From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Jason Kidd Hired

By Sam Gray



The Suns have been without a head coach since the end of the season but, finally, have their man — a familiar name to Suns’ fans, Jason Kidd. Kidd has been without a coaching job for nearly five months since he was fired by the Bucks this past February — Milwaukee subsequently made the playoffs, which was seen as a damning development for Kidd.



But owner Regina Culver didn’t see it that way at all.



“Jason’s tenure with the Bucks is, largely, a success in my view — he wasn’t allowed to see it through. He will be allowed that opportunity here with the Phoenix Suns.”



It’s taken Phoenix till the second day of free agency to officially announce Kidd as their coach, but Suns GM David Griffin said Kidd was “intimately involved in our free agency process” for the last week as both sides negotiated his contract.



Kidd, for his part, is glad to be back.



“I don’t have many regrets in my life, but how things ended here when I was a player was one of them,” said Kidd at his opening press conference, referring to his domestic violence incident and subsequent trade in June of 2001. “We never really went as far as I would have liked in the postseason and I, certainly, had a lot to do with that … I wasn’t very mature in my personal life and I let the team down.”



Kidd, far from the defensive coach (in personality and scheme) that he was with the Bucks seemed humbled by the experience of being fired and seeing his former team succeed without him.



“It was a wake-up call, that’s what it was. My wife and my children all were very happy to have me home during the last few months, but seeing the Bucks go on to have success … well, that just sucked. I was proud of them and happy for them, but it showed me that I had missed something; something was wrong with how I did things.”



Sources within the Suns front office indicate that Kidd repeatedly took the blame for his own failings in Milwaukee — a far cry from his previous behavior — and assured the Suns that he had learned from past mistakes.



“Kidd wanted this job, badly,” said one league executive. “He wanted to prove he could build something from the ground up, he wanted to prove that he wasn’t some coach who couldn’t get along … he’s had it hanging over his head for years now that he wears people out and he’s offended by that. These last few months off, seeing the Bucks win without him, probably will end up being the best thing for his coaching career.”



Kidd’s signing as head coach was soon followed up by the news that both Noel and Exum — restricted free agents — agreed to new contracts; Exum for 2yrs/13M (with a TO in year three) and Noel for 3yrs/27M (with a TO in year four).

[Stout]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

#DickHallForMVP

I wouldn't mind seeing some of those trades IRL, especially Butler and either Kyrie or Kemba to the Knicks. People are getting my hopes up with the idea Kyrie and Butler will team up in Brooklyn, but the Knicks deserve something. Us five Nets fans left at least got some satisfaction from those early years in Brooklyn.

Kidd is an interesting hire, but him going to a team like this makes sense. Guy has coached before, he's been in some hellish situations both personally and professionally. Worst case for him in a situation like this is he fails here and goes to coach college. Or he coaches well enough and gets a bigger job. Or you win the Finals in the first year somehow.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

#DickHallForMVP

I wouldn't mind seeing some of those trades IRL, especially Butler and either Kyrie or Kemba to the Knicks. People are getting my hopes up with the idea Kyrie and Butler will team up in Brooklyn, but the Knicks deserve something. Us five Nets fans left at least got some satisfaction from those early years in Brooklyn.

Kidd is an interesting hire, but him going to a team like this makes sense. Guy has coached before, he's been in some hellish situations both personally and professionally. Worst case for him in a situation like this is he fails here and goes to coach college. Or he coaches well enough and gets a bigger job. Or you win the Finals in the first year somehow.

I really enjoyed pulling off those mega trades -- very satisfying to build up some super-teams in the East in the big markets. Now that LeBron has joined the Lakers IRL, there's no reason to try to maintain "balance" in the league, it's an arms race for the next few years at least. Really will help define the haves and have nots.


As for Kidd, I liked him as a player a lot and wanted him to succeed as a coach; I was hesitant about hiring him as the HC of Phoenix, (he seems to do well with veteran teams and less so with young ones), but after researching what he's been up to since he was fired in Milwaukee, I got the vibe that he's undergone some serious self-reflection. He went from player to HC immediately upon retirement, so I think the transition for him has been rougher than it otherwise would have been, but now that he's on his third job I think he'll settle in.


I also want to prove that great players can be great coaches too -- literally the only I can think of in the modern era who became a good HC after their playing days was over (from the get go anyway) is Larry Bird; the dude took the Pacers to the Finals as HC. Everyone just kinda forgets that when talking about him, he's had such a successful basketball career in a lot of facets.

[RMJH4]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

I really enjoyed pulling off those mega trades -- very satisfying to build up some super-teams in the East in the big markets. Now that LeBron has joined the Lakers IRL, there's no reason to try to maintain "balance" in the league, it's an arms race for the next few years at least. Really will help define the haves and have nots.


As for Kidd, I liked him as a player a lot and wanted him to succeed as a coach; I was hesitant about hiring him as the HC of Phoenix, (he seems to do well with veteran teams and less so with young ones), but after researching what he's been up to since he was fired in Milwaukee, I got the vibe that he's undergone some serious self-reflection. He went from player to HC immediately upon retirement, so I think the transition for him has been rougher than it otherwise would have been, but now that he's on his third job I think he'll settle in.


