Not much to report over the last few days. It's Summer, it's hot, people is on vacation...it's the off-season in full bloom. Anyway, here's some little things I found on the net.
Raja Bell had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee a couple of days ago. As usual the surgery went well and he's expected back soon in 4-6 weeks. That means he'll be ready when the season starts. Good News as Bell has become a real key to this Suns team. Have a great recovery Raja !
STAT played well (or practiced well I should say as it was an intra-squad game) for Team USA that is seeking qualification for next Summer Olympics in China. Team USA will play again at the end of August in the real tournament.
There's a little controversy going on between the Suns and the French Basketball Federation over Boris Diaw playing at the European Championships next month in Spain. Of course the problem is insurance to protect the Suns from any injury Boris might experience while playing for Les Blues. In a similar case last year, if I remember it right Dirk Nowitzki ended up paying for his own insurance to play in the Worlds.
Not much more to report, it's just golfing season so I found a nice POLL on the Arizona Republic asking its readers "Which Valley coach would you most like to share a round of golf with?" of course Coach D'Antoni is leading with 45% of the preferences and leading by a wide margin over the Great One at just 25%. I guess the poll started from a nice story from Dan Bickley a few days before about Coach D playing a round of golf with new Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt.
That's all folks. It's about time a make a run at the fridge for a cold one.
Go Suns !
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
The Summer of Steve
Just a few notes on this hot Summer week starting with a lovely interview of Steve Nash on ESPN.com.
Among the things Steve said to Marc Stein the most interesting were:
"I think [Hill] does make us better, but we've still got a lot of work to do on the court"
"I think we can keep getting smarter"
"I love Kevin. I'd love to play with him [someday]. But I love my team, so I don't really think about it" and my favourite: "I feel great right now".
Overall, he sounded ready to go again and very positive about the upcoming season.
Check the video part of the interview as well, as Steve talks about the Spurs, the suspensions and his good friend Dirk Nowitzki.
Over the last few weeks Nash opened a new Health Club in Vancouver and played his annual Charity Classic game which brought us some "refreshing" news in the wake of the recent betting scandal and proved he's a sort of divinity in Canada.
A very funny note. The Late Show with Dave Letterman last night presented a Top Ten Signs a Referee is Fixing Games. At number 9: When talking about the Spurs, he says "we". You can check it yourself on the Late Show website.
Just in case...auditions for the 2007-08 Suns dancer will be held in Phoenix this coming Saturday. You have just 24 hours to get in shape and start dancing ! Hey, it's Summer, have some fun !
Go Suns !
Among the things Steve said to Marc Stein the most interesting were:
"I think [Hill] does make us better, but we've still got a lot of work to do on the court"
"I think we can keep getting smarter"
"I love Kevin. I'd love to play with him [someday]. But I love my team, so I don't really think about it" and my favourite: "I feel great right now".
Overall, he sounded ready to go again and very positive about the upcoming season.
Check the video part of the interview as well, as Steve talks about the Spurs, the suspensions and his good friend Dirk Nowitzki.
Over the last few weeks Nash opened a new Health Club in Vancouver and played his annual Charity Classic game which brought us some "refreshing" news in the wake of the recent betting scandal and proved he's a sort of divinity in Canada.
A very funny note. The Late Show with Dave Letterman last night presented a Top Ten Signs a Referee is Fixing Games. At number 9: When talking about the Spurs, he says "we". You can check it yourself on the Late Show website.
Just in case...auditions for the 2007-08 Suns dancer will be held in Phoenix this coming Saturday. You have just 24 hours to get in shape and start dancing ! Hey, it's Summer, have some fun !
Go Suns !
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Basketball sense vs Economic sense
Basketball sense vs Economic sense or in other words:
(a) is it correct to trade Kurt Thomas to save some money against the luxury tax ?
(b) is it correct to trade a first round pick for 3 million $ ?
As fans, quite frankly, I feel we shouldn't care too much about the net operating profit of an already very rich man who happens to own OUR NBA franchise. Our Suns are actually owned by someone else who has all the right in the world to make decisions based on his return. I don't wanna sound too much pathetic on that but that's the point.
All we need to care is that if you have a chance to make a run at the Championship, you have to, even if that means you'll have to pay out 8 million $ in luxury tax or risk paying 3 million $ over a couple of years to a first rounder that could end up playing 5 minutes a game.
The Suns are right now a perfect example of that situation as they have a great nucleus of players that seems so close to winning it all that every move could prove to be decisive unless of course the ownership is already thinking long term? Personally I would make a run, give it a try! But you have to understand that it could mean a few years like those suffered by the post MJ Bulls...after 2 or 3 years with losing records you inevitably start lo lose money.
