Suns in talks to acquire Sixers' Salmons

[arthurracoon]

By Jerry Brown, Tribune
July 10, 2006
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=69405

Still working hard to piece together a deeper and more versatile bench, the Suns are talking to Philadelphia about a deal that would bring veteran guard John Salmons to Phoenix.

No deal has been struck, but league sources confirmed that Salmons is a player the Suns have targeted. Sixers general manager Billy King is believed to be weighing more than one possible offer for the 6-foot-6, 210-pound Salmons, who scored a career-best 7.6 points to go with 2.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season while playing in all 82 games and starting 24.

Phoenix’s offer is believe to be a second-round draft pick and the team’s $3.6 million trade exception, obtained last summer in the Joe Johnson trade with Atlanta. That exception expires after one year and must be used by Aug. 21.

The Suns likely see Salmons, who plays mainly the two-guard, as someone who handles the ball well and can add size, likely paired with Leandro Barbosa, in many situations. Barbosa played the two-guard spot much of last season but Suns coach Mike D’Antoni has said he is considering giving Barbosa another shot at the backup point after his abilities improved down the stretch and in the postseason.

The Suns have been seeking a bigger guard to replace Eddie House, one that would match up better with opposing backcourts and give starting point Steve Nash more rest. Nash, 32, played a career-high 35.4 minutes a game last season.

A 2002 draft pick out of Miami, Salmons had the best of his four NBA seasons in 2005-06, recording three double-doubles, scoring in double figures 31 times and putting up 15 points or more seven times, including a career-high 23 points against Toronto on March 14. He also dished out a career-high 12 assists to go with 10 points against the Clippers three days later, as he was asked to contribute more with Allen Iverson out due to injury.

The native of suburban Philadelphia, who shares the school record with 124 career starts at Miami (Fla.), has been inconsistent during his four-year stint with the Sixers. The Suns aren’t in dire need of another scorer in the backcourt, but would like someone who can slow down bigger guards for 15 to 20 minutes a game.

Meanwhile, the Suns’ entry in the Vegas Summer League dropped to a 1-2 record with a 90-87 loss to Detroit Monday night. Amaré Stoudemire scored 11 of his 17 points from the foul line and added eight rebounds but fouled out — after committing his 10th foul in the 40-minute game — with about four minutes left. The sloppy game featured 99 personal fouls, 104 free throws and took nearly three hours to complete.

Maciej Lampe hit all eight of his shots from the field and led the Suns with 19 points, while Ruben Douglas added 18 and kept Phoenix within striking distance late in the game.

Phoenix takes today off and resumes action at 1 p.m. Wednesday against the Trail Blazers.

 

[Covert Rain]

This news changes the thinking a bit. The Suns are not looking to aquire a backup point guard. They are looking to acquire a backup shooting guard so they can move Barbosa over to point.

I like the idea that he is more defensive minded. It also sounds like he would be matched up while on defense against the other teams point guard.

 

[Mainstreet]

I often wonder if teams reveil the counter offers made on a player before a trade is completed or some cards remain face down. I mean would the Suns get a chance to sweeten the offer if necessary?

Inquiring minds would like to know what goes on behind closed doors.

 

[asudevil83]

By Jerry Brown, Tribune
July 10, 2006
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=69405

Still working hard to piece together a deeper and more versatile bench, the Suns are talking to Philadelphia about a deal that would bring veteran guard John Salmons to Phoenix.

No deal has been struck, but league sources confirmed that Salmons is a player the Suns have targeted. Sixers general manager Billy King is believed to be weighing more than one possible offer for the 6-foot-6, 210-pound Salmons, who scored a career-best 7.6 points to go with 2.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season while playing in all 82 games and starting 24.

Phoenix’s offer is believe to be a second-round draft pick and the team’s $3.6 million trade exception, obtained last summer in the Joe Johnson trade with Atlanta. That exception expires after one year and must be used by Aug. 21.

