2019-20 Suns Starting Lineup

[Hoop Head]

I thought there was a thread on this already but I couldn't find one, figured I'd get one going.

Opening night starting lineup will probably be...

C - Ayton
PF - Saric
SF - Oubre
SG - Booker
PG - Rubio

6th Man - Bridges

Tyler Johnson will probably be the first guard off the bench ahead of the rookies
First big will probably depend on what the team needs, it could be Kaminsky or Baynes. I would think Baynes will be the primary backup to Ayton with Kaminsky seeing more time if we need scoring or spacing.

That is 8 players already. I think Cam Johnson and Ty Jerome will see minutes here and there, with Cam's being more consistent than Ty. Lecque will probably spend the majority of the season in the G-League. Diallo will probably see some G-League time also, if he's still eligible, but he could see some time if we're playing a big team.

Provided there isn't a big trade I think there is a good chance our starting lineup for opening night will be the same as it is in April, which could be a good thing. That is also assuming there aren't any major injuries.

I found this tool that is pretty neat. You can build a rotation, assigning every minute to someone. It's a little buggy but it is neat and can help you get an idea of how many minutes certain players could play, depending on their role.

https://earlybirdrights.com/rotations/

Does anyone think they'll run with a different crew?

 

[Cheesebeef]

I thought there was a thread on this already but I couldn't find one, figured I'd get one going.

Opening night starting lineup will probably be...

C - Ayton
PF - Saric
SF - Oubre
SG - Booker
PG - Rubio

6th Man - Bridges

Tyler Johnson will probably be the first guard off the bench ahead of the rookies
First big will probably depend on what the team needs, it could be Kaminsky or Baynes. I would think Baynes will be the primary backup to Ayton with Kaminsky seeing more time if we need scoring or spacing.

That is 8 players already. I think Cam Johnson and Ty Jerome will see minutes here and there, with Cam's being more consistent than Ty. Lecque will probably spend the majority of the season in the G-League. Diallo will probably see some G-League time also, if he's still eligible, but he could see some time if we're playing a big team.

Provided there isn't a big trade I think there is a good chance our starting lineup for opening night will be the same as it is in April, which could be a good thing. That is also assuming there aren't any major injuries.

I found this tool that is pretty neat. You can build a rotation, assigning every minute to someone. It's a little buggy but it is neat and can help you get an idea of how many minutes certain players could play, depending on their role.

https://earlybirdrights.com/rotations/

Does anyone think they'll run with a different crew?

bridges, johnson, baines isn't the most exciting group off the bench, but they're all legit NBA players for the first time in a while with this team. if bridges takes a big step this season, that would be huge for the second unit.

 

[Mainstreet]

@Hoop Head

I think you pretty well nailed it based upon what we know now.

If Ty Jerome lives up to expectations I could see Tyler Johnson and Ty Jerome eventually sharing the same back court off the bench with Bridges playing small forward. Agree that Baynes is likely the first big man off the bench.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I hope Mikal gives Oubre some real competition for that starting SF job.

 

[Johninromania]

Dog days of summer! I imagine what you said is about right. Think the Suns are a above average bench player away from competing for that last playoff spot.

Would be nice to have two solid players come off the bench that could technically be starters.

 

[devilalum]

I hope Mikal gives Oubre some real competition for that starting SF job.

Bridges will really have to perform to start ahead of the $30 million man.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BC867]

I hope Mikal gives Oubre some real competition for that starting SF job.

I like Hoop's projected starting lineup. Talented and versatile
enough to think that it is a no-brainer. Which is a good thing.

Everyone likes Bridges, but until he becomes a scorer, his
role would/should be as a defensive specialist and when
there are enough scorers on the court.

Oubre fits the starting chemistry better. Booker needs
other scoring threats on the floor with him. Small Forward
is traditionally a scoring position.

 

[Hoop Head]

I'm still worried about scoring off the bench. I think Bridges can help but I don't think he will be a scoring threat off the bench. I don't see anyone who stands out as a consistent scoring threat either. Cam Johnson might be able to fill that role if his shot is as good as advertised but I think that's asking a lot of him based on the fact he was a shooter in college and not a scorer.

Maybe someone will surprise us but I'm still in favor of bringing back Jamal Crawford to fill in as a bench scorer now that we don't need to play him as a PG. Run with him until January and then try to trade him to a contender depending on our record. I know he might only bring back a 2nd rounder but that's fine, it's more about the goodwill of allowing him to join a playoff team and having served his purpose here. Perhaps Crawford can mentor someone like Bridges, Lecque, or Johnson on being instant offense off the bench. He's a 3 time 6th man of the year, surely he'd be able to help someone along.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm still worried about scoring off the bench. I think Bridges can help but I don't think he will be a scoring threat off the bench. I don't see anyone who stands out as a consistent scoring threat either. Cam Johnson might be able to fill that role if his shot is as good as advertised but I think that's asking a lot of him based on the fact he was a shooter in college and not a scorer.

