ESPN Insider Rumor Central: Nene to Suns?

[SweetD]

I for one don't want Marion traded he can finish on the break and his quick jumping is unmatched by any other player in the NBA. Marion will stay a Sun unless we get into financial hell or draft a player that can replace him. Right now I don't see any player (That is tradeable) being able to match Marion's output.

 

[cly2tw]

I for one don't want Marion traded he can finish on the break and his quick jumping is unmatched by any other player in the NBA. Marion will stay a Sun unless we get into financial hell or draft a player that can replace him. Right now I don't see any player (That is tradeable) being able to match Marion's output.

Marion has been great. But do you foresee any feasible roster for the Suns with Marion and his contract on it in the near future that is capable to win a championship before Nash breaks down or retires?

Any trade for a starting caliber bigman has to involve one of the three in Marion, JJ, and Q. Say, JJ goes. Our bench for SG/SF become very thin all of a sudden. With Marion's contract size and excellent stats this reason, we might have chance to to improve our front court without depleting the backcourt at all. If trading out Marion's output can get us much closer to a championship much quicker, I'd do it right away.

 

[SweetD]

Marion has been great. But do you foresee any feasible roster for the Suns with Marion and his contract on it in the near future that is capable to win a championship before Nash breaks down or retires?

Any trade for a starting caliber bigman has to involve one of the three in Marion, JJ, and Q. Say, JJ goes. Our bench for SG/SF become very thin all of a sudden. With Marion's contract size and excellent stats this reason, we might have chance to to improve our front court without depleting the backcourt at all. If trading out Marion's output can get us much closer to a championship much quicker, I'd do it right away.

The only issue I see is Marion is a Suns guy we drafted him and he is more a part of the Suns org than say JJ or Q. Again Marion's contract is not that bad. He isn't even in the top 30 in salary. Sure it would help if it were 3-4 mill less but in today's NBA that is not much at all. I say lets wait to see what the new CBA will bring. Amare could get muchless than Marion ever got.

 

[George O'Brien]

The list of centers that would be more valuable than having Marion is very small. Marion has proven he can actually defend most PF's (I'm not sure anyone can stop KG or Duncan) and is a top rebounder. My list of big guys I would take over Marion is not very long:

KG
Duncan
J. O'Neal
Dirk
AK (maybe)

I'm not even sure I'd take Gasol over Marion, but he's a possibility. Magloire if he was healthy is another guy I like, but I'm not sure he is fast enough for the Suns. Peja is OK and has a more attractive contract, but I think Marion's overall game is more valuable tot the Suns than Peja would be.

If you notice, I haven't mentioned any of the true centers. Most of them are simply too slow to play Suns basketball (Shaq would be a disaster, Yao has been very disappointing, Ilgauskas was totally spent playing the Suns, etc.)

It is interesting to compare Marion's stats to those of Brad Miller (not that such a trade is anyway feasible):

Brad Miller
Sacramento Kings
Position: C
Height: 7-0 Weight: 261
College: Purdue '98
Player file | Team stats

2004-05 Statistics
PPG 15.4
RPG 8.3
APG 3.2
SPG 1.18
BPG 1.12
FG% .531
FT% .886
3P% .500
MPG 35.0

Shawn Marion
Phoenix Suns
Position: F
Height: 6-7 Weight: 228
College: UNLV '00
Player file | Team stats

2004-05 Statistics
PPG 19.5
RPG 12.4
APG 2.2
SPG 1.71
BPG 1.94
FG% .454
FT% .789
3P% .309
MPG 39.3

 

[SweetD]

You got it George there just isn't that much out there. I would think about Dirk but that will not happen.

 

[cly2tw]

The list of centers that would be more valuable than having Marion is very small. Marion has proven he can actually defend most PF's (I'm not sure anyone can stop KG or Duncan) and is a top rebounder. My list of big guys I would take over Marion is not very long:

KG
Duncan
J. O'Neal
Dirk
AK (maybe)

I'm not even sure I'd take Gasol over Marion, but he's a possibility. Magloire if he was healthy is another guy I like, but I'm not sure he is fast enough for the Suns. Peja is OK and has a more attractive contract, but I think Marion's overall game is more valuable tot the Suns than Peja would be.

