Suns, Eric Bledsoe Far Apart In Talks

[BC867]

Again, you are limiting Dragic. You are limiting him to a positional designation that does not need to be permanent. Why does he HAVE to be our PG in your eyes? Why can't he be a SG/PG? Do you think he has no shooting guard skills? I would venture to say that it's arguable that he is a better shooting guard than he is a point guard half the time.

Your points would be convincing, Chap, except for one thing. Dragic is our best Point Guard.

To rest him at his best position is one thing. To move him out of it is another.

Every time I saw Dragic and Bledsoe on the court at the same time, Dragic deferred to Bledsoe and moved. That is what bothers me.

I think, in this case, running the offense is even more important than Bledsoe's defense. Especially on a franchise that traditionally emphasizes offense. And with a Bledsoe who is sporadically available to play and disrupts the flow, just when you have a flow (game after game), you lose it.

 

[Phrazbit]

Your points would be convincing, Chap, except for one thing. Dragic is our best Point Guard.

To rest him at his best position is one thing. To move him out of it is another.

Every time I saw Dragic and Bledsoe on the court at the same time, Dragic deferred to Bledsoe and moved. That is what bothers me.

I think, in this case, running the offense is even more important than Bledsoe's defense. Especially on a franchise that traditionally emphasizes offense. And with a Bledsoe who is sporadically available to play and disrupts the flow, just when you have a flow (game after game), you lose it.

He certainly didnt seem to disrupt any flow last year.

And Dragic's "best" position is very debatable. He is not a traditional, passing distributing point guard, thats for certain. If there is a player in the NBA who his game most resembles, it would be Manu Ginobili, another combo guard... who has played great along side another attacking guard.

And again, even if Bledsoe were to leave, Dragic will NOT be our point guard next year!!! Thomas would take over starting PG duties and we'd be left with a similar offensive attack but a significantly worse defense.

 

[3rdside]

I think they look alright - should they be rocking Abercrombie and Fitch?

 

[Covert Rain]

He certainly didnt seem to disrupt any flow last year.

And Dragic's "best" position is very debatable. He is not a traditional, passing distributing point guard, thats for certain. If there is a player in the NBA who his game most resembles, it would be Manu Ginobili, another combo guard... who has played great along side another attacking guard.

And again, even if Bledsoe were to leave, Dragic will NOT be our point guard next year!!! Thomas would take over starting PG duties and we'd be left with a similar offensive attack but a significantly worse defense.

I don't see how you can say that one bit. I think the Suns would be smart enough to try Dragic as the starting PG before pigeonholing him into the SG position. After all...much of this thread is centered around not pigeonholing Dragic into one position. I could easily see them starting Dragic at PG and trying to solidify the SG position with a pure SG player. That would be an effective tactic and the right one IMO.

According to his stats he shoots for a better % when playing PG, he rebounds better, he averages double assists, is a better scorer and his offensive per is 18.0 per game vs 9.1 at SG. He is also a slightly better defender at PG looking at his defensive Per. If you look at his Net per 48 production it also drops at SG. Does he have SG skills? OK, I can buy that he CAN play the position. However, he appears to be more effective as a PG. Not playing to a players strengths is a mistake IMO and one that the Suns have repeated over the years.

However, some people here believe he can get better and better at the SG position. I don't know if he can or not but it appears we are going to find out possibly this season.

 

[JS22]

Rich Paul is in over his head. He probably spent the entire season convincing Bledsoe that he'd get him the max. Now he's trying to turn Bledsoe against the Suns instead of admitting that he failed him as an agent.

Sorry Eric, but that's what you get when you hire one of Lebron's boys as your agent. Especially when you've got Babby (an experienced agent) on the other end.

If this continues to drag on he's going to start burning bridges with Suns fans and make himself look bad in the process. Hopefully, if they come to terms, he goes with the traditional "It was just business. I'm excited to be a Sun and look forward to helping this organization win a championship. I want to thank the Suns fans for being patient during this process. It's time to get to work...blah blah blah."

I wouldn't be surprised if he pouts a little and half asses it through camp, the preseason, and even into the regular season. Rich Paul will probably keep reminding him that it was the Suns that "screwed him" out of the max by using restricted free agency against him. That is, of course, if he doesn't take the QO. Which would be a REALLY STUPID move because of his injury history, or a freak injury, or a bad season, etc. But then again, Rich Paul is his agent. So who knows?

 

[Mainstreet]

Rich Paul is in over his head. He probably spent the entire season convincing Bledsoe that he'd get him the max. Now he's trying to turn Bledsoe against the Suns instead of admitting that he failed him as an agent.

Sorry Eric, but that's what you get when you hire one of Lebron's boys as your agent. Especially when you've got Babby (an experienced agent) on the other end.

If this continues to drag on he's going to start burning bridges with Suns fans and make himself look bad in the process. Hopefully, if they come to terms, he goes with the traditional "It was just business. I'm excited to be a Sun and look forward to helping this organization win a championship. I want to thank the Suns fans for being patient during this process. It's time to get to work...blah blah blah."

