Suns show interest in Hakim Warrick

[TucsonDevil]

Hmm...Please tell me who will be available next year that is worthy of a max deal.

I believe Carmelo fits that description.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

I believe Carmelo fits that description.

Do you honestly think we'll sign Carmelo next year? Seriously, do you really think he'll opt out of more money to join the Suns?

A: It seems unlikely that he will be available. He's been offered a max extension with Denver.
B: Seeing that we are no longer a marquee FA location, why would he sign here?

Carmelo is the only name available that may be a better option than Amare. Many here have a pie in the sky idea that because Amare isn't a perfect option, that we'll be able to get another max player worthy of a max contract.

Considering there are only about 5 players that most would agree are no brainer max deal players (Lebron, Wade, Howard, Kobe, Durant), we ain't getting any of these players anytime soon. Throw in the fact that the Nash draw gets less and less every year and the fact our front office reputation is shot, I think we'll have many here pine for the days of Amare, because we won't see anything close to Amare (let alone any marquee FA's) here for a long time.

Oh, and those who are getting excited for the potential trade exception, perhaps you forget what we did with our last valuable trade exception chip? Oh yeah, absolutely nothing.

 

[green machine]

Do you honestly think we'll sign Carmelo next year? Seriously, do you really think he'll opt out of more money to join the Suns?

A: It seems unlikely that he will be available. He's been offered a max extension with Denver.
B: Seeing that we are no longer a marquee FA location, why would he sign here?

Carmelo is the only name available that may be a better option than Amare. Many here have a pie in the sky idea that because Amare isn't a perfect option, that we'll be able to get another max player worthy of a max contract.

Considering there are only about 5 players that most would agree are no brainer max deal players (Lebron, Wade, Howard, Kobe, Durant), we ain't getting any of these players anytime soon. Throw in the fact that the Nash draw gets less and less every year and the fact our front office reputation is shot, I think we'll have many here pine for the days of Amare, because we won't see anything close to Amare here for a long time.

Totally agree, and that bums me out (not the agreeing with you part, but the idea behind the post).

 

[elindholm]

Those of you hoping for a quick turnaround will be sorely disappointed. It doesn't work that way. The Nash Suns didn't win a title, but they did peak, and the rebuilding process will be slow. Heck, even the Bulls have gone basically nowhere since the Jordan years. You can look at the Rockets, Pistons, and Heat as other recent championship teams that haven't amounted to anything since then. The only reason the Lakers got back on top so soon was because of the Gasol gift. Otherwise, they'd be in the same boat, even with Bryant.

 

[green machine]

Those of you hoping for a quick turnaround will be sorely disappointed. It doesn't work that way. The Nash Suns didn't win a title, but they did peak, and the rebuilding process will be slow. Heck, even the Bulls have gone basically nowhere since the Jordan years. You can look at the Rockets, Pistons, and Heat as other recent championship teams that haven't amounted to anything since then. The only reason the Lakers got back on top so soon was because of the Gasol gift. Otherwise, they'd be in the same boat, even with Bryant.

Yeah, the only difference is those teams won titles before their long rebuilding processes. I'd imagine that makes it a bit more palatable.

 

[SunsTzu]

Carmelo is the only name available that may be a better option than Amare.

Horford will be a RFA if he doesn't extend and I think he'd be a better option than Amare. But the chances of getting him would be slim.

They'd even be able to offer a max deal in 2012(Paul, Deron) under a CBA similar to current one as long as they don't add any more high priced salary. So theoretically the 2012 roster could look like

C-Lopez
PF-Horford
SF-Clark(assuming he progresses)
SG-
PG-Paul

Bench:
Dragic(assumed 10mil for the re-signed combo of Dragic/Dudley)
Dudely
Frye
Warrick

By no means do I expect this to happen, but given the way the off-season has gone there is little to do but look towards the future and hope.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

By no means do I expect this to happen, but given the way the off-season has gone there is little to do but look towards the future and hope.

Sad but true.

 

[elindholm]

Yeah, the only difference is those teams won titles before their long rebuilding processes. I'd imagine that makes it a bit more palatable.

Probably, but that's water under the bridge now. The Suns' failure to win a title in this run won't make the rebuild any faster.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Those of you hoping for a quick turnaround will be sorely disappointed. It doesn't work that way. The Nash Suns didn't win a title, but they did peak, and the rebuilding process will be slow. Heck, even the Bulls have gone basically nowhere since the Jordan years. You can look at the Rockets, Pistons, and Heat as other recent championship teams that haven't amounted to anything since then. The only reason the Lakers got back on top so soon was because of the Gasol gift. Otherwise, they'd be in the same boat, even with Bryant.

