Budinger will work out for Suns
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UA's Chase Budinger during a game in February 2008 in Tucson.
by Paul Coro - Jun. 11, 2008 10:50 PM
The Arizona Republic
It's been a while since tantalizing draft names were dangled in front of Suns fans.
Phoenix has not planned for a pick as high as this year's No. 15 since trading the No. 7 pick in 2004 and have not added a pick this high to its roster since selecting
Amaré Stoudemire ninth in 2002.
But with each draft workout, the names become more interesting. After workouts centered on point guards and big men, the Suns bring in wing players Thursday with a group featuring possible mid-first-round selections in West Virginia 6-foot-8 junior
Joe Alexander, Arizona 6-foot-7 sophomore
Chase Budinger and 19-year-old Frenchman
Nicolas Batum.
While the sweet-shooting Budinger decides whether to stay in the draft, Alexander's stock soars due to a tough demeanor and super athleticism, such as a 39-inch vertical leap.
The group also includes Mesa High and Brigham Young star
Lee Cummard, Nevada-Las Vegas swingman
Curtis Terry (
Jason Terry's brother) and Oregon senior forward
Maarty Leunen.
Suns affiliate
The NBA announced a new Development League affiliation system that changes the Suns affiliate to the Iowa Energy in Des Moines.
Phoenix and Chicago are assigned to Iowa, one of 16 D-League teams where NBA teams can send first- or second-year players. The Suns had been affiliated the past two years with Albuquerque, which now is tied to Dallas and Miami.
Chicago meets Del Negro
Vinny Del Negro, a Suns front-office member the past two years, met Chicago media Wednesday as the new head coach of the Bulls.
Chicago General Manager
John Paxson sold Del Negro as a communicator and leader who will invest time with players and use creative ideas.
"What I like tremendously about this roster is looking at
Thabo (
Sefolosha) and
Tyrus (
Thomas) and (
Joakim)
Noah, versatile guys we would've loved to have had in the draft (in Phoenix)," Del Negro said. "We pinpointed them in Phoenix but couldn't get them."
Del Negro talked about using a style much like what Phoenix pursued in hiring
Terry Porter - quick offense but with defensive emphasis.
He said he would "put an arm around" Chicago's young players and be well prepared, as he was with a detailed book of practice plans and concepts in his interviews.
"Do I feel totally prepared right now?" Del Negro said, knowing he is under scrutiny because he has never coached. "No. And that bothers me. But by the time those decisions need to be made, I will be."
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