Suns News: The Offseason

[Split T]

I've never seen the athleticism with Chriss that others have talked about or we were sold on. I just haven't and I think I've seen enough to know Chriss isn't an above the rim athlete.

Seriously? Did you watch the games? Chriss didn't show a whole lot but he's definitely an above the rim athlete.

[ShelC]

He's a real good run jump athlete, but I don't see the explosion off two feet if traffic or with guys around him in the lane. I don't see young Amar'e or Blake Griffin there.

[O_Gardino]

Just seems strange to complain about one of our power forwards lack of power when he has more power than the other one.

Uhh it was you who brought up Bender. I am more than happy to leave him out of the discussion and focus only on Chriss, although I'll concede that 'advanced' is mainly my projection from the little we've seen in terms of shooting form, apparent IQ and versatility at 7'1.

I brought him up because you didn't. Chriss gets torn apart on here and everyone seems to love Bender. I feel like Chriss gets punished for being better at basketball than Bender. Bender hardly played last year so he gets s pass. We forget that bender was actually the higher pick and while he's younger, Chriss just barely turned 20 as well. I just wish we gave Chriss as much leeway to develop as a player as we give Bender.

You're off base with this, Split. You have to bring up the Chriss / Bender comparison because its a comp that doesn't matter to most of us. They don't have to be better than each other.

In Summer league, each guy needs to be better than he was last season. Bender was better than his performance last year, Chriss was not. Now Chriss has to live with that rep until he can make a different impression in the pre-season.

Next season, they still don't have to be better than each other. They will have to be better than the other NBA players they will be matched up against. Right now, I can't think of any poster who thinks either one is going be a good starter next season. We are just looking for improvement.

[JCSunsfan]

Chriss gets punished for being better than Bender?

Chriss gets punished because he is not good at anything (at the moment, granted, but also after having played a whole season unlike, yeah, Bender), displays a questionable attitude on the court and (imo) is not this great athlete we've been told. Being granted minutes from the start by the coach, when he probably didn't deserve them over Bender plays a part, too.

Let's not pretend like we know better than the coaches. Chriss played because he was better. Bender was awful when he played last year. He showed nothing. Chriss didn't show much but he showed something. He shot 36% from 3 after the all Star break and he has promise as a finisher.

What exactly has Bender shown that Chriss hasn't? He's shown a better understanding of defensive rotations, that's about it.

Better defender, passer, shooter, ball handler. Similar rebounder (both bad).

[Superbone]

Chriss gets punished for being better than Bender?

Chriss gets punished because he is not good at anything (at the moment, granted, but also after having played a whole season unlike, yeah, Bender), displays a questionable attitude on the court and (imo) is not this great athlete we've been told. Being granted minutes from the start by the coach, when he probably didn't deserve them over Bender plays a part, too.

Let's not pretend like we know better than the coaches. Chriss played because he was better. Bender was awful when he played last year. He showed nothing. Chriss didn't show much but he showed something. He shot 36% from 3 after the all Star break and he has promise as a finisher.

What exactly has Bender shown that Chriss hasn't? He's shown a better understanding of defensive rotations, that's about it.

Better defender, passer, shooter, ball handler. Similar rebounder (both bad).

Yeah, but other than that...

[Split T]

Chriss gets punished for being better than Bender?

Chriss gets punished because he is not good at anything (at the moment, granted, but also after having played a whole season unlike, yeah, Bender), displays a questionable attitude on the court and (imo) is not this great athlete we've been told. Being granted minutes from the start by the coach, when he probably didn't deserve them over Bender plays a part, too.

Let's not pretend like we know better than the coaches. Chriss played because he was better. Bender was awful when he played last year. He showed nothing. Chriss didn't show much but he showed something. He shot 36% from 3 after the all Star break and he has promise as a finisher.

What exactly has Bender shown that Chriss hasn't? He's shown a better understanding of defensive rotations, that's about it.

Better defender, passer, shooter, ball handler. Similar rebounder (both bad).

Yeah, but other than that...

Except only the defender one is true. In theory Bender is a better passer/ball handler, but we've never seen that. And Chriss is the better shooter right now.

