AZ Republic: Suns' FA Focus Shift to Guard Banks

[Mainstreet]

Mainstreet,

The Celtics traded JJ to the suns in his rookie year, not after having him for 2 1/2 years. They traded him is because they were making a run for the playoffs and Rogers and Delk could give them veteran help at two positions. Also, different coach, G.M. etc.

In regard to the above I made the point about Boston's rationale for the trade (the playoffs), but I felt even back then, that the Suns got the better end of the deal giving up just Delk and Rogers. I remember thinking if Boston believes these two players are going to help them get to the promised land... then good luck. I know coaches and GM's generally come and go.

I felt the minute I saw JJ play he had immense potential for the future but also that he could play then. I remember even defending JJ to other posters who were not high on him.

I guess, I just still feel Boston gave up on Banks too quick and believe he will just continue to develop. And yes, I think Banks is an NBA point guard now and ready to contribute moreso than many others that are out there.

 

[SactownSunsFan]

Banks is exactly the kind of back-up I feel we need for Nash. Get him signed. Please?

 

[sunsfn]

In regard to the above I made the point about Boston's rationale for the trade (the playoffs), but I felt even back then, that the Suns got the better end of the deal giving up just Delk and Rogers. I remember thinking if Boston believes these two players are going to help them get to the promised land... then good luck. I know coaches and GM's generally come and go.

I felt the minute I saw JJ play he had immense potential for the future but also that he could play then. I remember even defending JJ to other posters who were not high on him.

I guess, I just still feel Boston gave up on Banks too quick and believe he will just continue to develop. And yes, I think Banks is an NBA point guard now and ready to contribute moreso than many others that are out there.

Boston may have given up on Banks to quickly, time will tell.
The problem may be,? the cost of Banks as a backup, that is why I think Williams was a missed opportunity.

 

[nowagimp]

.

If the Suns really want Banks, he should have been given the Suns best offer straight out and then the Suns should have moved on if he was not willing to accept it. I know that some signings and/or trades are more difficult than others but this shouldn't be one of them. The Suns should have signed Banks already or working on obtaining another player.

I disagree, the opportunity to sign Banks was probably realized when the wolves signed Mike James. If the suns would have tried to sign Banks early, the wolves may have panicked and outbid them or just retained him by matching and promising a starting job next to KG. Now, that the wolves have signed Mike James and other teams have addressed some of their needs at guard, The suns just may have the inside track with Banks. Sometimes its like chess, the pieces have to more around on the board before things become clear. We, as impatient fans, may not understand the complexities of this deal making climate. The rockets, wolves, and Mavs have all signed talent making them less financially capable of signing Banks. The Lakers had the MLE and a starting job to dangle before signing Radmonivic and they were very interested. The signing of competitive talent also makes other teams less desirable as destinations for Banks. If signed, Banks may get more PT here than people think, I think he's strong enough to play some 2 with OR without Nash on the floor. Raja can also play some '3' in a smaller lineup. I expect that if the suns sign Banks, that Leos contract situation will change as well, they may wait to sign him until next year.

Think about how fast a Banks and Barbosa backcourt would be, probably better than terry and Harris. I like the idea of forcing Tony Parker and Manu(or van exel) to guard Banks and Barbosa while Nash RESTS. Speed kills and the addition of Banks might make the suns the fastest team in the league.

 

[Mainstreet]

I disagree, the opportunity to sign Banks was probably realized when the wolves signed Mike James. If the suns would have tried to sign Banks early, the wolves may have panicked and outbid them or just retained him by matching and promising a starting job next to KG. Now, that the wolves have signed Mike James and other teams have addressed some of their needs at guard, The suns just may have the inside track with Banks. Sometimes its like chess, the pieces have to more around on the board before things become clear. We, as impatient fans, may not understand the complexities of this deal making climate. The rockets, wolves, and Mavs have all signed talent making them less financially capable of signing Banks. The Lakers had the MLE and a starting job to dangle before signing Radmonivic and they were very interested. The signing of competitive talent also makes other teams less desirable as destinations for Banks. If signed, Banks may get more PT here than people think, I think he's strong enough to play some 2 with OR without Nash on the floor. Raja can also play some '3' in a smaller lineup. I expect that if the suns sign Banks, that Leos contract situation will change as well, they may wait to sign him until next year.

Think about how fast a Banks and Barbosa backcourt would be, probably better than terry and Harris. I like the idea of forcing Tony Parker and Manu(or van exel) to guard Banks and Barbosa while Nash RESTS. Speed kills and the addition of Banks might make the suns the fastest team in the league.

