Skinner works out for Suns

[Griffin]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0920suns0921.html

The Suns are closer to completing their training camp roster, turning their focus to free-agent big men Esteban Batista, Brian Skinner and Vitaly Potapenko and inviting free-agent swingmen Richie Frahm and Rawle Marshall to camp.

Skinner worked out for the Suns on Thursday with a group that included some Suns players and free agents such as Maurice Taylor, Frahm and Marshall.

Assuming they don't get a surprise call from veteran free agent P.J. Brown, the Suns are considering adding two big men to the Oct. 2-7 camp in Tucson. The Suns, who must add at least one player to their roster, have competition on all three free-agent big men.

But Skinner has not worked out for another team.

"This is the top of my list," he said. "It's a championship ballclub."

Skinner, 31, started 44 games last season for Milwaukee. It was his second stint with the Bucks during a six-team, nine-year career.

He averaged 5.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 19.3 minutes. He mostly has served as a strong but slightly undersized center (6 feet 9, 265 pounds) who defends and rebounds well. He is limited offensively and a poor free-throw shooter (56.4 percent for his career).

"Whenever they need to use me in terms of defense or needing somebody on a bigger guy, I'll be ready," Skinner said.

A day after reports had him leaning toward signing with the Boston Celtics, Batista was back in the Suns' mix Thursday.

His agent, Marc Cornstein, said Batista should have a decision by today.

Batista, 24, did not visit Phoenix for a workout, but the Suns scouted the Uruguayan during the recent FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas. Batista, who was undrafted, spent two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks but played in only 13 games last season. He is a hustling banger but is closer to 6-8 than his listed 6-10 height.

Potapenko, 32, was as skilled offensively as any big man who worked out for the Suns. But even with the 25 pounds he has lost, he might be the third option behind Skinner and Batista.

Frahm and Marshall are trying out for the team without guarantees. Frahm, 30, is a sharpshooter who has been out of the league for a year after playing for four teams in three seasons. Marshall, 25, spent the past season with Indiana, shooting 36 percent in 40 games.

 

[elindholm]

Well, it's nice to read that someone with some credentials isn't playing hard to get. I've always sort of liked Skinner, and if he's enthusiastic about joining the Suns, that's a big step in the right direction.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

If we are smart enough to sign Skinner and get either Batista or Potapenko I will consider this summer a success. Lately I have been really warming up to Grant Hill being on the team.

 

[Folster]

If we are smart enough to sign Skinner and get either Batista or Potapenko I will consider this summer a success. Lately I have been really warming up to Grant Hill being on the team.

You've been watching too many of George's YouTube clips of Hill.

 

[F-Dog]

If we are smart enough to sign Skinner and get either Batista or Potapenko I will consider this summer a success. Lately I have been really warming up to Grant Hill being on the team.

Now I have that meme from the Mad TV show running through my head: "Lowered Expectations..."


I like the blurb from Skinner, who might be the best option left for the Suns, but what interests me are the repeated mentions of Richie Frahm. (For those of you who wanted the Suns to move heaven and earth to nab J.J. Redick, Frahm is like Redick's illegitimate twin brother.)

 

[Chaz]

I like Skinner as well.

He is a "dirt worker" as Cotton used to say.

 

[Chaplin]

Well, nobody here can claim the Suns aren't at least trying to bring more people in. I don't think I remember an offseason where the team brought in this many free agents for workouts. We've seen A LOT of guys.

 

[Mulli]

My source familiar with the Suns verified that this is the first time in years Skinner has actually "worked out.




(sorry I had to do it)

 

[Rab]

Well, nobody here can claim the Suns aren't at least trying to bring more people in. I don't think I remember an offseason where the team brought in this many free agents for workouts. We've seen A LOT of guys.

Well, technically the Suns HAVE to bring in one more player, but it's nice to see they're actively looking at guys instead of just going out and signing Pat Burke.

I would feel much better about things if they brought in 2 more bigs, but we'll see. Funny how we've been mentioning Skinner all summer as kind of a dark horse, and all of a sudden, he looks to be high on the priority list.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Now I have that meme from the Mad TV show running through my head: "Lowered Expectations..."


I like the blurb from Skinner, who might be the best option left for the Suns, but what interests me are the repeated mentions of Richie Frahm. (For those of you who wanted the Suns to move heaven and earth to nab J.J. Redick, Frahm is like Redick's illegitimate twin brother.)

yeah, i wouldn't mind seeing frahm get some wood over piatkowski.

and i'd like the additions of skinner and either of the other two bigs, but would want them to continue their pursuit of pj (and then dump one of the bigs down the road).

 

[fordronken]

yeah, i wouldn't mind seeing frahm get some wood over piatkowski.

Oh. You're talking about basketball.

 

[HooverDam]

If they sign Skinner and Frahm, I'd be pretty happy. They (obviously) need another big and they need another 3 point shooter/microwave type (like Eddie House was), so maybe Frahm can fill that role and not entirely embarrass himself on the other end like Piatkowski does.

Of course, I'd still hope they'd keep talking to PJ Brown too, since he's obviously an upgrade over Skinner, but if they somehow got them both it would amazing.

 

[elindholm]

Of course, I'd still hope they'd keep talking to PJ Brown too, since he's obviously an upgrade over Skinner, but if they somehow got them both it would amazing.

I agree, but I think the reality is that if they come to an agreement with Skinner, it means they've given up on Brown once and for all.

 

[Rab]

I agree, but I think the reality is that if they come to an agreement with Skinner, it means they've given up on Brown once and for all.

Maybe, but a lot of that depends on the offer they make. All indications from the Suns brass points to a non-guaranteed deal for whatever big it is they sign. This would give them the flexibility to cut said player if/when PJ comes aboard.

