2018 Suns Offseason News

[AmareIsGod]

I just did recently. I locked in at a pretty good deal. So far I've liked it. There is a ton of content. The basketball stuff is really just getting started, so we'll see how it is.

Agreed. It has awesome content.

I have a subscription too and I really enjoy it. Don't pay full price though, there's enough promotional deals online in various places that you can get it for a decent rate.

I got a smoking deal when the MLB season kicked off. Definitely many opportunities to take advantage of promotions.

Can you guys give us an idea of rates? Who's covering the Suns?

I paid $44.99 for a year.

From what I can see in recent stories for the Suns, writers are:
- Bob Young
https://theathletic.com/author/bob-young/
- Gina Mizell
https://theathletic.com/author/gina-mizell/

Then there are multiple national writers that have several Suns articles, but those writers aren't solely focused on the Suns. The above 2, from what I can see, appear to be consistent, dedicated Suns writers. Too many to count though when it comes to national writers with a dedicated Suns piece or two.

[Superbone]

Agreed. It has awesome content.

I have a subscription too and I really enjoy it. Don't pay full price though, there's enough promotional deals online in various places that you can get it for a decent rate.

I got a smoking deal when the MLB season kicked off. Definitely many opportunities to take advantage of promotions.

Can you guys give us an idea of rates? Who's covering the Suns?

I paid $44.99 for a year.

From what I can see in recent stories for the Suns, writers are:
- Bob Young
https://theathletic.com/author/bob-young/
- Gina Mizell
https://theathletic.com/author/gina-mizell/

Then there are multiple national writers that have several Suns articles, but those writers aren't solely focused on the Suns. The above 2, from what I can see, appear to be consistent, dedicated Suns writers. Too many to count though when it comes to national writers with a dedicated Suns piece or two.

Thanks, AIG!

[Split T]

I managed to find a 60% off deal. Was right when they hired all the local coverage for Arizona sports. I payed 29.99 a month ago for a year subscription. I think 72 is the normal price, but they've usually got plenty of 25-50% off deals around.

[O_Gardino]

My first choice would be Beverly as another veteran voice, culture setter and what he brings on defense and offense. it helps that he is also an expiring contract and not making a ton of money this year.
Second, I would like Dragic, for many of the same reasons for Beverly, plus he has a good relationship with Igor and can help the young guys.

Plus, Beverly is injured a lot, so there's still plenty of time for the young guys.

[In2ition]

My first choice would be Beverly as another veteran voice, culture setter and what he brings on defense and offense. it helps that he is also an expiring contract and not making a ton of money this year.
Second, I would like Dragic, for many of the same reasons for Beverly, plus he has a good relationship with Igor and can help the young guys.

Plus, Beverly is injured a lot, so there's still plenty of time for the young guys.

Sure, ancillary benefits, haha. He would be valuable even in a smaller minutes role. Get them started, hand it over, come back in down the stretch when needed.

[Shabazz]

I have a subscription too and I really enjoy it. Don't pay full price though, there's enough promotional deals online in various places that you can get it for a decent rate.

I got a smoking deal when the MLB season kicked off. Definitely many opportunities to take advantage of promotions.

Can you guys give us an idea of rates? Who's covering the Suns?

I paid $44.99 for a year.

From what I can see in recent stories for the Suns, writers are:
- Bob Young
https://theathletic.com/author/bob-young/
- Gina Mizell
https://theathletic.com/author/gina-mizell/

Then there are multiple national writers that have several Suns articles, but those writers aren't solely focused on the Suns. The above 2, from what I can see, appear to be consistent, dedicated Suns writers. Too many to count though when it comes to national writers with a dedicated Suns piece or two.

Thanks, AIG!

Here's a 50% off deal - https://theathletic.com/checkout/?pc=rt ... gIWU_D_BwE

$2.50/month seems pretty reasonable. They hired a bunch of national writers that are pretty good.

[Superbone]

I got a smoking deal when the MLB season kicked off. Definitely many opportunities to take advantage of promotions.

Can you guys give us an idea of rates? Who's covering the Suns?

I paid $44.99 for a year.

From what I can see in recent stories for the Suns, writers are:
- Bob Young
https://theathletic.com/author/bob-young/
- Gina Mizell
https://theathletic.com/author/gina-mizell/

Then there are multiple national writers that have several Suns articles, but those writers aren't solely focused on the Suns. The above 2, from what I can see, appear to be consistent, dedicated Suns writers. Too many to count though when it comes to national writers with a dedicated Suns piece or two.

Thanks, AIG!

Here's a 50% off deal - https://theathletic.com/checkout/?pc=rt ... gIWU_D_BwE

$2.50/month seems pretty reasonable. They hired a bunch of national writers that are pretty good.

