Suns Draft Results
by Dan on Jun 28, 2007 9:05 PM MDT
in Suns News
92 comments
The Suns sold their 24th pick and picked Alando Tucker for the 29th pick. I'm surprised they didn't get a backup point guard for Steve Nash but maybe they're hoping Marcus Banks will come through next year? Is Tucker a replacement for trading Shawn Marion?
What do you guys think?
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screw the KG deal
by Aluminum Foyle on Jun 28, 2007 9:12 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
by TexSUN on Jun 28, 2007 9:17 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Tex
by Dan on Jun 28, 2007 9:21 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for clarifying...
by TexSUN on Jun 28, 2007 9:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get this one at all
Its like they had their heart set on getting ATL's pick in the 4-7 range and that fell through.
Then they tried to move up into the lottery w/ a deal and that fell through. So they were like screw it. Let's just take a few $M and go home.
Geez, they could have kept Rodriquez and not even had to pay him or a year or two while he played in Euroland.
And then w/ the next pick they take another 3. Not a big guy to back up Amare and replace KT if they move him or Burke when he gets the boot. Gasol, Fazekas, Splitter. Big guys that can play at least 10 min / game. No, let's take another mid-sized player that can't shoot.
Unless they are deffinately moving Marion this pick makes NO sense either.
Grrr!!!!!
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 28, 2007 9:21 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh and Congrats to Dan for making it
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 28, 2007 9:21 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
The West just got a LOT deeper
Seattle. Duh again. On top of Durant they free up some touches by moving Ray Allen who on the downside and then get Jeff Green to go with him. Sea already has a couple of decent centers and now they are looking down right nasty too. The have a very good PG that passes that ball and then a ton of talent.
I think the Suns really blew it - at least so far - in this off season. They needed to get better and not try again w/ the same crew...
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 28, 2007 9:32 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
sigh...
My second, more measured response: feh.
On the upside: just saw D'antoni laugh when ESPN asked him how tough it was to watch the Spurs move on and he said "you're assuming I watched."
by SoCalSun on Jun 28, 2007 9:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
He will be watching again
With Portland and Seattle getting stronger, GSW making smart decisions, SA making smart decisions (as usual), and - you guessed it- Suns, rather Sarver and Kerr making idiotic decisions, don't expect to see the Suns in the playoffs next year.
I am so pissed off that I must have posted 20 on the other board.
Sarver must go. He has ruined our team.
Kerr seems to work for the Spurs and not the Suns.
This draft was even tougher to swallow than last year's.
by Vash01 on Jun 28, 2007 9:58 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
They don't need back-up for Nash...
by NativeArizonan on Jun 28, 2007 10:14 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Seriously...
by NativeArizonan on Jun 28, 2007 10:56 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who?
by Vash01 on Jun 28, 2007 11:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a Good Draft, but Not a Bad One
Kerr disclosed that the deal to get Charlotte's #8 pick fell through. So, really, what were they supposed to do? I'm a little upset they didn't get a backup PG project, but let's give Tucker a chance.
Why pay two guys guaranteed contracts to fill Marks' and Burke's chairs at the end of the bench? Why not pay one guy who may be able to contribute in a few years?
Really, given what they had to work with, I can't say it was a bad draft.
Let's give them the benefit of the doubt until they trade away Thomas. If they keep Thomas -- and are able to do so because of the salary keep moves today -- then I'm happy they didn't blow up this team and are least willing to give it one more try.
Further, keeping Marion could be dangerous because he could exercise his opt-out and the Suns get nothing for him. This shows that they are in a "win now" mode, as opposed to just looking forward. If they were just interested in dollars and a nebulous "future" Marion would be trade bait for a handful of cheaper, younger "prospects" and some picks.
Lastly, I have great faith that Atalanta can still screw things up next year. They're the Arizona Cardinals of the NBA.
by JSun on Jun 28, 2007 10:26 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Draft
I hate Tucker already. He cannot shoot, he cannot defend and he lacks intensity. Not a good addition to our team. He may be the next Marcus Banks, or shall I say a Marcus Banks twin, since we will have two of those worthless players?
The Suns had many many many options that were better. Has their scouting department been dissolved or is Kerr actually working for the Spurs? I can't believe they let Koponen go to - who else?- Portland.
by Vash01 on Jun 28, 2007 10:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
me to
by jasonsuns1 on Jun 28, 2007 10:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone Had Set the Bar Too High
Why? You don't want to guarantee two guys to get paid for 3 years but not ever get to play. Do you want 3 Marcus Clankses on the team?
There may be a bit of an over-reaction out there because this is a pretty big let-down, going from KG to a guy who can't spell Orlando right.
Portland and Seattle are not going to cause the Suns any problems next. Seattle has no chance without against the Suns without Ray Allen on their team. No matter what happens, the Suns will be one of the top three teams in the NBA/Western Conference next year.
If they truly use this money to address the Luxury Tax situation and don't deal off Thomas, we are in great shape and are going to make one more run. Also, we've kept our future in Amare right here in town.
by JSun on Jun 28, 2007 10:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
New slogan
The Last Stand
by Vash01 on Jun 28, 2007 10:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last Stand
I am disappointed they aren't getting a decent backup PG for now (just one who won't screw things up with Nash resting) and, hopefully, become above-average so he can pass it to Amare when Nash slides out in a few years.
According to Coro, though, Strawberry schooled Kopponen in a pre-draft camp.
by JSun on Jun 29, 2007 10:01 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
real simple
I think the Suns have a simple plan, Nash probably only has 2 strong years left (with him though, you never know, could be more). Because of this, the suns need a ready nba player (top 10 of the draft), when this didn't happen. I think the
Suns figure free agency is where they'll pickup 1-2 players. I agree, with this in mind, they sold a pick.
If Sarver was so cheap, Marion and / or Amare would be gone already. Want to know the problem, it's how much we pay marion. You could almost pay for 2 ginoboli salaries, 2 parker salaries, 3-4 barbosa salaries, you get the idea. If Marion was like Duncan, I wouldn't have a problem with his pay, or like Garnett, but he isn't (not even close). If we still pull off a trade, this draft won't matter. Garnett wants to come here!! Have patience, last years team was a lot of fun to watch, we had the spurs 2-2 with home court before
the b.s. happened. We were 2 wins away from likely winning a championship!
Chill out, on the thought of why aren't we developing young talent. No defense of our past mistakes, but I believe this year it's about saving a few million here and there to make room for a big trade (K.G.). Have I mentioned he wants to come here.
by jasonsuns1 on Jun 28, 2007 10:30 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
KG will not come here
Nash could get injured next season and we will be in the lottery because there is no back up point guard.
KG is not coming here. They have exhausted all possible trade avenues. The Suns are becoming a team of geriatrics with most players over 30 years old...OK, STAT is 24 but his knees are like 30 years old. Boris does not count because he does not produce anyway. Coach is unwilling to let go of JR who he seems to love. Why are the Suns assuming that every free agent in the world will play for the minimum salary for the Suns? The players want money, which the Suns don't have.
This team has gone down the tube. Don't expect miracles next year.
by Vash01 on Jun 28, 2007 10:35 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
DJ Strawberry
Well, that definitely sounds like somebody we could use. Doesn't look like he's the greatest shooter, but the rest of it sounds great.
by TexSUN on Jun 28, 2007 11:02 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Not brother
At least he is from the ACC, which is a tougher conference than the Big 10. I always associate the Big 10 with Football, although they do have a few good basketball teams.
Why are the Suns drafting players who are not good shooters? The 7 second offense needs shooters. They should have drafted Koponen, even though he could not have played immediately. They could have saved money by letting him play in Europe.
by Vash01 on Jun 28, 2007 11:15 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Tweaking the system?
by TexSUN on Jun 28, 2007 11:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
D?
by Vash01 on Jun 28, 2007 11:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wisconsin fan here
a) I'm really happy Tucker got drafted in the first round.
b) I'm also very happy he went to the Suns.
I really think this pick will pay off for Phoenix. You have a player who is incredibly athletic and even more of a hard worker. One of you mentioned that he showed no intensity and you couldn't be farther off. I watched Tucker for 5 years and every year he improved his game. I think he is a great match for Phoenix's system.
As for his defense, it's hard to tell. He was the Wisconsin offense and with only 5 fouls in college..often stars never really show how good they are on d. Yet during big series he often showed the ability to buckle down on an opposing player. No one talked about Devin Harris's D in college, and he has turned into a good defensive player in the NBA.
Finally, so you can get an idea of his athleticism (he broke Michael Finley's vertical record at Wisconsin):
http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tuckervr5.jpg
by shaftr on Jun 29, 2007 12:19 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Woh. What a Great Pic!
Yeah Shaftr, thanks for sharing this image with us.
From some of the nationally televised games I saw of him in college, Tucker always seemed to play huge in big games and he was definitely a clutch, money player.
I love that our Suns own his rights.
by kcbrett5 on Jun 29, 2007 7:52 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Portland trade?
Could it be true that JR may be off to Portland?
Wait for more news.
by Vash01 on Jun 29, 2007 12:48 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Vash01 vs. Facts?
If you're unhappy with the draft, that's fine. But please when you're making your criticisms at least try to look up some facts before you start making wild assertions. I understand that sometimes we all get our facts mixed up, but I get the feeling that you don't even care.
Let me show you what I mean:
1)"KG makes more money than Marion and STAT combined."
Kevin Garnett is due to make 22M in 07-08. Marion is due to make 16.4M. STAT is due to make 13.2M. That means Marion and STAT will make 29.6M next year, which is a lot more than 22M. It's not even close.
2) "The Suns are becoming a team of geriatrics with most players over 30 years old."
The Suns currently have 10 players under contract and the draft rights to two players (Strawberry and Tucker). Of those 12 players, four are 30 or over (Nash, Bell, Piatkowski, and Thomas). The other eight are all under 30 (Stoudemire, Marion, Barbosa, Diaw, Tucker, Strawberry, Jones, Banks). That means only 1/3 of the players on the Suns roster or under draft rights are over 30. And that's not most.
3)"Coach is unwilling to let go of JR who he seems to love."
By JR, I assume you mean Jalen Rose. Well, Rose was on a one year 1.5M dollar contract with the Suns last year. His contract is now expired and the Suns have not offered him a new one. He is an unrestricted free agent. It's unlikely he'll be offered a new contract by the Suns.
by rosewood on Jun 29, 2007 1:55 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Rosewood
1.KG's salary with the trade whatever added is more like 28 million. He has the option to waive that 3-4 million or so (not sure about the exact amount). My point is- he makes a LOT more money than our stars.
2.If you look at the contributing players on the Suns team, they are old. Marion 29, Nash 33, KT 34, Raja 30- that's most of our starters, and they play a lot of minutes because of the short rotation. Stoudemire is 24 but his knees are like in the 30's and that is a concern to me. Barbosa is the only young player that has actually contributed. Diaw's body is so out of shape he was more like a 36 year old last year. Piatkowski is over 35 and so is Jalen Rose, but I am not going to count Rose. He will not be back. Pike is expected back for one year, from what I read.
Banks is young and worthless. Marks, Burke, Jumaine will not be back so I am not counting them.
We know nothing about the new draft picks- no idea how long it will take for them to play with this team, whether they will even make the rotation, so I am not counting on them right now (it would have been different had it been one of the top 10 picks- not a guarantee but a better chance of success).
So really, with the exception of LB we don't have young players that are contributing (I am putting Amare in the 'old' bracket because of his health issues).
The Suns ARE getting old, and that is a fact. If we had drafted young players in the 1st round last 3-4 years, we would have a few of them ready to play. Right now only Barbosa is ready.
3.JR is actually James (Junior) Jones. He is referred to as Junior or Jr on blogs. At the time I wrote that post, I did not know that he would be traded to Portlant (and we are not getting a player in return). He was way too inconsistent, but he was young, and Dantoni insisted on giving him minutes while benching others. Coach did say often- I love James Jones. He is a good defender, but an unreliable shooter.