The question I guess would be, will the Suns be able to snag Skinner on a non-guaranteed deal? I don't think so, so you could be right Eric. I think they could get Potapenko or Mo Taylor on that kind of a deal, but Skinner I think would want something set in stone.

 

[Mainstreet]

The question I guess would be, will the Suns be able to snag Skinner on a non-guaranteed deal?

I will be peeved if the Suns do not sign Skinner to a guaranteed contract because if they don't, my bet is he ends up elsewhere. If PJ is agreeable to sign later then sign him as well. I know this ups the LT a bit but it also improves the Suns chances of winning a Championship significantly.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

Now I have that meme from the Mad TV show running through my head: "Lowered Expectations..."


I like the blurb from Skinner, who might be the best option left for the Suns, but what interests me are the repeated mentions of Richie Frahm. (For those of you who wanted the Suns to move heaven and earth to nab J.J. Redick, Frahm is like Redick's illegitimate twin brother.)

Is it really lowered expectations?

Grant Hill is a big upgrade over JJ. Skinner would be a downgrade over KT. Tucker and Strawberry both add needed depth. It would seem that the team would be slightly improved and that would be enough for me. I just don't want us going backwards.

 

[Rab]

I will be peeved if the Suns do not sign Skinner to a guaranteed contract because if they don't, my bet is he ends up elsewhere. If PJ is agreeable to sign later then sign him as well. I know this ups the LT a bit but it also improves the Suns chances of winning a Championship significantly.

If we are going to offer a player like Skinner a deal, I would like for it to be a guaranteed deal as well. I do think he is a player who can help. Also, if PJ waits this out into the season, we could get him for a pro-rated salary which would be somewhat cheaper than if he signed now.

 

[MonkeyMan22]

Tucker and Strawberry both add needed depth...

I sincerely hope they do, but I think many guys here are a little too enthusiastic about the two rookies. They did look good in Vegas but they still haven’t play a real NBA game yet. I am cautiously optimistic though. Adding Skinner would be a descent step and the fact that he actually wants to play for the Suns is great.


MM

 

[F-Dog]

Is it really lowered expectations?

Grant Hill is a big upgrade over JJ. Skinner would be a downgrade over KT. Tucker and Strawberry both add needed depth. It would seem that the team would be slightly improved and that would be enough for me. I just don't want us going backwards.

So the the Suns dumped KT and will probably replace him with Sean Marks (even with Skinner and Batista on board) and it doesn't bother you? You're OK with the fact that the Suns sold three first-round picks for cash, including the #24 this year, with a lottery-level talent (Rudy Fernandez) still on the board? It doesn't give you pause that Sarver was telling the front office to spend like drunken sailors last summer, even though he knew perfectly well what the consequences would be?

 

[Griffin]

Ideally I'd like to see both Skinner and Batista signed before they go elsewhere, and then if PJ still wants to play, then sign him as well. But that would mean three guaranteed contracts and and a roster of 15. Problem is, if the Suns only offer make-good training camp deals to Skinner or Batista, they will most likely get a better offer elsewhere, and then if Brown chooses not to sign with us, we will miss out on everyone.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

So the the Suns dumped KT and will probably replace him with Sean Marks (even with Skinner and Batista on board) and it doesn't bother you? You're OK with the fact that the Suns sold three first-round picks for cash, including the #24 this year, with a lottery-level talent (Rudy Fernandez) still on the board? It doesn't give you pause that Sarver was telling the front office to spend like drunken sailors last summer, even though he knew perfectly well what the consequences would be?

: yawn:

 

[Covert Rain]

Is it really lowered expectations?

Grant Hill is a big upgrade over JJ. Skinner would be a downgrade over KT. Tucker and Strawberry both add needed depth. It would seem that the team would be slightly improved and that would be enough for me. I just don't want us going backwards.

To me is improvement in one and downgrade in another as you stated. However, I would argue that if the Suns could afford a downgrade at any position it would be in the JJ/Hill spot versus the Kurt Thomas spot. I would say that spot is vastly more important to the team.

So as long as we get someone comparable to Kurt we should be OK. The question is are any of these guys we are bringing in going to be just as good as Kurt? If the person we bring in ends up being a serious down grade at that spot, I would say that we are going to have a tougher time in the middle this year then last.

 

[jlove]

If it was up to me and I had my pick of either PJ Brown OR TWO of Batista, Skinner, Potapenko...I'd take 2 bigs or one PJ. Specifically Batista and Skinner. Because they both play hard, Skinner defensively and rebounding and Batista offensively and rebounding. The Suns need to quit waiting on PJ and go with 2 of the other 3 bigs they are looking at. I'm sure there is a team that would take Banks for say a 2nd round pick out there somewhere. That would free up cap money to stay out of the LT. Right now the Suns are in the LT without any other players signed.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

So the the Suns dumped KT and will probably replace him with Sean Marks (even with Skinner and Batista on board) and it doesn't bother you? You're OK with the fact that the Suns sold three first-round picks for cash, including the #24 this year, with a lottery-level talent (Rudy Fernandez) still on the board? It doesn't give you pause that Sarver was telling the front office to spend like drunken sailors last summer, even though he knew perfectly well what the consequences would be?

No I don't like selling 3 first round picks but I have been pissed about that for two months and it is time to move on.

 

[Mainstreet]

If it was up to me and I had my pick of either PJ Brown OR TWO of Batista, Skinner, Potapenko...I'd take 2 bigs or one PJ. Specifically Batista and Skinner. Because they both play hard, Skinner defensively and rebounding and Batista offensively and rebounding.

Two out of three ain't bad. I would like for the Suns to add two more bigs no matter how one slices it.