The Suns likely see Salmons, who plays mainly the two-guard, as someone who handles the ball well and can add size, likely paired with Leandro Barbosa, in many situations. Barbosa played the two-guard spot much of last season but Suns coach Mike D’Antoni has said he is considering giving Barbosa another shot at the backup point after his abilities improved down the stretch and in the postseason.

The Suns have been seeking a bigger guard to replace Eddie House, one that would match up better with opposing backcourts and give starting point Steve Nash more rest. Nash, 32, played a career-high 35.4 minutes a game last season.

A 2002 draft pick out of Miami, Salmons had the best of his four NBA seasons in 2005-06, recording three double-doubles, scoring in double figures 31 times and putting up 15 points or more seven times, including a career-high 23 points against Toronto on March 14. He also dished out a career-high 12 assists to go with 10 points against the Clippers three days later, as he was asked to contribute more with Allen Iverson out due to injury.

The native of suburban Philadelphia, who shares the school record with 124 career starts at Miami (Fla.), has been inconsistent during his four-year stint with the Sixers. The Suns aren’t in dire need of another scorer in the backcourt, but would like someone who can slow down bigger guards for 15 to 20 minutes a game.

Meanwhile, the Suns’ entry in the Vegas Summer League dropped to a 1-2 record with a 90-87 loss to Detroit Monday night. Amaré Stoudemire scored 11 of his 17 points from the foul line and added eight rebounds but fouled out — after committing his 10th foul in the 40-minute game — with about four minutes left. The sloppy game featured 99 personal fouls, 104 free throws and took nearly three hours to complete.

Maciej Lampe hit all eight of his shots from the field and led the Suns with 19 points, while Ruben Douglas added 18 and kept Phoenix within striking distance late in the game.

Phoenix takes today off and resumes action at 1 p.m. Wednesday against the Trail Blazers.

holy crap!!!!! that's all i need to say there. and neither team was able to break the 100 point barrier.

 

[jlove]

This news changes the thinking a bit. The Suns are not looking to aquire a backup point guard. They are looking to acquire a backup shooting guard so they can move Barbosa over to point.

I like the idea that he is more defensive minded. It also sounds like he would be matched up while on defense against the other teams point guard.

I don't get that from the article. I get that when Barbosa and Salmons were in the back court together, Barbosa would play SG on offense but defense against the opposing PG. Salmons would play the point and gaurd the opposing SG. That way there wouldn't be a disperagement on defense for the Suns when playing Barbosa.

 

[Mainstreet]

This news changes the thinking a bit. The Suns are not looking to aquire a backup point guard. They are looking to acquire a backup shooting guard so they can move Barbosa over to point.

I like the idea that he is more defensive minded. It also sounds like he would be matched up while on defense against the other teams point guard.

It almost sounds like Salmons can be a taller combo guard whose PG skills might be better than Barbosa ( if Barbosa does not work out as the PG). Anyway, it's nice to have a taller ballhandler in the backcourt that can match up better on defense against taller SG's (or PG's).

 

[arthurracoon]

I don't get that from the article. I get that when Barbosa and Salmons were in the back court together, Barbosa would play SG on offense but defense against the opposing PG. Salmons would play the point and gaurd the opposing SG. That way there wouldn't be a disperagement on defense for the Suns when playing Barbosa.

thats what i got.

that way, 2's like stackhouse wont be able to kill barbosa

 

[nowagimp]

I don't get that from the article. I get that when Barbosa and Salmons were in the back court together, Barbosa would play SG on offense but defense against the opposing PG. Salmons would play the point and gaurd the opposing SG. That way there wouldn't be a disperagement on defense for the Suns when playing Barbosa.

Thats also what I got.

 

[playstation]

well, we don't have him yet folks. still could still blow up in our faces yet...

 

[nowagimp]

Yeah, the longer it drags on the more likely the suns are being used in a bidding war.

 

[myrondizzo]

he's terrible from the three and coach D said that players that cant shoot scare him so i wonder if he's going to be on a short leash like hunter was.