I wouldn't be surprised if he pouts a little and half asses it through camp, the preseason, and even into the regular season. Rich Paul will probably keep reminding him that it was the Suns that "screwed him" out of the max by using restricted free agency against him. That is, of course, if he doesn't take the QO. Which would be a REALLY STUPID move because of his injury history, or a freak injury, or a bad season, etc. But then again, Rich Paul is his agent. So who knows?

Bledsoe has already pushed me to the point a sign and trade would be welcome if the Suns received a justifiable return. Of course I can forgive and forget if he signs a reasonable contract with the Suns and acts like he wants to be here. His seeming attitude of putting the blame on the Suns has wore on me. I like a player that seems enthusiastic about the team for which he plays. I don't think him saying he liked playing for the Suns would hurt his business negotiations one bit.

 

[Shaggy]

When is the deadline(if there is one) that he has to sign?

 

[marios13]

@DarrenG
What I saw of the games when they both were on the court and Bledsoe was PG with Dragic SG the drop in offensive stats is just a result of Bledsoe mostly hogging the ball or at least not passing to Dragic often.

The defensive stats probably go down too since you are not on the guy who gets the ball most of the time on the opposing team namely PG.

I can say both of them are extremely dangerous to themselves with Bledsoe being the more dangerous one when you see his penetrations toward the rim always shooting of balance, falling and getting bumped by big men. Dragic looks a little bit less tragic in that regard, but his ankles showed problems at the end of the season.

I highly doubt either one finish a season with 82 games played the way they play so adding Thomas was a great idea especially at that discounted price. That was what was missing last year mostly. Another guy that is capable scoring over 20 pts most nights especially after Bledsoe got hurt.

I think Bledsoe would be happiest in Cleveland with LBJ, but for that to happen Kyrie Irving would have to somehow magically disappear. I dare not predict what is in his head, because he doesn't show any emotions.

Anyway why would he even sign before the deadline. Its great marketing. Publicity although not the good kind for the Suns fans. Suns won't pull their offer, but there is still a chance some crazy team will offer more and the Suns will up the ante. Until then he can just relax and enjoy the rumor mill and get more media exposure.

 

[marios13]

All I could find about the dates is this :

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/key-nba-dates/

 

[Chaz]

When is the deadline(if there is one) that he has to sign?

There is no real deadline. The Suns and Bledsoe can reach an agreement at any time. I imagine it will be resolved one way or another by training camp. If he doesn't sign (or play) all season the Suns can re-issue the qualifying offer making him a RFA next summer as well.

The current Qualifying Offer is good until October 1st unless extended. He can only sign an offer sheet until March 1.

 

[Errntknght]

I think Rich Paul is using Bledsoe to advance his own career. It would be a gaudy feather in his cap if he could get the Suns to spring for the max since Bled clearly has not earned it. With his injury history $12 million is a heck of a gamble for the team. I hope the Suns don't concede a few million more so Paul can save a little face.

Its my guess that except for Cleveland and LaBron every team that maxed someone out this year made a blunder they'll live to regret.

 

[Mainstreet]

It is explained under Larry Coon's NBA Salary Cap FAQ:

To summarize, a restricted free agent essentially has five options:

He can accept his prior team's qualifying offer, play for one season, and become a free agent again the following summer.
He can accept his prior team's maximum qualifying offer (if applicable, and if one has been submitted) and play under a long-term contract at the maximum salary.
He can negotiate a new contract with his prior team that is independent of the qualifying offer or maximum qualifying offer.
He can sign an offer sheet with another team through March 1, which his prior team is given the opportunity to match.
If he doesn't sign a qualifying offer, a contract, or an offer sheet for one year, his prior team can submit a new qualifying offer (or maximum qualifying offer), and the player becomes a restricted free agent again the following offseason.

http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q44

 

[Phrazbit]

I don't see how you can say that one bit. I think the Suns would be smart enough to try Dragic as the starting PG before pigeonholing him into the SG position. After all...much of this thread is centered around not pigeonholing Dragic into one position. I could easily see them starting Dragic at PG and trying to solidify the SG position with a pure SG player. That would be an effective tactic and the right one IMO.

According to his stats he shoots for a better % when playing PG, he rebounds better, he averages double assists, is a better scorer and his offensive per is 18.0 per game vs 9.1 at SG. He is also a slightly better defender at PG looking at his defensive Per. If you look at his Net per 48 production it also drops at SG. Does he have SG skills? OK, I can buy that he CAN play the position. However, he appears to be more effective as a PG. Not playing to a players strengths is a mistake IMO and one that the Suns have repeated over the years.

However, some people here believe he can get better and better at the SG position. I don't know if he can or not but it appears we are going to find out possibly this season.

Where are they going to get a "pure SG" at this point in the process? I'm talking about next year, and I am not trying to say he is only going to play at the 2, but if people think removing Bledsoe is going to allow Dragic to be our primary PG and we'd have a more traditional lineup then they're very very mistaken. Thomas would start, we'd get even smaller. Now Dragic instead of defending the oppositions weakest guard would have to cover their best.

