wilecoyotesupergenius
(ACME Rep)
I usually think Gambo is a bullcrap artist, relying on his limited imagination to spew out his brand of "information". However, on the Arizona Sports Report tonight, Gambo was on and he was asked about Hunter. He said he actually spoke to Hunter today (which gives him a little more credibility on this issue...cuz if he didn't speak to Hunter, he'd be called on it).
Anyway, he said Hunter really wants to play for the Suns, but the feeling isn't mutual. Gambo said Hunter even called D'Antoni to try and find out what's going on since he really wants to stay in Phoenix. It appears that the Suns simply haven't shown the interest in him that other teams have. He said he thinks Dallas is where he may end up (Hunter had a good meeting with Avery who feels he can replace the departing Bradley)...he also likes New Jersey..... and Atlanta has shown interest as well. He said Hunter will make up his mind this weekend.
Even though it was Gambo reporting, he didn't quote an annonymous source...he said he spoke to Hunter today (pretty hard to BS that in a public forum)....which means Hunter may indeed be gone.
Hunter has strengths...he was the second leading shot blocker in the League per minutes played...and he is pretty athletic...but he is a liability when it comes to rebounding...he seemed to always be out of position on defense...he didn't have the strength to hold his position on the block...and his free throw shooting was horrible (his FT shooting was bad even before the finger injury).
Still...I would have liked to have seen Hunter back in a shotblocking specialty role. Oh well....D'Antoni seems to be assembling inexpensive players who can fit his system...and if they can come in and perform in very limited spot duty, then they should be decent additions (providing the prolonged bench time doesn't affect their attitude). Those deep on the Suns bench have to serve double duty as chearleaders and practice fodder.
On another note...don't count on Finley coming here any time soon. I'm originally from Dallas, and a "person in the know" there told me that although Finley would love to play with Nash...and loves Phoenix....he really isn't interested in assuming a token role. He'd rather go somewhere he can start, since he feels he still has a few good years left. Dallas may end up working a deal for him, but if he's released...Finley's preferred destination (at least at this point in time)...is Chicago....his hometown...and a team that could use his veteran leadership.
Anyway, he said Hunter really wants to play for the Suns, but the feeling isn't mutual. Gambo said Hunter even called D'Antoni to try and find out what's going on since he really wants to stay in Phoenix. It appears that the Suns simply haven't shown the interest in him that other teams have. He said he thinks Dallas is where he may end up (Hunter had a good meeting with Avery who feels he can replace the departing Bradley)...he also likes New Jersey..... and Atlanta has shown interest as well. He said Hunter will make up his mind this weekend.
Even though it was Gambo reporting, he didn't quote an annonymous source...he said he spoke to Hunter today (pretty hard to BS that in a public forum)....which means Hunter may indeed be gone.
Hunter has strengths...he was the second leading shot blocker in the League per minutes played...and he is pretty athletic...but he is a liability when it comes to rebounding...he seemed to always be out of position on defense...he didn't have the strength to hold his position on the block...and his free throw shooting was horrible (his FT shooting was bad even before the finger injury).
Still...I would have liked to have seen Hunter back in a shotblocking specialty role. Oh well....D'Antoni seems to be assembling inexpensive players who can fit his system...and if they can come in and perform in very limited spot duty, then they should be decent additions (providing the prolonged bench time doesn't affect their attitude). Those deep on the Suns bench have to serve double duty as chearleaders and practice fodder.
On another note...don't count on Finley coming here any time soon. I'm originally from Dallas, and a "person in the know" there told me that although Finley would love to play with Nash...and loves Phoenix....he really isn't interested in assuming a token role. He'd rather go somewhere he can start, since he feels he still has a few good years left. Dallas may end up working a deal for him, but if he's released...Finley's preferred destination (at least at this point in time)...is Chicago....his hometown...and a team that could use his veteran leadership.