 

[Joe Mama]

he's terrible from the three and coach D said that players that cant shoot scare him so i wonder if he's going to be on a short leash like hunter was.

Boris Diaw had a similarly terrible shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

Joe

 

[myrondizzo]

so coach D is going to move a 6'6" sg to 4 to backup STAT?

 

[Gaddabout]

There's a difference between a guy who can't shoot and a guy who shoots poorly. Shaq can't shoot because his hands are ginormous. He has little ability to feel the roll and rotation of the ball, and doesn't have the coordination in the fingers. Salmons can improve. Sometimes it's a little technique tweek -- seperation and placement of the feet, for example -- and a poor shooter becomes a decent shooter over night. Diaw's problem was he was always shooting on the run. Give him a chance to place his feet and he becomes pretty accurate.

 

[Covert Rain]

I don't get that from the article. I get that when Barbosa and Salmons were in the back court together, Barbosa would play SG on offense but defense against the opposing PG. Salmons would play the point and gaurd the opposing SG. That way there wouldn't be a disperagement on defense for the Suns when playing Barbosa.

How could you not get that from the article??

"Barbosa played the two-guard spot much of last season but Suns coach Mike D’Antoni has said he is considering giving Barbosa another shot at the backup point after his abilities improved down the stretch and in the postseason".

That means that he would play Barbosa at back up point and Salmons would be the two guard. However, he also indicated Salmons would defend the other teams bigger guard which sounds good because he appears to have some defensive skills.

"The Suns aren’t in dire need of another scorer in the backcourt, but would like someone who can slow down bigger guards for 15 to 20 minutes a game."

Howevever, I would think that would change based on matchups. I would imagine whomever is the better or bigger guard, Salmons would be matched up against that player whether he be the PG or SG.

 

[nowagimp]

he's terrible from the three and coach D said that players that cant shoot scare him so i wonder if he's going to be on a short leash like hunter was.

He's a 33% 3pt shooter for his career. In the suns offense, most players rise a little(3-6%) in 3pt accuracy. He's not a terrible shooter from 3, certainly better than Boris was/is. Let Phil Weber teach him a little and he could easily be 37-38% for the suns. Leandro went from 38% in his first two years to 44% this last year. Salmons can also dribble penetrate well, which is also a useful skill on this suns team.

 

[Covert Rain]

He's a 33% 3pt shooter for his career. In the suns offense, most players rise a little(3-6%) in 3pt accuracy. He's not a terrible shooter from 3, certainly better than Boris was/is. Let Phil Weber teach him a little and he could easily be 37-38% for the suns. Leandro went from 38% in his first two years to 44% this last year. Salmons can also dribble penetrate well, which is also a useful skill on this suns team.

Agreed. His percentage should get a little better. However, like the article said, the Suns are not looking to add another scorer in the back court. Meaning we don't need him too.

They appear to be looking for his defensive and passing skills most of all. Which everyone knows this team needs more defense. So I don't see how this is not a win win situation.

 

[nowagimp]

They appear to be looking for his defensive and passing skills most of all. Which everyone knows this team needs more defense. So I don't see how this is not a win win situation.

My read is that he is a good, not very good defender, who can score and handle the ball some in the halfcourt. But most importantly he is 6'6" and will not be so easy to post up as were all of the suns guards, save Bell last year. Every opponents guard could post up House, Barbs and Nash and score 60% FG's or better. If the suns get Salmons or another big guard, that wont be as productive a strategy for teams like the clips and Mavs.

 

[F-Dog]

My problem with Salmons is that the Suns are getting to the point where they have too many chiefs, not enough shooters. Put Salmons on the floor at SG with Marion at SF and Diaw at PF, and the Suns' half-court offense would look awfully similar to the Denver Nuggets'.