 

[devilalum]

@DarrenG
What I saw of the games when they both were on the court and Bledsoe was PG with Dragic SG the drop in offensive stats is just a result of Bledsoe mostly hogging the ball or at least not passing to Dragic often.

The defensive stats probably go down too since you are not on the guy who gets the ball most of the time on the opposing team namely PG.

I can say both of them are extremely dangerous to themselves with Bledsoe being the more dangerous one when you see his penetrations toward the rim always shooting of balance, falling and getting bumped by big men. Dragic looks a little bit less tragic in that regard, but his ankles showed problems at the end of the season.

I highly doubt either one finish a season with 82 games played the way they play so adding Thomas was a great idea especially at that discounted price. That was what was missing last year mostly. Another guy that is capable scoring over 20 pts most nights especially after Bledsoe got hurt.

I think Bledsoe would be happiest in Cleveland with LBJ, but for that to happen Kyrie Irving would have to somehow magically disappear. I dare not predict what is in his head, because he doesn't show any emotions.

Anyway why would he even sign before the deadline. Its great marketing. Publicity although not the good kind for the Suns fans. Suns won't pull their offer, but there is still a chance some crazy team will offer more and the Suns will up the ante. Until then he can just relax and enjoy the rumor mill and get more media exposure.

I'd do Bledsoe for Irving in a sign and trade. This might make King, agent, Bledsoe, Suns and just about everybody except Gilbert happy.

Wonder if Lebron would actually go for this?

 

[marios13]

Wouldn't then Suns have to take the 5 year 80 million contract ?
I would rather have Wiggins for Bledsoe ...

 

[Superbone]

Wouldn't then Suns have to take the 5 year 80 million contract ?
I would rather have Wiggins for Bledsoe ...

Wiggins is already tied up in another trade.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I'd do Bledsoe for Irving in a sign and trade. This might make King, agent, Bledsoe, Suns and just about everybody except Gilbert happy.

Wonder if Lebron would actually go for this?

I'd rather let Bledsoe walk for nothing and just start again.

Steve

 

[Covert Rain]

Where are they going to get a "pure SG" at this point in the process? I'm talking about next year, and I am not trying to say he is only going to play at the 2, but if people think removing Bledsoe is going to allow Dragic to be our primary PG and we'd have a more traditional lineup then they're very very mistaken. Thomas would start, we'd get even smaller. Now Dragic instead of defending the oppositions weakest guard would have to cover their best.

Trade. It's not like Dragic was so awesome at SG he is considered tops in the league. We just need a competent pure SG who can spot up and shoot when needed. Also, as I stated he still slightly a better defender statistically when playing his natural position. I have no problem with him going up against PGs in this league.

Again...not advocating us moving away from Bledsoe. If he walks I would like to see Dragic play PG versus SG because as of now, statistically, he is better at both ends of the court playing his natural position. That's all. He appears to be serviceable at SG and I don't know if he can get better.

 

[Mainstreet]

I finally listened to the Sarver interview with Gambo. Throughout the interview Sarver down played any problems in negotiating with Bledsoe and agent. Clearly the Suns are not locked into the 48 million over 4 years contract. They just want Bledsoe to sit down to the table and negotiate. IMO, this seems to be the problem. Bledsoe and agent are not setting down to the table. They are still looking. Sarver wants to work a deal.

http://arizonasports.com/41/1755373...x-Suns-not-trying-to-lowball-RFA-Eric-Bledsoe

 

[95pro]

Bledsoe is starting to wear thin on me, probably on everyone else.

get a clue!!! you're not worth max money!!!

 

[BC867]

I finally listened to the Sarver interview with Gambo. Throughout the interview Sarver down played any problems in negotiating with Bledsoe and agent. Clearly the Suns are not locked into the 48 million over 4 years contract. They just want Bledsoe to sit down to the table and negotiate. IMO, this seems to be the problem. Bledsoe and agent are not setting down to the table. They are still looking. Sarver wants to work a deal.

http://arizonasports.com/41/1755373...x-Suns-not-trying-to-lowball-RFA-Eric-Bledsoe

Why is Sarver putting himself back in the limelight? He has a GM. Perhaps if he waved his foam finger in private, something could get accomplished.

 

[Chaplin]

Why is Sarver putting himself back in the limelight? He has a GM. Perhaps if he waved his foam finger in private, something could get accomplished.

Are you serious? What possible harm did he do? If anything, he helped the situation because the fans are up in arms right now.

 

[Mainstreet]

Why is Sarver putting himself back in the limelight? He has a GM. Perhaps if he waved his foam finger in private, something could get accomplished.

Sarver made it clear he is willing to negotiate with Bledsoe. I think this is a positive message he is sending. He thinks they can work a deal if they get together at the bargaining table. My concern is the feeling may not be mutual.

 

[devilalum]

Why is Sarver putting himself back in the limelight? He has a GM. Perhaps if he waved his foam finger in private, something could get accomplished.

Sarver signs the checks. IMO sometimes it is appropriate for the owner to get involved.

 

[elindholm]

I have no problem with how the Suns are handling this. Even so, I'd prefer that the Suns find a sign-and-trade for Bledsoe, even though I realize that an attractive one probably isn't out there.