The Phoenix Suns are destined for more than just the playoffs!

The Phoenix Suns are destined for more than just the playoffs!

The Suns are destined for more than just the playoffs! They have gone through so much in this past decade from front office decisions, new coaches and coaching staffs, and to players that have gone up and down through the years. They were considered a laughing stock in the league for the past few years, this would be before 2020. We have gone through developmental players like TJ Warren that showed promise in college then failed to perform for the Suns; we have also seen the worse days of our roster like Tyler Ulis and Tyson Chandler. Those were just one of the many bad players that signed and tried to use.

Now the Suns are clinching a playoff berth and becoming one of the most dominant teams in the league, currently. So, the question begs itself. Why is this more than the playoffs for the Suns?

First up: History lesson on the Suns

The Suns began their impressive journey back in the 2020 NBA Bubble when they went on the incredible 8-0 run. Phoenix would have been in the playoffs, however, a not so good Nets team at the time chocked and cost the Suns the opportunity. However, this was made into something more.

Momentum. Momentum was given to the Suns as Booker was playing like a madman, there bench players were lighting it up, Oubre (who was there before being traded) was cashing in, Ayton was playing like the stud the team drafted for. Things were lining up and we were heading into the next season with confidence.

Confidence that Monty Williams could lead your Phoenix Suns and become a good team that hasn’t seen the light of day since 2010. Then the Suns decided to trade for Chris Paul, one of the greatest moves ever. Why? Because when he was with the OKC Thunder they had a two percent chance of making the playoffs, they did that and demolished the odds. It was due to the fact that they had great talent and leadership within Chris Paul.

How does this transition to the Suns?

Paul was able to take this team currently and make it into something. Meaning, Booker was becoming more explosive and turning into that player he looked like in 2016-17. The man turned Ayton into the player that the PHX Suns drafted; he got more vocal, more dominant with the boards, became a true big-man under the scheme and play-fit of Williams. Paul as the point guard transitioned this team smoothly to where Booker did not have to rely on taking the ball up the court and trying to hit a shot; he was able to create his own shot off the dribble or in place, able to drive to the lane more. Communication was big, Paul said and commanded there be communication on both ends of the court.

Why do you think the Suns are doing better without Rubio, Oubre, and some other players? Because the missing piece of their team was that veteran leader and guider. His coaching on the court has made a tremendous difference for this team and it is not even close. This team with Booker, CP3, Ayton, Bridges, and Crowder is the best lineup since the Steve Nash era. Really since 2010.

Second up: What contracts are coming up for the Suns?

Look, before we jump into how this team is destined for more than the playoffs. We need to understand where this team lies after this postseason and into the offseason.

For contracts we have several names, however, Chris Paul is the biggest one and the only one to have a player option this offseason. The rest are unrestricted free agents. Some of those names? Frank Kaminsky, Cameron Payne, Torrey Craig, and other names that are not as significant as those presented. Right? These players are bench and potential role players.

Depending on how the playoffs go, I would be like get the player option as your advantage to get Paul back and then work out a 2-3 year contract worth around $50-$55 million dollars. Why do that? Here is the reason: This is a facilitator and commander on offense and defense; and from what I am seeing this is a guy, even though going to be 37-years-old, has great leadership and mentorship roles left in him. This is a player that the Suns need, in my opinion, that will keep them thriving on momentum and skill. Not luck.

So you gotta work this deal throughout the season, or even in the offseason, and make sure you sign him. That has to be on top of your list because you originally went all-in on him, now you have to keep it that way. This team is inching closer and closer to greater things, great strides are being made and this is being taken notice.

Sign him, don’t hesitate, it will stab you in the back. Trust me.

Finally, why are the Suns destined for greater things beyond the playoffs?

Suns are going to have an interesting path, an interesting road, to the NBA Finals. That is their goal, but you need to take it round by round. And they’re not idiots, they know they have to do that. I am just laying that out there, to keep hope alive for the gold you need to win round one. If you lose in round one then all that work, all that motivation and momentum was for not. If you at least get to the second round, you are gold. That meant that you were able to successfully win games in crunch time and battle like crazy.

The reason why I lay it out this way is due to the fact that if we can do that then it will have more motivation for Paul to come back to the team. That would lead this team to even more confidence of making it to the next round the following year in hopes of a championship bout. The last time they had a championship opportunity they had Charles Barkley against a primed and seasoned Chicago Bulls team that consisted of Jordan and Pippen.