Cool. Do they have somebody covering Suns training camp? I saw a woman I didn't recognize doing a player interview at some point. I can't remember if that was media day or during camp.

[O_Gardino]

My first choice would be Beverly as another veteran voice, culture setter and what he brings on defense and offense. it helps that he is also an expiring contract and not making a ton of money this year.
Second, I would like Dragic, for many of the same reasons for Beverly, plus he has a good relationship with Igor and can help the young guys.

Plus, Beverly is injured a lot, so there's still plenty of time for the young guys.

Sure, ancillary benefits, haha. He would be valuable even in a smaller minutes role. Get them started, hand it over, come back in down the stretch when needed.

That's pretty much where I'm at.

[Split T]

Yep Gina Mizell is her name. She's been covering the nuggets, but she's originally from the Phoenix area.

[Superbone]

Thanks, guys. Got the $30 for the first year deal. Some highlights from the most recent article by Mizell:

The shuffling feet accompanying the booming voices looked like controlled chaos, or, sometimes, pure chaos. Phoenix’s defense needs a massive revamp, having finished last in the NBA in both efficiency and points allowed per game a season ago. And the on-court visual this week was likely symbolic of the new concepts swirling inside the players’ heads.

“It’s a game of reaction. It’s not a game of thinking,” first-year coach Igor Kokoskov said. “If you’re thinking, you’re too slow.”

Surrounding Ayton is a high-energy, switch-heavy scheme, a style that’s becoming so representative of the modern NBA that Kokoskov joked “it’s no secret. We can announce it.”

Still, Kokoskov’s philosophy brings a learning curve even to guys such as Ariza, a 15-year veteran who most recently played in a switch-happy system in Houston but stressed the Suns’ concepts are “totally different.”

“Just taking my time,” Ariza said of his approach during camp. “Just understanding that it’s different personnel. Understanding that we’re all new to this situation, so we all have to learn at our own pace.

[ShelC]

NBATV is doing a 30minute Suns Team Preview in an hour. Pretty sure they'll show it a bunch more times but I saw it listed for 3:30EST.

I caught the last minute of it about an hour ago and one of the knuckleheads (some guy I've never seen before, not a player) said Booker is technically a point guard? WTF? I'm going to watch the whole thing but I get the feeling it'll be a surface level take on the Suns by 2 wannabes on NBATV.

[Superbone]

NBATV is doing a 30minute Suns Team Preview in an hour. Pretty sure they'll show it a bunch more times but I saw it listed for 3:30EST.

I caught the last minute of it about an hour ago and one of the knuckleheads (some guy I've never seen before, not a player) said Booker is technically a point guard? WTF? I'm going to watch the whole thing but I get the feeling it'll be a surface level take on the Suns by 2 wannabes on NBATV.

I watched it last night. It was actually one of their better Suns season previews. You just happended to catch The Starters segment (Is Booker overrated?) where the Australian guy made that weird and wrong PG comment. He might be handling the ball a lot in Igor's system but that doesn't make him a PG.

The other strange part was at the end when Gooden predicted 21 wins for the team this year. Hayward predicted high 20s which is more believable although I'm putting my money where my mouth is and laying down a Benjamin today via a friend in Vegas on the Over. Don't know what my win total to beat is yet but as long as it's under 30 wins, I'm taking the bet.

[In2ition]

NBATV is doing a 30minute Suns Team Preview in an hour. Pretty sure they'll show it a bunch more times but I saw it listed for 3:30EST.

I caught the last minute of it about an hour ago and one of the knuckleheads (some guy I've never seen before, not a player) said Booker is technically a point guard? WTF? I'm going to watch the whole thing but I get the feeling it'll be a surface level take on the Suns by 2 wannabes on NBATV.

I watched it last night. It was actually one of their better Suns season previews. You just happended to catch The Starters segment (Is Booker overrated?) where the Australian guy made that weird and wrong PG comment. He might be handling the ball a lot in Igor's system but that doesn't make him a PG.

The other strange part was at the end when Gooden predicted 21 wins for the team this year. Hayward predicted high 20s which is more believable although I'm putting my money where my mouth is and laying down a Benjamin today via a friend in Vegas on the Over. Don't know what my win total to beat is yet but as long as it's under 30 wins, I'm taking the bet.

The consensus is that the Suns don't get to 30 wins. This is pretty well established throughout all of national NBA writers and analysts, along with even local guys. They are so confident in that, that they even laugh about the Suns and their decisions this summer, from picking Ayton over Doncic, to throwing in the most valuable pick we've seen in the last decade ('21 unprotected Heat pick), to getting fleeced by Morey, signing Ariza to $15 Million only to inevitably be bought out after the All-Star game, signing Booker to a Max contract, not having an above replacement pg to start the year, and being so dumb to think a foreigner could reach these NBA guys with some Euro coaching. If I could get to Vegas, I would put money on the over, and feel it's easy money.