I really don't think we disagree as there is always the domino effect. I'm just of the opinion, if a team likes a player a lot (not just Banks), give him your best offer straight out of the gate and if he is not willing to commit, let him know that as a team you have to start looking at other players. Then he will know the offer may still be there or it may be gone.

IMO, I think Banks may be a better fit for Phoenix than Salmons. I have been saying long and loud, the Suns need a back-up PG for Steve Nash if the Suns want to keep him healthy and prolong his career. I tend to think of Salmons as almost a SG that can play some PG.

 

[Mainstreet]

Boston may have given up on Banks to quickly, time will tell.
The problem may be,? the cost of Banks as a backup, that is why I think Williams was a missed opportunity.

You may be right about Williams. I got the impression that the Suns targeted only certain players in the draft they felt were polished enough to play right away.

I get the feeling, the Suns wrote some players off in this draft prematurely, especially not considering what salary they may have to pay in FA.

 

[F-Dog]

I disagree, the opportunity to sign Banks was probably realized when the wolves signed Mike James. If the suns would have tried to sign Banks early, the wolves may have panicked and outbid them or just retained him by matching and promising a starting job next to KG. Now, that the wolves have signed Mike James and other teams have addressed some of their needs at guard, The suns just may have the inside track with Banks.

I don't think his question was about the timing here. I think it was, why didn't the Suns just offer him their best deal, instead of formally announcing their intentions by puffing him up in the local paper?

I kind of agree with him, but I see what the problem is--Banks himself came into the summer looking for the MLE and a starting job, and he's not going to take less money and less of a role until he's exhausted his other alternatives. If the Suns showed up at his door with the MLE, he would have taken it already, but they're bargain hunting again...


According to Coro, the Suns' chief competitors are the teams that struck out on Mike James...just as I predicted a week ago. I don't think the Rockets are that interested, or they wouldn't be messing around with Lucas III and Spanoulis. That leaves the Heat; I have no idea what the story is with them.

I would love them to get this guy too. However, does anybody else see a problem with this statement:

"Banks is allowed to sign a deal for up to six years but might agree to less considering his age, 24.."

This has been the Suns problem. Banking on a guy to play here for less. I am just not getting my hopes up anymore for any guys the Suns try to get for a discount.

I expect Banks will be looking for a player option at the very least. Like Barbosa, he sees himself as a starter, and the Suns' starting PG role is occupied for the indefinite future.

 

[F-Dog]

I get the feeling, the Suns wrote some players off in this draft prematurely, especially not considering what salary they may have to pay in FA.

The Suns seem to write players off all the time because of perceived character flaws. It may be a holdover from the old drug scandal days.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I fell in love with Banks when I saw how much he had improved his all-around game when the T-Wolves played here in Phoenix. I never realized how imposing he was on defense -- he's built and plays like an NFL free safety. He can definitely run the break as a point. I thinks he's a slight liability in the halfcourt, but, as George will say, the coaching staff has already been game planning an offense that doesn't rely on the two-man game when Nash is on the sidelines.

I'm a little surprised the Suns are interested because, frankly, many of us liked him at the start of free agency. The synergy feels awkward. I do think he's the ideal backup point guard for this team given the options we had this year.

I am a little ambivalent about Banks. He seemed to improve, with the change of scenery in Minny. His shooting percentages are "Suns-like." I am not sure why things didn't work out in Boston.

He seems to me to be just another Leandro. He's fast, he's a decent defender, especially in the passing lanes, and he's a decent shooter.

Its what he doesnt do that concerns me. He's small, and I don't think he can defend most 2's. I suppose he will work defensively if there is no gap between the players he can defend, and the players that James Jones can defend.

He's not known for not being the greatest decision maker at the point--which is much like a 7-2 player not being a good rebounder. It is also LB's great weakness.

So, is it profitable to get a carbon copy of LB. Sure, it adds depth in case of injury, and allows us to let Leandro walk if he gets an unreasonable offer. But it doesn't broaden the team at all.

Like I said, ambivalent.

 

[asudevil83]

I disagree, the opportunity to sign Banks was probably realized when the wolves signed Mike James. If the suns would have tried to sign Banks early, the wolves may have panicked and outbid them or just retained him by matching and promising a starting job next to KG.

i dont believe that that is correct.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=69849

Minnesota had initially planned to keep Banks, one of seven players moved during the Szczerbiak trade. But because Boston failed to exercise the fourth year option on Banks’ rookie contract, the most the T-Wolves could offer him was $2.46 million this season. Minnesota petitioned the league for the right to offer Banks more, but they also signed free agent Mike James last week, and with Troy Hudson also coming back, appear ready to move on without Banks.

the only people the suns are bidding with are other teams interested in Banks.

