Rumor I've seen on internet and on sports radio shows.

[Yuma]

I don't give this rumor much credence, but there is some logic to it.

Facts: The Suns cut Zarko and say they want a veteran presence. The Suns are weak rebounding and on the weak side defense. The Suns haven't made a move since moving Zarko.

Rumor: Karl Malone will take a minimum veteran contract to come to Phoenix to get a ring.

I've only seen this on message boards, and heard it on a sports radio show from a caller like us. Just pure speculation. However, Malone is a veteran. He can rebound. He is a nasty defender. He fits all the pieces. The Suns are close to Utah. We have the best record in basketball. There is precedent for teams with our record so far winning the NBA Championship.

Like I said, just passing this along.

 

[seattle_sunsfan]

but can Malone still run? If not, he's a liability.

 

[JCSunsfan]

but can Malone still run? If not, he's a liability.

If he can rebound and throw an outlet pass, he doesn't have to be the greatest runner to contribute.

The problem is that I just don't like him.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

I really doubt that Malone signs with us. Ever since his rift with the Lakers and Kobe, SA has been rumored to be the frontrunner.

They have been courting him since the summer, and have left a roster spot open for him. Not to mention he fits their system much much better.

Personally, I dont want him.

 

[elindholm]

Not going to happen. If Malone plays this year, it will be someplace where he not only has a chance at a ring, but also will get good minutes. The Suns already have an All-Star at power forward in Stoudemire (or Marion, if you insist). Malone would be a minor role player, and that would not appeal to him.

My hunch is that he joins the Heat. They need him a lot more than any other contender, and he is already friends with O'Neal. The relocation wouldn't make any difference if we're talking about only a few months.

 

[Espo]

First off Zarko was traded not cut and i dont think that Malone would be the guy they are picking up. Malone is an attitude problem and you dont want that to come into play with this young team that has good chemsitry. Not to mention the fact that he is slow and doesn't fit this treams strengths. I think this is just an internet rumor spread by some bored people. He will probably be in SA from all accounts.

 

[jibikao]

Not likely. I thought D'Antoni already made it clear that they are not pursuing after Malone and I don't think Malone wants to come too. The system is just way too different than what he's been used to. And yes, we already have Marion and Amare who play almost 40min per game.


Although I think Malone can rebound and pass the ball really well which we need.


I think Malone fits better in Heat than in Spurs. Heat needs a good PF bad. That's their weakness.

Spurs, well, they already have Duncan there and I don't know how much help they need from Malone when they have Rose and that tall Center. I mean obviously they probably don't need offense from Malone.

I wish Malone could just retire...

Jimmy

 

[jibikao]

Another thing is I don't want Malone to jinx it! lol No offense but it seems like every team he goes, they fail in playoff.



I respect him as a Hall of Fame. In fact, I used to like Malone and Stockton the best and then I fell in love with Dirk/Steve combo.

Jimmy

 

[George O'Brien]

Another thing is I don't want Malone to jinx it! lol No offense but it seems like every team he goes, they fail in playoff.



Jimmy

Cute.

1. Would Malone be able to help? If he returned to how he was playing a year ago before being injured, yes. People questioned whether he could co-exist with Shaq and it worked fine.

2. Is he interested in the Suns? Probably not.

 

[Yuma]

Another thing is I don't want Malone to jinx it! lol No offense but it seems like every team he goes, they fail in playoff.



I respect him as a Hall of Fame. In fact, I used to like Malone and Stockton the best and then I fell in love with Dirk/Steve combo.

Jimmy

That was one of the reasons for us getting Malone I forgot to mention. Pick and roll with Malone and Nash, ala Stockton and Malone.

 

[cly2tw]

Malone definitely would help this team. He is nasty and dirty and can definitely slow down the likes of Duncan, Shaq, KG. He boxes out great which neither of Hunter and Amare are good at yet. With a better defense and rebounding with him in the lineup, we can even run better. The duo Malone-Stockton was also very good at fast break. So, with 20-25 min a game, he won't be too tired.

What DA said was that they WERE not interested in Malone then. Things can change, can't they? Malone actually said something like he was not going to join the Spurs but didn't mention Heats and Suns in the same way.

As to his rather joining Shaq with the Heats than the Suns, I beg to differ. Heats with him ain't better than last years' Lakers, why should they have better chance to beat the Pistons with a lesser roster? Suppose they did win the East with him, what would be the chance that they could beat either the Spurs or the Suns in the finals? As to the Suns, with Malone I consider them favored both against the Spurs and the Heats in a 7-game series. He might get more playing time in Miami, but his role to help the Suns win in the playoffs maybe more crucial indeed even if we all agree that we don't really need him to win in the regular season.

 

[sly fly]

He'd probably hit on Brandy.

 

[jbeecham]

He'd probably break Amare's nose in practice with one of his patented elbows. That might help Amare though because he'd be even scarier to other teams playing with a protective mask on.

 

[F-Dog]

Amare's nose isn't going anywhere. That thing is elbow-proof.


Malone's value to the Suns is pretty limited even if he's completely healthy. Since the Suns aren't one of the top two favorites to win the title this year, Malone's not signing with them even if they want him, which is doubtful.

It would be great if Malone would just retire and end all the speculation, but there's no point in waiting for that to happen. The Spurs still want him for some reason, so he'll probably wind up with them if he can get his mobility back (he had microfracture surgery, like Penny did).

 

[Yuma]

Amare's nose isn't going anywhere. That thing is elbow-proof.


Malone's value to the Suns is pretty limited even if he's completely healthy. Since the Suns aren't one of the top two favorites to win the title this year, Malone's not signing with them even if they want him, which is doubtful.

It would be great if Malone would just retire and end all the speculation, but there's no point in waiting for that to happen. The Spurs still want him for some reason, so he'll probably wind up with them if he can get his mobility back (he had microfracture surgery, like Penny did).

Suns aren't one of the top two to win it this season? Far as I've seen, only San Antonio has been mentioned as the top spot, MAYBE. Who's number 2?

 

[JS22]

He'd probably break Amare's nose in practice with one of his patented elbows. That might help Amare though because he'd be even scarier to other teams playing with a protective mask on.

 

[az1965]

I hate Malone. He is a nasty player and something about him I just don't like.

I would not want to impact the chemistry of this young team by bringing Malone.

I hope it remains an unconfirmed rumor and does not become reality.

 

[jbeecham]

Suns aren't one of the top two to win it this season? Far as I've seen, only San Antonio has been mentioned as the top spot, MAYBE. Who's number 2?

Well, it's not Sacramento sinec they lost tonight to the New Orleans Hornets (who got their 3rd win of the year). Minnesota's also slumping. Dallas has come on strong, but I wouldn't call them a favorite. Maybe Detroit or Miami? I don't know if I'd consider any east coast team as a favorite.

 

[Joe Mama]

Malone probably could help the Phoenix Suns, but I'm not sure why they would want to mess with their chemistry right now. I could only see them signing him if Amare or Hunter gets hurt. Besides, he would probably be much better fit with a team like Miami, Minnesota, or San Antonio. How about Sacramento?

Joe Mama

 

[F-Dog]

Suns aren't one of the top two to win it this season? Far as I've seen, only San Antonio has been mentioned as the top spot, MAYBE. Who's number 2?

I think most independent observers would say that Miami has a better "playoff" team than the Suns.

Detroit and Minnesota would probably get some votes as well, despite their struggles so far, since they retained most of their personnel from last year.

 

[George O'Brien]

I'm sure Miami has an easier path to the finals that the Suns because there aren't as many strong teams in the East. On Tuesday we will get some indication as to how well the Heat can play the up tempo game.