Suns News: Weeks 16-18 2/10-3/1

[3rdside]

We’re 10-13 with DA and 12-20 without him, so it looks like he does make a difference.

Those records illustrate my point. It doesn't make a significant difference whether we are a .434 team or a .375 team; in either situation, we aren't good. Ayton doesn't change the fact that we still have problems at the 1 and 4. Ayton doesn't change the fact we need more production and consistency from Bridges.

That is my point.

For the .434 / 10-13 record, Rubio has been statistically half the player he was before his injury for at least 8 of those games while missing at least one of them:

Rubio, Booker and Ayton have started together for 15 games only, going 7-8.

But Rubio has been physically battling since the San Antonio game 9 games ago (although he's only played in 8 of those, going 3-5).

Up to and including the SA game he was averaging 13.5pts, 9.4ast, 4.8rbds, after it's 7pts, 5asts and 3rbs.

It's not a stretch at all to say we'd be .500% or better if Ayton played and then Rubio didn't get injured.

Whether we're playoff good I don't know - the optimist in me says we could be - but this question, and those questions around Saric, Rubio and Kelly, are surely best answered with half a season of continuity first.

[specialsauce]

Lots of stretching this morning! Good for the blood flow

[3rdside]

Haha yes, fair point in relation to that specific post - the general idea remains! Standing still at the deadline was the right thing to do.

[3rdside]

Surely the right thing to do.

[Danimal]

So will we have everyone back besides Kaminsky for the first game back against the raptors?

[Mori Chu]

Surely the right thing to do.

[3rdside]

[Indy]

We’re 10-13 with DA and 12-20 without him, so it looks like he does make a difference.

Those records illustrate my point. It doesn't make a significant difference whether we are a .434 team or a .375 team; in either situation, we aren't good. Ayton doesn't change the fact that we still have problems at the 1 and 4. Ayton doesn't change the fact we need more production and consistency from Bridges.

That is my point.

This is a very solid take, regardless of injuries, or strength of schedule, or "so and so wouldn't be injured if this and that had happened." We know we don't have a starting PF, and our starting PG is great at one NBA skill, and well below average at what we need most (shooting/defense). You can't compete meaningfully with 60% of a starting lineup, and with nearly zero from your bench.

Bridges, whether he be starting at the 4 or coming off the bench, really needs to come around on the offensive side. If he can keep up his 40.0% over the last 20 games, while taking more shots per game, it will make a huge difference. You just can't rely on a guy for 32 minutes per game and only get 10 points out of him.

[SunsRIt]

I wonder if Cam Johnson can bulk up some and be a stretch 4? He is 6’ 8”. Another 20 pounds would make a huge difference.

[Nodack]

Hilarious!

[Superbone]

And now we wait...

Our next game isn't until Friday.

[JeremyG]

And now we wait...

Our next game isn't until Friday.

I hope Devin Booker is sleeping for 5 straight days.

[Superbone]

And now we wait...

Our next game isn't until Friday.

I hope Devin Booker is sleeping for 5 straight days.

In a cryogenic chamber.

[Nodack]

I doubt it.

[Superbone]

[Nodack]

About freaking time! How many games do we think that will last before someone goes down?

[Superbone]

About freaking time! How many games do we think that will last before someone goes down?

Yep, best news I’ve heard in a long time. Looking forward to seeing almost the entire roster available. Closest we’ve been since opening night.

[Flagrant Fowl]

It would be very Suns of them to beat the Raptors and then lose to the Bulls.

[Danimal]

Lots of stretching this morning! Good for the blood flow

Is earl Watson back?

[Mori Chu]

I think the rest will be good for Rubio. He was worn out. I want to see if he has a bit of a second wind this season after over a week off.