Game Day: Bulls (19-26) @ Suns (32-14), Wed 3/31/21

[Mori Chu]

I understand people wanting to like "their guys", but championship organizations don't let their feelings get in the way of winning.

Here's the reality. The Suns aren't going to win the title this year. But they're going to learn a lot about the guys they have, mainly how they perform when it really matters in the playoffs. If any of the young guys (Mikal, Ayton, Cam) obviously disappear in those moments, James Jones wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't consider trying to upgrade the player in their role to someone more reliable and experienced.

Obviously this is just conjecture because we don't know how those guys will perform in two months. What I am certain of is the title window for this team lead by Paul and Booker is narrow. If it requires losing a young player to really put the Suns in the title discussion next season, then it must be done.

What I'm describing is exactly what Denver did at the trade deadline. They loved RJ Hampton, and he'll probably be pretty good someday, but they had to make that move now before Porter Jr. signs his next contract. They were in the same spot as the Suns two weeks ago, but now they're second in the West behind the Lakers in my mind because they acquired a more reliable player.

Good post.

We'll see how committed Jones is to pursuing a championship. All of his talk aside, him and Sarver may be content to just field a winning team. Chemistry is great, but how important is everyone being buddies if you are losing in the 2nd round?

I was higher on this team's potential to win this year a few months ago, and while I wouldn't close the door completely, I do have a lot of doubt about this group's ability to get it done. Ayton's play is too lackluster, no matter how much we want to bend over backwards to put a shine on a 10 point/4 rebound performance. And we just don't have the personnel we need at the 4 spot. I think those two things will be pretty hard to overcome, especially with the moves Denver has made.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

I don't think we would beat the (healthy) Lakers or the Nuggets in a 7-game series right now. We might beat the Jazz or Clips. I think we are likely a 2nd round team in this year's playoffs. WCF could be possible depending on matchups or injuries but I don't like our odds against Denver or LA.

[Split T]

Current standings would be great.

First round matchup against Dallas
Second round against LAC/Portland winner.

Denver and Lakers play round 1.

[azsportsfan]

I think we would feel a lot differently now had Jones called Haliburton's bluff (if it really was a thing). An actual scorer/distributor for the second unit and a PGOF? What in the world was he thinking?!

[Indy]

I think we would feel a lot differently now had Jones called Haliburton's bluff (if it really was a thing). An actual scorer/distributor for the second unit and a PGOF? What in the world was he thinking?!

He was thinking "I need a PF/C and an insurance policy on DA more than I need to invest in my Devin Booker/Chris Paul $75M backcourt."

[azsportsfan]

Sure - then choose someone whose body is ready for such an insurance policy. Not two years away. Anyways, I'm just thinking out loud and don't dislike what we have now from where we have been. We could have been better with hindsight, but so could everyone else.

[jonh]

I don't think there is a good argument for Smith over Haliburton--it may be something Jones will have to defend for years.

[Indy]

agreed with both. I didn't say it was a good thought, just what it probably was. There was also probably some "I am smarter than everyone else--and the GOAT calls me 'Champ'" going through there too.

[Superbone]

I don't think there is a good argument for Smith over Haliburton--it may be something Jones will have to defend for years.

Jones already had a plan to bring in a bunch of veteran guards. He drafted for need rather than BPA.

[The Bobster]

I think you always draft BPA. If you end up drafting a Steve Nash when you already have a Jason Kidd and a Kevin Johnson, so be
it.

[Indy]

I think you always draft BPA. If you end up drafting a Steve Nash when you already have a Jason Kidd and a Kevin Johnson, so be
it.

I think it depends on how far apart your needs and BPA are. You might have a guy ranked an 88 at a position where you already have a glut, but really need another position and have a guy ranked 82. Depending on your team makeup, season expectations, cap space, it might make sense to take the 82 vs the 88.

[Superbone]

I think you always draft BPA. If you end up drafting a Steve Nash when you already have a Jason Kidd and a Kevin Johnson, so be
it.

That didn't work out. We got lucky to get him back in his prime.

[Superbone]

I think you always draft BPA. If you end up drafting a Steve Nash when you already have a Jason Kidd and a Kevin Johnson, so be
it.

I think it depends on how far apart your needs and BPA are. You might have a guy ranked an 88 at a position where you already have a glut, but really need another position and have a guy ranked 82. Depending on your team makeup, season expectations, cap space, it might make sense to take the 82 vs the 88.

Agreed.

[Split T]

If you’re drafting for need, that guy better be able to fill that need right away. I think you can get picky about needs when players are around the same overall talent level, but you gotta take the best talent if it’s there.

[Indy]

Agreed. And in no way am I saying Jones should have passed on Haliburton. Let's just hope Smith turns in a good player for his rookie deal is up.

[Mori Chu]

Can we declare Stix a bust yet?

[Indy]

Absolutely not. He got almost no college season, no training camp and no practice time. He needs a real off-season and then a full season before you can decide.

[Shabazz]

Absolutely not. He got almost no college season, no training camp and no practice time. He needs a real off-season and then a full season before you can decide.

I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt and am not declaring him a bust, but everything you listed above is true for all rookies. Also, Smith was drafted after his Sophomore season.

[Cap]

I think you always draft BPA. If you end up drafting a Steve Nash when you already have a Jason Kidd and a Kevin Johnson, so be
it.

That didn't work out. We got lucky to get him back in his prime.

We traded him for the pick that became Shawn Marion, so I’d say it worked out.

[Indy]

Absolutely not. He got almost no college season, no training camp and no practice time. He needs a real off-season and then a full season before you can decide.

I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt and am not declaring him a bust, but everything you listed above is true for all rookies. Also, Smith was drafted after his Sophomore season.

Yep. And I am not saying a rookie can't succeed this year. But this year isn't a great judge of whether or not a guy is a bad NBA player. It isn't looking good, but you can't write him off yet.

[Indy]

I think you always draft BPA. If you end up drafting a Steve Nash when you already have a Jason Kidd and a Kevin Johnson, so be
it.

That didn't work out. We got lucky to get him back in his prime.

We traded him for the pick that became Shawn Marion, so I’d say it worked out.

It was a good trade for both teams. Now that trade for Finley, not so much.