AZCentral: Suns shift focus to free agents

[cepstrum]

The trade hurt? HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?

Youre right no one knows for sure, but what is pretty clear is that the bulls are much better than they were. Some would argue possible playoff conention in the east. If that does happen, you get a pick thats in the range of 15-16. While there have been very good players to come out at that range, Id much rather have the seven pick we just gave up. But thats just me. There are those out there that still think that there is some 'master plan'. Im still wondering why we traded away that seventh pick before the draft. I mean why not waint until afterward or make it contingent upon a player not being there.

 

[Joe Mama]

People thought the Chicago Bulls would be playoff contenders last season. They stunk.

Joe Mama

 

[Chaz]

Im still wondering why we traded away that seventh pick before the draft. I mean why not waint until afterward or make it contingent upon a player not being there.

I don't know, sounds good in hindsight I guess. Unless they know something we don't which is likely.

I think the Suns didn't really want to add another young player this year. They are at 10 players right now with the Vroman pick. If they add 2 FA they are at the limit. They already have at least 4 projects going right now so I can kind of understand the logic of the trade. The Suns need a couple of veterans more than they need a rookie.

I know we both hope it will work out, and maybe I am stupid to think it will. But in the end it is just entertainment for me and not important enough to stress out over.

 

[slinslin]

If the Bulls don't land a star I don't see that team going anywhere.

1. They have Scott Skiles coaching.
2. They are prepared to run a midget backcourt with 2 PGs. Something that didn't workout well last season when they forced the 6'5 Crawford out of the PG position.
3. They wasted out pick on a Duke bust

Unless Chandler and Curry really come in their own next season the Bulls will stink it up.

 

[Biclops]

I dont think the Suns wanted to sign another young guy this year. We already have 3 young kids learning right now (Barbosa, Zarko, Lampe) and I rather concentrate on developing them first.

I am upset that we traded the pick but in hindsight we might end up with the 4th pick next year. It is supposed to be pretty deep in talent. With two picks (CHI & PHO) and good amount of capsapce, we have alot of options in our hand to make this team much better.

 

[SweetD]

You'll be signing a different tune when you see iguadala tearing it up in phili...

When would Iguadala be able to play? He is not a point guard and Marion and JJ are the starters. Plus if Phil doesn't move AI then Iguadala will not get the ball enought.

 

[slinslin]

Iggy and JJ could have been a nice combo at least offensively because although JJ isn't a PG Iguodala has enough passing skills as well to compensate that.

The question would have been wether Iguodala was athletic enough to legimately guard PGs on the perimeter.

 

[George O'Brien]

When would Iguadala be able to play? He is not a point guard and Marion and JJ are the starters. Plus if Phil doesn't move AI then Iguadala will not get the ball enought.

I was really puishing for Iggy, but his role would have been to take over Jacobsen's minutes as a backup. He would not become a starter on the Suns, but he might with the Sixers. I wish him well.

After reading that Vujanic's buyout is stalled, I'm guessing that the Suns are ready to wait a year on him and focus on getting a free agent PG. In other threads I said I thought they would make a big play for Brent Barry and everything I've seen simply reinforces that (Nash being a possible part of the Shaq deal will put his price well out of range). I suspect they will have to overpay in either case - Barry or Nash - but Barry makes more sense.

Without having to worry about paying a first rounder or Vujnaic, it leaves from $15 to $17 million (depending on the cap) to go for up to three players. D'Antoni made it clear he really wants Dice back and I suspect they will sign him as soon as they know one way or another about Kobe. If he bites for $2 million they do it without waiting on Kobe, but if he needs closer to $3 they have to wait.

Worst case (pricing wise), the Suns do $6 million on Barry and $3 million on Dice. That leaves from $6 to $8 million to try to get a center with. If that fails, they sit on the space and hope for a trade offer. No one is going to be intimidated by a front line with Dice and Vroman, but it would still be better than any front line they've had in the past decade.

 

[Joe Mama]

I'm not as down on the trade as some other people, but I do think it's a shame they missed out on Iguodala. I do think he will be a fine NBA player and one of the guys who contributes early. We can talk all we want about what his role would have been on this team, but we really don't even know who will be here next season. At the very least he would have provided some very good Depth which is much needed.

One can only hope that Jackson V. provides a little something, the room under the salary cap helps, and that Chicago pick is used to facilitate a trade or is a good pick next year.

Joe Mama

 

[cepstrum]

When would Iguadala be able to play? He is not a point guard and Marion and JJ are the starters. Plus if Phil doesn't move AI then Iguadala will not get the ball enought.

Isnt that the same reasoning that the blazers used when they passed on jordan for good old sam. My point isnt that iggi is jordan, but my point is u always pick the best player available. He wouldve made a hell of a backup. JJ and Marion wouldnt have to play 40 mins a game

 

[George O'Brien]

Isnt that the same reasoning that the blazers used when they passed on jordan for good old sam. My point isnt that iggi is jordan, but my point is u always pick the best player available. He wouldve made a hell of a backup. JJ and Marion wouldnt have to play 40 mins a game

If they had drafted Jordan and HE was the one to get injured, everyone would wonder how on earth could you pass on a center just to get a backup guard (they had a guy named Drexler). But Sam Bowie (sp?) got injured and was not around when the Blazers went to the finals. If he had been healthy, he would have been much better than Duckworth and might have made the difference.

The key is not take Michael over Sam, it's always pick the guy who will healthy. Of course, if you knew...