[Cap]

If I could get to Vegas, I would put money on the over, and feel it's easy money.

Been a while since I’ve placed any sports bets. Are online sportsbooks no longer an option?

[In2ition]

If I could get to Vegas, I would put money on the over, and feel it's easy money.

Been a while since I’ve placed any sports bets. Are online sportsbooks no longer an option?

I have no idea, I've never used them.

[Superbone]

NBATV is doing a 30minute Suns Team Preview in an hour. Pretty sure they'll show it a bunch more times but I saw it listed for 3:30EST.

I caught the last minute of it about an hour ago and one of the knuckleheads (some guy I've never seen before, not a player) said Booker is technically a point guard? WTF? I'm going to watch the whole thing but I get the feeling it'll be a surface level take on the Suns by 2 wannabes on NBATV.

I watched it last night. It was actually one of their better Suns season previews. You just happended to catch The Starters segment (Is Booker overrated?) where the Australian guy made that weird and wrong PG comment. He might be handling the ball a lot in Igor's system but that doesn't make him a PG.

The other strange part was at the end when Gooden predicted 21 wins for the team this year. Hayward predicted high 20s which is more believable although I'm putting my money where my mouth is and laying down a Benjamin today via a friend in Vegas on the Over. Don't know what my win total to beat is yet but as long as it's under 30 wins, I'm taking the bet.

The consensus is that the Suns don't get to 30 wins. This is pretty well established throughout all of national NBA writers and analysts, along with even local guys. They are so confident in that, that they even laugh about the Suns and their decisions this summer, from picking Ayton over Doncic, to throwing in the most valuable pick we've seen in the last decade ('21 unprotected Heat pick), to getting fleeced by Morey, signing Ariza to $15 Million only to inevitably be bought out after the All-Star game, signing Booker to a Max contract, not having an above replacement pg to start the year, and being so dumb to think a foreigner could reach these NBA guys with some Euro coaching. If I could get to Vegas, I would put money on the over, and feel it's easy money.

Totally agree with you. I remember Hornacek's first year as coach had similar predictions and we blew them away. I've never done one of these types of bets before but I too think it's easy money. Most of these national guys make their opinions on limited knowledge of the team and it's quite frustrating. They are paid for their strong opinions even if they don't have any facts to back them up. Gooden predicting 21 wins was laughable.

[ShelC]

I watched it last night. It was actually one of their better Suns season previews. You just happended to catch The Starters segment (Is Booker overrated?) where the Australian guy made that weird and wrong PG comment. He might be handling the ball a lot in Igor's system but that doesn't make him a PG.

Yea that's what it was. I was so pissed about the PG stuff I just turned to another channel. I'll watch the whole thing a bit later.

[In2ition]

NBATV is doing a 30minute Suns Team Preview in an hour. Pretty sure they'll show it a bunch more times but I saw it listed for 3:30EST.

I caught the last minute of it about an hour ago and one of the knuckleheads (some guy I've never seen before, not a player) said Booker is technically a point guard? WTF? I'm going to watch the whole thing but I get the feeling it'll be a surface level take on the Suns by 2 wannabes on NBATV.

I watched it last night. It was actually one of their better Suns season previews. You just happended to catch The Starters segment (Is Booker overrated?) where the Australian guy made that weird and wrong PG comment. He might be handling the ball a lot in Igor's system but that doesn't make him a PG.

The other strange part was at the end when Gooden predicted 21 wins for the team this year. Hayward predicted high 20s which is more believable although I'm putting my money where my mouth is and laying down a Benjamin today via a friend in Vegas on the Over. Don't know what my win total to beat is yet but as long as it's under 30 wins, I'm taking the bet.

The consensus is that the Suns don't get to 30 wins. This is pretty well established throughout all of national NBA writers and analysts, along with even local guys. They are so confident in that, that they even laugh about the Suns and their decisions this summer, from picking Ayton over Doncic, to throwing in the most valuable pick we've seen in the last decade ('21 unprotected Heat pick), to getting fleeced by Morey, signing Ariza to $15 Million only to inevitably be bought out after the All-Star game, signing Booker to a Max contract, not having an above replacement pg to start the year, and being so dumb to think a foreigner could reach these NBA guys with some Euro coaching. If I could get to Vegas, I would put money on the over, and feel it's easy money.

