee deal definitely qualifies as a rabbit in the hat.

[jkalldaway]

And considering that pick was one of your biggest McDonough criticisms, if Len pans out, do you reverse course on McDonough's tenure?

Not after this past offseason. It has the potential to join 2010 and 2012 in infamy. What on earth is up with even-number year offseasons? Ugh.

This past offseason we drafted an absolute stud in Warren, got the steal of free agency in Thomas (easily moveable contract), retained Markieff, and signed Bledsoe to a deal that will not be bad down the road. I'm not thrilled with the Marcus or PJ deals but the good outweighs the bad.

[djy2j]

Exciting game and great win! Len was pretty amazing considering where he was a year ago. He's figuring it out quick. I'm all for Warren taking Tolliver's minutes atleast until Tolliver gets his 3 pt shot back because I think he's a better rebounder than I expected. But yeah TJ needs to play. I'm thinking Len starts over Plumlee after the road trip.

[Indy]

If he can just stay healthy...

Speaking of which, wonder what Robot is thinking (if his head hasn't exploded already)...

Good question. He hasn't been around to take his lumps.

As INF said, we are 11 games in. Let's wait to celebrate the lack of missed games due to injury until he has played at least 20% of the season, OK?

[JCSunsfan]

INF and Swing going at it. Now THATS worth watching.

[Ring_Wanted]

I liked the clutch plays by a number of our players.

TJ's three.
Len with an and1 when we were down by one point with 3 minutes left, as well as his rebound and clinching free throws (fouling Rondo on a three with two seconds left was so dumb, though)

Dragic's 3pt and layup off a curl.

Bledsoe taking a charge, the circus layup and a transition basket after he stole the ball.

Kieff's 30 were terrific, but his lapses could have meant the game. During crunch time he travelled, played weak defense (the refs bailed him out once because he basically grabbed Sullinger for a TO with 1 minute left) and I hated the play were he just stood at the three point line looking instead of cutting, forcing Bledsoe to make a bad pass that led to a dunk by Jeff Green on Marcus (you are not blocking that, so either hit him hard or get out of the way), plus a free throw to put us down by two with a couple of minutes remaining, I believe.

Marcus had one of those games where he was a silent killer.

IT3, Green and Plumlee were off, but I don't care. We won.

[JCSunsfan]

Most scores off of offensive rebounds. Good positioning for rebounds. Very encouraging.

[Mori Chu]

LEN-SANITY!!

That highlight video gave me a fucking Suns boner. We may just have a real center on our hands, people.

[carey]

INF and Swing going at it. Now THATS worth watching.

Why encourage this? Inf's general demeanor sometimes rubs people the wrong way & Swing is always looking to start shit. I'm surprised it isn't a daily occurrence between those two. I'm glad Inf isn't taking the bait & hope others follow his lead going forward.

[SwingMan]

INF and Swing going at it. Now THATS worth watching.

Why encourage this? Inf's general demeanor sometimes rubs people the wrong way & Swing is always looking to start shit. I'm surprised it isn't a daily occurrence between those two. I'm glad Inf isn't taking the bait & hope others follow his lead going forward.

You're a fine one to talk about board civility after this past July.

I suggest you hop off the soapbox and get back on your perch.

[LazarusLong]

How did the Celtics color commentator get that job? He adds absolutely nothing to the broadcast as far as analysis is concerned.

Tommy Heinson? Seriously?

His homerism knows no bounds. The Celtic fans must like him.

But how did he get it? He's a Celtic legend as both player and coach.

Right. Tommy was a key player on the 60s Celtics with Russell, Cousy, Sam Jones and crew.

As a color man, he is so biased he's entertainingly comical. And the voice ... a Boston version of Fred Flintstone behind the mike...

[iLLmatic]

INF and Swing going at it. Now THATS worth watching.

Why encourage this? Inf's general demeanor sometimes rubs people the wrong way & Swing is always looking to start shit. I'm surprised it isn't a daily occurrence between those two. I'm glad Inf isn't taking the bait & hope others follow his lead going forward.

You're a fine one to talk about board civility after this past July.

I suggest you hop off the soapbox and get back on your perch.

LMAO!!!! Don't take no shit off anybody Swing, you tell'em!

[iLLmatic]

How did the Celtics color commentator get that job? He adds absolutely nothing to the broadcast as far as analysis is concerned.

Tommy Heinson? Seriously?

His homerism knows no bounds. The Celtic fans must like him.

But how did he get it? He's a Celtic legend as both player and coach.

Right. Tommy was a key player on the 60s Celtics with Russell, Cousy, Sam Jones and crew.

As a color man, he is so biased he's entertainingly comical. And the voice ... a Boston version of Fred Flintstone behind the mike...

I don't know the history, but while watching the game last night I noticed he provided no insight whatsoever within the game. He would say things like "nice pass" "good shot" or "the kid has moves", things any layperson such as myself could contribute to a broadcast lol.