Deal for PG Not Nearer Than Yesterday

[MastersofCombat]

Not sure Salmons is good enough shooter at the moment. He is pretty disciplined at the FTline. He will need some serious practice and confidence to be a crowd favorite, because he goes through some Eddie Johnson style slumps. EJ at least had big streaks of making the shots, jury is out on Salmons

 

[MastersofCombat]

The midlevel exception was from where?

Did we get 2 from atl?
Did we use one for James Jones?

 

[Mainstreet]

Vinny Del Negro didn't talk about any dissident players because he isn't allowed to do it at this point.

Joe

I didn't think Vinny would get into naming names, especially in regard to RFA's.

However, I did think he might give some clues as to the types of players the Suns might be looking at (without being name specific) and give some general framework (plans) as to when the Suns might be adding some players to the roster. I did find his remark intriguing that the Suns might add a player to their roster from the summer league but not a player necessarily playing for the Suns' entry.

I'm not sure if the players the Suns are looking at would be considered "dissident players," however TT turned out nicely for the time he was here (if he might have fallen into this category with Chicago).

Anyway, it seems like other teams are leaking pending deals quite freely to the media.

 

[jlove]

I didn't think Vinny would get into naming names, especially in regard to RFA's.

However, I did think he might give some clues as to the types of players the Suns might be looking at (without being name specific) and give some general framework (plans) as to when the Suns might be adding some players to the roster. I did find his remark intriguing that the Suns might add a player to their roster from the summer league but not a player necessarily playing for the Suns' entry.

I'm not sure if the players the Suns are looking at would be considered "dissident players," however TT turned out nicely for the time he was here (if he might have fallen into this category with Chicago).

Anyway, it seems like other teams are leaking pending deals quite freely to the media.

I'd love to get ahold of Amundson. He went undrafted and is putting up monster numbers in both rebounds and blocked shots. He's definitely a sleeper during the draft. Another guy, and I can't remember his name, nor can I check the summer league web page here at work, is a PG that is averaging like 10 assts a game. I think he's playing for the Clips.

 

[jlove]

Also, since Gambo mentioned a PG and Center coming to the Suns it could be Jones for Hunter, and then the TE, and POSSIBLY a pick for Salmons.

 

[Chaplin]

Raise your hand if you've forgotten that Mike D'Antoni hates Steven Hunter...

 

[Mainstreet]

Also, since Gambo mentioned a PG and Center coming to the Suns it could be Jones for Hunter, and then the TE, and POSSIBLY a pick for Salmons.

I guess the fans will find out about the outcome of FA on or about July 12th (wednesday) when players can sign.

There seems to be a lot of smoke about the Suns acquiring Salmons so this may happen.

However, you and I are one of the very few who liked Steven Hunter. I think the Suns could acquire worse centers than him and he is still young. But I don't believe Steven Hunter fits D'Antoni's style of play, especially since he does not have an outside shot.

If the Suns go after a 4/5, he likely will at least have to have a mid-range shot. I was thinking the Suns might go after a player that might have some versatility along the frontline. However, I'm not sure who that would be now. I'd settle for just a defensive presence/ rebounder, but someone D'Antoni would play.

 

[Covert Rain]

Raise your hand if you've forgotten that

Mike D'Antoni hates Steven Hunter...

I don't recall a quote of any kind? Could you link one for me? All I remember is D'Antoni saying he wishes they could have had him back.

Was there another interview later where he said different?

 

[Chaplin]

However, you and I are one of the very few who liked Steven Hunter. I think the Suns could acquire worse centers than him and he is still young. But I don't believe Steven Hunter fits D'Antoni's style of play, especially since he does not have an outside shot.

What are you talking about? Steven Hunter is one of the most overrated players on this board over the past couple years. The people that didn't like him were most definitely the minority. He was decent for what we paid him, but he definitely was not worth what Philly paid him to get him from us.

Everyone loves to say how great Steven Hunter was, but if he was so great, why didn't D'Antoni play him more? He was relegated to a 9th man by the end of the year, mostly because he had no offensive game, and his presence on defense didn't affect the other team at all. If you have a "defensive" center that can't intimidate the other team, why do you have him? Especially for as much money as the Sixers paid for him? Philly has found out the same thing, much to their detrimant.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Let's just pick up Salmons and Alonzo and be done with free agency.

Nash, Salmons
Raja, Leandro
Marion, JJones
Amare, Diaw
Kt, Alonzo

Piatkowski
Lampe
Sato

Then let's go win a championship. I'll tell you what, that's no sissy lineup right there.

 

[Chaplin]

Let's just pick up Salmons and Alonzo and be done with free agency.

Nash, Salmons
Raja, Leandro
Marion, JJones
Amare, Diaw
Kt, Alonzo

Piatkowski
Lampe
Sato

Then let's go win a championship. I'll tell you what, that's no sissy lineup right there.

Hate to base anything on 3 summer league games, but Chalmers has been light years better than Sato. Not that I'd prefer him, but I don't think Sato is showing much. If Salmons can be the backup PG (or share with Boris and LB), then as our last man I'd guess someone like Ruben Douglas would be the guy we pick up. He happens to have far and away the highest shooting totals. Either he is trying too hard to impress, or the coaches gave him the green light. And why would they do that?