I am aware of Rose's one year contract and I don't expect to see him back next year. He was not counted in my list.
I hope I have answered your questions and I was not as off the wall as you made me sound in your post.
by Vash01 on Jun 29, 2007 2:26 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
All right
Well, point three was just a mix up so I guess we don't need to worry about that.
But as far as the other two, I understand, I suppose , that you meant something different from what you said but then why not simply say what you mean? Exaggeration doesn't make a point any stronger. And you can't expect people to understand what you mean when you're stating what you don't mean, especially when what you don't mean is obviously false.
Also:
- Amare doesn't have problems with his "knees." It was only one knee. And considering he did not miss a game this year until the suspension, played 32 minutes a night, and was a first team All-NBA selection I think its questionable to even say that he has "health issues."
- Diaw is a contributor. He's wasn't as good as last year, but he did average 31 mpg, 9.7 ppg, 4.8 apg, and 4.2 rpg. That's very solid contribution. Diaw is also young. Being out of shape at training camp doesn't age a person 11 years. He's 25.
- So of the Suns seven primary contributors, their ages are as of today:
If you want to throw James Jones in there (he does play nearly 20 mpg) then that another 27 year old. That isn't the Blazers but it's a reasonably young core considering that the Suns are title contenders.
To compare look at the ages of their primary competitors' rotations:
Spurs: Duncan: 31; Parker: 25; Ginobili: 29; Bowen: 36; Finley: 34; Horry: 36; Barry: 35; Oberto: 32.
Mavericks: Nowitzki 28; Howard: 27; Harris: 24; Stackhouse: 32; Terry: 29; Dampier: 31; Diop: 25; George: 29.
So we're a little older than the Mavericks but we're younger than the Spurs. That's not terrible at all. Would it have been nice to have like Rajon Rondo on the bench? Sure. But we're still a relatively young team for a title contender.
by rosewood on Jun 29, 2007 4:10 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry
Sorry about that.
by rosewood on Jun 29, 2007 5:44 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
i like vash but..
by jasonsuns1 on Jun 29, 2007 7:44 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
More
First of all, I am not in a court of law, so I do take the liberty to exaggerate just a bit. It is not a big thing to miss KG's big salary - rather the sum of the other two players'- by 1M out of 28M
Amare did have problems with his 'knees' during the microfracture surgery year. According to the SI article I read last year, first he complained about one knee, later he complained about another knee. When you have a problem with one knee, there is a tendency for the other knee to carry some of that burden. Amare did not work diligently during his rehab (ref: Book by the same SI writer). He had surgery on one knee, but he also started talking about other knee bothering him. I think it could remain a question mark until his career is over- hopefully after many years.
Thanks for providing the ages of players on other teams. I had already given my explanation of how I saw even the younger player playing like 30 year olds- Amare's knees, Boris's fat body. You conveniently omitted other 30 year olds from your list. That kind of cherry picking does not lead to a fair comparison.
The Spurs were considered old last year, but they do have a few 20 somethings and more important their bench is 11 deep (not 7 or 8 deep). They are drafting young players for the future. So they are managing their 'age' well, while the Suns are not. Their well has run dry already.
I will stand by my statement that the Suns are becoming a team of geriatrics at this point. You are free to dream on that the Suns are a championship team.
by Vash01 on Jun 29, 2007 3:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay Cowboy
But...
Don't accuse me of cherry-picking. You said when clarifying your point: "If you look at the contributing players on the Suns team, they are old." (From your "Rosewood" reply that I responded to)
So I looked at the contributing players on the Suns roster. I listed 8. The Suns only have ten players under contract right now. The two I left out were Piatkowski and Banks.
I left out Piatkowski because you said we were talking about contributors and Piatkowski only appeared in 11 games last year averaging 6.6 mpg. He is old though, 36. But we're only talking about contributors, right?
I also left out Banks because he is not a "contributor." He only played 45 games at 11 mpg. And he's young (25), so he wouldn't help your point anyhow. That is unless you believe he's inexplicably aged as well (he isn't like 47 in Vashyears, is he?)
So those are the only two under contract players I left out. Neither of them were "contributors." You said we're talking about "contributors." I suppose I could have included Tucker and Strawberry since they could possibly be contributors, but that wouldn't help your point (they're young) and is speculative so I left them out too. (See that? How I leave out debatable "facts" that actually help my argument because I know that including debatable "facts" is only weakens arguments).
I suppose you could also mean that I left out other 30 year olds from the Spurs and Mavericks, but I don't see how that would have helped your point at all. If I had, it simply would have shown even more so that title contenders tend to be old. So I can't imagine you mean that.
So please explain to me, my "cherry-picking." And note you said "30 year olds" as in more than one. So I want to see what "contributing" 30 year olds (plural) that I excluded. Because from here, it looks like your making things up again.
As a matter of fact, I am sure that you are, because this time you're making them up about me.
by rosewood on Jun 29, 2007 7:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Believe It or Not
Before any of you go and crucify me, please hear me out.
Yes, I was pissed that we couldn't make the KG deal while keeping Amare'. Yes, I was pissed that we weren't able to move up in the first round. Yes, I was pissed that we didn't land big men like Tiago Splitter with pick #24 or Kyrylo Fesenko with pick #29.
But as always, when the smoke clears, my mind cools, and I sleep on it... the next day brings me logic and information that I didn't have the night of the draft.
Like after reading today's EVT articles, I found out how Alando Tucker (our #29 selection) is more athletic than I thought. How he's able to run the floor, DEFEND, score, and rebound for his size @ 6-6 / 205. That his primary weakness is perimeter shooting... which remember that when Raja Bell first came into the league with Philly, shooting wasn't one of his strengths.
And as much as I shared Vash01's sentiment about not trading one of our first rounders -- which we did by shipping guard Rudy Fernandez to Portland for $3 million in cash -- it made me realize that lopping those mils will help decrease what our Suns currently owe in luxury taxes.
