PG Situation Remains Confused

[scXfreakX]

I'm still thinking it will be Cassell. I can't find anyboddy for the price with enough skills to help even in short minutes. Arroyo and Jason Williams are both candidates for going to Europe. I expect Pargo to return to the Hornets.

I doubt we get Cassell. Although, I have no idea who the heck we might get right now.

 

[jlove]

Arroyo is off to overseas as well......

Maccabi has signed Orlando Magic backup point guard Carlos Arroyo. The Puerto Rican, 29, is one of the most glamorous names to have landed in Israel. Efi Birenboim, the new coach of Maccabi, told the offical website of the team: "I'm happy about the signing. It's a player of the best level of basketball in the world, he's been our first priority for a while. Happily, the management decided to sign him despite the high cost. That's exactly the player we need, a great basketball player and a great leader." Sport5.co.il​

 

[Irish]

I doubt we get Cassell. Although, I have no idea who the heck we might get right now.

I don't have the link, but the Boston papers were predicting Cassell would go to Phoenix.

 

[Irish]

I doubt we get Cassell.

My suspicion is that the Celtics are expecting the Knicks to buy out Marbury. IMHO, they only bring back Cassell if their hopes for Marbury fall through.

My read on it is that Kerr really thinks he's got a chance of getting Dragic. I can't see any way that happens without paying more luxury tax, but Sarver has said that he was prepared to pay LT if it made sense. In theory, this might be that case.

The report that Tau is looking at Barrett on the belief that Dragic might go to the Suns suggests they take the Suns offer seriously.
http://www.elcorreodigital.com/vizcaya/20080801/deportes/tau/entra-puja-barrett-ante-20080801.html. The Suns had a chance to review Dragic's performance at the qualifying games by Slovenia last month where he did reasonably well.

It sounds like the Suns want a veteran who will understand that their goal is develop Dragic, but can still contribute as he develops. The 39 year old Cassell might fill that bill. The switch in strategy away from carrying another inside guy suggests they want to reserve roster slots for Dragic and some other PG.

 

[okhoops]

I haven't seen a lot of Dragic, but from what I have seen and read, I'm quite excited about his potential. That said, I think it naive to think he can be the number one back-up for Nash.

If Steve remains healthy, then Dragic playing 10-15 minutes a game may be fine. But my understanding was that they wanted to substantially cut down Nash's minutes and even sit him a few times a year. If the Suns are to be a championship team, they need someone capable of holding the fort if Nash gets hurt or they sit him a few games.

I'm not convinced a combination of Dragic, Barbosa, Strawberry and Hill at the point is a recipe to a top 4 finish in the West, and we saw this year that not finishing in the top 4 leaves steep hill to climb to get to the finals. I hope Kerr has something up his sleeve.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm not convinced a combination of Dragic, Barbosa, Strawberry and Hill at the point is a recipe to a top 4 finish in the West, and we saw this year that not finishing in the top 4 leaves steep hill to climb to get to the finals. I hope Kerr has something up his sleeve.

What I think Irish is proposing (and myself as well) is the Suns carry three PGs consisting of a veteran PG like Cassell and the rookie Dragic behind Nash.

 

[Irish]

What I think Irish is proposing (and myself as well) is the Suns carry three PGs consisting of a veteran PG like Cassell and the rookie Dragic behind Nash.

The Suns plan to be patient waiting for a resolution on Dragic but will return to seeking a veteran free agent to be their backup point guard if they are unable to sign Dragic this summer. They are limiting themselves to veteran minimum offers.

Carlos Arroyo appears headed for Israel, thwarting hopes he would slip into the clearance bin. Suns center Shaquille O'Neal wants ex-Miami teammate Jason Williams. There are also journeymen (see Mike Wilks) or older vets (Damon Stoudamire and Sam Cassell) to consider. Shaun Livingston is intriguing but not in the role to rest Nash more because he is months away from being able to play.


The Suns likely will use their other roster spot for a big man. Brian Skinner signed with the Clippers, making Sean Marks' return a possibility, but Phoenix could opt for a veteran on a non-guaranteed deal to see who shakes loose in September and October.

This analysis is different fromt hat given by the EV Tribune:

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/122066

The Suns showed only mild interest in bringing Skinner back. General manager Steve Kerr said last week the team might not sign another backup big man after drafting Robin Lopez and signing free agent Matt Barnes.

The status of Jason Williams remains confused. It was reported he was asking for money in the 1/2 MLE range. But that may not be working. Arroyo signed with Macabi after first chasing Williams:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3517862&campaign=rss&source=NBAHeadlines

Maccabi also made a high-profile attempt to sign Miami Heat free agent Jason Williams.