Tim Thomas = Eddie Johnson

[Errntknght]

F-Dog, >>I don't think it's a good idea to try to turn Tim Thomas into player X or player Y--he is what he is. I just think he'll be more effective playing his game if he gets in "Suns shape".<<

Actually my argument is that he is what he is - and I like it. He's our widest body and has been playing with a great attitude toward opponents coming into the paint. I think its more important to maintain those things than for him to get into better shape. If he was dogging it up and down the floor after five minutes like Burke, I'd have to agree with you.

 

[hcsilla]

I would focus on locking Diaw and Barbosa. If it's done I would try to re-sign TT but if he demands more than 2 mil./year I would let him go.

I would give even less for House who I don't think will be missed that much for the healthy Suns.

 

[fordronken]

I basically don't see us signing any free agents for more than the minimum, and then either trading one of our draft picks or using it on a European player to leave overseas for a year or two.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Even a half MLE would require trading out of the draft and some other money saving moves.

Sure, but most likely those will be happening anyway. It's basically unheard of for a team to keep the same core of 6-8 players over multiple years. (Yes, I know the Pistons are doing that right now.)

Correct me if I am wrong, but the LLE and the MLE are not considered to be "luxury tax issues"

 

[elindholm]

Correct me if I am wrong, but the LLE and the MLE are not considered to be "luxury tax issues"

I don't know whether you're wrong or not, because I don't know what you mean. The LLE and MLE are added to team salary, and team salary is what determines whether a team is susceptible to luxury tax penalties. Whether a team uses its MLE often has luxury tax implications.

 

[fordronken]

I don't know whether you're wrong or not, because I don't know what you mean. The LLE and MLE are added to team salary, and team salary is what determines whether a team is susceptible to luxury tax penalties. Whether a team uses its MLE often has luxury tax implications.

I believe he was thinking of the veteran minimum, which doesn't count against the cap and I believe the league picks up about half of the salary.

 

[F-Dog]

Actually my argument is that he is what he is - and I like it. He's our widest body and has been playing with a great attitude toward opponents coming into the paint. I think its more important to maintain those things than for him to get into better shape. If he was dogging it up and down the floor after five minutes like Burke, I'd have to agree with you.

The problem isn't attitude, it's effectiveness. Right now, TT doesn't have it.

If TT was as effective as JR on defense (regardless of how he does it), he could play at 300 pounds for all I care. I definitely don't have any problem with his offense...well, except for the one contested 3pt shot he took in the Clippers game, where Barbosa was wide open next to him in the corner.