Suns News: The Offseason (2016)

[Cap]

Play the Earl Watson "love and nurture" drinking game with that article...

[O_Gardino]

More concerning, though, has to be Len’s hot/cold tendencies.

After posting 10 consecutive 10+ rebound games from 2/27 - 3/17, including 8 double-doubles, Len grabbed 10+ rebounds in only 3 of his next 14 games to finish the season on a sour note.

I don't think that is so much Len being Hot/Cold. I think that has to do with adjustments. We started featuring Len in the offense, and he played well. So other teams started sending help when he got the ball. Len didn't have another adjustment in him, so he struggled for the rest of the season.

I'm very excited to see how Len responds this season. With an offseason of work and better shooters around him, can we run the ball through him more? I really hope he and TJ get opportunities this season.

[AmareIsGod]

Meanwhile at ESPN...

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/h ... /89070802/

ESPN misidentifies Suns' Devin Booker as arrested Notre Dame CB Devin Butler

"On SportsCenter Saturday night, ESPN used a picture of Booker to accompany its graphic and story about the arrest of Notre Dame cornerback Devin Butler."

[Superbone]

Idiots! He's obviously wearing a basketball jersey in the picture.

[AmareIsGod]

I don't think anyone proofreads or checks anything that ESPN announces west of the Mississippi. Just another embarrassing level of reporting about Arizona sports from ESPN, the Worldwide Leader in Sports.

[carey]

I don't think anyone proofreads or checks anything that ESPN announces west of the Mississippi. Just another embarrassing level of reporting about Arizona sports from ESPN, the Worldwide Leader in Sports.

I know you said this facetiously, but I don't think they are the Worldwide Leader anymore. They are hemorrhaging talent to FOX and NBC, and the cord cutters are eating into their profits in a huge way right now. Their best radio show (LeBatard) barely talks about sports and is all the better for it.

[AmareIsGod]

I don't think anyone proofreads or checks anything that ESPN announces west of the Mississippi. Just another embarrassing level of reporting about Arizona sports from ESPN, the Worldwide Leader in Sports.

I know you said this facetiously, but I don't think they are the Worldwide Leader anymore. They are hemorrhaging talent to FOX and NBC, and the cord cutters are eating into their profits in a huge way right now. Their best radio show (LeBatard) barely talks about sports and is all the better for it.

You know me by now. That was heavily laced with sarcasm, referring to them as the Worldwide Leader in Sports.

And I agree. I cut the chord over a year ago. Internet only. Haven't looked back. Living in Oregon, I can get League Pass for whatever sport without being subject to local blackouts (which could be alleviated with a VPN regardless). Couple that with Hulu, Amazon Prime and Netflix and I'm set. No need for ESPN and don't miss it at all.

[carey]

And I agree. I cut the chord over a year ago. Internet only. Haven't looked back. Living in Oregon, I can get League Pass for whatever sport without being subject to local blackouts (which could be alleviated with a VPN regardless). Couple that with Hulu, Amazon Prime and Netflix and I'm set. No need for ESPN and don't miss it at all.

Yeah, I use VPN as well. I keep it for a family member but I'm about to cut all but the net soon. I would probably miss MNF though.

[TOO]

And I agree. I cut the chord over a year ago. Internet only. Haven't looked back. Living in Oregon, I can get League Pass for whatever sport without being subject to local blackouts (which could be alleviated with a VPN regardless). Couple that with Hulu, Amazon Prime and Netflix and I'm set. No need for ESPN and don't miss it at all.

Yeah, I use VPN as well. I keep it for a family member but I'm about to cut all but the net soon. I would probably miss MNF though.

Just gotta find someone who will let you log on their espn app. I like it better than the actual channels themselves.

[Superbone]

Suns are going to continue to hold training camp at NAU in Flagstaff. Good choice.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/n ... /89107414/

[SDC]

West prediction
1) Warriors
2) Clippers
3) Spurs
4) Grizzlies
5) Timberwolves
6) Rockets
7) Suns
8) OKC

[Nodack]

Suns are going to continue to hold training camp at NAU in Flagstaff. Good choice.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/n ... /89107414/

Its close and the thin air is great for toughening them up.

[O_Gardino]

West prediction
1) Warriors
2) Clippers
3) Spurs
4) Grizzlies
5) Timberwolves
6) Rockets
7) Suns
8) OKC

No Portland or Dallas? And The Wolves and Suns are going to improve more than NOP and DEN?

I love the optimism, but I don't think either Phoenix or MIN will be 20 games better than last year. I also expect the Pelicans and Nuggets to improve.

Warriors
Spurs
Clippers
Rockets
Blazers
Grizzlies
Thunder
Pelicans

[wpmiller42]

I think the Wolves can be sneaky good this year. KAT is just so dominant and all of their young guys just seem to be improving. If Dunn is better than expected and they end up flipping Rubio for a contributing piece (and even if they don't), I think they'll make the playoffs.

[O_Gardino]

I like the Wolves, too. They do have a ton of guys who could improve this year, and if they all improve it could add up to 20 more wins.

For reference,
the Wolves had a 14 game improvement in KGs 2nd year (and Flip Saunders first year coaching that team).
the Raptors had a 20 game improvement in Vince Carter's second year with Tracy Mac in his 3rd.

[Superbone]

Suns are going to continue to hold training camp at NAU in Flagstaff. Good choice.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/n ... /89107414/

Its close and the thin air is great for toughening them up.

Plus, I'm a little biased after graduating from NAU. Great place for the players to bond too.

[Superbone]

I wouldn't mind one more high draft pick. I understand the next draft is going to be deep.

[Split T]

West prediction
1) Warriors
2) Clippers
3) Spurs
4) Grizzlies
5) Timberwolves
6) Rockets
7) Suns
8) OKC

No Portland or Dallas? And The Wolves and Suns are going to improve more than NOP and DEN?

I love the optimism, but I don't think either Phoenix or MIN will be 20 games better than last year. I also expect the Pelicans and Nuggets to improve.

Warriors
Spurs
Clippers
Rockets
Blazers
Grizzlies
Thunder
Pelicans

You guys both missed the jazz. Jazz will be good

[Split T]

I wouldn't mind one more high draft pick. I understand the next draft is going to be deep.

I think I'm with you, if we could add another top 5 pick, I'd really feel good about the future. I think Booker needs another star, not sure we have one on the current roster.

[Mori Chu]

I like our future outlook more this year, but I don't think we will make the playoffs. The past few years I have been overoptimistic and hoped for the playoffs even though I thought it was unrealistic. This year I'm just going to enjoy the journey and watching the young guys grow and improve. No expectations other than playing hard and general improvement over the course of the year.

If I had to guess I'd say we will be about 10-11th in the West.