Well, but that's exactly the point. I am not sure which side I am on, but one side is basically saying that mediocrity right now is actually good. While Ayton, Bridges, Jackson, Melton, Okobo, Oubre and whoever else develop, let's be mediocre as opposed to terrible. The alternative, as they see it, is basically signing another Chandler, Ariza, or Dudley, and in the great scheme of things, so why not overpay for a stop-gap point guard that's available right now? You and I think they can sign someone like Collison and then pick up someone like Randle, Mirotic, etc, but I am guessing that pro-Conley folks don't think that's going to happen.
I think both sides have a good argument here, and I think there is merit to saying that we should grab a stop gap at any price because no other good player is coming here and it will be a couple of years before Ayton is really good, before Booker is outstanding, before we know exactly what we have in the three young wings and the two point guards. Essentially, why be terrible when you can be mediocre? Bird in hand (Conley) is worth two in the bush (Collison, Mirotic, Randle, etc.) Kemba goes back to Charlotte, Russel signs an extension with the Nets, Rubio returns to Utah, Pacers get Collison and Joseph back, Rozier gets a crazy offer elsewhere, and then what? Wsste your cap space on another Chandler or Ariza?
On the other hand, If you have that much money, overpay a safe player. Hell, I'd rather have Collison for two years at $15M/Per than Conley at $33M pear year. Sure, you are overpaying, but who cares if the alternative is paying someone else twice as much? I THINK I am with the "Go after Collins or Rubio, or whoever" crowd, with a caveat that to get them, you'll have to overpay significantly, which is fine. Ayton doesn't need extended for another three years, neither does Bridges. Booker is locked in for five years, they have Okobo locked in, I am guessing they'll lock on Homes and Oubre as well, so the only player who may need extending is JJ if he figures it out. Melton too, I suppose, but much like JJ, nobody is going to compete with the Suns for their services.
Additionally, what the hell do you do if you trade for Conley and THEN you get a chance to trade for a young point guard who may be the point guard of the future. Well, you have to either pay Conley to play backup and probably be unhappy in that role, or you suck it up and go with Conley. All that said though, I do see the logic in the other argument. Grab whoever you can get now who will be competent for a couple of years while others develop instead of risking not getting anything in free agency.