I agree, but mostly because we are likely to be neither fish nor fowl. This franchise won't pay the price necessary to increase the odds that a rebuild can succeed over a 3 or 4 year period. It's hard enough to rebuild effectively; it's pretty much impossible if your primary focus is the bottom line. We'll be further hampered because Sarver will be an impediment to FA acquisition for as long as his name is tied to this organization. And, unlike many here, I'm not really a Sarver hater.

Steve

 

[elindholm]

I agree, but mostly because we are likely to be neither fish nor fowl. This franchise won't pay the price necessary to increase the odds that a rebuild can succeed over a 3 or 4 year period.

Everyone keeps saying that, but I don't know that it's true. The point of debate seems to be what to do with Nash; a prevalent school of thought says that his presence makes rebuilding impossible. Well, true, the Suns will win more games with him on the roster, so that hurts their draft status. But he'll be gone in two years, so what's the hurry? It will give the Suns more time to figure out what they have with Lopez, Dragic, Clark, etc.

Rebuilding without an identifiable new core is pointless. No one believes that the Suns have any budding franchise players on their roster. For those of you who want the Suns to be genuinely lousy, don't worry, those days are right around the corner. In the meantime, let Nash and Hill go out with some dignity.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

In the meantime, let Nash and Hill go out with some dignity.

From a rebuild standpoint it makes sense. More importantly, from a "doing the right thing" standpoint, it makes sense. Both have taken below market deals and have played their asses off for this team. It would only be fair to give them an opportunity to compete for a ring. Sadly, I don't anticipate this happening.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Everyone keeps saying that, but I don't know that it's true. The point of debate seems to be what to do with Nash; a prevalent school of thought says that his presence makes rebuilding impossible. Well, true, the Suns will win more games with him on the roster, so that hurts their draft status. But he'll be gone in two years, so what's the hurry? It will give the Suns more time to figure out what they have with Lopez, Dragic, Clark, etc.

The issue for me with Nash is that I think for the first time ever, his trade value might actually equal or exceed his on-court value (to us). One more season followed by a lockout season and he'll likely lose whatever value he currently has. I wouldn't send him elsewhere solely to get rid of the guy. If I'm wrong and he has no trade value than I'd absolutely keep him till his contract runs out. However, if we can get a future 1st for the guy I'd jump at it.

Steve

 

[elindholm]

The issue for me with Nash is that I think for the first time ever, his trade value might actually equal or exceed his on-court value (to us).

It's possible.

However, if we can get a future 1st for the guy I'd jump at it.

Depends. If it's a lottery-protected pick by some team that's probably going to win 50+ games, forget it. Any team interested in Nash now would have to be already a playoff contender -- otherwise why would they bother? So the best fit would be a decent team that owns a high pick belonging to someone else. But according to nbadraft.net, all currently projected lottery picks for 2011 belong to their original teams. So that's a dead end, at least for now.

 

[SweetD]

I put Nash in the same boat as KJ he is a part of Suns history and should end his career here no matter the cost. That is just my opinion

 

[joshstmarie]

Well hes on the record as saying he wants to stay here, so he WILL be here.

 

[SweetD]

I watched Warrick in 2003 and I was hopping the Suns would draft him in 2005. Just look at the players we could have had in 2005, Lee, Robinson and Gorat. Funny http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NBA_Draft how we are trying to get some of the players we could have drafted. I wonder if Mike D new he was going to go to NY sometimes.

 

[SweetD]

I would like to see if they can work on his shooting ala Fry & Lopez to get him to his college position as a SF.

 

[Mainstreet]

I would like to see if they can work on his shooting ala Fry & Lopez to get him to his college position as a SF.

Just what the Suns need, another SF.

I do understand your logic though.

 

[SweetD]

Just what the Suns need, another SF.

I do understand your logic though.

This is a "big if" the Suns can land Lee, if not he will need to play PF for sure. Hill is going to retire after this year, Duds is a great role player, Clark is still far away from being ready, maybe he will show something this year. I think he can develop the 16-18ft jumper like Amare did and play well at PF. He like Clark might be able to play both positions. He is 6'9" and only 219 I just think we might fit well as a SF only if he can improve his outside shooting.