In addition, as much as I watched DJ Strawberry (our 2nd round draft pick) play in college -- he played at Maryland and I live in ACC country (Virginia Beach, VA) -- I didn't realize that he was the star of the Orlando Pre-Draft camp. I always new he was a great defender and a great team player, but I just didn't realize how well he played against the top potential picks in those games leading up to the draft.
So as much as I wanted Phoenix to land some big interior defenders via the draft, I did like that they selected two talented defenders who are versatile and athletic. And I did like that we took a step towards rectifying the luxury tax situation.
Plus, keep in mind, Kerr & D'Antoni are saying the right things at this moment, but let's be honest. They could be in "bluff mode," and a post-draft deal could still be made.
Not sure with who or with whom nor am I sure if it involves KG.
But keep this in mind, when it comes to pro franchise sports, deals can always be made -- any time, day or night.
So don't discount anything.
by kcbrett5 on Jun 29, 2007 7:17 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Not me
Right now in top 8 there are only 2 bigs - Stat and KT. The Suns needed a 7ft athletic defender and there were several available. I would have like to have seen them trade down w/ 1 of the 1st round picks if they didn't want the two guaranteed contracts and get a couple more 2nd rounders into camp.
I just really hope they find someone to take Banks and maybe JR (Jones that is) and get a big on to the team.
Right now they've got too many mid-sized guys in the SG/SF and undersized PF area: JR, Marion, Bell, LB, Diaw and then add Tucker and Strawberry (hope this guy got his dads skills and not his dad's nose for the blow)
So, you end up w/ Nash and our buddy Banks at PG and Stat and KT at Center and a log jam in the middle. I just don't see how that works for us stopping the bigs like Duncan and now Oden and KG.
Hopefully, we aren't done yet...I just don't see how we can start the season w/ only 2 Centers who are both on the smaller side anyway.
Maybe we can get Diop? Who else is out there in that size range?
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 29, 2007 9:04 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
rebound34
Mainly, I am just PO'ed that the Suns could not make smarter decisions. They could have taken Splitter (went to SA) or Koponen (went to Portland) with the #24. Instead, they took the $3M. They could have still drafted Koponen, who is a great shooter. Instead, they drafted Tucker who cannot shoot. We really have only 3 shooters from the outside- Nash, Bell, LB. We need more 3 pointers to win.
I was one of those who voted against getting KG. I am going to change my vote to 'get KG, no matter what the cost'. The Suns cannot win a title next year without him. If they wait more than 2 years, Nash will be gone and they will be just like any other average NBA team.
by Vash01 on Jun 29, 2007 3:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Possible Big Men Additions
From what I've read, I believe that Diop will be entering the last season on a 3-year contract with the Mavs.
And speaking of BIGS, isn't ex-Sun/now-Sixer Steven Hunter in his final season of a 3-year deal with Philly, too?
Also, what about the various rumors of Marcus Camby being traded to other teams, which didn't include Phoenix, btw.
Another PF/C, who's relatively young is the long-armed Melvin Ely. Ely was acquired in a mid-season trade from Charlotte. His original free-agent deal with Charlotte was a one-year, $3+ mil contract.
Since the 6-10 PF/C didn't get hardly any PT (plus he was inactive in the Finals sweep over Cleveland) for SA, I don't think his market value is all that high right now.
Although I liked what we did in the last night's draft -- as of this morning -- I still would've preferred some big interior post players, as well, srp. Like I stated earlier, I was pissed while watching the draft and I remained that way once the evening concluded.
However, I don't mind AT as a "consolation," so to speak. And you are right about us having too many players of his size.
Who knows, maybe this is preparing for another deal to come...
by kcbrett5 on Jun 29, 2007 9:41 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Forget Camby. He is entering the 4th year of a
As everyone knows, he just won the Defensive Player of the Year Award, but he is 36.
Plus he's due $8 mil (07-08), $8 mil (08-09), and $7.7 mil (09-10).
NOPE. Ix-nay to Amby-cay.
Fuh-getaboutit!!!
by kcbrett5 on Jun 29, 2007 9:50 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disneyworld has the answer
Trade Boris Diaw to the Orlando Magic and our number one pick (not the Hawks) for Carlos Arroyo and Tony Battie.
Actually, I used to say offer our 29 this year but that's not really an option.
But Battie's just a 6'11" defender who would look great coming off the bench in the playoffs. His contract is larger than I'd like (5-6M per 3 years) but Arroyo (who would be our backup PG) has 4M dollar expiring contract. So that helps, especially since we'd be paying Boris 9M per for the next 5 years any how.
I would hate to lose, Boris, because I think he's great. He just doesn't fit in that well with STAT.
And really I don't know if the Orlando would take it. That's a big contract. But they do need a SF, and Boris can play the 3.
It won't happen anyway.
by rosewood on Jun 29, 2007 10:16 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Thinking a bit more positively this morning
Coming into the off-season the biggest issue was that the Suns somehow solve their cap problems, and selling that pick looks to have lopped almost 5 million off that luxury tax problem--increasing the likelihood that the Suns will not need to trade Marion in order to dump salary. It sounds like Kerr and Co. threw everything they reasonably could at Charlotte for that 8 pick, including that unprotected pick next year from Atlanta, and Charlotte just went the other way. The word is that Phoenix is a preferred destination for free-agents--I'm going to reserve judgment on the off-season until it's actually over and I see who the Suns can reel in.
by SoCalSun on Jun 29, 2007 10:31 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
The voice of reason
I still think they need an athletic big who can play D and not get in the way on O. I don't care if he hits 3's in garbage time and makes funny videos about bald people either (for those not in Phx - that's a Pat Burke reference).
And I still think if they didn't want 2 1st round picks they should have traded down into the 2nd round and gotten more prospects. But, let's wait and see what happens w/ free agency.
Oh, and I would love to get Grant Hill but then we would have 7 guys in that 6'4" to 6'9" range.... Maybe we can steal Turiaff from the Lakers?