What I've been thinking is, Salmons is part of the fallout from the Suns missing out on Thabo Sefolosha in the draft. Having planned their rotations around Thabo, the team started casting around for a similar player in FA--and now, they've got a guy who can't shoot as their backup shooting guard. I guess Salmons might be a much slower Marquis Daniels for the Suns...I'm not sure how that's going to work in the transition game.


At least Salmons is a legit NBA player in the prime of his career. Getting a shooting F/C becomes more of a priority than ever, though. (The Suns could probably use another combo guard, too, since Salmons fits better for them at SF than at SG.) I imagine he'll be getting James Jones money, so it shouldn't be too hard to dump him if it comes to that.


As for Philly, I'm sure they're pissed that all they're getting in the deal is a late second-round pick, since they went to a lot of trouble and risk in giving Salmons the qualifying offer. I don't think they'll do any better with another team, though, and dumping Salmons clears the way for the Sixers to bring in "Jay" Williams.

They definitely won't be getting a first-round pick from the Suns any time soon. Those things are worth three million dollars a pop.

 

[JWF]

According to some people on the ESPN boards, Gambo was talking about Toronto being very interested in Salmons. And according to the report, they are going to offer more than Philly can match.....1) hopefully this isnt true 2). Dantoni's first run at GM doesnt seem to be going very well at this point.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

According to some people on the ESPN boards, Gambo was talking about Toronto being very interested in Salmons. And according to the report, they are going to offer more than Philly can match.....1) hopefully this isnt true 2). Dantoni's first run at GM doesnt seem to be going very well at this point.

my god, if we miss out on another target this will be the worst planned out offseason i can ever remember for the suns organization.

all the while we haven't heard of negotiations w/ diaw or barbs. those can start already, right?

 

[JWF]

im not sure how credible that rumor is. Especially with Toronto having recently signed Anthony Parker.

 

[BillsCarnage]

According to some people on the ESPN boards, Gambo was talking about Toronto being very interested in Salmons. And according to the report, they are going to offer more than Philly can match.....1) hopefully this isnt true

Well Toronto will have @ $6.4mil left after the signings of Jorge Garbajosa and Anthony Parker. I'd be really surprised if they throw all of that Salmons' way. Anything @ $5mil and Philly would likely match for a S&T.

However, I think Philly is looking at dumping salary not adding more and a S&T w/Tor would mean they'd need to take a player and their salary back.

A trade w/ the Suns makes more sense for Philly from a financial point, but eventually, if Tor is serious, it's going to be up to them to set $$ line.

2). Dantoni's first run at GM doesnt seem to be going very well at this point.

Why not? He's looking for specific needs, not trying to develop a roster for the PO's. They tried in the draft and couldn't swing a deal. They wanted TT and he bolted for more $$. Now they're working on alternative options. Hell, the offseason is just starting.

And they really have until the trade deadline to add/trade a key players for a title run.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Well Toronto will have @ $6.4mil left after the signings of Jorge Garbajosa and Anthony Parker. I'd be really surprised if they throw all of that Salmons' way. Anything @ $5mil and Philly would likely match for a S&T.

However, I think Philly is looking at dumping salary not adding more and a S&T w/Tor would mean they'd need to take a player and their salary back.

A trade w/ the Suns makes more sense for Philly from a financial point, but eventually, if Tor is serious, it's going to be up to them to set $$ line.

I've got a feeling that its Salmons that is the real diecision maker in this process.

 

[JWF]

Well Toronto will have @ $6.4mil left after the signings of Jorge Garbajosa and Anthony Parker. I'd be really surprised if they throw all of that Salmons' way. Anything @ $5mil and Philly would likely match for a S&T.

However, I think Philly is looking at dumping salary not adding more and a S&T w/Tor would mean they'd need to take a player and their salary back.

A trade w/ the Suns makes more sense for Philly from a financial point, but eventually, if Tor is serious, it's going to be up to them to set $$ line.

Good point. I never even took into consideration the cap ramifications for Philly. I was just reporting what gambo apparently had to say about the Salmons thing today.