I think the "chemistry" issue is blown out of proportion...the Suns don't have a chemistry problem...a little professional jealocy perhaps...but no major problems...they still chest bang each other on the bench when a team mate does well...
I could not agree with this more.
For a team with alleged "chemistry problems", the two show no signs of having a serious problem when it comes time for tip off. I really don't care if they get along off the court, as long as they do their jobs on it and are professional enough to put whatever differences they have to the side come game time. Thus far, I've seen nothing that shows me either is unwilling to do that.
...Kerr would have to be an idiot to blow the team up...
The problem really isn't Kerr's doing though. The facts are, this will be the same roster, with little tinkerings here and there as long as the current contracts remain on the books. While I personally am not at all opposed to the idea of having the core remain in tact, I know some here have the thought process that this core can't win a title and the call for drastic measures (i/e splitting the core and trading one or two major cogs for Kevin Garnett or Kobe) has begun. Truthfully, when you look at what the Suns' needs are, the two biggest appear to be a young PG, depth and another big man. I think they can get two out of the three in the draft (which ultimately adds to their depth anyhow) and if they get Grant Hill on the cheap, they'll be running 8-9 deep. That to me is pretty damn good.
1. Atlanta's 2008 #1 + #24 + #29 and a player like Banks...to Atlanta for pick #11 and Tyronn Lue. Teams like Charlotte have been stockpiling lotto picks since they came into the League and they aren't sniffing the playoffs...I think Atlanta wants their pick back...can you imaging if they don't make the playoffs this year...with no 2008 first round pick to improve the team...and the ping pong ball gives the Suns their bonanza? Banks gives them the point guard they need....and they have additional picks to package for another veteran to team up with JJ...and they have their unprotected pick back in case they suk...who are we kidding...WHEN they suk.
2. Iavaroni likes Boris...we give Memphis #11 and Boris for #4. They add a veteran playmaker who can contribute immediately...more quickly than a rookie...good for both first year coach Iavaroni and Gasol...and they still have a lottery pick...and they didn't have to give up a player to add veteran talent.
I would jump for joy if things played out like this. The Suns wind up with the 4th pick, they can take either Brandan Wright, who reminds me a hell of a lot of a young Chris Bosh, or Al Horford (who behind Durant and Oden is the most NBA ready player in the draft) or they can hope Atlanta passes on Conley and the Suns themselves would take him. With the deal playing itself out like this, I can't see any reason why the Hawks would pass on Conley, especially with no 11th pick and honestly Marcus Banks isn't much of an upgrade over what they have. Either way, if this wheeling and dealing lands this team Horford or Wright, Steve Kerr needs commended. Knocking the contracts off the books works even moreso.
The Suns need a tune up, not an overhaul. The KT deal is dead...no way are they adding a $26mil player (salary + trade kicker)...they have to listen to offers...but it just doesn't work...and they aren't trading Amare...and the Lakers aren't trading Kobe to a Division rival. Period.
You hit the nail right on the head. If it ain't broke, why fix it?