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 29, 2007 11:29 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
free agents
Portland and Seattle did not land just one great player this year. They have been drafting good players for the last few years and trading smartly their aging players for good values (e.g. Randolph and Ray Allen). I think they are ready to make a run at a title- if not this season, then certainly next season. The window of opportunity for the Suns was the last two seasons. It is closing fast and unless they get KG this season, they are not going to win a title in the next 10 years.
About the Suns not making the playoffs- yes, it could sound like a gross exaggeration, but look at who they have to play-
SA, Dallas, Denver (they whipped us last year in Denver), GS )they whipped us too), Portland, Seattle, the Lakers (esp. if they get KG), LAC & NO barely missed the playoffs last year, Houston, and I am going to throw in Memphis. They are not as bad as their record last year.That's 8 or 9 teams in contention for the playoffs. Any team that is on the bubble is in danger of missing the playoffs.
Right now this is how I would rank the WC teams:
1.SA
2.Dallas (they will spend the $ to get the right free agents and they were just GSW away from winning it all last year)
#3.Utah (good draft; great players)
#4.GSW
5.Lakers (with KG, Kobe on LAL)
6 (tie).Denver, Suns
8 (tie) Portland, Seattle
10.Houston (poor draft this year)
11 (tie) .LAC,NO,Memphis
One could argue and move the Suns into the #4 spot or at least tie them with Utah, which would put them at #5 at the worst. However, Denver, LAL, Portland adn Seattle could really make a run at it and push the Suns down to #7 to #9.
The Suns could be on the bubble this coming season. The WC is much stronger now than it was last year. Don't expect a 60 win season or even a 50 win season in 2008.
by Vash01 on Jun 29, 2007 3:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Draft
I see it more like this in the West
1-3 SA/PHX/Mav will be within a few games of each other again.
You know what - its just too soon to say. This will be fun to think about in late Sept - mid Oct but right now too much could happen.
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 29, 2007 6:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vashyears strike again!
STAT (age: 24 calendar years but 30+ in Vashyears)
and
Diaw (age 25 in calendar years but 36 in Vashyears)
has also claimed Zach Randolph, who I thought was 25, but instead is apparently and "aging" just like Ray Allen (who at the ancient age of 31 in calendar years must be at least approaching 100 in Vashyears).
by rosewood on Jun 29, 2007 7:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Agree to Disagree"
The Suns lost nobody last night.
The Spurs got nobody last night.
The Mavs got nobody last night.
Utah is not a better team than the Suns, and the draft didn't change that.
Houston is not a better team than the Suns, and the draft didn't change that.
Denver is not better than the Suns, and the draft didn't change that.
The Clippers lost their "point guard of the future", didn't draft another, and still have all the chemistry issues they had before.
The Lakers (and this is the best part) are flat-out not going to get Garnett. They are over the cap, they have lousy players with lousy contracts that nobody wants. Their best player is a serial malcontent that no one wants to play with, who has spent the last month crying in the press about how he wants out. They just drafted another point guard who can't shoot into an offense that doesn't need a point guard. Lamar Odom is a career under-achiever, and Kwame Brown is, quite frankly (a little Stephen A.), just not that good.
Portland will be better, but they won what, 32 games last year? There is a reason they got the number one pick. Ditto for Seattle. Those two young studs up there in the Northwest have got a couple years of getting their heads kicked in by the league before they're going to be ready to take over.
Bottom line: the Suns didn't do themselves any real favors in the draft, but they sure didn't get any worse either. This is still a title team.
by SoCalSun on Jun 29, 2007 11:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
SoCal
The Suns have remained at one level while many other teams have gotten to higher level or levels.
For the last 3 years the Suns have not fixed their main problem- lack of depth. Every year they have done well in the regular season, but they just can't get it done in the playoffs (I don't want to buy the argument about their 'bad luck' because it's not luck that kept them from winning). Reason: Lack of depth.
The western conference is too competitive to just stay at one level. The Suns need to move to the next level in order to win a title. They have not been able to improve as a team. If the officiating does not favor them, they need to be much better than the other team. There is no way around it.
Other teams have continuously improved over those years, so it is a reasonable assumption that they will be better than they were last year. Some teams will be much better. Those are Denver (they settled down toward the end of last season and should perform better with AI at the helm), Golden state, Portland, Seattle, and Utah (because of their solid draft picks this year). It's not like they suddenly struck gold this year. They have been working toward it for the last few years, while the Suns were making some poor decisions. Portland and Seattle will have excellent teams as early as by midseason, once they have settled down. I would not underestimate those rookies.
The Suns have regressed in different ways. The team chemistry is worse. The players are older. The bench last year was about as bad as the bench a year earlier, despite all the FA signings. They have gotten in financial trouble by signing the wrong players to big contracts. I am afraid the Suns may have become more predictable in their style also. There are too many holes - not enough back ups at the different positions, and not enough 3 point shooters.
The Spurs have shown how to beat them- by being physical. The Suns don't match up against Utah either (1-3 last year). They need to fix the matchup problems with certain teams (SA, Utah, Detroit).The Mavs are still a very good team that can beat the Suns.
San Antonio has not added an impact player but they have young draftees being developed for the future, while Duncan et al keep winning. Besides, they are the Spurs and they know how to win championships. Unless the Suns get considerably better than them, they have no hope of beating this team.
Dallas will be underestimated this year because of their playoff loss but they are the #2 team in my mind at least. It is easy to forget that they won 67 games last year. They made it to the NBA finals just 2 years ago. They will be tough to beat again.
LAL could make a deal for KG and get in a position to beat the Suns, although my feeling is that it's not going to happen. They are a team in turmoil. Right now I don't see them as a problem for the Suns but if they get KG, that could change.
Houston does not match up against the Suns, so no problem there. I don't see the Clips as threatening right now.
The eastern conference will be better this year. Chicago will be in contention, along with Detroit. They are a great organization that makes sound decisions. Washington should do better with the return of Arenas and Butler next year, and they can beat the Suns.
