Swift has pretty much been invisible for the last 4 years in the NBA, hasnt scored 8ppg in 5 years, and that was on some very bad teams. Over at spurs talk they are yucking it up. Here is a sample:
"Wow the suns bench is killa with Tragic, Stro, Louis and Robin.
That bench makes the 2004-05 Suns bench look like a all-star team"
I havent seen swift play in so long, I dont know what he will bring, but he has a rep of a very low BBall IQ.
Those people are acting like we expect Swift to come in here and score like Amare. If that was the reason the Suns singed him then they should by yucking it up. The Suns brought him in here to rebound, bring back some athleticism and play some defense.
Also, I think you have to factor in Swift will get more playing time then he was getting with the Nets. This all depends on how the Suns use him but although expectations should not be high...it's better then nothing. In fact, there is some potential there IMO.
Rebounding
When Swift averages around 20 minutes per game is rebounding is at 5 rebounds per game. Which is not Amare's 8 (but that is pretty good considering Swift's limited minutes). He has only averaged over 20 minutes per game twice in his career. Compare that to Amare's 36.8 MPG this season. Swift gets about 7.7 rebounds (per 48).
Again, not great but it's not bad to get most of those rebounds back from another teams throw away. IMO, he will get you more rebounds per game then Diaw given the time. He is an upgrade on the boards from Boris Diaw (who averaged 3.8 RPG in more minutes). Worst case scenario he give you what Diaw did on the boards.
Defense
In terms of defense he has a better Opponent Per (PPG) then Amare. Not much better but better. They average about the same in blocks. Swift actually might be an upgrade at the PF position defensively (although slight) at the PF position. It's not saying much but it's something.
Basketball IQ
This has been discussed at length. This is probably a push.
Scoring
Not even worth comparing. Amare is a beast on offense but offense no longer appears to be a problem since going back to the old style. He averages 9.6 PPG when playing at least 20 minutes per game (compared to Diaw's 8.3 with the Suns). Again, I think he can give you better offensive output then Diaw given the time.
Just don't see how this is a negative. Worst case scenario you replace everything but assists Diaw brought to this team. Best case scenario, Swift fills in nicely for everything Amare did minus offense.
The big if is, how are we going to use the guy and if we do give him Diaw's old minutes, can he produce anymore? It's a big if but worth the signing IMO.
But, of course, for a minimum salary, one can hardly go wrong.
