Wow. Interesting moves. I did not expect anymore activity until later in the summer, when cheaper vets were looking for homes. Gotta say I'm impressed by Sarver, Gentry and Co here.
I'm a big Barbs fan, and was really hoping to see him bounce back with the Suns this year, but I like both moves.
I think it'll be good for Barbs to get a change of scenery (as much as he may not think so now) and more playing time. He has the skills to really light it up on a team that needs offense (which the Raptors appear to be now) and earn his current contract and raise the value on his next one. He was not going to get that in Phx with the direction the team is going.
Hedo was a total stud in Orlando. He really filled a tremendous and versatile role on that team. The question is how he rebounds after the bad year in Toronto. I think he will shoot lights-out with the Suns. Hope he is in shape - can he run enough to keep up with Nash n Co? And where is his head? Can he buy into the team-first concept and just play, without worry for shots, touches, etc?
Childress is a talent - the question is also if his head is right. I think the years in Greece were good for him, by the looks of his numbers. If he has matured as a person and a player, he could be a total steal. Efficent offense and really solid defense. He and Dragic could really shut down opposing backcourts if they gell together. As someone said, add in Dudley, and opposing teams have got to cringe.
I actually like what the team has done contract wise. More mid-level deals for versatile, talented players, rather than a few huge superstar contracts. Sure, if we could land a Lebron, etc, I'd be fine with the huge deals. But don't overpay because you cannot get a top 5 player. I thought they offered Amare a fair deal, given the injury and insurance risks. Amare also did the smart thing and took the money in NY. You just don't leave 40million on the table. Odds are high he gets another Micro during the lockout and cannot play up to the end of that contract. NY can afford that. Not sure the Suns can.
Anyway, if we can't field a Suns 05 (or Miami 10) team, with a few spectacular, top-flight starters, I really like having a deep, talented, versatile team. If they can play with the same camaraderie and team-first attitude as last year's squad? Sign me up to watch, even if they have minimal odds of winning the ring.
Even without a trade for another big, if all these guys hustle, they may be a better defensive team than last year, with not much drop off on offense.