The balance between the Game and the Economics of the game is what pro sport is all about. Unless you're the New York Yankees, today's GMs have to - above all - manage payrolls, salary cap, luxury tax, contract extensions, etc. so that "real" basketball people can try - under those conditions - to assemble the best possible team.
The Suns have some very good players (Amare, Marion, Leandro, Boris) and a great one (Steve Nash) that should have 2, hopefully 3, great years left in him. Possibly the perfect mix to win a championship during the next couple of years. All the winning teams in the NBA have had at least 2 great players, a few good ones and some role players like the '99 Spurs (Robinson and Duncan), the '00-'02 Lakers (Kobe and Shaq) or the '06 Heat (Wade and Shaq). Not to mention the '07 Spurs...with Duncan, Ginobili, Parker and Donaghy.
I feel Amare could become that second GREAT player and so the Suns could win it all without trading for KG or someone like him, but you need to have at least 8 players that can contribute. In that sense, the Grant Hill signing was just perfect and that is why trading Kurt Thomas doesn't make much sense to me, unless it's part of a bigger plan and that 8 million trade exception was needed. We'll have to wait and see which is so much sweeter when you just come off a 61 wins season.
GO SUNS !
(a) is it correct to trade Kurt Thomas to save some money against the luxury tax ?
(b) is it correct to trade a first round pick for 3 million $ ?
As fans, quite frankly, I feel we shouldn't care too much about the net operating profit of an already very rich man who happens to own OUR NBA franchise. Our Suns are actually owned by someone else who has all the right in the world to make decisions based on his return. I don't wanna sound too much pathetic on that but that's the point.
All we need to care is that if you have a chance to make a run at the Championship, you have to, even if that means you'll have to pay out 8 million $ in luxury tax or risk paying 3 million $ over a couple of years to a first rounder that could end up playing 5 minutes a game.
The Suns are right now a perfect example of that situation as they have a great nucleus of players that seems so close to winning it all that every move could prove to be decisive unless of course the ownership is already thinking long term? Personally I would make a run, give it a try! But you have to understand that it could mean a few years like those suffered by the post MJ Bulls...after 2 or 3 years with losing records you inevitably start lo lose money.
The balance between the Game and the Economics of the game is what pro sport is all about. Unless you're the New York Yankees, today's GMs have to - above all - manage payrolls, salary cap, luxury tax, contract extensions, etc. so that "real" basketball people can try - under those conditions - to assemble the best possible team.
The Suns have some very good players (Amare, Marion, Leandro, Boris) and a great one (Steve Nash) that should have 2, hopefully 3, great years left in him. Possibly the perfect mix to win a championship during the next couple of years. All the winning teams in the NBA have had at least 2 great players, a few good ones and some role players like the '99 Spurs (Robinson and Duncan), the '00-'02 Lakers (Kobe and Shaq) or the '06 Heat (Wade and Shaq). Not to mention the '07 Spurs...with Duncan, Ginobili, Parker and Donaghy.
I feel Amare could become that second GREAT player and so the Suns could win it all without trading for KG or someone like him, but you need to have at least 8 players that can contribute. In that sense, the Grant Hill signing was just perfect and that is why trading Kurt Thomas doesn't make much sense to me, unless it's part of a bigger plan and that 8 million trade exception was needed. We'll have to wait and see which is so much sweeter when you just come off a 61 wins season.
GO SUNS !
Friday, July 20, 2007
Suns trade Kurt Thomas to Seattle
The Suns today traded center Kurt Thomas to the Sonics along with the 2008 and 2010 first round pick for basically a potential big saving on luxury tax and/or the 8 million $ trade exception (and a conditional second rounder in 2009).
This could mean two VERY different things: either the Suns are in saving mode, and this is just a way to get back under the luxury tax threshold (that could explain also the trade of the 29th pick in this year's Draft for 3million) or they are trying to have some room to manouvre fro some big trade. Remember you can use the 8million exception only in a trade and only fro one year. I feel like it's just saving, but you never know...in this NBA offseason I think we could still have some big surprise; Ok I have to admit I am still dreaming of KG in a Suns uniform.
Speaking of surprises, ESPN.com reports today that NBA referee Tim Donaghy is under investigation, by tha FBI, for a possible betting scandal on games he officiated. ESPN reports there may be some Mob connections. From bad to worse. If proved correct this could really hurt the game. Once you start to think there's something behind every bad call in a game....there goes most of the fun. Let's hope it's just an isolated case.
Whatever, Go Suns ! (coming in HD on TV next fall)
This could mean two VERY different things: either the Suns are in saving mode, and this is just a way to get back under the luxury tax threshold (that could explain also the trade of the 29th pick in this year's Draft for 3million) or they are trying to have some room to manouvre fro some big trade. Remember you can use the 8million exception only in a trade and only fro one year. I feel like it's just saving, but you never know...in this NBA offseason I think we could still have some big surprise; Ok I have to admit I am still dreaming of KG in a Suns uniform.