 

[SweetD]

Warrick's Draft Profile...
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Hakim-Warrick-NBA-Draft-Scouting-Report-2719/

Hakim Warrick NBA Draft Scouting Report by: June 13, 2005 Strengths
A world class athlete, lightning quick and an unbelievable leaper. One of the most exciting dunkers in all of college basketball. Plays above the rim, gets off the floor in the blink of an eye, which helps him throw down monster alley-oops and ferocious put backs. Runs the floor extremely well, and will often beat his man up the floor.

Weaknesses
His outside shooting has a long ways to go, will really need to work on this skill to eventually become a starting caliber NBA Small Forward. He has only hit one three point shot in his collegiate career so far. His midrange game has been somewhat inconsistent as well. These are his biggest knocks along with his ball handling skills. Warrick does not look very good putting the ball on the floor while penetrating from the perimeter and it's uncertain whether he'll be able to create his own shots on the next level.

Many have questioned what his true position in the league will be, as he has mostly Power Forward skills but the body of a Small Forward. His back to the basket skills are much more developed then his face up game, and he will really need to be matched up with a Power Forward that compliments his skills on both ends of the court to be most effective.

Syracuse plays a lot of zone defense, so it is hard to predict just how good of a man to man defender he will be. He has good footwork but it is obvious that he has a bad habit of biting on pump fakes attempting to block shots. He will probably struggle initially on defense, but it seems he has what it takes to became adequate at the very least if he is interested.

Prefers to defer to others, which strengthens the notion that he will be more of a solid role player in the League and not a star. Not very vocal with his teammates, often lacks aggressiveness and has trouble maintaining a consistent level of intensity on the floor.

Needs to bulk up significantly, since he isn't a perimeter threat just he'll probably need to go inside to cause damage in his first couple of seasons in the NBA. Right now he doesn't have much of a problem in college, but it's not a stretch to say that he's going to be outmuscled by stronger and tougher opponents inside unless he puts on weight.

Could be a even better rebounder with his wingspan and athleticism, but doesn't always do a great job of boxing out, and some might question his overall toughness, as he tends to occasionally shy away from contact.

Competition
After Carmelo Anthony left for the NBA last season, all eyes were on Hakim Warrick to step up and fill his huge shoes for the returning National Champions. Warrick has lived up to expectations on his end, and then some, although Syracuse is not having the best year and is on the bubble right now (middle of February) to make the NCAA tournament.

Outlook
Warrick will most likely come out this year barring a serious injury. In terms of potential, Hakim is a top 10 prospect in any draft. Even though he is a Junior, his game is still very raw and if Warrick indeed has the desire to improve like many think he does, he will be a very special player in the NBA.

Comments
While I personally enjoy watching Hakim Warrick almost as much as anyone else in the NCAA right now, I don't think he will ever become a good enough perimeter threat to be counted on as a go to guy in the NBA that can deliver a basket when you most need it in the clutch. If your team ends up drafting him, you can expect him to get on Sportscenter very often, but you should not expect him to be a star player for team. Hopefully Warrick will end up proving me wrong.

Facts
Named Big East's most improved player after his Sophomore season. Retail Management and Consumer Studies Major.


From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Hakim-Warrick-NBA-Draft-Scouting-Report-2719/#ixzz0sw7HblOj
http://www.draftexpress.com
​

 

[mojorizen7]

It's too late to talk about rebuilding...blowing it up etc...
You need assets in order to do that. I've been harping for 2 years....we should have rebuilt the day after D'Antoni walked.

Thankfully NFL traing camp is right around the corner.

 

[SunsTzu]

Thankfully NFL traing camp is right around the corner.

That's an odd thing to say for someone with the Rams logo in their sig.

 

[TucsonDevil]

For those of you who want the Suns to be genuinely lousy, don't worry, those days are right around the corner.

 

[TucsonDevil]

Do you honestly think we'll sign Carmelo next year? Seriously, do you really think he'll opt out of more money to join the Suns?...

Easy there big boy, I didn't suggest it at all. I was merely answering the previous question.

 

[82CardsGrad]

It's too late to talk about rebuilding...blowing it up etc...
You need assets in order to do that. I've been harping for 2 years....we should have rebuilt the day after D'Antoni walked.

Thankfully NFL traing camp is right around the corner.

Not necessarily true... I wouldn't be surprised at all if, say by the mid-point of the next season the Suns are crapping the bed, that they look to move any one of all of Nash, Grant Hill and J-Rich. There will be teams in the hunt who might have something of value to offer in return - draft picks or quality young talent...