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Republic: 'Dice' might like to stay for less
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 28, 2004 12:00 AM
Antonio McDyess has proved over the past five games that he is much better as the Suns starting center than as a benchwarmer.
With that, this summer's free-agency possibilities for McDyess have swung dramatically to the point where McDyess said he would consider taking less money to stay in Phoenix.
It was not long ago that McDyess was still struggling to get any spring back after three knee operations and was in search of minutes and a court feel amid a youth movement. But since center Jake Voskuhl has been sidelined with a foot injury, McDyess not only has hinted at his old form, but also has become a stabilizing force for the Suns.
"I definitely feel comfortable here," said McDyess, who will be 30 next season. "I'd rather stay here."
Even if it means turning down a more lucrative deal elsewhere?
"Even if?" McDyess contemplated. "I don't know yet. It's a possibility."
Of course, the Suns would have to indicate a desire for him to return. They have talked about a hope that McDyess might, in a way, owe them one after leaving the Suns as a free agent after the 1997-98 season.
The Suns' decision will have to do as much with what they do in free agency as with how much McDyess can command as a bargain former All-Star on the free-agent rack. Phoenix's salary-cap space means it could offer anything from a veteran minimum to a chunk of its midlevel exception.
McDyess said he is still unsure of what his role will be when Voskuhl returns.
"I don't want to get too overanxious and confident and be sitting back on the bench again," McDyess said.
Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said there is no possibility of McDyess disappearing out of the rotation in the final eight games.
"He's a great chemistry guy," D'Antoni said. "We'll see if he can get the rest of the rust off his game."
McDyess' previous stint with the Suns helped him land a six-year, $67.5 million contract that expires at the end of this season. McDyess has said that he regrets taking that deal with Denver instead of signing with Phoenix.
McDyess said he has not talked with anyone in the organization about prolonging his stay. When he was not playing, McDyess acknowledged to New Jersey reporters that the idea of reuniting with Jason Kidd on the Nets was appealing.
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 28, 2004 12:00 AM
Antonio McDyess has proved over the past five games that he is much better as the Suns starting center than as a benchwarmer.
With that, this summer's free-agency possibilities for McDyess have swung dramatically to the point where McDyess said he would consider taking less money to stay in Phoenix.
It was not long ago that McDyess was still struggling to get any spring back after three knee operations and was in search of minutes and a court feel amid a youth movement. But since center Jake Voskuhl has been sidelined with a foot injury, McDyess not only has hinted at his old form, but also has become a stabilizing force for the Suns.
"I definitely feel comfortable here," said McDyess, who will be 30 next season. "I'd rather stay here."
Even if it means turning down a more lucrative deal elsewhere?
"Even if?" McDyess contemplated. "I don't know yet. It's a possibility."
Of course, the Suns would have to indicate a desire for him to return. They have talked about a hope that McDyess might, in a way, owe them one after leaving the Suns as a free agent after the 1997-98 season.
The Suns' decision will have to do as much with what they do in free agency as with how much McDyess can command as a bargain former All-Star on the free-agent rack. Phoenix's salary-cap space means it could offer anything from a veteran minimum to a chunk of its midlevel exception.
McDyess said he is still unsure of what his role will be when Voskuhl returns.
"I don't want to get too overanxious and confident and be sitting back on the bench again," McDyess said.
Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said there is no possibility of McDyess disappearing out of the rotation in the final eight games.
"He's a great chemistry guy," D'Antoni said. "We'll see if he can get the rest of the rust off his game."
McDyess' previous stint with the Suns helped him land a six-year, $67.5 million contract that expires at the end of this season. McDyess has said that he regrets taking that deal with Denver instead of signing with Phoenix.
McDyess said he has not talked with anyone in the organization about prolonging his stay. When he was not playing, McDyess acknowledged to New Jersey reporters that the idea of reuniting with Jason Kidd on the Nets was appealing.