I believe with all my heart and soul that they are destined for greater things beyond the playoffs because they have Monty Williams, coaching means everything. Do not tell me otherwise; why? Look at the New York Knicks they have a great head coach now and have turned around that franchise. They are going to the playoffs, something they haven’t done in forever. He is doing great as he has developmental players and bums working harder and better. Randle is a great case, Barrett is developmental as he is working and achieving high numbers. This team is in number three right now in their division. So, yes, coaching matters.

So, they have a good HC… what else is there for the Suns?

A good head coach always has some good weapons, in William’s case he has several. Bridges is great in the stretch of a game and when it is needed of him. Booker can drive down the lane, pass the ball exceptionally, create the open shot, get guys open, and so forth. Same with Paul, he can play magnificent defense and offense and his IQ in the game of basketball is outstanding. Another reason to have him on your team regardless of age. Ayton is also improving to being the big man that Monty Williams wanted and needed. Not a bust but a future star. The bench is becoming very good, rotations are on point, minute restrictions and overall minutes per player is fantastic. The scheme, the play calls, and the general physicality and awareness on the court is something that has been working for the Suns.

Lastly, you have the front office and ownership. Sarver has been putting tons of money recently in paying players and making sure that his team is finally winning games and potentially playoff games; same with the front office, the general manager and everyone included have been making smart player and business decisions. Most notably with the recent trades including Chris Paul. With ownership and the front office finally making and getting into a comfortable and profitable situation they are making moves we have not seen in a while. Good coaching, good ownership/office, and good players will lead to a successful team. It has been proven time and time again, without fail.

Conclusion:

This wraps up everything about why the Suns are destined and potentially set for greatness and success beyond the NBA Playoffs. Like we have mentioned before when you have a working office that knows what they are doing and get pieces like Chris Paul, you are going to see the positive upside. Especially when you already have pieces like Ayton and Booker.

The Suns could either be facing the Lakers or potentially someone else if they stay in second place and LAL stay in seventh; however, things could change as LAL will be in the playoff tournament and we could see a shift in power. Especially with injuries for the Lakers, most notably Anthony Davis (on same levels) and LeBron James.

Anyways, the NBA Playoffs begin on May 18th as that begins the exciting play-in tournament. Thank you for reading this article from our exclusive newsletter; if you want more of these exclusive articles and/or deals then continue to read the newsletter every week on Sundays.

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Winners and losers of NBA Trade Deadline ~ grades!

Winners and losers of NBA Trade Deadline ~ grades! With the Trade Deadline over and everyone has had the chance of digesting everything; CourtSideHeat will be breaking down every single trade, the winners/losers, and the grades.

Because there were many trades, 17 to be exact, and we need to know who won and why. And vice versa, we also have many popular names that went to many interesting teams. Remember the likes of Aaron Gordon, Victor Oladipo, Rajon Rondo, etc? This is why we need to break this down and more, all the trades, all right here.

As a key reminder, I am going to list these out in numerical order with the team’s name; then of course I will be breaking down the trade and give it a grade.

1. Nuggets/Magic Trade!

The Magic traded Aaron Gordon and Gary Clark to the Nuggets for a first-round pick, Gary Harris, and RJ Hampton.

The Nuggets are becoming more and more of a dangerous threat in their conference and the NBA in general. Making the playoffs last season were great, but they are looking at higher goals and aspirations.

By adding Gordon you now have Gordon, Jokic, and Murray (with a great front and backcourt) on your side. That is a receipt for success. They have extra rim protection, able to fill up the gaps better, and have ferocious skill around the perimeter and paint. That is their money maker and with the way Jokic is playing they are going to cash in hard.

Now, the Magic. They are interesting because of their rebuild, and by the way, there is no problem with that. The Magic actually did well in this trade because they were able to get a first-round draft pick, RJ Hampton, and Gary Harris. Harris is great because he is young, not a bad shooter, passing skills are good, and he has tons of developmental and potential with Orlando.

Harris was having a great stretch of his career happen until more talent came in and they couldn’t use him properly anymore and his shooting was off. However, I believe he can average 12/4/4 per game with the Magic and they can use him properly. I think they have a guy that can go out there and grind for 20-25 minutes per game. The other significant thing was the draft pick, great for the rebuilding process.

