Early Opinions on Aaron Brooks.

[AzStevenCal]

Losing that first round pick is really starting to grind on me. Although Brooks is a RFA, the Suns could still lose him even if there is an agreement with the new CBA. That second first round pick could have helped the Suns move up in the draft or address two positions. Someway, the Suns need to get another pick in the draft.

How often does that happen in the NBA? It seems to me that a 20ish pick is (almost) never enough to improve your draft position and if it were to happen, you're looking at something like moving from the 13 spot to the 12 spot. This may look like a bad deal in hindsight if Brooks walks, leaving us nothing for that pick but that's more the result of bad luck than anything else. Had Frye and Nash remained healthy, it is probably in the organization's best interest to sacrifice a pick around Orlando's level for a trip to the playoffs.

Steve

 

[AzStevenCal]

This isn't the NFL and usually in the NBA moving up in the draft is very difficult and seldom happens. In the past with the Suns have had to picks they have usually either used them or traded one of them away for salary reasons. I would have had almost zero confidence that the Suns could have parlayed multiple picks to move up.

Also, to address two positions you would have to assume the team wouldn't be getting a "project" at that pick. There have been some good players taken around there but odds are against you getting anything other than a project. So, drafting there probably wouldn't address anything.

I got interrupted in the middle of my post so I hadn't seen your response. Otherwise I would have just given you a +1.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

This isn't the NFL and usually in the NBA moving up in the draft is very difficult and seldom happens. In the past with the Suns have had to picks they have usually either used them or traded one of them away for salary reasons. I would have had almost zero confidence that the Suns could have parlayed multiple picks to move up.

Also, to address two positions you would have to assume the team wouldn't be getting a "project" at that pick. There have been some good players taken around there but odds are against you getting anything other than a project. So, drafting there probably wouldn't address anything.

Originally Posted by Mainstreet

"That second first round pick could have helped the Suns move up in the draft or address two positions."

I never said how far another pick could help the Suns move up in the draft. Sometimes a notch or two can make the difference if the right players are on the board. However, I think you are missing the second part of my sentence. That two first round picks could also allow the Suns to address two needs.

Also two first round draft picks could have been packaged in a trade for a player already on an NBA roster.

 

[Covert Rain]

I never said how far another pick could help the Suns move up in the draft. Sometimes a notch or two can make the difference if the right players are on the board.

It hardly ever happens in the NBA. Moving up in the draft is rare.

However, I think you are missing the second part of my sentence. That two first round picks could also allow the Suns to address two needs.

No, I didn't miss that at all. In order for those two draft picks to "address a need" you would have to assume that such players were not projects and could contribute right away. I don't think that is realistic.

Also two first round draft picks could have been packaged in a trade for a player already on an NBA roster.

You still have to make salaries match within 10% right? So, you would have to match the two salary slots with another player salary within 10% I thought. That would be pretty difficult to do as well.

I just think the Suns are not going to get a long term solution at any postion unless it's a lottery pick or a trade.

 

[Mainstreet]

DarenG, I think you are making the assumption the Suns will be in a win now mode after this season. I don't see it barring a miracle. The Suns will likely be in at least a modified rebuild mode.

 

[Covert Rain]

DarenG, I think you are making the assumption the Suns will be in a win now mode after this season. I don't see it barring a miracle. The Suns will likely be in at least a modified rebuild mode.

I don't disagree with that. However, having two project draft picks don't help you with that. At best you probably hope one of them turn out to be a serviceable player. If you want a high impact, eventual starter in this league, your getting that player somwhere around the top 10 picks or through a trade unless you get lucky.

 

[sunsfan88]

Losing that first round pick is really starting to grind on me. Although Brooks is a RFA, the Suns could still lose him even if there is an agreement with the new CBA. That second first round pick could have helped the Suns move up in the draft or address two positions. Someway, the Suns need to get another pick in the draft.

There is only one PG in the draft that's possibly better than Brooks. And that's Kyle Iriving who is likely going #1 overall so I don't see all the fuss about losing the draft pick.

