Suns Notes...Thunder Dan in. Amare out. Trades and women's soccer

by Seth Pollack on Jun 20, 2008 9:19 AM MDT in Commentary Comment 9 comments

Thunder Dan is leaving his cushy side line broadcasting seat to move down 50ft to a spot next to Terry Porter, Alvin Gentry, Bill Cartwright and Igor Kokoskov(?). This is a good move for Dan if he's really serious about coaching in the NBA and he should do a good job with the players. And unlike Tom "Party Line" Chambers, he's not been shy about saying the same things we all have about player development, defense and accountability.
- Just as an aside - Arizona sports fans really are lucky when it comes to broadcasters. I have been watching D-backs games lately and the Gracie/Sutton combo is outstanding! and of course we heard all year long from NBA LP watchers how much better the Suns voices are then other teams'. Add in HOF legend Joe Sr. for a weekend ball game and you've got some seriously good entertainment.
Amare is sitting out the Olympics citing general health but really saying that he needs the time off to rest up for the coming season. I credit Amare for giving up the potential gold medal in favor of the Suns. Way to put team ahead of country. That 's the kind of dedication we need from everyone to win that ring...
The LB and Boris trade rumors are flying. Here's a few.
- LB to Portland for Martell Webster and the #13 pick. This would give the Suns another wing player/shooter and certainly a lot of youth w/ 21 y/o Webster, 2 1st round picks along w/ DJ and Tucker. I don't think I like this deal b/c it doesn't address our biggest needs (center and pg) and makes the team even younger
- LB to Knicks for the #6 pick and who-the-heck-knows. This may be more appealing to get as high as #6 if you can also get back Nate Robinson and David Lee (which I don't see the Knicks doing)
- Boris to Toronto for TJ Ford. The Raptors bought out Jorge Garbajosa and now have the cap and roster space for Diaw. With BC calling the shots there this would seem to be the mostly likely new home for Boris if he's to go. The problem is that getting TJ Ford back isn't the answer. As much as I love the kid's game and heart, he's just too big of a risk with that contract ($25m / 3yrs)
Nash continues his off-season use of soccer to help his fitness and mental preparation and is adding owner/promoter to the mix as well. I have a soft spot for this as I a) coach youth soccer and my 9 y/o is a heck of a keeper b) got hooked on women's soccer during the last world cup c) have nieces that play very competitive girl's soccer in New England and d) get a kick out of a basketball player spending his time on the pitch instead of in the casino.

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Damn..

“I’m always worried about that,” Barbosa said of a trade after five seasons with the Suns. “I don’t like the word trade. I feel this is my home.”

Shit, I just don’t want this kid to be traded…I see a lot of potential in him. If he works hard and with the right guidance..he will develop into an awesome player. I will not get tired of saying this. DO NOT TRADE LB.

"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"

by PanamaSun on Jun 20, 2008 9:40 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I hear you

I like LB and certainly think that what he brings for his contract is excellent value. And I do like the kid and don’t want him traded except that we have other immediate needs and he’s the way to get them….cold hard facts

Blogging Suns Basketball

by Seth Pollack on Jun 20, 2008 9:53 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

LB may be shy, but he'll be fine wherever he gets traded too

If traded, he’ll be traded to a team that know his strengths and weaknesses and loves him anyway.

I like his loyalty too, but not worried about him.

I honestly don’t think they’ll be takers.

Wondering what the skip-2-my-loo to do next with my empty summer

by ZonaFlash on Jun 20, 2008 1:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

more cold hard facts

I would be amenable to trading LB to address our immediate needs if I was getting a sure thing. However, I don’t see that trading him can possibly be any more than a gamble given the current draft pool outside of Rose and Beasley. Tell me, who in the draft, outside of those two, would you trade him for? To Memphis for #5 (Kevin Love) and Kyle Lowry? Maybe. To Portland for Webster, Sergio, and the #13 (Batun)? Possibly. To Milwaukee for Bobby Simmons and the #8 (Alexander)? Now you’re tempting me.

The thing is, LB mis a proven scorer with upside ans coachability. What do you do if he goes somewhere and turns into Joe Dumars or something?

April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?

by Hawk42 on Jun 20, 2008 3:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

You talking to me? Huh?

Just to be clear – I wouldn’t trade him unless you get a pick AND a proven veteran in one of those to positions of need. PG or Center.

How about LB to the Kings for Mikki Moore and the #12 pick? I would do that.

Blogging Suns Basketball

by Seth Pollack on Jun 20, 2008 5:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Danmed too

I could use exactly the same sentance just by replacing LB with Boris! And as I don’t speak english good enough to create another sentance, I stick by it!
Anyway, I agree with panamasun that it’s not a very nice idea to let LB go now. Let’s try for one year to have LB and boris, in order to keep the core and see what they are doing with a new coach and a new system. After that, it will be rebuilding mode, we’ll be able to trade one of them or both.

where full french Diaw came way too late...

by warmup on Jun 20, 2008 9:57 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs