Don't get too attached to those picks

[JCSunsfan]

BC has stated publicly that he is considering trading them.

With the Marbury-McDyess trade, and all of the cap room that you have this offseason, are there any immediate needs you will look to address?
COLANGELO: "I think before we decide how to use the cap room, we need to see how much it's going to be and what the best utilization of that flexibility will be. Now we can acquire players via free agency or via trade, but we have draft picks right now as well -- New York's and our own. These will affect what our cap number will be. As we get closer to the draft and see what the options are, we'll decide what we'll want to do and how this will affect our cap room. But cap room is something we haven't talked about for a while, so we need to look at all the options and decide whether it's best to utilize the picks or decide if it creates trade opportunities for us.




http://www.nba.com/features/colangelo_q&a_040108.html

 

[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by JCSunsfan
BC has stated publicly that he is considering trading them.

With the Marbury-McDyess trade, and all of the cap room that you have this offseason, are there any immediate needs you will look to address?
COLANGELO: "I think before we decide how to use the cap room, we need to see how much it's going to be and what the best utilization of that flexibility will be. Now we can acquire players via free agency or via trade, but we have draft picks right now as well -- New York's and our own. These will affect what our cap number will be. As we get closer to the draft and see what the options are, we'll decide what we'll want to do and how this will affect our cap room. But cap room is something we haven't talked about for a while, so we need to look at all the options and decide whether it's best to utilize the picks or decide if it creates trade opportunities for us.


http://www.nba.com/features/colange...ajor acquisition, or to move up in the draft.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

Exactly. He wants to get a better idea of what the picks will be. He is much more open to moving one later on, if he feels NY will make the playoffs.

He is basically saying that he will use the picks to create more cap space for this summer, if they think they need it. The only player we need more space for is Kobe. This seems to be holding up what I had said in the other thread.

 

[Chaplin]

Re: Re: Don't get too attached to those picks

Originally posted by George O'Brien
He'd be an idiot not to consider trades.

My prediction is that the Suns will trade one of the picks either to free up more cap, as part of a major acquisition, or to move up in the draft.

I pretty much agree with that, although if we can't get Kobe, I wouldn't be surprised if we kept both. There just isn't enough good players out there that we could want to get rid of money for.

Having another 2 good young players would be pretty interesting, IMO.

 

[George O'Brien]

If Dwight Howard is as good as people are saying (I reserve judgment), I would trade two picks for a potential franchise player. It all depends on how he grades out and which picks.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Re: Re: Re: Don't get too attached to those picks

Originally posted by Chaplin
Having another 2 good young players would be pretty interesting, IMO. [/B]

How many good young players can a team have before it becomes--well--the Clippers?

If we are below the cap, and we have picks, is it conceivable that we could trade those picks for a player already under contract to another team and even take back some salary?

I really don't have anyone in mind at this point. Maybe someone like a Ray Allen. Just a thought.

There are alot of options.

 

[Chaplin]

Well, I would definitely be against acquiring a max-type player who only has a year left on their deal (like Allen). We tried that before, ironically with Dice, and it hurt us.

 

[Joe Mama]

I'll be surprised if the Phoenix Suns draft more than one player in the first-round this summer. Well, that's a bit strong. It wouldn't surprise me, but I doubt they will take more than one player in the draft. The Suns already have so much young talent they are developing that unless somebody really excites them they might be better off trading one pick away.

Joe Mama

 

[devilalum]

IMO the Suns would be totally stupid if they trade either of the picks before the season ends and the lottery is held.

The way things are going right now both picks could be in the top 5.

 

[SirStefan32]

Exactly. There is plenty of time to make deals. Having a "first round pick" is different from having a #5 pick and let's say a #10 pick.

Draft night deals might be a real possibility.

 

[sunsfn]

If the suns do not want two picks in this draft, they could trade one of the picks with top 3 lottery protection.

That is if the Knicks pick is in the lottery.

 

[devilalum]

Is there a SUPERSTAR player out there that plays for a losing team that might be willing to trade him for a couple of first round possible lottery picks and start all over?

 

[devilalum]

Originally posted by devilalum
Is there a SUPERSTAR player out there that plays for a losing team that might be willing to trade him for a couple of first round possible lottery picks and start all over?

The answer to this question is no.

McGrady, probably not, if I was the Magic I would make any team that wants McGrady take Hill of my hands.

Kobe? I just can't seem to imagine a scenario where this will happen. It just doesn't make sense given the Suns history.

I'm guessing the Suns won't make any major moves and are betting on Amare becoming their SUPERSTAR and will try to surround him with the right talent.

 

[hcsilla]

Originally posted by Joe Mama
I'll be surprised if the Phoenix Suns draft more than one player in the first-round this summer. Well, that's a bit strong. It wouldn't surprise me, but I doubt they will take more than one player in the draft. The Suns already have so much young talent they are developing that unless somebody really excites them they might be better off trading one pick away.

