Despite having Bradley Beal (hip contusion) and Grayson Allen (concussion, shoulder strain) available, the Suns lost their fourth straight game on Saturday at Indiana, writes Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. The game was tied at halftime, but the Pacers outscored Phoenix by 12 in the third quarter to break it open, eventually winning by 18 points.
“S–t, the vibes are low, man,” said Devin Booker, who finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. “We’re just have to keep fighting. It’s a blessing to even be in this position, but our output is super ugly right now. We continue to build. Hopefully later in the season, these moments right here are out the way, got past them, but right now, we’re in the thick of it.”
Even though Beal and Allen were active, the Suns were still shorthanded, with starting point guard Tyus Jones and rookie big man Oso Ighodaro late scratches due to illness. Royce O’Neale (ankle sprain) and Jusuf Nurkic (final game of his suspension) were also out.
After missing most of Tuesday’s loss to Memphis, Beal was ineffective vs. Indiana, recording just eight points (on 3-of-12 shooting), three assists and three rebounds in 33 minutes. The team was outscored by 21 points when he was on the court. Allen notched 13 points (on 5-of-10 shooting), four rebounds and six assists in 31 minutes off the bench following a five-game absence.
Here’s more on the Suns, who dropped to 15-18 on the season:
- Collin Gillespie, who is on a two-way contract, was a “full participant” in Thursday’s practice and is expected to suit up for the team’s G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, “very soon,” according to Rankin. Gillespie has been sidelined since November 8 due to a right ankle fracture.
- However unlikely it might be, Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports examines what would need to occur for the Suns to trade for Jimmy Butler.
- Following Saturday’s loss, Bourguet argued that Phoenix’s current roster isn’t good enough and trades are needed to turn the team’s season around (YouTube link).
Would be so sweet if they finish 12th or 13th.
Suns and 76ers are super teams
When fully healthy, they can fight for 6th seed
If 7th or 8th seed, they’ll be swept come playoffs time
Forget about face value of Beal. Heat don’t want him
Suns should make a big trade 3 months ago
There is absolutely no need to wait until February
There is no big trade out there short of trading away KD or Booker, and they ain’t going to do that. And their bad contracts aren’t going to fetch much, if anything. Their fate is sealed and well deserved.
Suns started off 8-1. Since then, they are 7-17. Maybe, the right question is, how bad are the Suns, how far are they going to fall? With a record breaking luxury tax, the second oldest team in the NBA, all of their first round picks traded away for the rest of the decade (and most of their seconds), the Suns look like a poor team this year with a very, very bleak future.
Crazy idea that won’t happen but could…
Jimmy and Alex Burks to Philly
PG and Reggie Jackson to Phoenix,
Beal and Monte Morris to Miami
Jimmy and Embiid are mates and Joel has wanted him back ever since he’s left. Think he’d be a much better fit as we need defenders and him and Martin would be back together aswell.
Reggie isn’t really needed as we have a lot of ball handling options whereas Alec Burks gives us more of a shooter.
Bradley Beal goes to Miami which is where he went to college. Miami stays a good basketball side and contract wise his deal is only 1 year longer than Jimmys but he’s also only 31 whereas Jimmy is 35. Although he’s not the same beast he was in Washington he’s still putting up good numbers of good efficiency and on a team he gets more responsibility and more touches I’m sure he’d actually do well again. Miami also gets Monte Morris as a back up point guard and didnt need Burks with a few back up SG’s already in place.
As for the Suns, they don’t really need Beal with Booker, Jones and Allen there. Instead PG would be a better fit as he can offer some defence and added size. His good mate Reggie comes with him and would be a good back up point guard and offer some energetic and experience off the bench.
Overall money wise, Sixers get out of a bad situation in PG’s contract. Miami adds another year of big money in Beal but he’s also a lot younger than Butler and isn’t going to cause as many issues. For Pheonix they also add another year getting PG, but they are all in on win now and this makes them a better side.
All teams should be rather desperate, the Suns sit 12th in a very strong western conference, they need to improve and have very limited options and this deal actually makes them better.
Miami well Jimmy has requested out and he is known to make things ugly when he wants out. Plus you’re losing leverage cause he has a player option and can leave for nothing.
Philly also sit outside the play in at 11th but the east is easier and they have had injuries but this is a great deal for them
Phoenix:
Jones Booker PG KD Nurkic
Jackson Allen Dunn ONeale Plumblee
Book Kd and PG makes for a much better trio and better fit together. Jackson is also a good option off the bench.
Sixers:
Maxey Gordon Butler Martin Embiid
Lowry Council/Burks Oubre Yabusele Drum
I’d have Gordon start just for the spacing and instead have Oubre play more of a sixth man role. Matches us up much better against the Celtics having Butlers defence.
Heat:
Herro Beal Highsmith Jovic Bam
Rozier JRich/Robinson Jacquez KLove Ware
Definitely not a finished project but I’d make a couple more moves and rearrange in FA. Maybe getting the short stick in the deal so send them some picks
Ok I saw the way bol bol jogged up and down and I guess plumlee is better