I know its Peter Vecsey, but...

[elindholm]

But the key to a championship is not having max players, it's having the best possible players as your max players.

Yes, but if you aren't going to get the best possible players, there isn't that much harm in maxing a second-tier guy. I'm not sold on Hayward specifically, but do you really see a top-20 talent in the league coming to Phoenix any time soon, other than lightning striking in the draft?

If the Suns somehow have the opportunity to bring a top player to the team, having one overpaid semi-star on the roster isn't going to hurt them. The Sonics/Thunder had Nick Collison making near-max money in 2010-11, when Durant, Westbrook, Green, Ibaka, and Harden were all on their rookie deals.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Yes, but if you aren't going to get the best possible players, there isn't that much harm in maxing a second-tier guy. I'm not sold on Hayward specifically, but do you really see a top-20 talent in the league coming to Phoenix any time soon, other than lightning striking in the draft?

I don't see why not. We have alot of young talent, a coach that is going to get alot of respect soon, two quality pgs in Dragic and Bledsoe, a good group of complementary players, as well as being a historic free agent destination. I could easily see a top 20 type player coming here through free agency or by trade.

Bleacher Reports top 20 going into the season (In order): Lebron, Durant, Paul, Rose, MGasol, Harden, Howard, Curry, Parker, George, Anthony, Irving, Duncan, Wade, Griffin, Love, Horford, Anthony Davis, Hibbert.

When the Gasol brothers were traded for each other, no one really thought that Marc would one day be on this list and Pau would not. I could see Bledsoe on this list by next year with injuries or retirement dropping someone out.

Anyway, all that to say, that I think it is possible and not just remotely so.

 

[SirStefan32]

I don't see why not. We have alot of young talent, a coach that is going to get alot of respect soon, two quality pgs in Dragic and Bledsoe, a good group of complementary players, as well as being a historic free agent destination. I could easily see a top 20 player coming here through free agency or by trade.

Few months ago, I would have agreed with Eric, but now, I really don't see any reason that a top 20 player wouldn't come to Phoenix. This team is not terrible, and out coach and GM seem to be doing a great job.

I do see what Eric is saying though- overpaying a second tier player is not really the end of the world. I just don't think this particular player is even a second-tier player.

 

[JustWinBaby]

This is an interesting subject going forward and I expect will remain a topic until Hayward signs his next contract.

I have liked him from his college days and I expect Hornacek was pretty close to him in Utah. I think he will be a productive smart player for the next decade, baring injury. I have no doubt he will become a fan favorite in no time and will increase ticket sales. I think every championship contender could use a guy like him. I definitely would be interested in him if I were the GM. I would give Hayward the Max prior to Melo.

My dream today would be us drafting Randle at the 4 while signing Hayward and Bledsoe and using the other draft picks on high potential high character guys.

Just imagine how much fun this group would be with a young Amare. Randle seems better on both ends of the court than Amare and would make everyone else better. I think he is the biggest key to our future success or someone like him. We need a stud at the 4 in the worst way. I would love to see Markief morph into that guy but I doubt it.

Len - PLumlee - Draft pick
Randle
Hayward
Goran
Bledsoe

Bench - It would be ridiculously good. When all is said and done I can easily see Goodwin being as good as anyone in the starting five above.

The ride ahead appears to be a lot of fun and ahead of schedule.

 

[Superbone]

The ride ahead appears to be a lot of fun and ahead of schedule.

Way ahead of schedule! Could any of us imagined this during last years disastrous year? What a change!

 

[slinslin]

Hayward is not good enough.

Wasting our money on him will be a setback. We are athletic and fast now.

If Utah's talents were all that they wouldn't threaten the worst record in history.

Favors, Hayward, Kanter all overrated imo.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Hayward is not good enough.

Wasting our money on him will be a setback. We are athletic and fast now.

If Utah's talents were all that they wouldn't threaten the worst record in history.

Favors, Hayward, Kanter all overrated imo.

yup