If you notice, I haven't mentioned any of the true centers. Most of them are simply too slow to play Suns basketball (Shaq would be a disaster, Yao has been very disappointing, Ilgauskas was totally spent playing the Suns, etc.)

It is interesting to compare Marion's stats to those of Brad Miller (not that such a trade is anyway feasible):

Brad Miller
Sacramento Kings
Position: C
Height: 7-0 Weight: 261
College: Purdue '98
Player file | Team stats

2004-05 Statistics
PPG 15.4
RPG 8.3
APG 3.2
SPG 1.18
BPG 1.12
FG% .531
FT% .886
3P% .500
MPG 35.0

Shawn Marion
Phoenix Suns
Position: F
Height: 6-7 Weight: 228
College: UNLV '00
Player file | Team stats

2004-05 Statistics
PPG 19.5
RPG 12.4
APG 2.2
SPG 1.71
BPG 1.94
FG% .454
FT% .789
3P% .309
MPG 39.3

I'm sure that in the fantasy league a team with 5 Marions on it will win the championship easy. Stats be damned, how do you build a team, via trades, FA and drafts, based on the current roster to make the Suns a serious contender for the title this or no later than next year? Do you think we can already do it without any trade?

 

[SweetD]

I'm sure that in the fantasy league a team with 5 Marions on it will win the championship easy. Stats be damned, how do you build a team, via trades, FA and drafts, based on the current roster to make the Suns a serious contender for the title this or no later than next year? Do you think we can already do it without any trade?

With that being said the Spurs are a home grown team. Their players are ones they drafted and groomed to play in their system. Except for a few role players. The Suns can do well with this team right now. Sure they need to decide if JJ will stay or will the Suns look for a big man in the middle and what if Hunter becomes that force that fits the system, then what? Just My Opinion.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Good grief, I am so glad that fans don't actually run the team. We are 13-2 and Marion is playing all-world so far. He was the best player on the Olympic team outside of Duncan-AND WE STILL ARE HAVING TRADE MARION TALK. I'm sorry, but its, well, idiotic.

We talk about saving money? We don't have ANY bad contracts to dump--even if we wanted to. There are very few teams in the league with NO bad contracts.

We have the best pg in the league and we want to talk about 4 years from now, when his game is declining?

I know its fan stuff, and its habit, and its all in fun and all, but it really sounds silly.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I'm sure that in the fantasy league a team with 5 Marions on it will win the championship easy. Stats be damned, how do you build a team, via trades, FA and drafts, based on the current roster to make the Suns a serious contender for the title this or no later than next year? Do you think we can already do it without any trade?

Yes we can.

We could pick up Mourning before the trading deadline. That could help some, maybe he'll be bought out by then.

 

[George O'Brien]

Just because you need a great player doesn't mean there is any available. Tell, me "trade Marion for KG" I'd say - "in a heartbeat" but you know bloody well that isn't going to happen. All that is actually available are third tier guys at best.

First and second tier big men are not traded except under duress or by idiots. Brad Miller got traded because he was a free agent and the Pacers would have lost him anyway. Shaq forced the trade to Miami. Brand was traded by Chicago because the Bulls were run by idiots.

The best bet is to find undiscovered treasures (late bloomers) or draft well. Talking about trading star players for third raters is not my idea of a good plan.

 

[myrondizzo]

The best bet is to find undiscovered treasures (late bloomers) or draft well. Talking about trading star players for third raters is not my idea of a good plan.

Hunter perhaps?

 

[myrondizzo]

Shawn Marion, F437-141-38-946104230223 23 pts 10rb 4as 2st 3bl find someone to do that night in and night out and you will find a team not looking for a trade.

 

[coloradosun]

Good grief, I am so glad that fans don't actually run the team. We are 13-2 and Marion is playing all-world so far. He was the best player on the Olympic team outside of Duncan-AND WE STILL ARE HAVING TRADE MARION TALK. I'm sorry, but its, well, idiotic.

I agree, if I were in charge we would have Tracy McGrady. In retrospect, Marion brings so much more than T-Mac. I was down on him last season because he was the captian and did not show any leadership. Nash has brought the leadership and Marion has thrived.