 

[F-Dog]

He seems to me to be just another Leandro. He's fast, he's a decent defender, especially in the passing lanes, and he's a decent shooter.

I curious to hear your choice for an alternative.

If the Suns could get Barbosa to sign a long-term contract starting at $3.7m, they would do it instantly.




Oh, and I found out what's happening in Miami:

MIAMI - Now that Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning have had their contracts taken care of, Gary Payton knows his negotiations are next.

But Payton said Monday night that nothing can happen until Pat Riley returns from his vacation in Africa later this month.

It's good to be the king, I guess.

 

[nowagimp]

i dont believe that that is correct.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=69849



the only people the suns are bidding with are other teams interested in Banks.

Point taken

 

[Big D]

At this point I think the suns messed up by not being ready to draft Marcus Williams on the 21st pick. I personally think that Williams is going to be a better player than Banks, and depending on what they pay Banks, Williams would have been a bargain.

Yep. Well our front office won't be seeing any Exec of the year awards this year.

 

[Mainstreet]

Yep. Well our front office won't be seeing any Exec of the year awards this year.

Now and again my PC will have problems and tell me it is caught up in an "infinite loop."

If the Suns Management is caught up in such a problem, I wish they would tell the fans, so we are not as well. I'm tired of waiting for crumbs to fall from the table. Please Suns, announce signings, not the names of players that are the flavor of the day/ week that sound interesting.

I keep waiting for the Suns to spend that $9 million dollars they saved (or some such amount) by not using their draft picks and not signing TT. There's been so much spin on how much the Suns can spend on player's salary, I don't know if I'm coming or going.

If Pike is the Suns best signing, tell us. Then the fans can concentrate on which summer league players or other veteran minimum type players might be available.

 

[Nasser22]

I won't be reading all the posts but I'd love to have Banks here in a Suns uniform, more that Lucas. He'd finally give us a good point guard, and one that can play in our style as I read in the article in the East Valley Tribune this morning. After seeing the FA list this is one guy I really wanted an I hope we can land him. If the Suns don't fail again and they get this signing done, what other FA do you think we could get. I read we could get a big man a little over the minimum so who would be available?

 

[Evil Ash]

From Gambo

- Looks like the deal is going to happen
- Deal for 5 years less than Salmons
- Could be finalized by Thurs or Friday
- Wanted him but didn't think he was going to be available
- Liked him more than Salmons
- Tried to go after Duhon

 

[asudevil83]

5 years and between $21-$22mil

picked us over Houston, who offered him the full MLE

 

[Wally]

WOW, If the Suns coudl just hire all the critics on this board I'm positive they would get everything right!!!

I can't believe people are still criticizing the JJ deal. It was pretty simple - he was abandoned by Boston, Suns saw he had potential & snagged him for next to nothing. He played inconsistent and then wanted more money than management offered. Management said play well for the year & you'll get even more. Like I said in another post, JJ's gone because HE wanted to be THE MAN. Had he stayed, he would have the 4th option on the Suns - perhaps a negative influence and we are certainly a better team without him. The end result is an A+ so far.

TT had proven himself, but the Clippers vastly overpaid for him. Let’s see if he earns it next year. That money would be better spent on help for Nash.

All these guys we didn't draft or get via FA still have to prove themselves. Hind sight is 20 - 20 and will see how they do. I still can't fault management for the player’s decisions or the management for theirs until I see the end result next season. I figure these guys in the front office know more than I do so I'm willing to give them enough rope..... Sure hope they don't hang themselves with it.

The biggest need the Suns have is to find someone to allow Nash to cut his PT and I’d bet the Suns figure out a way…… By the way, I believe “The Glove” Payton hasn’t made a deal with the Heat yet….. Is it possible??????


Edit - Looks like we'll find out how the FO did if it 's true that Banks will come here. I'd have to give them

 

[Cheesebeef]

From Gambo

- Looks like the deal is going to happen
- Deal for 5 years less than Salmons
- Could be finalized by Thurs or Friday

Thanks for passing on the info, but I'll believe it when I see it, considering we heard basically the exact same thing from the Phoenix media regarding Salmons. I hope it's right. I 5think this kid coul not only be a good back-up for the next couple years, but he might just be Nash's heir-apparent.