Maybe someone will surprise us but I'm still in favor of bringing back Jamal Crawford to fill in as a bench scorer now that we don't need to play him as a PG. Run with him until January and then try to trade him to a contender depending on our record. I know he might only bring back a 2nd rounder but that's fine, it's more about the goodwill of allowing him to join a playoff team and having served his purpose here. Perhaps Crawford can mentor someone like Bridges, Lecque, or Johnson on being instant offense off the bench. He's a 3 time 6th man of the year, surely he'd be able to help someone along.

If Crawford would be content being the 14-15th man on the roster I do not have a problem bringing him back as insurance for his scoring. If nothing else he would be a good mentor as he was last season.

I do not think the Suns are going to keep both Carter and Okobo. IMO, Okobo is the most likely player to be traded or waived so there should be a roster spot available less another acquisition.

 

[Hoop Head]

If Crawford would be content being the 14-15th man on the roster I do not have a problem bringing him back as insurance for his scoring. If nothing else he would be a good mentor as he was last season.

I do not think the Suns are going to keep both Carter and Okobo. IMO, Okobo is the most likely player to be traded or waived so there should be a roster spot available less another acquisition.

You're right about Crawford taking a lesser role. Something like an Eddie House/Gerald Green role where you see if his shot is falling and if it's not then he's done for the evening. No need to waste minutes on him if he's not contributing. We saw last season that he wouldn't be available nightly anyways because of his age and that's fine also. If he would accept that then we should definitely bring him back. He was a quality vet last year and we could use some consistency in that department this season. It might also help form more of relationship with him so when he hangs them up he can move into another role with the team.

I'm not sure how we'll sort out our backup PG logjam of sorts but if Okobo is brought back then I think we'll see him play more SG this year. He played that in France and I think he is more of a natural off guard as well. That might help give him the edge if the office is choosing between the two of them but I don't expect a decision to be made until preseason is over. They'll let it come down to the wire.

 

[95pro]

I'd take Joe Johnson over Crawford.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'd take Joe Johnson over Crawford.

Unless something has changed, I don't think Joe Johnson is coming back. Also he would probably want to play for a contender.

 

[pokerface]

I thought there was a thread on this already but I couldn't find one, figured I'd get one going.

Opening night starting lineup will probably be...

C - Ayton
PF - Saric
SF - Oubre
SG - Booker
PG - Rubio

6th Man - Bridges

Tyler Johnson will probably be the first guard off the bench ahead of the rookies
First big will probably depend on what the team needs, it could be Kaminsky or Baynes. I would think Baynes will be the primary backup to Ayton with Kaminsky seeing more time if we need scoring or spacing.

That is 8 players already. I think Cam Johnson and Ty Jerome will see minutes here and there, with Cam's being more consistent than Ty. Lecque will probably spend the majority of the season in the G-League. Diallo will probably see some G-League time also, if he's still eligible, but he could see some time if we're playing a big team.

Provided there isn't a big trade I think there is a good chance our starting lineup for opening night will be the same as it is in April, which could be a good thing. That is also assuming there aren't any major injuries.

I found this tool that is pretty neat. You can build a rotation, assigning every minute to someone. It's a little buggy but it is neat and can help you get an idea of how many minutes certain players could play, depending on their role.

https://earlybirdrights.com/rotations/

Does anyone think they'll run with a different crew?

Dare I say that's a solid starting five? Umm...I dunno but it should be interesting. Rubio should give us some stability as a veteran point guard. That is a position where we need a veteran most of all and now we have it....finally.

 

[95pro]

Unless something has changed, I don't think Joe Johnson is coming back. Also he would probably want to play for a contender.

I agree with everything. I'm just saying i'd take JJ over Crawford, considering they're both out of the league and are pretty much scorers.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I agree with everything. I'm just saying i'd take JJ over Crawford, considering they're both out of the league and are pretty much scorers.

I could see taking JJ over Crawford, he probably is still the better player. But since I don't think of either of them as actual rotation players, I'd go with Jamal because he is such a great ambassador for us along with being a mentor and a positive example for his teammates.

 

[Yuma]

I am thinking there will be a trade. There will be a different line up by April. I am thinking Suns will be looking for that power forward spot to be settled for the next 4 or 5 seasons. Possibly Bridges is way better this year than last and Oubre ends up off the bench.

 

[Yuma]

I could see taking JJ over Crawford, he probably is still the better player. But since I don't think of either of them as actual rotation players, I'd go with Jamal because he is such a great ambassador for us along with being a mentor and a positive example for his teammates.

JJ's strength is the 4 point threat, which we don't have in the NBA.

