Defining the Suns Needs

[George O'Brien]

Jerry Colangelo says the Suns need veteran leadership, size, and shooting.

This is probably true, but a bit vague. How old is a "veteran"? For size are we talking about a shot blocker, someone who can battle big guys in the paint, a rebounder, and/or low post player. Are we talking about a pure shooter like Brent Barry or a guy who can make his own shot and put up a lot of points?

Are we talking about one person or three people?

 

[Chaz]

Good questions to be sure.

I would say they need shooting. That is someone in the backcourt hopefully off the bench that can score with some range. If they sign a PG I guess Barbosa could be sent to the bench. He would make a great energy player in a 6th or 7th man.

A far as size goes I think they already have some nice tall pieces in Lampe and Zarko but they seem to be more perimiter players. They need an inside presence. I doesn't matter much to me if they can hit jumpers someone who can play decent defense, set solid screens, and grab some boards would suffice.

Veteran leadership: This could mean a lot of things, but to me it is someone that has some playoff experience. I would say not an older player but an established player. This player could also be either the scoring or the size option they are looking for.

 

[SirStefan32]

I think that Phoenix needs just about everything right now, save for a starting PF, SF, and to a lesser degree SG.

I would start with signing a point guard. Barbosa and Johnson aren't adequate. I would be very happy if they manage to sign Vujanic this summer.

Zarko and Lampe need to spend some ( a lot, I should say) time in the weight room this summer as well.

Obvious need is another C or a very long PF who can rebound and block some shots and/ or hit some jumpers) This could be taken care of via draft should the Suns get lucky and get #2 and grab Okafor. Otherwise, a free agents like Camby or Dampier would be a good solution- taking care of two needs- big body and veteran leadership. Should White be taken by the Cats, this becomes a must- do for the Suns since Voskhul/ Stoudemire/ Lampe trio on 4 and 5 is just not going to cut it.

This will be a very interesting offseason and I'm looking forward to seeing what will be done by the Suns.

Stefan

 

[F-Dog]

My guess is that they're looking for two players, ideally--a veteran big man, and a veteran guard who can shoot.

Say what you will about the Jazz' lack of talent, but Raja Bell is better than anybody the Suns have coming off of their bench, and Greg Ostertag is at least as good as any big the Suns have on their bench. The Suns need a couple of guys like that (at the very least) to complement their youth movement.

 

[Joe Mama]

1. Quality play off the bench.

2. Size in the middle. Ideally they would get a shot blocker /rebounder who can hit in midrange jump shot consistently on offense. Those aren't exactly easy to come by however. It will not be Marcus Camby or Erick Dampier. I'm sure of it.

3. Perimeter defense. In fact the biggest problem with the Perimeter defense is the entire defensive strategy of scrambling, double teaming, and trapping. For the most part I would rather this team played straight up, man-to-man defense occasionally throwing in some zone. The Perimeter defenders need to be more disciplined. They are too aggressive right now constantly allowing penetration and defensive breakdown.

4. Outside shooting.

Joe Mama

 

[cly2tw]

A true mature franchise player.

 

[George O'Brien]

A true mature franchise player.

Who do you have in mind?