I also want to prove that great players can be great coaches too -- literally the only I can think of in the modern era who became a good HC after their playing days was over (from the get go anyway) is Larry Bird; the dude took the Pacers to the Finals as HC. Everyone just kinda forgets that when talking about him, he's had such a successful basketball career in a lot of facets.

With LeBron moving West your totally right, the balnce is def gonna ship back now. Its amazing if somebody put Cousins joining there franchise for the mle, people on the forums would claim its unrealistic, but this past year showed me just rewrite your own universe in whatever way you want!

Funny I always hire J Kidd as head coach, hes a solid hire, and always wanted him to succeed in Brooklyn too.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

With LeBron moving West your totally right, the balnce is def gonna ship back now. Its amazing if somebody put Cousins joining there franchise for the mle, people on the forums would claim its unrealistic, but this past year showed me just rewrite your own universe in whatever way you want!

Funny I always hire J Kidd as head coach, hes a solid hire, and always wanted him to succeed in Brooklyn too.

Yeah, real life is infinitely crazier than 2K and that's just because computer programming can't account for human decision making processes; we're just too irrational and emotional for any sort of programming to accurately predict what we'd do in a simulation environment.

[georgiafan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Just now seeing this its off to a good start I'll have to go back and check out those trades and draft when I am not in a hurry. The suns old school uniforms look nice

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Just now seeing this its off to a good start I'll have to go back and check out those trades and draft when I am not in a hurry. The suns old school uniforms look nice

Much thanks, sir. Look forward to your thoughts.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

AUTHOR'S NOTE:


I am heading on vacation today and won't be back till next Saturday night, so there will be a bit of lull in content till then; I've got a few things I'm working on that I hope to post while I'm away, but I don't know if I'll have the time.



As always, thanks for keeping the faith -- if anyone has any questions or anything, let me know and I'll do my best to answer.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Less Money, More Trades
By Sam Gray

As free agency drags on (now in its tenth day), the lack of free salary cap space is preventing much movement for the free agents, but it is encouraging the trade market.



First up to the plate was the Suns, who continue to use their cap space as a way to gather more assets. Phoenix traded Derrick White — taken in the expansion draft from the Spurs (and their glut of guards) — and received Evan Turner (and his albatross of a contract) and a little protected 2019 Portland pick, giving the Suns two first round draft choices in the next draft.

GM David Griffin was blunt on his reasoning.

“He’s a good player on a contract Portland hated and we used that to our advantage; we value what Evan brings in terms of leadership and experience to our young locker room, and we hope he can finish out his contract here,” said Griffin.

Evan Turner wasn’t terribly disappointed in the deal, saying on Twitter, “I ain’t gonna miss the weather up here, but I will miss the people. #OntoTheNextOne.”

Phoenix followed up that trade with two new signings as well — Lance Stephenson to a 1yr/$2.98M deal (with a TO) and Derrick Jones Jr., a former Sun from the 2016-17 season.

“We wanted some veteran playmaking and a player with upside; we believe we have both in Lance and Derrick,” said Griffin.

Phoenix’s wheeling and dealing was quickly overshadowed by DeMarcus Cousins — who’s officially a DC in DC now.



Cousins representatives worked out a deal with the Wizards and the Pelicans approved it; free agency hasn’t been what Cousins expected as teams were chilled by his late season injury and his past reputation. The Wizards weren’t one of them; following last season’s dismal experience and poor locker room chemistry, Washington had to make a move — and with LeBron gone from the East and the Capitols winning the title in the NHL, the pressure was on for the Wizards to take a swing.

NOLA doesn’t walk away empty-handed though as they pick up Bradley Beal, a deadeye shooter who should flourish playing off Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis, as well as getting Kevin Oubre — a player who may finally solve their wing issues.

Boogie and Wall in Washington now set up the Wizards to challenge the new super-teams of the East, though the Wizards have to be a bit leery considering both players will be coming off serious injuries by the time the season starts.

But Boogie wasn’t the only center with reputation whom was moved; Hassan Whiteside got shipped off as well to a familiar location.



In a three team deal between the Heat, Thunder, and Kings, Whiteside was sent back to Sacramento — where he was drafted and given up on by a previous Kings administration — and the Thunder used the opportunity to send Melo to South Beach. The Heat gladly excepted that for the cap relief they’d get next season (as Whiteside was likely to opt in or make even more of a mess of the Heat’s team chemistry).

Waiters was shifted to OKC, a familiar place for him as well on a decent deal and the Thunder, dreading having to pay or stretch Melo, will instead get a useful piece in Waiters. With Melo gone and the return of Roberson, expect the Thunder to be much more cohesive. The luxury tax still won’t pretty, but they’ll have some relief next season and a little this season — more than if they kept or stretched Melo anyway.