 

[Mainstreet]

I agree with everything. I'm just saying i'd take JJ over Crawford, considering they're both out of the league and are pretty much scorers.

I don't think we disagree. I'm just saying Joe Johnson doesn't look to be an option as he auditioning with other teams.

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/255298/Joe-Johnson-Schedules-Workouts-With-Pistons-Bucks-Nets

 

[Hoop Head]

I agree with everything. I'm just saying i'd take JJ over Crawford, considering they're both out of the league and are pretty much scorers.

When it comes to Joe Johnson I think part of the reason he is out of the league is his lack of communication skills. There's nothing wrong with being reserved but at that stage in his career, only being able to provide spot minutes in a bench scoring role, you'd like to get something more from him like you do with Crawford and his locker room influence. Johnson won't screw up your chemistry but he also won't mentor your young players. With how young we are, still, and how positively everyone took to Crawford, I'd go with what we know and bring Jamal back.

I wouldn't be upset with Johnson but I think Crawford would fit better. As far as I know there hasn't been serious talk of either being signed so it's all just wishing at this point. I think Crawford having a relationship with James Jones, Booker, Ayton, etc, makes him more likely as well.

 

[95pro]

When it comes to Joe Johnson I think part of the reason he is out of the league is his lack of communication skills. There's nothing wrong with being reserved but at that stage in his career, only being able to provide spot minutes in a bench scoring role, you'd like to get something more from him like you do with Crawford and his locker room influence. Johnson won't screw up your chemistry but he also won't mentor your young players. With how young we are, still, and how positively everyone took to Crawford, I'd go with what we know and bring Jamal back.

I wouldn't be upset with Johnson but I think Crawford would fit better. As far as I know there hasn't been serious talk of either being signed so it's all just wishing at this point. I think Crawford having a relationship with James Jones, Booker, Ayton, etc, makes him more likely as well.

Our coaching staff has never been this strong, so i dont see the need to bring in a mentor/teammate like crawford. He was probably suited for that role last year, but JJ could provide some solid play in limited minutes.

I'm not advocating for JJ, i'm simply saying JJ is a better player than Crawford right now. I realize either will most likely not be signed to the suns.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I'm not advocating for JJ, i'm simply saying JJ is a better player than Crawford right now. I realize either will most likely not be signed to the suns.

I think he might be too but it's tough to call since he's been away from the game and, if he is the better player now, it's probably by an incredibly small margin. Joe's last season in the NBA was scary bad and now he's had a full year away from the league so I have no idea what he could bring to the floor this season. And even GREAT coaching staffs need a player that can relate to and instruct teammates positively and that alone moves Jamal way above JJ IMO. Add in the fact we have a greater need for a backup guard than we do a backup small forward and it becomes an easy choice to me. Regardless, neither player should make any team's rotation this season. As NBA players, I believe they are both finished.

 

[Mainstreet]

I think he might be too but it's tough to call since he's been away from the game and, if he is the better player now, it's probably by an incredibly small margin. Joe's last season in the NBA was scary bad and now he's had a full year away from the league so I have no idea what he could bring to the floor this season. And even GREAT coaching staffs need a player that can relate to and instruct teammates positively and that alone moves Jamal way above JJ IMO. Add in the fact we have a greater need for a backup guard than we do a backup small forward and it becomes an easy choice to me. Regardless, neither player should make any team's rotation this season. As NBA players, I believe they are both finished.

IMO, I think Crawford has something left in the tank. I was surprised he signed with the Suns last season because I think he could have helped a playoff team.

The same applies for this coming season. If Crawford doesn't sign anywhere else and the Suns do not find someone better, I'd welcome him back.

 

[AzStevenCal]

IMO, I think Crawford has something left in the tank. I was surprised he signed with the Suns last season because I think he could have helped a playoff team.

The same applies for this coming season. If Crawford doesn't sign anywhere else and the Suns do not find someone better, I'd welcome him back.

I think he might be able to fill in occasionally but I don't believe he has enough left to be a regular part of the rotation. Are you thinking he can still be maybe the 2nd or 3rd player off the bench or are you talking deep bench like I am?

 

[Mainstreet]

I think he might be able to fill in occasionally but I don't believe he has enough left to be a regular part of the rotation. Are you thinking he can still be maybe the 2nd or 3rd player off the bench or are you talking deep bench like I am?

We agree Crawford wouldn't be a rotation player but he would be a nice depth player (like the 15th player on the team) as insurance against injury and he could serve as a mentor as well.

Personally, I think Crawford deserved better last season and this season as well. I think there are less deserving players under contract.

 

[Chaplin]

No. No. No.

No more players. We're done. I like Crawford, but we don't need him. Good locker room guy, but we aren't really needing that as much this season anymore.