I also believe that this means a deal for Barbosa probably goes on teh backburner, unless he signs for aroudn the same amoutn of cash and likely Barbs gets shipped out next offseason in a sign and trade to bring something else to the table, maybe along with one of our picks. I believe this beacsue Banks and Barbosa are both small guards and Barbs ain't gonna be our SG of the future and facing the luxury tax next year with Boris' deal (which we all hope happens this summer), we'll have to mvoe someone and that guy will be Barbs.

That being said, Banks helps us a lot this year and keeping him AND Barbs makes our backcourt depth REALLY solid. If they could somehow swing a deal with that TE for a somewhat servicable big body and get Boris extended, the offseason will a success in my opinion.

Let's just hope the first domino drops. Get it done.

 

[F-Dog]

From Gambo

- Looks like the deal is going to happen
- Deal for 5 years less than Salmons
- Could be finalized by Thurs or Friday
- Wanted him but didn't think he was going to be available
- Liked him more than Salmons
- Tried to go after Duhon

Can't ask for more than that. I like that they took a run at Duhon.


For those of you who complain about Barbosa, Banks is more of the same. The difference is, the Suns will be playing two combo guards at the same time now, not one combo guard and a straight SG like Eddie House.

 

[Joe Mama]

Thanks for passing on the info, but I'll believe it when I see it, considering we heard basically the exact same thing from the Phoenix media regarding Salmons. I hope it's right. I 5think this kid coul not only be a good back-up for the next couple years, but he might just be Nash's heir-apparent.

I also believe that this means a deal for Barbosa probably goes on teh backburner, unless he signs for aroudn the same amoutn of cash and likely Barbs gets shipped out next in a sign and trade to bring something else to the table, maybe along with one of our picks. I believe this beacsue Banks and Barbosa are both small guards and Barbs ain't gonna be our SG of the future and facing the luxury tax next year with Boris' deal (which we all hope happens this summer), we'll have to mvoe someone and that guy will be Barbs.

That being said, Banks helps us a lot this year and keeping him AND Barbs makes our backcourt depth REALLY solid. If they could somehow swing a deal with that TE for a somewhat servicable big body and get Boris extended, the offseason will a success in my opinion.

Let's just hope the first domino drops. Get it done.

I agree. I'm a little excited, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I would like to see them make a move for another big man, and I'd like to see Boris Diaw extended if possible. I'm still leery of giving Barbosa a big contract.

Joe

 

[az1965]

Thanks for passing on the info, but I'll believe it when I see it, considering we heard basically the exact same thing from the Phoenix media regarding Salmons. I hope it's right. I 5think this kid coul not only be a good back-up for the next couple years, but he might just be Nash's heir-apparent.

I also believe that this means a deal for Barbosa probably goes on teh backburner, unless he signs for aroudn the same amoutn of cash and likely Barbs gets shipped out next in a sign and trade to bring something else to the table, maybe along with one of our picks. I believe this beacsue Banks and Barbosa are both small guards and Barbs ain't gonna be our SG of the future and facing the luxury tax next year with Boris' deal (which we all hope happens this summer), we'll have to mvoe someone and that guy will be Barbs.

That being said, Banks helps us a lot this year and keeping him AND Barbs makes our backcourt depth REALLY solid. If they could somehow swing a deal with that TE for a somewhat servicable big body and get Boris extended, the offseason will a success in my opinion.

Let's just hope the first domino drops. Get it done.

Ditto! I have exact same thoughts and will save my words...

 

[Mainstreet]

I agree. I'm a little excited, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I would like to see them make a move for another big man, and I'd like to see Boris Diaw extended if possible. I'm still leery of giving Barbosa a big contract.

Joe

I'm almost afraid to breathe... and to hope. Getting a back-up PG for Steve Nash almost had to be the Suns' top priority. IMO, a healthy Steve Nash is a must for a Championship run. And Banks could be the PG of the future. Maybe the Suns can get a big man with the TE and a pick (or even a sign and trade using James Jones). There are still some dominoes the Suns could use.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I curious to hear your choice for an alternative.

If the Suns could get Barbosa to sign a long-term contract starting at $3.7m, they would do it instantly.

Oh, and I found out what's happening in Miami:


It's good to be the king, I guess.

I don't really have an alternative. That's why I can't really criticize this move, but I'm not really excited about it either.

Seems like we could have gotten better quality for less money in the draft--but we've talked that one to death already.

Its probably the best we can do at the present moment, outside of a trade for someone.

 

[Chaplin]

Seems like we could have gotten better quality for less money in the draft--but we've talked that one to death already.

Less money? True. But better quality? What makes you say that? I suppose you could overrate Marcus Williams and Sergio Rodriguez, but neither one of them has played one minute of NBA ball.

Marcus Banks blocked Steven Hunter for God's sakes!!