Every Friday, I will answer reader questions from the week in a mailbag form. This week is a special edition of hypothetical questions that may or may not be asked from each member of the team as they ready to tip off the 2014-15 campaign. If you would like to see your question in a future mailbag, you can leave your questions for next week in the comments section below in this post or you can look for a Tuesday post that will ask for your questions.
Earl Barron: Have I done enough to make this team?
Yes, you have, Earl. Unfortunately there just isn’t room for you. Shavlik Randolph‘s contract is guaranteed and I think his performance against the Lakers on Tuesday night reaffirmed his spot on this team. It isn’t all bad news though. Your rebounding and size are good strengths to have and you will find yourself on a NBA roster at some point this season.
Eric Bledsoe: Why do some fans still show bitterness towards me?
Good question, Eric. Last Saturday at the open scrimmage there was a smattering of boos when they announced your name. I don’t even think people know why they are booing you anymore. You have looked fantastic throughout camp and I am sure it will carry over into the regular season, which will end any sort of booing rather quickly.
Dragii: Will we spend time on the court together this season?
Sorry Goran, you are going solo this season. Zoran still has work to do to crack the Suns rotation, which could happen at some point this season. I just wouldn’t be counting on the Dragii to be on the court together much, if at all this season.
Tyler Ennis: Does Jeff Hornacek know that I am a halfcourt shot specialist?
Pitt fans like myself do.
Archie Goodwin: What is my ceiling this season? I feel like I’m the odd man out in the rotation.
I think your ceiling is much like last year. The key for you is not to get discouraged or let your confidence wane. You’ve got to realize that your still one of the youngest players in the league, use this time to continue to improve your game and be ready when an opportunity comes.
Gerald Green: If coach limits my minutes then I should be allowed to shoot even more!!! Heat check time!!
Let’s calm down with the shooting, eh? On Wednesday night it seemed like you were jacking up shots any time you touched the ball. Those limited minutes could dwindle even more by doing that. Yes, you are the heat check guy. But less time does not mean more shots.
Alex Len: How do I stay healthy? I have tried everything. 🙁
Aww, I’m not sure what to say here Alex. I mean, it is almost impossible to break the same pinky twice in a three and a half month span. I know there is pressure on you to remain healthy for an entire season, but there are just some things that you can’t control.
Markieff: Is Jeff going to try and split us up?
Marcus: Ha, funny joke. He knows better.
Markieff: Yeah, we are a packaged deal. FOE for life.
Marcus: FOE for life.
Yeah … Good talk guys.
Miles Plumlee: When will we trade for Mason? Everyone has their brother but me!
Sorry Miles, I don’t see that happening anytime soon. Your brother is an important piece over there in Brooklyn.
Shavlik Randolph: I’ve been sweating out this final roster spot lately, where do I stand?
Your performance on Tuesday night may have been the key that locked up your spot. Coach Hornacek loves the little things you do, like taking charges on defense and rebounding. The improvement of your three-point shot has been a bonus contribution you now can bring to the court.
Isaiah Thomas: I don’t have any questions… I’m just happy to be on a winning team!
There’s a good positive attitude! Considering your win totals in Sacramento were 22, 28 and 28, I would be ecstatic as well. It will be exciting to watch you dominate opposing teams backup point guards and running with any combination of Bledsoe, Dragic or Green. Glad to have you in Phoenix Isaiah.
Anthony Tolliver: I am in a tough spot, coming in here and being the “replacement” for fan favorite Channing Frye. How do I win over those fans?
No doubt you are in a tough spot, as one would be any time a player replaces a guy like Channing, who not only was a fan favorite but a very good basketball player that played a big role in the team’s success last year. If you come in here and shoot the ball like you are capable of doing then I wouldn’t worry about what the fans think. Their support will come with time.
P.J. Tucker: Is there a legitimate chance I lose my starting spot?
Low key … yes. Hornacek has gone on the record recently by saying he does not want to split up the twins. If the Suns starting five plays well together while you are suspended then I could see your role changing. That’s not to say your minutes necessarily go down, but the scenario is there that you could be coming off the bench when you return from injury.
T.J. Warren: Are there going to be any minutes for me this season? I am trying to find some, but I just don’t see it.
Hornacek will make minutes for you if your talents dictate you are deserving of them. The fractured thumb is a tough break because you would’ve seen some time to begin the year while Tucker was suspended. You have played well this preseason and I am sure you will see solid time this season.