The main roadblock for the Suns is the WC and they need to get much better than other teams. Otherwise they are going to run into some kind of 'bad luck' and lose again.
My biggest concern is that after the next 2 years they will have nothing to carry them into the playoffs and beyond. Good teams build for the future, so they are always in contention to win titles. It is very difficult to win a title,and nobody knows when it will happen. So teams have to keep trying and improving each year. Suns are not doing that, and they are in a danger of becoming just an average team in just a couple of years. They are always just one key player injury away from disaster.
I have not seen the current team of Sarver-Kerr (he is still new)-Dantoni do anything that have convinced me that they can get it done. All the success for the last 3 years came from decisions made by the Colangelos. Unless I see a success story from the current management team, it will be hard for me to have faith in them.
I feel that I am just being realistic about the Suns chances to win a title. Remember they have NEVER won a title. There is a reason for it, and it is not the SA Spurs or the refs or Stern.
by Vash01 on Jun 30, 2007 3:31 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vash the pessimist
I don't agree w/ eveything you are saying but this one I am in agreement with:
"I have not seen the current team of Sarver-Kerr (he is still new)-Dantoni do anything that have convinced me that they can get it done. All the success for the last 3 years came from decisions made by the Colangelos. Unless I see a success story from the current management team, it will be hard for me to have faith in them. "
I also agree with the premise that the Suns have to get better and depth, toughness and size are issues. I was one of the few that thought they got beat by a better Spurs team and didn't lose due to Stern-gate.
I am down on the Suns draft so far but am willing to wait and see what the team looks like for game 1.
I want to see another big that can actually play 10 min/game. Someone taller and more athletic then KT. If they keep KT. If they move him they obviously need a replacement post defender too. They need to be able to have 3 centers in the rotation.
A backup PG of course. Maybe they can get Banks to that point w/ a full year and the summer to work with him. I don't know. The guy obviously has some skills so while its fun to bag on him I have to wonder how much is him and how much is the system, team and coaching. Dude is strong, quick and a very good defender. We need a guy like that against Baron Davis and Derron Williams. And maybe he can slow down Tony Parker for a bit too.
Depth. The Suns need to regularly go 9 and 10 deep during the reg season. Even if they lose a few more games. Come play off time for the past 3 years we have seen the need for more depth to cover injuries, suspensions and fatigue. Game 5 against the Spurs proved that. That game was lost by coaching and the rotation that didn't have anyone prepared to step in and play when it was needed.
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 30, 2007 8:34 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depth
Before going there, though, look at the run two years ago and the loss in the WCF to the Mavs. Stoudemire was out, KT came in too late and Raja missed important games and then was gimpy. That's three of what was this year's first 8. I'd say that two years ago they got pretty far and showed some depth given these injuries.
Back to the development of the players. The Spurs are "deep" but their depth consists of players like Vaughn, Barry and Oberto. The Spurs' first 7-8 (through Horry, Finley/Ginobli, Oberto/Elson) are similar to our first 7-8. The difference is that those guys get a regular 10-12 mins of PT during the regular season and are able to produce -- or, at a minimum, hold down the fort -- to give the Spurs' Big Three rest and step in if one of them has to miss time due to fouls or whatever.
So, it's the development of the players and not the quality of the players. Come on, Jacque Vaughn is one of the worst players in the league, but he seems to get it done. And it's not so much that the stars get tired, either. The bench players just don't know how to fill the holes for a quarter when STAT gets into foul trouble or contribute during Game 5. Pat Burke was right when he said that it's very hard to fill in when you don't get to play or practice with the first 6 or 7 of the rotation. Too bad it didn't come from someone with a little more authority/skills, but he was right.
This is where Coach D needs to improve. Who cares about home court in the playoffs? The Suns have proven they can win anywhere and they are a veteran team that's been together for a long time.
It's what I'm going to call the "Scotty Bowman Theory." He was the Red Wings' coach for a long time. One year, they blew threw the regular season, setting an NHL record for wins, but lost in the first round. Next year, he used the regular season to test his rotations and build a game plan for the playoffs. They got a four or five seed and won the Stanley Cup. I sincerely hope Coach D takes a page out of Scotty Bowman's book.
by JSun on Jun 30, 2007 10:19 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well said
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 30, 2007 10:55 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depth
I think the Suns did not make good choices, to begin with. Unfortunately I have to use the same example every time- Banks- because he has been the worst signing since I started watching the NBA regularly. He cannot be a bad player but our coach did not recognize that his strengths were not what the team needed or wanted. IMO Banks got plenty of playing time, unlike e.g. Pike or Rose or Jumaine Jones or Sean Marks.
The 2006 team won so many games on purely heart and team chemistry. Given the injury situation, they had absolutely no chance to even make it to the playoffs, but it was a miracle that they were just the Bell injury away from winning the WCF. I believe depth played a role here too. The Suns were essentially playing with 5 or 6 players in the playoffs. Why was Eddie House not used? He had lost his 3 point touch, but see how many times Jr Jones was used even when he was not making a single shot? Eventually it turned around. Dantoni often makes decisions based on who he likes. That's another flaw in his coaching.
I think the Suns need to watch the Spurs and see what they are doing right, and learn from it. They have an 11-deep bench during the regular season. They were only the #3 seed going into the playoffs. The Suns got too hung up on getting the #1 seed, and in the end they did not even get that.
I liked your Stanley Cup example. I think that's how the Spurs are probably thinking and other teams will mimic that. Where does that leave the Suns? Is Dantoni going to stubbornly stick with what has not worked? I am afraid he might because you cannot change peoples' basic personalities. That's where Kerr needs to step in and force Dantoni's hand. Let us see if he does that. I don't mean Dantoni needs to abandon his system or his approach with practices; he needs to pay attention to developing bench players, whether they have the talent or not. Someone may just surprise him by stepping in at a key moment.
by Vash01 on Jun 30, 2007 11:21 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
I can't tell you how -- under the current D'Antoni regime -- we'd be involved in a close playoff game and eventually lose because we couldn't get key stops down the stretch... especially in our half-courd D.