Melo to South Beach is a tactical move from Anthony; his reputation has tanked in his time with OKC and so has his play. If Melo buys into the Heat culture (the big question), he can revive his career and potentially find himself on a championship contender next season — the Lakers perhaps?

Whiteside to the Kings in a move made by Sacramento to attempt not to be the worst team in the NBA — with no control of their 2019 first rounder (it’s gone like Mayor Kevin Johnson), the Kings needed a way to be competent and put rear-ends in the stands. Whiteside may be detrimental to the team, but with Vince Carter still there to guide the locker room and an emphasis on competing instead of titles, the Kings are betting they can get Whiteside to play ball AND opt-in for next season — assuming Whiteside is fine with not chasing titles, which he may be given the way things ended between him and the “championship culture” Heat.

[RMJH4]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Wow wizards gave up a lot for Boogie... but that's understandable... In 2k he's darn good. Well done on getting Melo out of OKC for any kind of value... looking forward to seeing your next installment. Enjoy the hols.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Wow wizards gave up a lot for Boogie... but that's understandable... In 2k he's darn good. Well done on getting Melo out of OKC for any kind of value... looking forward to seeing your next installment. Enjoy the hols.

Yeah, that Melo trade I liked. Helped out all teams kinda, but also was a roll of the dice for all of them too. Melo is captain of the Heat's tank -- Miami will try to revive his career but they are absolutely fine with tanking this year (and next) while they have control of their 1st rounder.



Gonna begin posting short team previews for each squad. Lots of interesting moves made in the summer.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: 76ers
By Sam Gray



The 76ers exceeded all expectations last season and did what few expected so soon — they beat LeBron, beat the Celtics, and took the Warriors to six games before ultimately falling to the more experienced squad. The 76ers weren’t expected to be this close to a title this soon, but Philly seems to be the odds-on-favorite to dominate the East post-LeBron.

Stacked with a roster led by Emiid, Ben Simmons, and Fultz, the future for Philly is bright. Over the summer Philly didn’t make many improvements, bringing back the bulk of their previous season’s roster with the important addition of Howard (taken with the 5th overall pick, courtesy of the Lakers) and who looks to immediately establish himself as a rotation player and a cheaper replacement to Convington in the future.

The goal of the 76ers this season is simple: title or bust. With the return of so many players and the addition of Howard, the absence of LeBron, and the continued improvement of the youth on Philly’s roster, the organization and fanbase expect a parade next June.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Bucks
By Sam Gray



The firing of Jason Kidd in the early spring wasn’t surprising, but the way the Bucks finished the year was — Milwaukee surged under interim HC Joe Prunty, made the playoffs, beat the Pacers in a sweep, and then met the Celtics; that’s where the Bucks seemed overmatched, at least in terms of Xs and Os, and they were then swept.

The Bucks had many questions in the offseason, namely Jabari Parker, but managed to reach an amenable deal with him to bring him back: the Bucks largely brought back the same cast and this will likely be the last year with this group, as multiple players will be looking for new — and bigger — contracts next summer.

The biggest improvement to the Bucks will be in coaching, as Mike Budenholzer is now HC and the Greek Freak is all-aboard for that; the Bucks, without LeBron, expect to compete for the conference title — winning is now foremost on their mind.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Bulls
By Sam Gray



The Bulls were not a good team last year, but they are young; that’s a plus and minus, as the Bulls are betting on that youth to develop but are putting a lot of money on it — namely Zach Lavine, who’ll be paid nearly 80M over the next four years to lead the Bulls in scoring (and hopefully not games missed).

Over the summer the Bulls front office made two key moves — they drafted Mack 3rd overall (picking up an extra first in that draft, giving the Bulls more youth) and traded for Dwight Howard to free up cap space next summer. The Howard trade is one of the riskiest moves in the NBA, as Dwight has a history of leaving locker rooms in worse shape than he found them.

Chicago’s objective for this year: entertain the fans, develop the youth, and avoid injuries. If Chicago can do that and show improvement, they might have a chance to capture a major free agent next summer.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Cavs
By Sam Gray



The Cavs are without LeBron for a second-time, and their team situation is significantly worse. The team’s cap sheet will resemble looks like a bar-tab from a night of too much drinking; JR Smith, George Hill, and Kyle Korver each carry a cap hit that is greater than any performance they could give, especially after bowing out in the second round.

In the summer Cleveland brought back Hood, moving him to the three, and promoted Clarkson to the starter at the two, and added a high-upside prospect in two-guard Clement. But after that, the Cavs roster is left with veterans that were brought in to support a now missing LeBron. Cleveland’s front office went out and picked up young veterans like Bruno Caboclo and Kobi Simmons — the message is clear. Development is at the top of Cleveland’s priority list.

Cleveland’s trying to compete in a weaker East with Kevin Love as the star of the show, but many are unsure if Minnesota K-Love still exists; if he does, this is the year to come back. If the Cavs struggle and look out of the playoffs (or close to it) by th deadline, expect them to blow it all up.