If we're looking for moral victories, we might go 82-0 and then Ishbia will have a parade. But I'd like to see us win some of these games. The Jazz are beatable, we'll see how we do against the Grizzies but Book just played 44 minutes, Royce played 46 and Allen played 40. Hope they rest up.
There's really no point in playing our starters that many minutes. I look forward to the part of the season where we pace our starters and start playing guys for development and stop worrying about our record.
Oso as starting C really didn't work. 2 points, 1 rebound. Meanwhile Richards has 6 points and 10 boards, Williams gives us 25 and 11 (!). It was obvious from the jump that Utah's bigs were a bad matchup for Oso; come on Ott.
Why did they play Livers at all? Much less 21 minutes?! Put Fleming out there. Livers is not part of the long-term future of the Suns. Maybe he played really hard in practice or something, but I just don't see why that dude got minutes.
Some bright sides: Booker had an impressive 34 points and 10 assists to go with only 2 turnovers. Grayson Allen is having a good start to the season and gave us 23 and 5. The aforementioned Williams had a phenomenal game and looks like a strong starting NBA center if he can get/stay healthy. Gillespie also had a good one with 15 points and 13 (!) assists. Royce O'Neale is being misused a bit but he did give us 17 points and 13 boards.
Overall, I like that they don't give up, are playing with energy, etc. Don't like the offense or defense. Obviously, I'll change my mind over time but I just don't see us running plays effectively or covering guys effectively. I don't see nearly enough picks on or off the ball, and if we are going to play small we need to play hyperactive scrambling defense. We kind of look like a college team to me, and it doesn't feel like the schemes match the personell on either side of the court. Hopefully, that changes as the team works through these growing pains.
The league needs heroes, villains... and clowns. -- Aztec Sunsfan
Why did they play Livers at all? Much less 21 minutes?! Put Fleming out there. Livers is not part of the long-term future of the Suns. Maybe he played really hard in practice or something, but I just don't see why that dude got minutes.
Ott's decision to stick with Oso as starting center despite having three better options on the roster is a little worrisome.
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A few things that I'm probably reading into too much - I think Book is frustrated not just with the losses but the starting lineup. The energy and body language wasn't good to start the game from anyone. I think he's ready to see Williams starting so we at least have a chance against these bigger teams. The team just seemed deflated to open the game and maybe could've used a boost by Ott changing the lineup. If Ott digs in and keeps things the same, he'll lose the players quickly because he's not putting the team in a position to be successful.
Williams has been saying the right things and playing the good soldier but he sounds ready to have the restrictions taken off. "Steps have been planned since I got here. Credit to them, but I've bought in since I've been here" seems like he's been going along with that plan and letting everyone know but maybe doesn't think it's necessary. His injury history is what it is so being cautious with him is fine, but there doesn't seem to be much sense not starting him at this point. If they want to limit him to 25-28mpg, that's OK but if he gets hurt, he gets hurt. Won't matter if it's 26 minutes being played as a starter or as a reserve. And this is also a guy looking at RFA. He's going to want to play to prove his worth and get a big contract. The last thing you want is Williams thinking the Suns are deliberately holding him back to keep his value down.
I agree…absolutely need to start Williams. Green will help as well…hate to say it, but Butler would’ve helped a bit right now. Should’ve at least kept him till Green was healthy…it wouldn’t have added too much to our tax bill.
I haven’t watched all the games, but it’s pretty obvious Book is the only guy people are worried about on offense…Williams to an extent. Brooks does some nice things, but he’s out of his element as a 2nd option.
Even with Green back, I think they still desperately need shot creation if they want to win games. Also, while it’s been nice that this team plays hard, we still suck at defense. Partly because we are super small…Williams helps. I’d give Fleming some run.
A few things that I'm probably reading into too much - I think Book is frustrated not just with the losses but the starting lineup. The energy and body language wasn't good to start the game from anyone. I think he's ready to see Williams starting so we at least have a chance against these bigger teams. The team just seemed deflated to open the game and maybe could've used a boost by Ott changing the lineup. If Ott digs in and keeps things the same, he'll lose the players quickly because he's not putting the team in a position to be successful.
Williams has been saying the right things and playing the good soldier but he sounds ready to have the restrictions taken off. "Steps have been planned since I got here. Credit to them, but I've bought in since I've been here" seems like he's been going along with that plan and letting everyone know but maybe doesn't think it's necessary. His injury history is what it is so being cautious with him is fine, but there doesn't seem to be much sense not starting him at this point. If they want to limit him to 25-28mpg, that's OK but if he gets hurt, he gets hurt. Won't matter if it's 26 minutes being played as a starter or as a reserve. And this is also a guy looking at RFA. He's going to want to play to prove his worth and get a big contract. The last thing you want is Williams thinking the Suns are deliberately holding him back to keep his value down.
I'd agree that Book is frustrated but tbf I don't think his body language has been great for a couple of seasons. Some of us put that down to the influence of KD and bad coaching hires but if that was the case you'd have thought he would have been given a new lease of life this season. Instead, it just seems like more of the same. He's putting up decent numbers but just seems to coast through games without taking the bull by the horns.
I agree…absolutely need to start Williams. Green will help as well…hate to say it, but Butler would’ve helped a bit right now. Should’ve at least kept him till Green was healthy…it wouldn’t have added too much to our tax bill.
I haven’t watched all the games, but it’s pretty obvious Book is the only guy people are worried about on offense…Williams to an extent. Brooks does some nice things, but he’s out of his element as a 2nd option.
Even with Green back, I think they still desperately need shot creation if they want to win games. Also, while it’s been nice that this team plays hard, we still suck at defense. Partly because we are super small…Williams helps. I’d give Fleming some run.
Yep - I'd personally like to see a starting line-up of Williams - Fleming - Brooks - Green - Booker.
A second unit of Richards/Maluach - Dunn - O'Neale -Allen and Gillespie.
Fleming and Maluach will make mistakes but so be it .
I wouldn't blame Booker for being frustrated or having bad body language. He doesn't really have any peers on the team, anybody he can relate to or bond with, a partner in crime, a buddy. He used to have some guys like that in Mikal, Cam, CP3, and to a degree KD (though I think that was a bit awkward since Book really looked up to KD). Now it's kind of just Book and a bunch of young kids. Well, and Dillon Brooks, but I doubt Book really feels a super tight bond with Dillon the Villain.
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