[Split T]

Just seems strange to complain about one of our power forwards lack of power when he has more power than the other one.

Uhh it was you who brought up Bender. I am more than happy to leave him out of the discussion and focus only on Chriss, although I'll concede that 'advanced' is mainly my projection from the little we've seen in terms of shooting form, apparent IQ and versatility at 7'1.

I brought him up because you didn't. Chriss gets torn apart on here and everyone seems to love Bender. I feel like Chriss gets punished for being better at basketball than Bender. Bender hardly played last year so he gets s pass. We forget that bender was actually the higher pick and while he's younger, Chriss just barely turned 20 as well. I just wish we gave Chriss as much leeway to develop as a player as we give Bender.

You're off base with this, Split. You have to bring up the Chriss / Bender comparison because its a comp that doesn't matter to most of us. They don't have to be better than each other.

In Summer league, each guy needs to be better than he was last season. Bender was better than his performance last year, Chriss was not. Now Chriss has to live with that rep until he can make a different impression in the pre-season.

Next season, they still don't have to be better than each other. They will have to be better than the other NBA players they will be matched up against. Right now, I can't think of any poster who thinks either one is going be a good starter next season. We are just looking for improvement.

I'll just keep my Chriss opinions to myself

[Aztec Sunsfan]

To say that Bledsoe is better tan Knight is not so much of a cumpliment right now, the same comparing power between Chriss and Bender. As other has said, they sold him on us as an Athletic freak, so many of us are comparing him with Young Amare o Griffin, I don't think any has ever confused Bender for an above the rim player, so the comparison is futile. Knight is a better ballhandler than Len, right?

[Ring_Wanted]

I'll just keep my Chriss opinions to myself

Man no need to do that, the discussion is valuable and welcome. We just have different views on Chriss as an athlete and player, but we both are hoping for the best. I agree with you on Bender's shot, though. As pretty as it may look, if it is not falling I can't call a guy the better shooter.

[Superbone]

I'll just keep my Chriss opinions to myself

Man no need to do that, the discussion is valuable and welcome. We just have different views on Chriss as an athlete and player, but we both are hoping for the best. I agree with you on Bender's shot, though. As pretty as it may look, if it is not falling I can't call a guy the better shooter.

Agreed. No need to keep your opinions to yourself. Healthy discussion is good and that's what is going on here.

Having watched every summer league game, Bender's shot is better. It's always straight on whether short or long. Quese's shots are wild. They can go left or right. As soon as Bender can get a consistent arc on his shot, his percentage will go way up.

[Superbone]

Chriss gets punished for being better than Bender?

Chriss gets punished because he is not good at anything (at the moment, granted, but also after having played a whole season unlike, yeah, Bender), displays a questionable attitude on the court and (imo) is not this great athlete we've been told. Being granted minutes from the start by the coach, when he probably didn't deserve them over Bender plays a part, too.

Let's not pretend like we know better than the coaches. Chriss played because he was better. Bender was awful when he played last year. He showed nothing. Chriss didn't show much but he showed something. He shot 36% from 3 after the all Star break and he has promise as a finisher.

What exactly has Bender shown that Chriss hasn't? He's shown a better understanding of defensive rotations, that's about it.

Better defender, passer, shooter, ball handler. Similar rebounder (both bad).

Yeah, but other than that...

Except only the defender one is true. In theory Bender is a better passer/ball handler, but we've never seen that. And Chriss is the better shooter right now.

I've seen it this summer. That next to last game was an eye opener.

[bajanguy008]

https://twitter.com/Suns/status/887406430583635968 Let's hope that there are more fluid offensive sets to compliment and maximize those "define roles" that Watson says will be given to the guys going into the season

[Split T]

I'll just keep my Chriss opinions to myself

Man no need to do that, the discussion is valuable and welcome. We just have different views on Chriss as an athlete and player, but we both are hoping for the best. I agree with you on Bender's shot, though. As pretty as it may look, if it is not falling I can't call a guy the better shooter.