Joe Mama

I disagree with that.

Take a look at Suns' future core:

PG--Barbosa/Vujanic
SG--Johnson
SF--Marion/Cabarkapa
PF--Amare/Cabarkapa
C --Lampe(?)

If the Suns make a run for Kobe (after dumping of even more salary) they are seeming to be set at PG,SG and SF.
Since Cabarkapa probably will get most of his PT on the wings we have only Amare and Lampe at the frontcourt.
So 2 another young bigmen wouldn't hurt at all.

How about Okafor (we will need some luck to get him) and Perovic?

 

[cly2tw]

If we add Kobe in the offseason, we definitely will have to consider additing more veteran helps in the next two years, using the picks as baits. Kobe won't come here and wait for those young players to develop into contributors before having a chance to win the title.

 

[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by hcsilla
I disagree with that.

Take a look at Suns' future core:

PG--Barbosa/Vujanic
SG--Johnson
SF--Marion/Cabarkapa
PF--Amare/Cabarkapa
C --Lampe(?)

If the Suns make a run for Kobe (after dumping of even more salary) they are seeming to be set at PG,SG and SF.
Since Cabarkapa probably will get most of his PT on the wings we have only Amare and Lampe at the frontcourt.
So 2 another young bigmen wouldn't hurt at all.

How about Okafor (we will need some luck to get him) and Perovic?

I'm very high on Okafor even if he is not exactly what the team needs (a 6'9" center/PF) because I think he will be productive immediately. Perovic and some of the other big men are interesting, but less likely to contribute for two or three years. I'd rather have only one "project" center on the squad.

As I see more scouting reports, I might change my mind. Dwight Howard may be too good a prospect to pass up, but I'm not convinced he would contribute much to the team for a couple of years. If nothing else, the fact that the Suns have some pretty good forwards already is a concern.

 

[capologist]

From what I’m picking up, it seems like Howard is the consensus #1 pick for good reason. He really seems too good to pass up.

If we get the #1 pick, what do we do?

We could take Howard and plan on playing an undersized lineup with Howard or Amare at center.

We could plan on playing Howard at SF and trading Shawn (or perhaps trying to move Shawn to SG).

We could just take him and decide we’ll figure out later what to do with him.

We could trade the pick.

We could select somebody else. I suppose Deng is a possibility. Okafor looks good, but presents the same awkward problem as Howard (and, unlike Howard, SF does not seem to be a possibility for Okafor). Podkolzine is tempting for a team with our history of problems at center, but my gut says he’s not worthy of the #1 overall pick.

We’re a long way from being faced with this decision, but my inclination is that take Howard, keep him, and find a way to make it work, probably involving Howard at SF.

 

[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by capologist
From what I’m picking up, it seems like Howard is the consensus #1 pick for good reason. He really seems too good to pass up.

If we get the #1 pick, what do we do?

We could take Howard and plan on playing an undersized lineup with Howard or Amare at center.

We could plan on playing Howard at SF and trading Shawn (or perhaps trying to move Shawn to SG).

We could just take him and decide we’ll figure out later what to do with him.

We could trade the pick.

We could select somebody else. I suppose Deng is a possibility. Okafor looks good, but presents the same awkward problem as Howard (and, unlike Howard, SF does not seem to be a possibility for Okafor). Podkolzine is tempting for a team with our history of problems at center, but my gut says he’s not worthy of the #1 overall pick.

We’re a long way from being faced with this decision, but my inclination is that take Howard, keep him, and find a way to make it work, probably involving Howard at SF.

Howard is being listed at 225 which is probably too light to be center. Okafor is 255 with the quickness to make up for some of his lack of height. I think he would see a lot of minutes.

Howard at SF would be competing with Marion and Carbakapa for minutes. But in two seasons, Howard could be "the man" - or not.

It's a tough decision, but I would not get upset with either choice.

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by capologist
From what I’m picking up, it seems like Howard is the consensus #1 pick for good reason. He really seems too good to pass up.

If we get the #1 pick, what do we do?

We could take Howard and plan on playing an undersized lineup with Howard or Amare at center.

We could plan on playing Howard at SF and trading Shawn (or perhaps trying to move Shawn to SG).

We could just take him and decide we’ll figure out later what to do with him.

We could trade the pick.

We could select somebody else. I suppose Deng is a possibility. Okafor looks good, but presents the same awkward problem as Howard (and, unlike Howard, SF does not seem to be a possibility for Okafor). Podkolzine is tempting for a team with our history of problems at center, but my gut says he’s not worthy of the #1 overall pick.

We’re a long way from being faced with this decision, but my inclination is that take Howard, keep him, and find a way to make it work, probably involving Howard at SF.

