It’s not CP3 because they went 8-0 in bubble with Rubio. They started last season well and then fell off a cliff. They were 26-39 when the season got suspended. Since then, they’re 33-11. What the fuck?
Good coach that cares a lot about D. After a year with the team results started to show. And of course CP3 is a great upgrade over Rubio.
Booker isn't a leader. The NBA lacks good vets to back the young stars up in the locker room and get them respected. CP3 is just that. Also shoutout Dario, that guy is like an even more skilled Luis Scola.
They have the board covered mostly. Inside out, solid D, good rebounding, strong bench, explosive scorer and players coach. They got players that tough minded and not afraid to mix it up.
I doubt you can pin it all on just one factor. Cases like Phoenix are probably due to a perfect storm of events but contrasting the Suns with the Blazers: * I'd say the primary factor is roster construction, and yes, a significant part of that is CP3. Booker and Paul complement each other a hell of a lot more than Dame and CJ do. They don't step on each other's toes and they use the ball, and possessions differently. But it's CP3 that runs the offense now and for years he's been best in the league as 'coach-on-the-floor' * the Suns also have the critical luxury of a group of 6'5-6'6 wings who are actually good two-way players. Crowder, Bridges, Johnson, & Nader all play good defense and all contribute at a fairly consistent level on offense. As a group, those 4 shoot 40% from three. Having four 3&D wings is a huge advantage. If Booker played better defense, the Suns would have the best wing rotation in the league. They might have it anyway * unlike Portland, the Suns have a highly competent backup PG. Payne plays good defense, shoots three's at a 45% clip (sustainable?), and has a 3.7 assist/turnover ratio * Phx. has a good modern big man rotation; Ayton, Kaminsky, and Saric all have their strengths and give the Suns different looks * They have a GM with a plan and a coach that fits the roster all that would imply that the Suns have joined the contenders and are much better than Portland. I don't think that's a fact yet. What the Suns are doing may not be sustainable, and they haven't had to deal with any significant injuries except to Saric. Last year, Miami was the Cinderella team with a bright future. This year they've struggled (although they've had a tough schedule and are 13-4 over the last 17 games). in the Portland vs Phoenix matchup, the Suns have looked better, but the Blazers have the best player, and should be getting CJ & Nurk back soon. While I don't believe that will make Portland a great team, it will make the Blazers stronger, and in the last game, it was only a hot shooting 4thQ for the Suns that gave them the edge. But Phoenix does have one big advantage over Portland: a 6th rated defense vs a 29th rated defense. Offenses can run hot and cold, but a good defense is sustainable and shows up every game
not saying that if Portland offered, he would have accepted, but.... would the Blazers be better of with RoCo and Jae Crowder at forwards than with RoCo and Jones?
I think it's really an easy situation to analyze. The answer is experience. The group that returned is still very young and improving and took a huge leap forward between the suspension of games for COVID and right now. Then you have the experience of CP3. So your poll lacked the only reasonable answer. It isn't just one player, it's not Monty Williams getting better from before the bubble until now. It's just time for the returning roster and adding a leader on both ends with a ton of it.
that's my thinking. I mean, I do like Jones, and he may be as good defensively as Crowder, and as versatile. But Crowder is a lot more impactful on offense. He's not elite or even top-tier, but he is a two-way player, and Portland lacks those
I'm just really happy for Monty Williams after all he's been through to have this success ...great guy!