Who’s getting the grade/win?

So who were the winner and who was the loser? By far it was the Nuggets that won, why? Because they can cash-in on that faster, don’t have to rebuild, and use those pieces they got for the playoffs and whatnot.

Winner: Nuggets

Grade: A+

2. Celtics/Magic Trade!

Note: the Magic was really involved in these trades on Trade Day and they had about three or four of them. However, this is pretty significant for Danny Ainge and the Celtics.

The trade? It consists of the Celtics giving up two second-round draft picks for the Magic’s Evan Fournier. Again, the Magic are in the rebuild process so those picks are crucial. Fournier is a great player that will fit perfectly with Tatum, Brown, Smart, and Walker.

Danny Ainge was a genius and this is something that will work out perfectly, that’s why for this move we are making the Celtics the winner.

Winner: Celtics

Grade: B

3. Heat/Rockets Trade!

The Heat traded for Victor Oladipo from the Rockets as they get, in exchange, for Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk, and a 2022 first-round draft pick.

Even though they gave up some pieces they got a huge reward. Getting Oladipo is a huge piece as you will have him, Butler, Adebayo, and Herro. That will make them more dangerous and more of a threat for a playoff series and beyond. Oladipo, despite injuries, is a serious player and can have great chemistry with the scheme and players.

The Rockets are in the rebuild phase currently so getting a first-rounder is great and getting some center help is also great. Olynyk is perfect for the team as he can transition nicely because of his development with the Heat and in the NBA Bubble. They’ll be able to use everyone to their advantage.

However, just like the first trade we discussed, this is leaning towards who will win it first. The Heat will be the winners of this trade because they got another piece in their playoff push back to the NBA Finals, and they have an all-around type player. This will certainly get them past a few series, but can they make the NBA Finals again? Who knows what is going to happen.

Winner: Heat

Grade: A-

4. Clippers/Hawks Trade!

This trade happened between the Hawks and the Clippers; as the Clippers gave up Lou Williams and two second-rounders for the Hawk’s Rajon Rondo.

This is a great move by the Clippers because you are getting a great player in Rajon Rondo, who can still hit shots, open up the court to other players, use his basketball IQ to great lengths, and using his defensive skills. This is a trade-off for more, I get that you got rid of some picks and Williams; however, but you get a player that can be used for more than defense and can help push your team in the playoffs. Trust me, we don’t want another repeat like last year’s postseason.

Now for the Hawks I get the move completely, they get great draft picks for the future and they have a great defensive player. He can teach the younger guys how to play better defense, get better looks for your teammates, and potentially help them win games.

So the overall winner? I would have to go with the Hawks, they let go Rondo who could be retiring in the next few years to get draft picks and a player. That helps, you can build off of that. Especially for giving up essentially nothing. The Hawks are your winner, but what is their grade?

Winner: Hawks

Grade: B-

5. Blazers/Raptors Trade!

The trade between the Blazers and the Raptors happened and it allowed the Blazers to receive Norman Powell for in exchange Rodney Hood and Gary Trent Jr.; this trade is alright as Powell will be useful for the Blazers and Trent Jr. will be good for what his team needs of him.

Trent Jr. is nice and young to fit right into the scheme and future plans of what Toronto wanted. He will go right in with the mix of Vanvleet, O.G., and Siakam. I believe he can be a starter in that offense too because he is averaging 15 points per game this season.

Powell will be great for the Blazers as his shooting and overall athletic abilities will make him a good fit. That is whether coming off the bench or having some starter minutes. Personally, the matchups and mix-ups would be perfect with Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, and even Carmelo Anthony.

I believe the winners of this trade would be the Trail Blazers because they’ll be able to do more currently with this player and could expand greatly as a whole unit. Also, he could be another piece in their playoff journey.

Winner: Trail Blazers

Grade: C+

6. Bulls/Magic Trade!

The Bulls have traded Otto Porter, Wendell Carter, and two first-rounders for the Magic’s Nikola Vuevic and Al-Forque Aminu. This trade ended up great for both sides as this worked perfectly. The Magic have been able to get so many picks from many teams, which helps in the rebuild process. Also, getting Porter and Carter are perfect. They can help out your offense and defense amazingly; they’re transition game and overall offensive game is stacked.

