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Suns might be active in free agent market
By Mike Tulumello, Tribune
The Suns, the kingpins of the free agent market a decade ago, might have a chance to re-establish themselves as a major player this summer. But first, they need to reduce their contractual obligations.
That's why it's believed Suns president Bryan Colangelo is among the NBA's most active club officials as Thursday's trade deadline approaches.
The Suns will have about $39 million in committed salaries for next season, counting two first-round picks. That will give them about $7 million in salary-cap space to dangle in front of free agents.
To get a superstar such as Kobe Bryant — and the Philadelphia Inquirer on Friday said that "Rumors are gaining momentum that Bryant could end up with the Clippers or the Suns, assuming he's not convicted of sexual assault" — the Suns likely will have to get rid of a player (such as Jahidi White) and one of those draft picks to get $12 million to $14 million under the cap.
"One more transaction could put us in position" to have maximum flexibility, said Suns chairman Jerry Colangelo, who said his son "has been very active" as the trade deadline approaches. "The more (salary) space that we have, the better prepared we are going forward in terms of free agents, whether that means one player or two players."
Colangelo would not comment on Bryant or anybody else. But reading between the lines of his comments, you get the feeling the Suns might be looking in directions other than the Lakers' star.
"You don't want to duplicate what you already have at any one position," he said, noting that "Joe Johnson has emerged at his position."
Both Bryant and Johnson are primarily offguards.
THANKS WILLIAMS
Scott Williams knows a few teams in the Western Conference owe him a debt of thanks. In fact, he’s probably playing for one of them.
The ex-Sun's biggest claim to fame this season is that he’s the player who got tangled up with Karl Malone in a collision that sent the Laker to the injured list for the first time in his 19-year NBA career.
Williams figures to have a bigger impact for the Mavericks before this season is done. But he knows the rest of the league views him as the player who knocked out Malone.
"I expected a few Christmas cards, at least from a few teams," Williams said. "But I didn’t get any."
Williams has been saddened by Malone’s injury, which has kept him on the sideline since before Christmas.
Original estimates by the Lakers were that Malone would miss three games. Williams knew that prognosis was too optimistic.
"I was surprised by that, and I was surprised he was able to go out and shoot his free throws afterward because everything I’ve ever heard about players who hear that “pop’’ is that they think it’s pretty significant,’’ Williams said.
"And there was no doubt I heard that freakish 'pop.' I almost wonder if they didn’t know a little bit more than they let on."
REGGIE ON TARGET
Reggie Miller hit 36-of-66 3-pointers over the last 15 games before the break. His season percentage (.425) is better than in all but two of his 16 previous seasons. He ranks No. 8 in the NBA in 3-point percentage, tied with Peja Stojakovic. He’s taken more attempts than everyone ahead of him in the rankings.
Miller hit all five 3-point attempts against Miami on Sunday, including the game-breaker. Coach Stan Van Gundy wasn’t surprised. He noticed Miller taking early shooting practice when his team arrived for the game, and made sure to point it out to his players.
"He's been in the league 17 years, but he’s still here early every day doing his shooting," Van Gundy said. "You don't see younger guys out there, you see him. He's the consummate pro. It's not an accident when the ball goes in."
Writers from around the NBA contributed to this report.
Suns might be active in free agent market
By Mike Tulumello, Tribune
The Suns, the kingpins of the free agent market a decade ago, might have a chance to re-establish themselves as a major player this summer. But first, they need to reduce their contractual obligations.
That's why it's believed Suns president Bryan Colangelo is among the NBA's most active club officials as Thursday's trade deadline approaches.
The Suns will have about $39 million in committed salaries for next season, counting two first-round picks. That will give them about $7 million in salary-cap space to dangle in front of free agents.
To get a superstar such as Kobe Bryant — and the Philadelphia Inquirer on Friday said that "Rumors are gaining momentum that Bryant could end up with the Clippers or the Suns, assuming he's not convicted of sexual assault" — the Suns likely will have to get rid of a player (such as Jahidi White) and one of those draft picks to get $12 million to $14 million under the cap.
"One more transaction could put us in position" to have maximum flexibility, said Suns chairman Jerry Colangelo, who said his son "has been very active" as the trade deadline approaches. "The more (salary) space that we have, the better prepared we are going forward in terms of free agents, whether that means one player or two players."
Colangelo would not comment on Bryant or anybody else. But reading between the lines of his comments, you get the feeling the Suns might be looking in directions other than the Lakers' star.
"You don't want to duplicate what you already have at any one position," he said, noting that "Joe Johnson has emerged at his position."
Both Bryant and Johnson are primarily offguards.
THANKS WILLIAMS
Scott Williams knows a few teams in the Western Conference owe him a debt of thanks. In fact, he’s probably playing for one of them.
The ex-Sun's biggest claim to fame this season is that he’s the player who got tangled up with Karl Malone in a collision that sent the Laker to the injured list for the first time in his 19-year NBA career.
Williams figures to have a bigger impact for the Mavericks before this season is done. But he knows the rest of the league views him as the player who knocked out Malone.
"I expected a few Christmas cards, at least from a few teams," Williams said. "But I didn’t get any."
Williams has been saddened by Malone’s injury, which has kept him on the sideline since before Christmas.
Original estimates by the Lakers were that Malone would miss three games. Williams knew that prognosis was too optimistic.
"I was surprised by that, and I was surprised he was able to go out and shoot his free throws afterward because everything I’ve ever heard about players who hear that “pop’’ is that they think it’s pretty significant,’’ Williams said.
"And there was no doubt I heard that freakish 'pop.' I almost wonder if they didn’t know a little bit more than they let on."
REGGIE ON TARGET
Reggie Miller hit 36-of-66 3-pointers over the last 15 games before the break. His season percentage (.425) is better than in all but two of his 16 previous seasons. He ranks No. 8 in the NBA in 3-point percentage, tied with Peja Stojakovic. He’s taken more attempts than everyone ahead of him in the rankings.
Miller hit all five 3-point attempts against Miami on Sunday, including the game-breaker. Coach Stan Van Gundy wasn’t surprised. He noticed Miller taking early shooting practice when his team arrived for the game, and made sure to point it out to his players.
"He's been in the league 17 years, but he’s still here early every day doing his shooting," Van Gundy said. "You don't see younger guys out there, you see him. He's the consummate pro. It's not an accident when the ball goes in."
Writers from around the NBA contributed to this report.
. With Sac Brad Miller was an allstar. C Webb too. Peja also. Thats 3 allstars the Kings have. and Dallas possess quite a few also.
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