Totally agree with you. I remember Hornacek's first year as coach had similar predictions and we blew them away. I've never done one of these types of bets before but I too think it's easy money. Most of these national guys make their opinions on limited knowledge of the team and it's quite frustrating. They are paid for their strong opinions even if they don't have any facts to back them up. Gooden predicting 21 wins was laughable.

It's funny, he was pretty complimentary about Ayton, adding the shooters, the vets added and seemed impressed. To come out and say 21, I think someone may have to check him out, he may have had a stroke.

[OE32]

I really like Shaq Harrison. I'm even okay with him as a starter, given his strength on the defensive end.

I like Jones and think he would be an upgrade, but I doubt that Teague really would be, all things considered. Dragic would be a big upgrade, obviously.

I think we're a bubble playoff team with Shaq, Teague or Jones. I think we'd be favored to make it with Dragic on the roster. But in my view, we could explode based on the changes to our roster and the coaching staff alone.

I'm looking for upwards of 38 wins. I don't expect us to resemble the team we were last year at all.

No reason to jump the shark with a PG trade or give real long-term value for a minor upgrade (or downgrade).

GO SUNS!!!

[Ring_Wanted]

NBATV is doing a 30minute Suns Team Preview in an hour. Pretty sure they'll show it a bunch more times but I saw it listed for 3:30EST.

I caught the last minute of it about an hour ago and one of the knuckleheads (some guy I've never seen before, not a player) said Booker is technically a point guard? WTF? I'm going to watch the whole thing but I get the feeling it'll be a surface level take on the Suns by 2 wannabes on NBATV.

I watched it last night. It was actually one of their better Suns season previews. You just happended to catch The Starters segment (Is Booker overrated?) where the Australian guy made that weird and wrong PG comment. He might be handling the ball a lot in Igor's system but that doesn't make him a PG.

The other strange part was at the end when Gooden predicted 21 wins for the team this year. Hayward predicted high 20s which is more believable although I'm putting my money where my mouth is and laying down a Benjamin today via a friend in Vegas on the Over. Don't know what my win total to beat is yet but as long as it's under 30 wins, I'm taking the bet.

The consensus is that the Suns don't get to 30 wins. This is pretty well established throughout all of national NBA writers and analysts, along with even local guys. They are so confident in that, that they even laugh about the Suns and their decisions this summer, from picking Ayton over Doncic, to throwing in the most valuable pick we've seen in the last decade ('21 unprotected Heat pick), to getting fleeced by Morey, signing Ariza to $15 Million only to inevitably be bought out after the All-Star game, signing Booker to a Max contract, not having an above replacement pg to start the year, and being so dumb to think a foreigner could reach these NBA guys with some Euro coaching. If I could get to Vegas, I would put money on the over, and feel it's easy money.

Totally agree with you. I remember Hornacek's first year as coach had similar predictions and we blew them away. I've never done one of these types of bets before but I too think it's easy money. Most of these national guys make their opinions on limited knowledge of the team and it's quite frustrating. They are paid for their strong opinions even if they don't have any facts to back them up. Gooden predicting 21 wins was laughable.

They focus too much on what didn't happen. We didn't draft Doncic, and he could very well be the best talent on the draft (Dallas was probably his best destination followed by us). But Ayton would have been a consensus #1 in 75% of drafts as a terrific prospect on his own, while also fixing (in theory) several holes on our roster.

We don't have a starting PG, true, but we are not void of options there. The key is that we have a proven role solved (defensive hound in Shaq) and Booker will handle the ball a lot anyways. Don't get me wrong, I still want a starter but not getting it is not as bad in my opinion (I personally have grrown very interested in seeing what we have in Okobo and Melton).

The rest of the roster is an obvious upgrade from what we had last year. And as pointed, we finally are dissease free, or almost, as there is a case of logjam at forward that could lead to some issues (I'm looking at you Warren and Jackson).

I want to see who else (RIP Sauce, wish you luck in BRY) gets cut. Daniels, Canaan? How much time are the rookie guards going to spend in the GLeague?

Kokoskov has a chance to be the moral leader of this group (this is totally ammo for the Doncic widows ajaja ).

The baad? LeBron is in the west now. George stayed. Minni seems like they will drop, which is something. Portland is due to some injury bug (don't want to put that evil on them, though). IT could give something to Denver; could be poison, could be Boston (or is it Stevens?). Will the Logo blow it up in LAC? Is MEM healthy? NOP looks solid if healthy, as well as Utah. Pop, Aldridge and DeRozan's revenge should be enough (warning: they have Rudy Gay too).

Say you are better than SAC and DAL. Say some others drop (LAC, DEN and MIN, for instance) and that it is you reaping the benefits, What are you, #10 in the west? Say you also beat every East non playoff teams but one or two.

Are we looking at a bottom lotto team? 35-40 wins?