Even if we magically just got Jimmy Butler for nothing (not even giving up Beal), this team would still suck and would not be a contender. They just haven't got it.
The talent is there…there’s no reason a team with Booker/Jimmy/KD shouldn’t be good. But something weird is going on with this team…they aren’t playing anywhere near their abilities…so assuming Jimmy would fix it by himself is risky…something needs to change with the current players as well.
I think you're asking for the current players to be something they're not. But the change you're alluding to is what a great, maybe even transcendent, coach can pull off. That isn't Bud.
I think it may be as simple as this not being NBA2K. You can't just try to get players with the highest game ratings and hit simulate to a championship.
Even if we magically just got Jimmy Butler for nothing (not even giving up Beal), this team would still suck and would not be a contender. They just haven't got it.
The talent is there…there’s no reason a team with Booker/Jimmy/KD shouldn’t be good. But something weird is going on with this team…they aren’t playing anywhere near their abilities…so assuming Jimmy would fix it by himself is risky…something needs to change with the current players as well.
I think you're asking for the current players to be something they're not. But the change you're alluding to is what a great, maybe even transcendent, coach can pull off. That isn't Bud.
I think it may be as simple as this not being NBA2K. You can't just try to get players with the highest game ratings and hit simulate to a championship.
You’re not wrong…I think a big problem is neither Book or KD are leaders. CP3 wasn’t the player that took us to the finals anymore, but we miss his leadership. That’s the one thing that makes me think Jimmy could maybe make it work. Of course we’d need to get a real C too
Jimmy being an asshole doesn't mean he's leader. It's important not to conflate the two. He didn't lead in Minny or Philly. For all the jokes about Heat Culture, that's the kind of environment Jimmy thrives in. It's like KD in Golden State- the culture is set there. That's not what we have here. CP was an asshole, but he was also one of the best leaders in the history of the game.
Jimmy being an asshole doesn't mean he's leader. It's important not to conflate the two. He didn't lead in Minny or Philly. For all the jokes about Heat Culture, that's the kind of environment Jimmy thrives in. It's like KD in Golden State- the culture is set there. That's not what we have here. CP was an asshole, but he was also one of the best leaders in the history of the game.
You might be right, but we could use someone who acts like they care
I actually think Butler won't mesh well with KD. And I doubt he'll buy into Budenholzer's coaching.
I think Butler is a better fit than Beal, but acquiring him doesn't make this team a contender. I was all for acquiring because letting him walk gets us under the 2nd apron, but if they plan is to extend him, then it's not better than hanging on to Beal; it may be worse if they are giving him a 3-year deal.
I think Butler is a better fit than Beal, but acquiring him doesn't make this team a contender. I was all for acquiring because letting him walk gets us under the 2nd apron, but if they plan is to extend him, then it's not better than hanging on to Beal; it may be worse if they are giving him a 3-year deal.
Jimmy being an asshole doesn't mean he's leader. It's important not to conflate the two. He didn't lead in Minny or Philly. For all the jokes about Heat Culture, that's the kind of environment Jimmy thrives in. It's like KD in Golden State- the culture is set there. That's not what we have here. CP was an asshole, but he was also one of the best leaders in the history of the game.
I think this is right. Jimmy is the one hotheaded guy you can add to an already mature and steady team/culture. He's more Draymond than Klay, more Rodman than Pippen. Bring him into this mess and I didn't think it goes well. He might yell at some guys in practice but I have seen no evidence that that will actually break through to any of these guys.
I actually think Butler won't mesh well with KD. And I doubt he'll buy into Budenholzer's coaching.
I think Butler is a better fit than Beal, but acquiring him doesn't make this team a contender. I was all for acquiring because letting him walk gets us under the 2nd apron, but if they plan is to extend him, then it's not better than hanging on to Beal; it may be worse if they are giving him a 3-year deal.
I'd be willing to wager Butler and Nurkic get into a fist fight within two weeks.
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I'm not hopping on the Anti-Book Train that is beginning to pick up steam, but the whole retool with him plan just seems it has a ceiling of 6-8 seed, like Lillard with the Blazers. I just think the Suns have dug a hole that is too deep that they won't be able to get out of without moving Booker.
I'm not hopping on the Anti-Book Train that is beginning to pick up steam, but the whole retool with him plan just seems it has a ceiling of 6-8 seed, like Lillard with the Blazers. I just think the Suns have dug a hole that is too deep that they won't be able to get out of without moving Booker.
Trade Beal for HIM and don't extend him right away. Let us see how it plays out. If it doesn't move the needle then just let him opt out and move on and get yourself under the second apron so we can get back to aggregating contracts in trades. That part of the second apron is killer
Last edited by specialsauce on Tue Jan 07, 2025 8:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I'm not hopping on the Anti-Book Train that is beginning to pick up steam, but the whole retool with him plan just seems it has a ceiling of 6-8 seed, like Lillard with the Blazers. I just think the Suns have dug a hole that is too deep that they won't be able to get out of without moving Booker.
Yeah, no more doubling down on this team. Just blow it up.
Sigh. Four picks and three swaps (plus Mikal, Cam, CP3, Camara and DA) for a team we want to blow up… but can’t because we’re saddled with bad contracts (and an NTC that might come into play if anybody’s willing to trade for Beal’s contract, which doesn’t seem likely right now).
Anybody still on the “Ishbia won’t let us miss the playoffs” wagon?
“Are you crazy?! You think I’m going to go for seven years and try to get there? You enjoy the 2030 draft picks that we have holding? I want to try to see the game today.” — Ish 3/13/25
Yeah, no more doubling down on this team. Just blow it up.
Sigh. Four picks and three swaps (plus Mikal, Cam, CP3, Camara and DA) for a team we want to blow up… but can’t because we’re saddled with bad contracts (and an NTC that might come into play if anybody’s willing to trade for Beal’s contract, which doesn’t seem likely right now).
Anybody still on the “Ishbia won’t let us miss the playoffs” wagon?