Agreed. No need to keep your opinions to yourself. Healthy discussion is good and that's what is going on here.

Having watched every summer league game, Bender's shot is better. It's always straight on whether short or long. Quese's shots are wild. They can go left or right. As soon as Bender can get a consistent arc on his shot, his percentage will go way up.

Bender's shot may look nicer, but until he actually starts making them I can't call him the better shooter.

[Split T]

Let's not pretend like we know better than the coaches. Chriss played because he was better. Bender was awful when he played last year. He showed nothing. Chriss didn't show much but he showed something. He shot 36% from 3 after the all Star break and he has promise as a finisher.

What exactly has Bender shown that Chriss hasn't? He's shown a better understanding of defensive rotations, that's about it.

Better defender, passer, shooter, ball handler. Similar rebounder (both bad).

Yeah, but other than that...

Except only the defender one is true. In theory Bender is a better passer/ball handler, but we've never seen that. And Chriss is the better shooter right now.

I've seen it this summer. That next to last game was an eye opener.

He looked very good in summer league, I just don't put much weight into summer league performances. Too many bad players have had good summer league showings.

[Superbone]

Better defender, passer, shooter, ball handler. Similar rebounder (both bad).

Yeah, but other than that...

Except only the defender one is true. In theory Bender is a better passer/ball handler, but we've never seen that. And Chriss is the better shooter right now.

I've seen it this summer. That next to last game was an eye opener.

He looked very good in summer league, I just don't put much weight into summer league performances. Too many bad players have had good summer league showings.

Let's all hope he can start bringing it to the NBA level. If so, he will be a pleasure to watch and mesh with this team.

[ShelC]

The thing with Bender's shot, and I've seen it before with taller players, is that he's shooting down at the rim which causes it to be flat. Now you can point to Dirk, Paul/Marc Gasol, and other 7ft+ player and say they don't have that problem, but each player is different. He either needs to literally take a step back and shoot from further out, or try and slingshot approach like Camby to get more arc.

[Split T]

Yeah, but other than that...

Except only the defender one is true. In theory Bender is a better passer/ball handler, but we've never seen that. And Chriss is the better shooter right now.

I've seen it this summer. That next to last game was an eye opener.

He looked very good in summer league, I just don't put much weight into summer league performances. Too many bad players have had good summer league showings.

Let's all hope he can start bringing it to the NBA level. If so, he will be a pleasure to watch and mesh with this team.

Agreed

[Superbone]

https://sports.yahoo.com/even-loaded-dr ... ml?src=rss

Even in loaded draft class, Suns forward Josh Jackson relishes 'being unique'

Michael Lee
The Vertical
Yahoo SportsJul 18, 2017, 8:17 AM

LAS VEGAS – Be it his distinct Afro, unusual jersey number or unorthodox game, Phoenix Suns rookie swingman Josh Jackson was bound to find some way to stand out in one of the most talent-rich draft classes to enter the NBA in some time. With little more than personal preference and position separating the more promising prospects at the top, Jackson won’t spend too much time arguing why he believes he’s the best, or to criticize the three teams that chose other players ahead of him. Too much worked out for all of the parties involved to complain.

Boston had considered Jackson for the top overall pick, but he never took seriously the Celtics’ interest in him, refusing a workout even after they traded down for the third overall pick...

Read More...

[Shabazz]

I solved the Knight situation:

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y8dmqfdu

[Ring_Wanted]

I solved the Knight situation:

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y8dmqfdu

Problem is Melo won't decline his no-trade clause for Portland.

How about this:

Houston gets Melo.
NOP gets Ryan Anderson.
PHX gets Asik+Ajinca+Pondexter
NYK gets Knight.

Houston would need to add something to the Knicks (protected 1st in '19 for instance, or perhaps Isaiah Hartenstein), since they are turning Anderson into Melo.

Pelicans turn the unplayable Asik (3 years left) and filler into a stretch forward that should compliment really well their two franchise big men. Expensive, but much more useful.

Suns get rid of Knight and save some money along the way. Cut all the stuff from NOP except maybe Ajinca (or if someone wants him for a 2ndR, be my guest).