KEEP SHAWN MARION

 

[BleedRed]

Blah, blah blah...don't you guys ever get tired of all this trade rumor crap. There's no reason to make any trades right now especially involving shawn who has been playing amazing all season. We just signed "Q" and you guys are already talking about trading him. We have one of the best teams in the league and all you guys can do is talk about trades. As for our 5, I really believe that Steven Hunter has proven that he's as good as any center we've had in a long time (not that that's saying much) and can hold his own against the other big men in the league when we need him too. To be honest I'd rather have Hunter then Dampier (someone who alot of people on this board felt like was someone we had to have this offseason), because he has the ability to run the floor better then the majority of the 7+ big men in the league. He fits our style of play. But anyways there's my monthly post. Peace. Go Suns!!!!!! Beat L.A.!!

 

[SweetD]

Blah, blah blah...don't you guys ever get tired of all this trade rumor crap. There's no reason to make any trades right now especially involving shawn who has been playing amazing all season. We just signed "Q" and you guys are already talking about trading him. We have one of the best teams in the league and all you guys can do is talk about trades. As for our 5, I really believe that Steven Hunter has proven that he's as good as any center we've had in a long time (not that that's saying much) and can hold his own against the other big men in the league when we need him too. To be honest I'd rather have Hunter then Dampier (someone who alot of people on this board felt like was someone we had to have this offseason), because he has the ability to run the floor better then the majority of the 7+ big men in the league. He fits our style of play. But anyways there's my monthly post. Peace. Go Suns!!!!!! Beat L.A.!!

I am with you I agree. I don't mind the trade suggestions but lets not go crazy and think we will moving any of our core players. Hunter needs to get more minutes plan and simple.

 

[cly2tw]

I'm real happy to see Marion improving his play so much over last season. I don't mind keeping him. My main concern is that the biggest problem that may become the largest obstacle down the road for this team is that we have no fundamentally sound, starting caliber bigmen on the roster.

The current talk of trading for more projects doesn't sound promising. Mind you, the Spurs turnaround was mainly based on drafting a very-mature and fundamentally sound center in Duncan. And you really can't imitate that. Hunter, despite his size and athletism, doesn't seem to be able to rebound the ball. If he were fundamentally sound enough, he wouldn't be playing for min. here anyway. So, where is the hope to get a fundamentally sound bigman before Nash's declines? Or convince me that the smallball we have will win us a championship? The presence is nice and entertaining and so, but where is the future?

 

[SweetD]

the Spurs turnaround was mainly based on drafting a very-mature and fundamentally sound center in Duncan.

Don't forget that David Robinson was already there and he was injured the year before and that is how they got Duncan. Spurs have always been a veteran team. I think if we give more time for this team they will much a force for years to come. You will not be able to trade Marion for a quick fix or title. You need to build your team and let them grown.

 

[myrondizzo]

The current talk of trading for more projects doesn't sound promising. Mind you, the Spurs turnaround was mainly based on drafting a very-mature and fundamentally sound center in Duncan. And you really can't imitate that.

Unless you tank on purpose to get the first pick.

 

[Joe Mama]

Blah, blah blah...don't you guys ever get tired of all this trade rumor crap. There's no reason to make any trades right now especially involving shawn who has been playing amazing all season. We just signed "Q" and you guys are already talking about trading him. We have one of the best teams in the league and all you guys can do is talk about trades. As for our 5, I really believe that Steven Hunter has proven that he's as good as any center we've had in a long time (not that that's saying much) and can hold his own against the other big men in the league when we need him too. To be honest I'd rather have Hunter then Dampier (someone who alot of people on this board felt like was someone we had to have this offseason), because he has the ability to run the floor better then the majority of the 7+ big men in the league. He fits our style of play. But anyways there's my monthly post. Peace. Go Suns!!!!!! Beat L.A.!!

first of all it was Chad Ford of ESPN insider who suggested that the Phoenix Suns might be interested in trading either JJ or Q for Nene. If you go back and read the posts most of them think it is a bad idea to trade any of the core players right now. And frankly if you don't want to read about trade suggestions then you should probably avoid thread that are clearly about trades. Look at the board right now. You make it sound like all anybody is talking about is trading away players. That's simply ridiculous.