For example, playing SA, our Suns know that the only shot that Bruce Bowen can consistently drain is that 3-ball in the corner. Yet how often did Phoenix leave him open there for an easy triple?!?!
Or the fact that most everyone knows that when Tm Duncan gets the ball deep in the low-post, fuhgettabout it... yet so often (there were some exceptions, but it was never the norm) our players never consistently made efforts to prevent those interior passes to The Big Fundamental. Or even once the ball was in the air, you'd see one of our guys watching in the paint rather than sliding down to help and double.
Such frequent laziness and lapses on defense -- in the half-court -- falls back on the Head Coach. There's not enough drills and attention-to-detail when it comes to playing defense.
Yes, I love D'Antoni's offensive style, and I don't have a problem with that. But his lack of drilling "D" into his troops is what pisses me off.
And that's why I don't think we'll ever win an NBA Championship until improvements are made on that end.
We're the NBA version of Mike Martz's St. Louis Rams. Our offense is the most entertaining in the league, the most fun to watch. But our defense is very, very inconsistent.
I'm still praying for a miracle to obtain KG.
Yes, offense wins games, but defense wins championships.
I can't stand the Spurs -- and I'll keep on bashing them -- but I gotta admit, they do play tough defense, especially in the playoffs. Even though it can be classified as borderline dirty.
by kcbrett5 on Jun 30, 2007 12:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
D
As much as I dislike the Spurs, I have to hand it to them that they know how to win titles. I respect them for it.
by Vash01 on Jun 30, 2007 1:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Defense
by JSun on Jun 30, 2007 3:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
srp
Initially, after the loss to the Spurs, I was upset and felt that the Suns were robbed by Horry, refs, Stern et al. However, after several weeks things appeared different. That was when I came to the conclusion that the Suns were responsible for what happened to them (at least 2 years in a row).
It is possible that when the emotions (about the draft) are gone, I may see things differently. However, I will stand by my statement (and you agree with it) that the Suns success so far as come from the Colangelo era and the current team has not proven itself yet.
About pessimism- unless it is genuine it does not work. I cannot just say pessimistic things that I don't really believe in. If it worked that way, it would be very easy to help the Suns win, right? :) Sometimes I start out pessimistic, then the game seems to be going the Suns way and I start thinking they would win. That is when they lose.
by Vash01 on Jun 30, 2007 11:06 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stick with what works for you
I do think that where I differ from you is that while we agree that the Suns post Colangelo haven't proven anything yet. I am willing to give it some more time. I like Sarver and what I have seen from him so far and am willing to give him some more slack. At least he isn't sueing Scott Skiles for stealing the Suns trade secret pick and roll.
The last two off seasons were full of bad decisions topped by Banks and in general not keeping at least either Rondo or Fernandez. I also think and thought then btw that they gave Diaw too much too soon. I would have liked to have seen them wait until about 1/2 way through the year of him playing w/ Amare. If he had played they way he did they would have been able to re-sign him for much less or trade him or free up $9m/yr to get a big. Or maybe he would have gone TT and played better. Who knows.
All mistakes IMHO but I figure that these decisions are difficult to make and easy to criticize and they have done some things right as well. LB's deal is looking pretty darn good right now. Amare came back stronger, better, faster. And I am pretty sure that Sarver approved the Nash deal as his first big decision. The jury's out on that one but I am thinking it was a good move so far.
That won't stop me from being critical but I am willing to wait a few more years before passing judgement. In the mean time, we did have the 2nd best team and they were fun to watch and they are going to make the playoffs and likely the be in the hunt for the championship next year so...
And as a fan at least games against the Blazers and Sonics will be more entertaining next year and I am kind of looking forward to playing ATL again. When was the last time you could say that!
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 30, 2007 12:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
srp
I am not sure I understand your comment on the Nash deal. Was the it the first big deal signed by Sarver? I thought it was all Colangelo and Sarver, being new, was just following their lead (a sensible thing to do). Also I don't understand why you think the Nash deal has not proven to be right yet- after 2 MVP titles and taking the team to almost the top, even without a bench? What more did you want? One player does not win titles. Chicago did not win 6 titles because of Jordan alone.
by Vash01 on Jun 30, 2007 1:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nash and Sarver
My other point about the Nash deal turning out good was an attempt at Saturday morning sarcasm.
And before we get all nostaligic about Colangelo he never brought home a Sun's ring either in all those years and did make some pretty bad deals. Penny and Starbury come to mind. Letting Nash and Kidd go weren't exactly strokes of genius either. Gugliotta's huge deal? I am sure there were many others.
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 30, 2007 3:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ring
About Nash being traded to Dallas in 98- I think it PO'ed a lot of fans here. I was not watching the NBA those days, but a woman at my work has been a fan for over 20 years and she is still mad about the Suns trading Nash in 98.
The story I heard was that the Suns already had two top PG's (Kidd was one of them I think), so Nash had no chance to be a starter. He wanted to be a starter so they traded him to Dallas where he became a starter and the rest is history (a cliche' but I like it). Of course they could have traded Kidd instead of Nash. With the Nash trade to Dallas, however, we got their 1st R pick, which turned out to be Shawn Marion. So all worked out well for the Suns until the started scr$wing up in the off season.
by Vash01 on Jun 30, 2007 4:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
srp/Sarver
"I do think that where I differ from you is that while we agree that the Suns post Colangelo haven't proven anything yet. I am willing to give it some more time. I like Sarver and what I have seen from him so far and am willing to give him some more slack. At least he isn't sueing Scott Skiles for stealing the Suns trade secret pick and roll."
Let us- if Skiles team beats the Suns, will Sarver follow Cuban's lead? I don't think so.
Still LOL over your example.
by Vash01 on Jun 30, 2007 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 30, 2007 3:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
JR's Gone
I think now is the time to get out the magnifying glass and see how cheap Sarver really is (or is not). It seems the Suns did the best they could in the draft (or at least that's what they're claiming), and the upcoming off-season will be the litmus test on this one. I'll give them the benefit-of-the-doubt on the draft, but not during this offseason.
by JSun on Jun 29, 2007 11:34 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Can't find this deal anywhere
I would think moving James Jones - a Suns playoff starter - would make some news but I can't find it.