Speaking of surprises, ESPN.com reports today that NBA referee Tim Donaghy is under investigation, by tha FBI, for a possible betting scandal on games he officiated. ESPN reports there may be some Mob connections. From bad to worse. If proved correct this could really hurt the game. Once you start to think there's something behind every bad call in a game....there goes most of the fun. Let's hope it's just an isolated case.
Whatever, Go Suns ! (coming in HD on TV next fall)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Just a few notes...and don't forget to Vote for Steve ! Again
ESPN.com Insider John Hollinger is making a list of winners and losers, so far, in the NBA off season. I am sure we could agree on his pick of the Suns as winners! He has the Suns third on his winners' list, mentioning the signing of Grant Hill and drafting Tucker as good moves. In case you're interested Hollinger has the Rockets and the Bobcats at 1 and 2.
It's time to vote again ! Steve Nash now faces a much tougher contender, LaDainian Tomlinson in round two of the Who's Now ESPN contest. Keep voting for Steve, I am sure we can make it even against the best RB in the NFL. If we can help Steve to the final round, He'll find a way to beat Tiger.
Speaking of Nash, The Steve Nash Charity Classic will be held in Vancouver next Saturday at GM Place. It should be fun and of course it's for a number of good causes as the event will benefit the Steve Nash Foundation. I believe a few Suns will be there. Once again, well done Steve !
Surfing the net I found a very interesting article "The man behind Suns rise" on John MacLeod, former long-time Suns coach in HoopsHype.com. It's a nice read. MacLeod was the Suns' coach in The Greatest Game Ever game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals in Boston.
Go Suns !
It's time to vote again ! Steve Nash now faces a much tougher contender, LaDainian Tomlinson in round two of the Who's Now ESPN contest. Keep voting for Steve, I am sure we can make it even against the best RB in the NFL. If we can help Steve to the final round, He'll find a way to beat Tiger.
Speaking of Nash, The Steve Nash Charity Classic will be held in Vancouver next Saturday at GM Place. It should be fun and of course it's for a number of good causes as the event will benefit the Steve Nash Foundation. I believe a few Suns will be there. Once again, well done Steve !
Surfing the net I found a very interesting article "The man behind Suns rise" on John MacLeod, former long-time Suns coach in HoopsHype.com. It's a nice read. MacLeod was the Suns' coach in The Greatest Game Ever game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals in Boston.
Go Suns !
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Viva Las Vegas !
The NBA Summer League is over and I have to say it was interesting and I'll miss it. It was definitely much better than last year, probably because the talent level was much higher. I really think the 2007 NBA draft will be one day remembered as one of the greatest ever.
Speaking of the Suns, they ended the summer season with a 84-81 loss to the Timberwolves, you can check the boxscore yourself and see that the Suns played well in the last 3 quarters but did not complete the comeback from a 15 point deficit in the 1st qt. Not much to highlight in terms of single players' performances other than Hale's 19 points in 25 minutes, George's 12 boards and...D.J.'s 10 TO (along with 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 12 points). There's a nice photo gallery on Suns.com
I tried to analyse boxscores and stats and watched some of the games I haven't been able to catch earlier on NBA.com to find positives and negatives from the 2007 Summer Suns. Here's my list:
Speaking of the Suns, they ended the summer season with a 84-81 loss to the Timberwolves, you can check the boxscore yourself and see that the Suns played well in the last 3 quarters but did not complete the comeback from a 15 point deficit in the 1st qt. Not much to highlight in terms of single players' performances other than Hale's 19 points in 25 minutes, George's 12 boards and...D.J.'s 10 TO (along with 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 12 points). There's a nice photo gallery on Suns.com
I tried to analyse boxscores and stats and watched some of the games I haven't been able to catch earlier on NBA.com to find positives and negatives from the 2007 Summer Suns. Here's my list:
- Marcus Banks played ONE impressive game. It's difficult to get any indication, but what's important is that Marcus showed he's willing to improve and impress the coaches. Way to go Marcus !
- Alando Tucker is a solid player, he can run and I think will play comes november (10-15 minutes, maybe). I am a bit worried about his shooting. We knew he was not a high-percentage shooter...but .418 from the field and .182 from 3-point is a bit low. Another area where I believe Doe needs to improve is rebounding (2.4 playing over 32 minutes per game);
- D.J. Strawberry was probably the Summer Suns MVP. He played a lot, in part due to Banks' injury and showed he can play. He can play defense (he was drafted on this strenght) and he's a good passer, he's willing to gamble a bit on offense (which I believe is good especially in the summer games). Overall I think he's a much better offensive player than we thought at first;
- Otis George should fight for a place on the Suns roster in training camp. He was good for a double double more or less on any given night. He averaged 10.4 points and 9.4 boards per game.