 

[Mainstreet]

I don't recall a quote of any kind? Could you link one for me? All I remember is D'Antoni saying he wishes they could have had him back.

Was there another interview later where he said different?

I think a lot of Suns fans on this Board thought the Suns could have signed Steven Hunter if the organization had really wanted too. However, I think the general message the Suns gave out, was they could not afford him but would like to have him back.

Of course, Hunter's value on the open market became more than the Suns were willing to pay.

So was it really the salary issue or did the Suns politely say, thanks but no thanks, to Hunter? IMO, I think many fans think it was the latter.

 

[Covert Rain]

What are you talking about? Steven Hunter is one of the most overrated players on this board over the past couple years. The people that didn't like him were most definitely the minority. He was decent for what we paid him, but he definitely was not worth what Philly paid him to get him from us.

Everyone loves to say how great Steven Hunter was, but if he was so great, why didn't D'Antoni play him more? He was relegated to a 9th man by the end of the year, mostly because he had no offensive game, and his presence on defense didn't affect the other team at all. If you have a "defensive" center that can't intimidate the other team, why do you have him? Especially for as much money as the Sixers paid for him? Philly has found out the same thing, much to their detrimant.

Don't agree. Philly thought he could be a better offensive player. When in reality you get what you get from Hunter. I think adding his defense could only help this team. We didn't need him to score then and we wouldn't now. I think he would be great coming off the bench for Kurt.

I agree though, he was not worth the contract that philly paid him by a long shot. He is a backup but probably one of the best backups in the league at that position. Is he worth huge money? Not for a backup. However, I would rather have Hunter coming off the bench then some scrub who won't play a lick of defense coming off the bench.

We don't need a scoring center. We need a center to play some defense and grab a few boards.

 

[Chaplin]

Don't agree. Philly thought he could be a better offensive player. When in reality you get what you get from Hunter. I think adding his defense could only help this team. We didn't need him to score then and we wouldn't now. I think he would be great coming off the bench for Kurt.

I agree though, he was not worth the contract that philly paid him by a long shot. He is a backup but probably one of the best backups in the league at that position. Is he worth huge money? Not for a backup. However, I would rather have Hunter coming off the bench then some scrub who won't play a lick of defense coming off the bench.

We don't need a scoring center. We need a center to play some defense and grab a few boards.

I agree with what we need, I DON'T agree, however, that Hunter fits that mold. He didn't a year ago, and he wouldn't now. He's long, but he never took advantage of it. He was always thin and he never scared any opposing team from driving into the paint. The Spurs killed us by exploiting him like crazy.

 

[George O'Brien]

What are you talking about? Steven Hunter is one of the most overrated players on this board over the past couple years. The people that didn't like him were most definitely the minority. He was decent for what we paid him, but he definitely was not worth what Philly paid him to get him from us.

Everyone loves to say how great Steven Hunter was, but if he was so great, why didn't D'Antoni play him more? He was relegated to a 9th man by the end of the year, mostly because he had no offensive game, and his presence on defense didn't affect the other team at all. If you have a "defensive" center that can't intimidate the other team, why do you have him? Especially for as much money as the Sixers paid for him? Philly has found out the same thing, much to their detrimant.

Hunter was basically a weakside shot blocker who did "OK" against the thinner inside guys. Big guys just pushed him aside and his rebounding was not as good as Voskuhl (look it up). Combine that with being a complete waste in the half court offense and its not hard to see why D'Antoni got so frustrated.

What Hunter could do was run and he did have some nice baskets in the break. Still, he was overpaid for someone with so limited a set of offensive skills.

As for the best backup center, I'd have to go with Mouring. Plus I think Diop is a lot better than Hunter.

 

[Mainstreet]

I agree with what we need, I DON'T agree, however, that Hunter fits that mold. He didn't a year ago, and he wouldn't now. He's long, but he never took advantage of it. He was always thin and he never scared any opposing team from driving into the paint. The Spurs killed us by exploiting him like crazy.

I don't mind if you rake Hunter over the coals so much as you as you never factor in his youth. I think he was only like 22 years old and still learning the game.

Anyway, I liked Hunter's athletic ability as a role player. However, his fit in Phoenix was unique to this team.

 

[Espo]

Alonzo said he will either play for the Heat or retire. Told the Spurs that.

 

[overseascardfan]

What about KT, TE, & 2nd rounder for Ollie, Salmons and Dalembert. We would be in luxury tax land but a year with Daly, Amare, and Matrix with Diaw and JJ and Salmons would be a fine frontcourt to go with Nash, Bell, Ollie and LB. Since you can't have players and TE in same deal make twqo seperate deals, TE and pick for Ollie/Salmons, KT for Daly.

 

[Espo]

Hunter is 24 not 22. I like Dalembert too. I think he could fit in real well.

 

[Mainstreet]

What about KT, TE, & 2nd rounder for Ollie, Salmons and Dalembert. We would be in luxury tax land but a year with Daly, Amare, and Matrix with Diaw and JJ and Salmons would be a fine frontcourt to go with Nash, Bell, Ollie and LB. Since you can't have players and TE in same deal make twqo seperate deals, TE and pick for Ollie/Salmons, KT for Daly.

