Republic: Rush might be Suns' top prospect

[JCSunsfan]

Agreed. I think BC would love to sabotage Sarver. However, sadly I remember the John Salmons fiasco where both the Suns and Toronto were trying to sign him. I really think this had a significant impact in Salmons signing with the Kings rather the reason given... I believe religion.

If BC jumps to take Rush, it will because he wants the player, not to sabotage someone else. That's a losers game, and BC doesn't think that way.

 

[Mainstreet]

If BC jumps to take Rush, it will because he wants the player, not to sabotage someone else. That's a losers game, and BC doesn't think that way.

Oh, I agree. However, generally speaking, I think the Suns and Raptors have the same taste in players, e.g., John Salmons. I legitimately believe both the Suns and Raptors wanted him. I don't think the Raptors were going after Salmons to sabotage the Suns. The use of "sabotage" was a poor choice of words in my earlier post. BC is too smart for that. I do believe BC is a lot more savvy as a GM than Kerr.

 

[Irish]

I could imagine the Raptors taking Rush, but not trading up to do so..

 

[Rab]

Sorry to double post, but I forgot to say something about another draft pick. If the Phoenix Suns really want to acquire another draft pick the obvious trade partner is probably Portland. They are already so young that they seem like a team that would be ready to package a young player or two along with a draft pick for a veteran.

I'm not looking at any players in particular. Come to think of it I'm not sure the Phoenix Suns really happening veterans that would make sense for Portland. Still, it wouldn't surprise me to see Portland move their draft pick this time.

Joe

I agree. They are stacked with young talent, and I don't know that they need another young player. I believe Rudy Fernandez is coming to play for them next year too, so that would be like having a draft pick this year.

I would like to see their pick with Travis Outlaw packaged for something. Obviously, Diaw or Barbosa would have to be included, but I don't know what else.

 

[Irish]

I'm puzzled by trade proposals that involve the other team giving up one of their most promising players for someone who doesn't meet their need.

By all appearances, Outlaw is emerging as a long term starter for the Blazers. Other than getting a first rate PG, I don't see any good reasons for the Blazers wanting to trade him to anybody much lass as throw in on a deal for a draft pick.

 

[Rab]

I'm puzzled by trade proposals that involve the other team giving up one of their most promising players for someone who doesn't meet their need.

By all appearances, Outlaw is emerging as a long term starter for the Blazers. Other than getting a first rate PG, I don't see any good reasons for the Blazers wanting to trade him to anybody much lass as throw in on a deal for a draft pick.

Because numerous reports have said that they Outlaw may be available. Add to that the rumors of a deal last season of Outlaw and Devin Harris being linked in a deal.

I don't see any reason why they would trade him either, but supposedly he is available.

 

[Irish]

"Available" is not the same as "anxious to dump".

Yes, they have some wings including Webster and Jones; but it is not clear how Barbosa meets any needs.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

Barbosa meets a need if you could use him like D'antoni used him. A PG that's not a PG. Roy is their playmaker, but having a swift ball handler that can slash (albeit recklessly) and help spread the floor would be ideal since they have a decent collection of wings that can hit the 3 as well.

Two combo guards in the backcourt may be something portland could consider.

 

[Irish]

Barbosa meets a need if you could use him like D'antoni used him. A PG that's not a PG. Roy is their playmaker, but having a swift ball handler that can slash (albeit recklessly) and help spread the floor would be ideal since they have a decent collection of wings that can hit the 3 as well.

Two combo guards in the backcourt may be something portland could consider.

This is actually the same case the Suns have to keep him, only it involves using Hill and Diaw as point forwards instead of Roy. Barbosa's biggest limitations are ball handling and defense; but it holds for Portaldn as well as the Suns.

 

[Rab]

"Available" is not the same as "anxious to dump".

Yes, they have some wings including Webster and Jones; but it is not clear how Barbosa meets any needs.

How is getting Barbosa for Outlaw "dumping" him?

 

[Irish]

How is getting Barbosa for Outlaw "dumping" him?

It'ls only a plus if they think Leandro gives them something they don't have.

Travis Outlaw
Portland Trail Blazers
Position: F
Height: 6-9 Weight: 215
High School: Starkville HS (MS)
Player file | Team stats

2007-08 Statistics
PPG 13.3
RPG 4.6
APG 1.3
SPG 0.7
BPG 0.8
FG% 0.433
FT% 0.741
3P% 0.396
MPG 26.7

Leandro Barbosa
Phoenix Suns
Position: G
Height: 6-3 Weight: 202
From: Brazil
Player file | Team stats

2007-08 Statistics
PPG 15.6
RPG 2.8
APG 2.6
SPG 0.9
BPG 0.2
FG% 0.462
FT% 0.822
3P% 0.389
MPG 29.5

Their stats are pretty similar except for reboudning (plus to Outlaw) and assists (plus to Barbosa). My understanding is that Outlaw is better defender.