I really feel strongly that we will not get the #1 pick. Of course, it's always a possibility, however slight, based on the ping pong balls, but I think a lucky draw will be the only way we'll get the #1 pick. If we did get that #1, I would more than likely be for trading it away. I would feel more comfortable keeping a 5-7 pick than a #1. Part of the problem, I see, is that the draft really isn't that impressive. The best players are a couple PFs and SFs (besides the European center), which is not what we need.

We may be the worst team in the Western Conference, but we're certainly not the worst team in the NBA, especially after the Lakers beat Atlanta by 50 points...

 

[capologist]

It’s a long shot, but not completely unrealistic.

We are currently tied for the fifth-worst record in the league. If we finish the season that way, we will have a 7.65% chance at the #1 pick.

There’s also a (slim) possibility that we’ll have a few extra ping pong balls in the hopper courtesy of New York.

Besides, fate owes us one. We lost the Ewing lottery, we lost the DRob lotter, we lost the Alcindor coin flip... we’re due!

 

[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by Chaplin
I really feel strongly that we will not get the #1 pick. Of course, it's always a possibility, however slight, based on the ping pong balls, but I think a lucky draw will be the only way we'll get the #1 pick. If we did get that #1, I would more than likely be for trading it away. I would feel more comfortable keeping a 5-7 pick than a #1. Part of the problem, I see, is that the draft really isn't that impressive. The best players are a couple PFs and SFs (besides the European center), which is not what we need.

We may be the worst team in the Western Conference, but we're certainly not the worst team in the NBA, especially after the Lakers beat Atlanta by 50 points...

It looks like the Suns will get two pingpong balls.

I'm not sure Howard and Okafor are what is needed, but I'm pretty sure both would be useful.

Deng is nice, but he is another SF who is not a first rate outside shooter. Josh Smith is a HS small forward. Podkolzine is not likely to be much help for a while. Ditto for Perovic. The Suns already have a project center in Lampe. They don't need another.

Splitter is more of an SF and lacks low post skills. Gordon is a PG. Warrick is a 6'8" SF.

All in all, I think the Suns should trade the earlier of the two picks if they are not #1 or #2. There are no shooting guards until Andre Iguodala, who is likely to be available later lottery, or mid teens if he does come out.

 

[capologist]

Originally posted by George O'Brien
There are no shooting guards until Andre Iguodala, who is likely to be available later lottery, or mid teens if he does come out.

Some scouting report project Chiriaev as a SG, despite his 7’1” height.

However, Chiriaev has stated that he will go to college unless he’s going to be a top three pick. He’s probably not going to be a top three pick, so I hope he changes his mind.

Why not stay in the draft? What’s so bad about being taken in the late lottery by a team like the Suns?

 

[hcsilla]

Originally posted by capologist

If we get the #1 pick, what do we do?

Trade down to get Okafor.

ATL almost surely would be interested in acquiring of Howard since he is a hometown-boy.

How about this?

ATL get

#1, Ray Allen

PHO get

#3, ATL's 2005 unprotected pick

SEA get

SAR, PHI's future pick via ATL


SEA re-sign Murray as their future SG and get SAR as their future PF.
ATL rebuilds around the core of Allen, Howard and Terry.
We get Okafor and a possible lottery pick next year.

 

[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by capologist
Some scouting report project Chiriaev as a SG, despite his 7’1” height.

However, Chiriaev has stated that he will go to college unless he’s going to be a top three pick. He’s probably not going to be a top three pick, so I hope he changes his mind.

Why not stay in the draft? What’s so bad about being taken in the late lottery by a team like the Suns?

Unlike Howard, he is not generally considerd to be ready to make an immediate impact. I worry about whether Iguodala is good enough from the outside, but he should be able to contribute fairly quickly.

A lot of this goes back to a key premise - that the Suns will try to compete for the championship in two to three years. To do that, they will need a team of productive people. I can see carrying one or maybe two "projects", but no more.

Next season, the Suns will be trying to develop Lampe and Vujanic. Both are expected to terrific pretty soon, but they are likely to still be projects. In that context, why add two more projects? I'd rather get someone who can produce fairly quickly.

 

[Joe Mama]

I know most of us do not want to think about this possibility, but what if Amare Stoudemire just doesn't turn out to be as good as Howard? I mean we are all coming on Amare to become a superstar. If Howard comes in looking more like Tim Duncan than K. Brown I think it's a no-brainer no matter who is on the roster.

I say if somebody blows them away in workouts they should take him no matter what his position is. If not, they should probably listen to offers to move down a few spots. If another team, like Atlanta, really like someone they would likely give up a lot to get him.

IMO I think the Phoenix Suns or a longshot to get Kobe Bryant. I'm definitely thinking about what will happen without him as part of the equation because I think it is much more likely it will happen that way.

Joe Mama