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 29, 2007 11:55 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a link
I also saw something on a Portland website.
by JSun on Jun 29, 2007 12:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is weird
As for the deal - I like this one. Moving $3m in salary and getting the $3m in cash makes this make more sense. Now the Suns net $6m to use elsewhere. And I am thinking they are thinking they will get Grant Hill.
So, replacing JJ with Hill and Tucker as back up seems like a good move and an upgrade in that position.
I am feeling better then I was a few hours ago anyway although the Suns still need a BIG!
by Phoenix Stan on Jun 29, 2007 2:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
another thread
by Vash01 on Jun 29, 2007 3:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
JJ gone
by TwinnerA on Jun 29, 2007 1:09 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Not drafting Splitter
by Sephirot on Jun 29, 2007 2:43 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Not signing Splitter at #24 was plain stupid. It would not even have cost us money this year.
by Vash01 on Jun 29, 2007 3:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Charlotte
Suns offered #24, Atlanta's pick and $3M for the #8 pick with their eyes on Noah.
They also tried to offer Seattle $1M and the #59 for Seattle's #31 with their eyes on Kopponen.
How much do you guys trust Gambo?
by JSun on Jun 29, 2007 2:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
KT
by Vash01 on Jun 29, 2007 3:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Michael Jordan was quite emphatic
That's probably why the Bobcats turned us down.
And that sucks, because we could've had Noah with that #8 pick.
by kcbrett5 on Jun 29, 2007 4:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Replacements
by TexSUN on Jun 29, 2007 4:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Article of Perspective (at least for now)
However, she also backs up and puts the whole thing in perspective.
Here's da link...
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/columns/articles/0629boivin0629.html
by kcbrett5 on Jun 29, 2007 4:59 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Paola
by Vash01 on Jun 29, 2007 5:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grant Hill
Let's see:
Nash
Stoudemire
Marion
Bell
Diaw
Barbosa
Hill
Thomas
Tucker
Strawberry
Marks
Pike
Banks
I suppose they'd be slightly better than last year, and it's still enough to win it all when they're firing on all cylinders. Let's not forget what these guys have been doing recently.
Talking about the trade rumors is so much more fun, though. I guess that's why they have fantasy leaguse.
by JSun on Jun 29, 2007 5:02 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
If Grant can stay healthy...
by TexSUN on Jun 29, 2007 5:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
not marks
I desperately wish that the Suns would sign more and better players, but knowing them it will be a miracle if they sign more than one. As long as he is not a bust like Banks, it will be considered progress.
by Vash01 on Jun 29, 2007 5:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marks
All they're going to do this off-season is recruit vets who are willing to play for the minimum and who are looking for a title.
If the Suns stand pat on the roster (and assuming they pick up Hill), they are going to be paying the second-highest luxury tax penalty behind only NY. It's about time we stop bagging on Sarver (myself included in some of the earlier comments) about being cheap.
by JSun on Jun 30, 2007 10:22 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Not Cheap, But Foolish Decisions
Think about it, if both of those deals were short-term, lesser-valued agreements (as opposed to the ridiculous amounts they're now receiving), we wouldn't have the threat of the luxury tax looming over our team and handcuffing them from spending money this current off season.
Yes, D'Antoni is partially to blame for those two "not-worth-it, over-inflated contracts."
But Sarver had the final say, and he could've easily vetoed the terms of the deal.
So yes, Sarver is not cheap. But also yes, Sarver approved two foolish decisions.
by kcbrett5 on Jun 30, 2007 12:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not Quite the Worst Move Ever
Taking the Diaw signing out of hindsight, at the time I thought he was being overpaid -- but not by that much. I was thinking the $40M figure was about right (as opposed to $45), but noboday wanted to see the JJ fiasco replayed.
by JSun on Jun 30, 2007 3:27 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
JSun you're exactly right
by Dan on Jul 1, 2007 12:22 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
JJ vs Diaw
Sarver agreed to sign Diaw to a huge deal after just one season, which is perplexing to me.
It is possible that Diaw would have signed with another team, but I can't imagine any team offering his 40+M contract. We could have signed him for something like Barbosa's contract.
In hindsight Diaw was offered too much money, based on his performance for just one season (although I agree he was great that season). When JJ was traded, the Suns management needed to look at what they were losing- not just in terms of money. If JJ was on the team, we would have probably won the title in 2006. Raja Bell would have been a solid backup to JJ and injury free as a result.
I think the whole deal is looking a lot worse now because we did not get Atlanta's lottery pick for this year. Had we gotten the #4-#7 spot, we would not be regretting this trade. Of course Boris did not do anything this year to make us feel better, but we had some hope that the draft would bring us the needed player. That did not happen. Hence all the frustration.
by Vash01 on Jul 1, 2007 12:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
JJ's deal
The salary cap exists to promote some level or parity in the league. You don't see teams w/ 4 or 5 all stars for this reason. The Suns were the only team to have 3. Sure, with JJ they wouuld likely have won although they wouldn't have had Bell on the roster. They would have had a tough time w/ JJ's $13m added to Marions, Amare and Nash.
I would say that in the long run if I had to pick between JJ and Marion I would take JJ but that's neither here nor there. Remember Boston gave JJ to us for basically nothing. They can't be happy about that deal in bean town.
by Phoenix Stan on Jul 1, 2007 3:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
JJ and Bell
The summer that JJ wanted 45M and the Suns only offered $40 was the timeframe in which only the Suns could negotiate his contract with him. So, he wasn't trying to "re"-negotiate, the Suns were negotiating when only they could. After he had that great year, he wante more money. Sarver claims to have offered him the $70M, but JJ allegedly wanted to be #1 on another team.
by JSun on Jul 1, 2007 5:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
JJ
by Vash01 on Jul 1, 2007 9:36 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
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