The Suns likely won't make the playoffs because we weren't a good team to begin with and now injuries have hit 2 of our top 3 players. That means that we will retain our pick and we lose the ORL pick which is likely a #26-#30 pick.

 

[Mainstreet]

There is only one PG in the draft that's possibly better than Brooks. And that's Kyle Iriving who is likely going #1 overall so I don't see all the fuss about losing the draft pick.

The Suns likely won't make the playoffs because we weren't a good team to begin with and now injuries have hit 2 of our top 3 players. That means that we will retain our pick and we lose the ORL pick which is likely a #26-#30 pick.

I'm happy with Brooks. However, I can't help but think that Houston would have traded Brooks for Dragic straight up. If Nash leaves the Suns will need to add a SG, a FC and another PG. Who knows, maybe the Suns can get a first round pick and a player for Nash.

It's just thinking having two first round picks and FA would have made filling these holes easier. As it stands right now the Suns will have only one pick and FA to get it done. I do think Nash will get traded if there is any value on the table in return because Nash has made it known he only wants to play for a playoff team. Quality can be found late in the draft. Boozer, Millsap and Blair were second round picks. And Rondo was picked at #21. There are many other examples. The Suns need to get away from dismissing late first round draft picks and second round picks as expendable.

 

[Mainstreet]

As of today the Orlando pick is #23.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I'm happy with Brooks. However, I can't help but think that Houston would have traded Brooks for Dragic straight up. If Nash leaves the Suns will need to add a SG, a FC and another PG. Who knows, maybe the Suns can get a first round pick and a player for Nash.

Are you sure this isn't just wishful thinking on your part. I too would have preferred getting Brooks for Dragic straight up, heck, I'd have loved to see the Rockets toss in a first round pick to sweeten the deal. But wanting and actually getting are two different things. Outside of Suns territory, Brooks has a much bigger reputation throughout the league. I'm sure you've also read that they took our deal over the Minnesota deal with Johnny Flynn. IMO, if you ignore two games in last years playoffs, I really doubt that Dragic had any trade value whatsoever.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

Are you sure this isn't just wishful thinking on your part. I too would have preferred getting Brooks for Dragic straight up, heck, I'd have loved to see the Rockets toss in a first round pick to sweeten the deal. But wanting and actually getting are two different things. Outside of Suns territory, Brooks has a much bigger reputation throughout the league. I'm sure you've also read that they took our deal over the Minnesota deal with Johnny Flynn. IMO, if you ignore two games in last years playoffs, I really doubt that Dragic had any trade value whatsoever.

Steve

Yes, maybe it is wishful thinking on my part. I did hear the rumor Flynn was offered for Brooks. The way the Suns have treated first round draft picks in the past sometimes just erupts in my memory. Again I like Brooks for Dragic even with the pick. Maybe the Suns could have gotten Houston to throw in a second round pick to make me happy.

 

[jagu]

What a game for Brooks, he played well and I think if we weren't so bad offensively we could have had a victory. Brooks was a great pickup.

 

[sunsfan88]

I'm happy with Brooks. However, I can't help but think that Houston would have traded Brooks for Dragic straight up. If Nash leaves the Suns will need to add a SG, a FC and another PG. Who knows, maybe the Suns can get a first round pick and a player for Nash.

It's just thinking having two first round picks and FA would have made filling these holes easier. As it stands right now the Suns will have only one pick and FA to get it done. I do think Nash will get traded if there is any value on the table in return because Nash has made it known he only wants to play for a playoff team. Quality can be found late in the draft. Boozer, Millsap and Blair were second round picks. And Rondo was picked at #21. There are many other examples. The Suns need to get away from dismissing late first round draft picks and second round picks as expendable.

I dont know man, I'm pretty sure Babby tried doing in without the 1st rounder but Houston probably said they will trade him to Minnesota then.

I'm sure Nash can net at least a 1st rd pick. Same with Lopez.

And the Suns dont really need a SG cause both Dudley and Pietrus are capable of playin the 2 spot.This is my guess at our lineup next season:

Brooks, rookie/FA
Pietrus, Dudley
Hill, Childress
Frye, rookie/Lawal/Dwayne Collins/FA
Gortat, Siler/rookie/FA

Btw "/" = "or"

I'm asuming we get rid of Warrick in the trade of Nash. Also that Hill stays with the Suns. He hasnt shown signs of slowin down so it'll be good to have at least one veteran presence on the team. But losing Nash may lose Hill too.