Now the Bulls can stop the rebuild, they have the right head coach in Donovan, and they have the right pieces. That would be LaVine, Lauri, White, Williams, and now Vuevic. This team next year, or possibly this year, can make a for-sure run in the postseason.

With all that being said this is a tough decision because both teams have outdone themselves in the rebuild, long-term or currently, and they got fantastic players. So here is my decision…

Winner: Both

Grade: A+

7. Nuggets/Cavs Trade!

The Cavs traded away JaVale McGee for Isaiah Hartenstein and two second-round draft picks. McGee is a great center as a backup/bench type player and the picks are great, the Cavs can always use the draft picks. Hartenstein is a bum but at least you offload him, and to be honest, getting picks for an okay center is great.

Winner: Cavs

Grade: D+

8/9. Bulls/Wizards Trade then Bulls/Celtics Trade!

First off, we have the Bulls trading for Mo Wagner and Troy Brown to the Wizards in exchange for Chandler Hutchinson. This is just for the Wizards to clear up some space for the rebuild project. Now Troy Brown is here to stay, however, the Bulls have something even better planned.

This is where the Bulls/Celtics trade comes into play, how? Well, the Bulls trade away Mo Wagner to them in exchange for Daniel Theis. The reason the Celtics did this was to trade him away to stay below the luxury tax and the fact that they are not confident in able to resigning him. Hence him being unrestricted this offseason.

This is great for the Bulls in all respects because you unload a trashy player to one team and then you flip the player you just received. This led to bigger and better opportunities for them, which was Daniel Theis. That would solve the big-man issue.

So by far did the Bulls play their way into this one, being the likely winners of these trades. Now, what about the grade?

Winner: Bulls

Grade: B+

10. OKC/Knicks/76ers Trade!

In this three-way deal the 76ers get George Hill and Ignas Brazdeikis, Knicks get Terrance Ferguson, and OKC gets Austin Rivers, two second-rounders, and Tony Bradley.

Note: Austin Rivers was waived by the OKC Thunder as he did not fit into their scheme and future of younger guys. Bradley is averaging 5 points per game, not so great. However, their intent was not to get good players more so to offload the contract and potential burden of George Hill. That was their successful move in that trade.

The Knicks got rid of Rivers, which was good because they weren’t feeling him either. Now the 76ers got the best deal, how? They got George Hill and his play-style and overall stature is the kind of player they want. You will know have the likes of Simmons, Embiid, Hill, Tobias, Howard, and Thybulle.

By far did Philly win this one, they got a great player, unloaded somethings, and they didn’t lose that much in the process. Daryl Morey is a master of these three-way trades, we have seen that his entire career.

So what would be the grade?

Winner: 76ers

Grade: B

The final ones…. The “Ungradeables!”

This is where the final trades that are remaining have no value to them, meaning we can’t grade them. It would be difficult and if we were grading them, just by looking at them, they would land at a “D” or lower.

Here is the list:

• Mavs receive JJ Redick and Nicolo Melli in exchnage for a second-rounder, Johnson, an Iwanda.
• Heat receive Nemanja from Kings in exchange for Silva and Harkless.
• Kings receive Davis from Toronto in exchange for a second-rounder.
• Jazz receive Matt Thomas from Toronto in exchange for a second-rounder.
• Hornets receive Wanamaker from the Warriors for cash considerations.
• Spurs receive Marquese Chriss from Warriors for in exchange Lalanne.

Conclusion:

With all the trades we have seen the good, bad, and the ugly. We had some trades that were “A’s”, some that were “B’s”, and some that were ungradeable because it was because of the trade or the player was just that awful and down right bad.

These were all the trades and that was the NBA Trade Deadline, we have covered everything. So, with this being said. Do you notice anything you want to change? Were we wrong… right? Do you agree or disagree with our list? Let us know in the comments below this article.

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The Tribute: Kobe Bryant

The Tribute: Kobe Bryant

This is The Tribute: Kobe Bryant

The saddest and most tragic event happened just one year ago on January 24th; when Kobe Bryant, GiGi Bryant, and five others tragically died in a helicopter crash. To this day we mourn the greatest basketball player ever; to live, to inspire the game, to inspire generations to come and to seek victory always. While he may be gone, his legacy will remain forever. He will NOT be forgotten.

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