Okur?

[Buseinspectrum]

What do you guys think of this guy's play for Pistons in the Finals? After hearing how he was someone we may sign this summer, I've been trying to get a read on him. Game 1, not real impressive but played tough at times, hit some shots. Game 2, the guy is a turnover waiting to happen. Every time he got the ball, the Pistons almost lost it. He moves pretty slowly, frankly I don't think the Suns should go after this guy, especially for the money that is being discussed.

 

[elindholm]

I think in general the board agrees with you, although there are a few dissenters.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Any team that gives this guy more than 5 million a year is ********.

 

[pokerface]

After seeing Okur in the Finals he's looking like a dang Longley clone. All he'd be is some token center until a real one came along. I hope we dont get this bozo. I'd rather have Pavel in a Suns uniform looking lost than Okur. Pavel would be much cheaper and much bigger.

 

[Joe Mama]

I still believe this guy would put a very good numbers for a team like Utah with a strong offensive system. I'm hoping like hell the Phoenix Suns do not pursue him however. If we are lucky Bryan Colangelo has been watching the playoffs like we have.

I'm now in agreement with Eric's original prediction. When all is said and done I don't think he will get much over the mid-level exception. Brad Miller's contract started and under $7 million last summer, and he had done a whole lot more to deserve it than Okur. There are going to be several other free-agent center is available this summer. I don't think Okur will get as much as some people are saying he will (these people included myself a few weeks ago).

Joe Mama

 

[se7en]

I agree. I have not been impressed by Okur. Luke Longely clone???? I think I'd actually give the edge to Longely at this point.

 

[pokerface]

I agree. I have not been impressed by Okur. Luke Longely clone???? I think I'd actually give the edge to Longely at this point.

Both are uncoordinated goofs...one is just a bigger goof

 

[George O'Brien]

Both are uncoordinated goofs...one is just a bigger goof

Actually, Longley is a perfect example of a player who succeeded in the right system and completely failed everywhere else. Luc was a very good passer, could hit the mid range jump shot, and blocked out well allowing the PF to grabe the rebounds. With the "Jordan Halo" he got away with more stuff on defense although he was pretty foul prone.

On the Bulls he fit in perfectly. The Bulls did not need him to be a low post threat or even a serious rebounder (Rodman averaged 16 rpg). But when he came to the Suns, his weak rebounding and lack of low post offense made him a terrible match with Googs. Neither were "warriors" who would fight for the ball in the paint or attack the basket.

By the same token, I think Okur might do OK on a team that uses his skills and can compensate for his weaknesses. I just don't think that team is the Suns.

 

[Dylan]

Okur is NOT the missing piece, that I do believe! Don't know who the
missing piece is, but it is not Okur.

 

[George O'Brien]

Okur is NOT the missing piece, that I do believe! Don't know who the
missing piece is, but it is not Okur.

Duncan would be nice.

 

[pokerface]

I admit I havnt seen Okur much but what I've seen makes me think Voskhul is a stud in comparison. I dont know what it takes to get an adequete center in the NBA anymore....I was hoping Okur would suffice..WRONG

 

[George O'Brien]

I admit I havnt seen Okur much but what I've seen makes me think Voskhul is a stud in comparison. I dont know what it takes to get an adequete center in the NBA anymore....I was hoping Okur would suffice..WRONG

Okur is probably more athletic than Voskuhl and a better shooter. But Jake makes $1.7 million this season and always tries hard. Okur may be better, but I think you are right in saying he is not that much better.

 

[Dylan]

I have trouble spending our hard earned cap room on a guy that
can't get off the bench. I know the Wallace's are there, but to
take a guy, hoping he will make us better, who cannot get off the bench,
geeez.
Larry Brown is a smart coach, and a good judge of talent. That should
tell us something. He wants to win a championship, and he is not using
Okur.
Centers are like QB's in football. You can spend years trying and trying
to get a good one, passing up other good non-centers, searching for
that holy grail. If you cannot get one, then you gotta just make sure
you have as great players as you can have at the other positions.
Maximize your strengths, minimize your weaknesses.
I have been a Suns fan from the beginning, and I would love to finally
have a center that is good. But, getting a guy that doesn't do the job
doesn't help, except you look good in airports!!

 

[elindholm]

Okur may be better (than Voskuhl), but I think you are right in saying he is not that much better.

I said the same thing months ago and nearly got laughed off the board.

And I don't think that Okur is more athletic.

 

[Chaplin]

Okur may be better (than Voskuhl), but I think you are right in saying he is not that much better.

I said the same thing months ago and nearly got laughed off the board.

And I don't think that Okur is more athletic.

If I remember correctly, I agreed with you. I've never been enamoured by Okur.

 

[hcsilla]

Okur's performance is a big disappointment in the play-off.