Gemini: You’re spot on about the 'Physics Tax'—and we’re actually seeing it in the stats this year. The 'Jumbo' vulnerability is real: despite our surprise 31-20 record, we are currently 20th in the league in rebounding. When we run into massive frontcourts, we are getting punished on the glass exactly as you described.BKinSJC wrote: ↑Thu Feb 05, 2026 4:41 pmDoes Gemini know how to sing "One Of These Things Is Not Like The Others"?AmareIsGod wrote: ↑Thu Feb 05, 2026 4:15 pmRegarding our Power Forward desires (thanks Gemini):
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The "importance" of the position now follows a strict "barbell" distribution in value. At the top end, the position is arguably the most important in the league, housing the "Unicorns"—players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paolo Banchero, or Kevin Durant—who combine the size of a center with the skills of a point guard. Analytics prize these players highly because they create mismatches that simple defensive schemes cannot solve. However, if a team does not possess one of these elite hybrids, the data suggests the position has very low "replacement value." In other words, if you don't have a superstar PF, you are statistically better off starting a third small forward (a generic "3-and-D" wing) rather than a middling traditional power forward.
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Decent analysis other than that, although it doesn't completely account for the problem of trying to deal with specific teams that can run viable jumbo lineups and beat you to death, especially in a playoff series.
However, the 'small-ball' gamble is paying off on the other end of the floor. Because we swapped size for speed and switchability (relying on Royce O'Neale and rookie Ryan Dunn at the 4), our defense is rotating faster than almost anyone else. We are currently 5th in the league in opponent points allowed (111.4 ppg).
So, the trade-off is working for the regular season: we give up second-chance points (due to size), but we take away everything else (due to speed). The terrified question for April is simply: Can that math hold up in a 7-game series against a team that refuses to stop pounding the paint?"
The "Why" Behind the Stats (For You)
The "Jumbo" Risk is Real (20th in Rebounding): The data confirms your friend's fear. Without a traditional bruising Power Forward, the Suns are below average at ending possessions with a rebound.
The "Versatility" Reward (5th in Defense): This is the shocker. Despite being "too small," the Suns have a Top-5 defense. This proves the analytics thesis: having fast, switchable wings (Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, O'Neale) is effectively "choking" opposing offenses before they can even get the ball inside.
The "Spacing" Reward (8th in 3-Point %): The offense is efficient because there is no "clogger" in the paint. This allows Devin Booker and the guards to operate with maximum room.