Dreams are a wonderful thing.

Now, you only have to convince Sarver and D'Antoni about Dalembert's salary and game respectively.

I do like it though. However, I definitely do not see this happening. Steven Hunter's salary would be an easier sell.

 

[Mainstreet]

Hunter is 24 not 22. I like Dalembert too. I think he could fit in real well.

I think Hunter was 22 when the Suns acquired him although I could be wrong. I was talking about his age when he played with the Suns.

 

[Chaplin]

I think Hunter was 22 when the Suns acquired him although I could be wrong. I was talking about his age when he played with the Suns.

IMO, Hunter wasn't going to improve much more. He had a lot of opportunity in Orlando, and had some nice stretches, but nothing very memorable. In Phoenix he had some decent games, but every NBA player will have a decent game now and then.

George pointed out that he did a good job against thinner centers. I disagree, although he had a lot more working for him when he went up against them rather than the Shaqs and Yao Mings of the league. But again, a key problem that Steven Hunter had was that he never discouraged guys like Manu Ginobili or Tony Parker from driving. They had no fear of his defensive prowess. And if you have a guy that can't do that and has no real offensive skillset, there isn't much place for him. Philly bet on him being young and improving. They were obviously mistaken, but do you honestly think the Suns will make the same mistake twice? And at a higher salary, no less?

 

[Evil Ash]

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=69405

Suns in talks to acquire Sixers' Salmons
By Jerry Brown, Tribune
July 10, 2006
Still working hard to piece together a deeper and more versatile bench, the Suns are talking to Philadelphia about a deal that would bring veteran guard John Salmons to Phoenix.

No deal has been struck, but league sources confirmed that Salmons is a player the Suns have targeted. Sixers general manager Billy King is believed to be weighing more than one possible offer for the 6-foot-6, 210-pound Salmons, who scored a career-best 7.6 points to go with 2.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season while playing in all 82 games and starting 24.

Phoenix’s offer is believe to be a second-round draft pick and the team’s $3.6 million trade exception, obtained last summer in the Joe Johnson trade with Atlanta. That exception expires after one year and must be used by Aug. 21.

The Suns likely see Salmons, who plays mainly the two-guard, as someone who handles the ball well and can add size, likely paired with Leandro Barbosa, in many situations. Barbosa played the two-guard spot much of last season but Suns coach Mike D’Antoni has said he is considering giving Barbosa another shot at the backup point after his abilities improved down the stretch and in the postseason.

The Suns have been seeking a bigger guard to replace Eddie House, one that would match up better with opposing backcourts and give starting point Steve Nash more rest. Nash, 32, played a career-high 35.4 minutes a game last season.

A 2002 draft pick out of Miami, Salmons had the best of his four NBA seasons in 2005-06, recording three double-doubles, scoring in double figures 31 times and putting up 15 points or more seven times, including a career-high 23 points against Toronto on March 14. He also dished out a career-high 12 assists to go with 10 points against the Clippers three days later, as he was asked to contribute more with Allen Iverson out due to injury.

The native of suburban Philadelphia, who shares the school record with 124 career starts at Miami (Fla.), has been inconsistent during his four-year stint with the Sixers. The Suns aren’t in dire need of another scorer in the backcourt, but would like someone who can slow down bigger guards for 15 to 20 minutes a game.

Meanwhile, the Suns’ entry in the Vegas Summer League dropped to a 1-2 record with a 90-87 loss to Detroit Monday night. Amaré Stoudemire scored 11 of his 17 points from the foul line and added eight rebounds but fouled out — after committing his 10th foul in the 40-minute game — with about four minutes left. The sloppy game featured 99 personal fouls, 104 free throws and took nearly three hours to complete.

Maciej Lampe hit all eight of his shots from the field and led the Suns with 19 points, while Ruben Douglas added 18 and kept Phoenix within striking distance late in the game.

Phoenix takes today off and resumes action at 1 p.m. Wednesday against the Trail Blazers.

Possible competition for Salmons?

 

[Errntknght]

Mastersofcombat, >>The midlevel exception was from where?

Did we get 2 from atl?
Did we use one for James Jones?<<

Each year every team 'over' the cap gets a mid-level exception, the monetary value is equal to the league's average salary, hence the name. About 5.4 million presently. I said 'over' the cap because its a more complicated than that - for example, if using the mid-level would put you over the cap then you can have the mid-level exception, but you cannot use your remaining cap space and the mid-level. I think the league phrases it as 'you must renounce one or the other.'

We got 1 trade exception from Atl for JJ. A trade exception may used for multiple trades but it cannot be combined with a player in a trade. I believe part of the exception was used to get James Jones -anyway, the remaining amount is 3.6 mil.

 

[AZBALLER]

Forget Tinsely, he might be the biggest punk in the world...Afterall, I wouldn't consider it fun to pour a full beer over a girls head who I don't know, yet Tinsely thinks that is a fun thing to do...I please hope that Sarver believes in character like the Colangoli did!