BTW I agree with you regarding the center situation. I really don't see anyone available out there that's any better than Hunter. At least I don't see any one who's going to be had for less than one of the core players, and there's no way a general manager in his right mind would trade one of them now.

Joe Mama

 

[asudevil83]

i was thinking about all of this trade talk and stuff last night, and our chances of winning a champ and i came to this conclusion...we wont win one this year, but with the guys we have now it is certainly possible next. and i do think that we'll be a favorite.

i honestly dont think that we need a big big man in order to win. you can argue that dallas hasnt won yet with their talent, but their are two BIG differences between us an Dallas. 1.) we are young. we have the youngest team in the league. the progress that we have made with these guys is amazing, and we'll only get better. 2.) for the past years (the whole time they've been good) Dallas has had a revolving door of stars. they havent held on to many of their guys for more than two seasons, one in some cases.

once we give our guys the opportunity to mesh, we'll be an amazing team. we have the talent to finally eclipse the team of 93 and win a champ. just give us a year more. it'll happen.

 

[Joe Mama]

This Phoenix Suns team also has something else the Dallas Mavericks have not. They have Amare Stoudemire. He may not be the greatest defender, but he is an offensive force around the basket. the Mavericks and to a lesser extent the Sacramento Kings did not have anybody who could score inside like him.

Joe Mama

 

[George O'Brien]

I really like the Suns core. The most successful teams tend to stay together for a while and know each other. Last night the Suns defensive breakdowns in the first half were attributed at least partially to poor communication. For a bunch of guys that have been together for roughly two months, that should be expected. Changing personnel can be very disruptive.

As for next year, we'll see how well their support guys develop and look to fill in through the draft and with the MLE. I like the progress Hunter is making and I remain convinced Lampe is going to be pretty good as gets more experinece. They may not be great, but with the rest of this squad they may be enough. BTW, neither the Timberwolves nor the Spurs have exceptional centers. Both look better than they are due to playing along KG and Duncant. I can see the Suns guys evolving into someone who can put up Nesterovic number, although maybe not this year.

Radoslav Nesterovic
San Antonio Spurs
Position: C
Height: 7-0 Weight: 255
From: Slovenia
Player file | Team stats

2004-05 Statistics
PPG 6.4
RPG 6.8
APG 1.3
SPG .32
BPG 1.21
FG% .444
FT% .333
3P% .000
MPG 26.3

Michael Olowokandi
Minnesota Timberwolves
Position: C
Height: 7-0 Weight: 270
College: U. of Pacific '98
Player file | Team stats

2004-05 Statistics
PPG 4.7
RPG 4.4
APG .4
SPG .07
BPG .71
FG% .453
FT% .571
3P% .000
MPG 17.8

 

[coloradosun]

This Phoenix Suns team also has something else the Dallas Mavericks have not. They have Amare Stoudemire. He may not be the greatest defender, but he is an offensive force around the basket. the Mavericks and to a lesser extent the Sacramento Kings did not have anybody who could score inside like him.

Joe Mama

That's why I think it is important to have a defensive center, Hunter. Amare could be a great defender but it's obvious that it is still not a priority for him.

The only thing I would want out a center, if we do acquire one, is one with great passing skills. With the weapons we have at all the other positions, a center that could distribute the ball it would be quite an asset, but there are very few with Sabonis's passing skills.

 

[George O'Brien]

That's why I think it is important to have a defensive center, Hunter. Amare could be a great defender but it's obvious that it is still not a priority for him.

The only thing I would want out a center, if we do acquire one, is one with great passing skills. With the weapons we have at all the other positions, a center that could distribute the ball it would be quite an asset, but there are very few with Sabonis's passing skills.

Passing is one of the reasons Lampe is so interesting. In Europe he was an SF and CAN make some very impressive passes when he isn't forcing up shots. BTW, Lampe's rebounding per minute at 2.4 rpg in only 7.7 minutes translates into 14.9 rpg over 48. Marion is 14.6 rpg over 48.

I'm hopeful the Suns can get an early lead against the Bobcats on Friday so guys like Lampe can get some playing time.

 

[WildBB]

Unless you tank on purpose to get the first pick.

LMFAO!