The only free agent (not including Brooks) I'd like to see us go after is Nick Young. I wouldnt mind giving him a pretty big contract cause that would immediately solve our SG issues and would allow us to move Pietrus or Dudley to the 3 spot if Hill leaves.

 

[desertdawg]

I'm sure Nash can net at least a 1st rd pick. Same with Lopez.

If we can get a decent first round pick for Lopez....I will go streaking at the very next Suns game on TV, that's a promise.

Brooks can ball, he and Gortat clicking will determine if he is the man IMO. I am very optimistic about it. Brooks is a fast lil bugga, his offense is what makes him. Gortat loves to set the pick, he is relentless with it. It opens up Brooks and Nash, even if Gortat doesn't get the ball right back.

Brooks and Gortat! I was one of the first dudes in here to toss our new owner/management under the bus when I had to watch what I call the E-doh! era.

These last 2 trades... basically they went out and found starting talent that was sitting on the bench. Brooks can start on most NBA teams, Gortat also. Both were obtained in sweet deals. The Magic trade in which we received Gortat gave us the pick to bring in Brooks and still have a first rounder in the same neighborhood no matter what happens.

Gentry telling Brooks not to try and be Nash, to be the guy Gentry whatched play in Houston was good to see. Hard for me to complement Gentry lately so there it was.

 

[sunsfan88]

Gentry telling Brooks not to try and be Nash, to be the guy Gentry whatched play in Houston was good to see. Hard for me to complement Gentry lately so there it was.

I am not gonna compliment Gentry until he realizes Gortat needs to be a starter. The Suns have to always play catch up because of the idiotic Lopez. Then we waste our energy which is why he play like ***** at the end of games.

I like how everyone says "Oh Lopez starts because Nash makes him look good and to keep his confidence up"

Does Nash really make him look good?? He was just as bad today WITHOUT Nash as he is in the other games with Nash. He's horrible with and without Nash.

And how does a guy have his confidence up when he knows he's gonna be taken out as soon as he makes a mistake or two? Especially when he knows that there is a better center on the bench?

Lopez is a project. A project that some teams may be willing to take for a 1st rd pick. Maybe we can ship him and Carter's expiring to Detriot for their 1st rd pick, and Ben Gordon. We get ourselves a J-Rich type player and get a good lottery pick. For Detroit they take Lopez who has shown little promise but it appears he will never be good in a Suns uniform. Maybe they can turn him good cause after all they have had excellent success developing big men recently. They also get rid of Ben Gordon who is getting paid big $$$ and is barely producing for them. But he can be good in our offense. Just look at how well he played with the Bulls with Rose pushing the tempo. He'd do good here with Brooks pushin the tempo.

 

[BC867]

The question of Aaron Brooks re-signing with us next year has been mentioned.

The question of Steve Nash being traded to a contender next year has also been mentioned.

I wonder, I just wonder, if Brooks may have been told by the FO that he will be our starting PG next season.

So get used to the team, Aaron, and get your leg healed, because we'll have a productive SG next year as well as better defensive guys spelling Gortat and Frye at the power positions and an offense not built for Steve.

Time will tell.

 

[SirStefan32]

So does anyone think we'll go after JRich in the offseason?

 

[JCSunsfan]

So does anyone think we'll go after JRich in the offseason?

I think its a good option.

 

[JS22]

If the Suns are hell-bent on trading Nash in the offseason, I wouldn't be too opposed to Brooks taking the starting job. This year could be classified as a down year. He's definitely much better than what he has shown thus far. He probably wouldn't be a bad fit for this system. Seemed to be getting a ton of open looks yesterday.

 

[jagu]

I think we need another scorer to go along with Brooks. That would take the pressure off Brooks and give him more space to create as well. If its just Brooks with pretty much the same cast, defenses will pressure him to death.

 

[sunsfan88]

Yea that's why I said we ought to sign Nick Young.