- Pape Sow is athletic and can rebound. From what I have seen I don't think it'll be a enough to get a place on the Suns roster.
That's what I noticed from the Vegas games. Enjoy the summer everyone !
Go Suns !
Saturday, July 14, 2007
D.J. can play
I think we are starting to get some (summer) certainties from Vegas and one is that D.J. Strawberry can play and I think has a solid chance to make the roster comes October.In the Suns 85-89 loss to the Blazers the Straw scored 27 with 8 assists (along with 6 TO to be precise) and had more rebounds than Tucker (ok...that's 2-1 in favour of D.J.).
Speaking of boards I think Tucker could be much better, Alando has just 2.5 rebounds per game in the first 4 summer games while playing over 32 minutes a night. The other Summer Suns starting forward Otis George had 10 last night and is averaging 8.8 per game.
I think rebounding could be a big key, comes training camp, for those hoping to make the Suns roster for next season.
The last game of the Vegas campaign is tonight (Sunday) at 5 PM vs the Hornets. It should be live on NBA TV.
One last note, if you didn't have a chance to listen to Grant Hill introduction press conference, Just Do It ! The man is very entertaining and it's a funny 21 minutes and makes you count the days till Opening Day (it's more or less 150 days just in case)Go Suns !
Friday, July 13, 2007
Nice win for the Suns
The third game of the summer league finally gave the Suns a (nice) win, 94-86 over the Hornets.
What I really like about the Summer Suns so far is that we're getting some positive signs from each game: Marcus Banks (in the first game), D.J. Strawberry, Alando Tucker, Otis George and now Ron Hale.
The best things out of yesterday game: Hale scoring 25 points off the bench, D.J. dishing 9 assists, George and Sow getting 8 boards including 4 on offense for Pape. The most satisfying thing to watch I think was the way D.J. plays the game and stays on the field. I think he will be a solid pro someday, although I am not sure it'll be with the Suns. You can read a short interview with the young Strawberry on the Suns homepage.
On the negative side, I would like to underline the poor overall shooting from Tucker and D.J. going a combined 9-33. While you really can't expect much offence from D.J., I think Tucker could do better than that (he's shooting .417 in three summer games so far) even if we already knew he's not a shooter.
Next game later today against the Blazers (10.30 ET) as you all know, We won't be able to take a look at Oden.
On a final note since it's summer and people generally have more time to relax and maybe read some book, I found a nice link on The Painted Area Blog, listing the best 25 basketball books of the last couple of years. It's a nice read itself and possibly could be a nice occasion to pick up one for an upcoming vacation or a weekend at the beach...or maybe, just read the wonderful Jack McCallum's Seven Seconds or Less once more.
Go Summer Suns!
What I really like about the Summer Suns so far is that we're getting some positive signs from each game: Marcus Banks (in the first game), D.J. Strawberry, Alando Tucker, Otis George and now Ron Hale.
The best things out of yesterday game: Hale scoring 25 points off the bench, D.J. dishing 9 assists, George and Sow getting 8 boards including 4 on offense for Pape. The most satisfying thing to watch I think was the way D.J. plays the game and stays on the field. I think he will be a solid pro someday, although I am not sure it'll be with the Suns. You can read a short interview with the young Strawberry on the Suns homepage.
On the negative side, I would like to underline the poor overall shooting from Tucker and D.J. going a combined 9-33. While you really can't expect much offence from D.J., I think Tucker could do better than that (he's shooting .417 in three summer games so far) even if we already knew he's not a shooter.
Next game later today against the Blazers (10.30 ET) as you all know, We won't be able to take a look at Oden.
On a final note since it's summer and people generally have more time to relax and maybe read some book, I found a nice link on The Painted Area Blog, listing the best 25 basketball books of the last couple of years. It's a nice read itself and possibly could be a nice occasion to pick up one for an upcoming vacation or a weekend at the beach...or maybe, just read the wonderful Jack McCallum's Seven Seconds or Less once more.
Go Summer Suns!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
A good day for the Suns
It was a good day for the Suns as Grant Hill was introduced during a press conference and the rookies played a solid game in the Second summer league game of the year.
You can watch the conference on the official site and see yourself how great Grant looks in a Suns uniform. Hill is sitting next to Steve Kerr and Coach D'Antoni who seems the happiest guy in Arizona right now.
Speaking of the game in Vegas, itwas a 104-101 OT loss to the Sixers. I haven't been able to watch the game but the boxscore and the recap from NBA.com seem to confirm it was an entertaining game and a nice performance from our two draft picks: the Junior Straw, starting in place of Marcus Banks, scored 19 (shooting 8-17) had 7 assists and 3 steals; Tucker had 29 (on 19 shots) and by the way was 8-10 from FT line. The other player who is having a good start to the summer campaign is George: 20 points (8-12 from the field) and 6 rebounds for Otis, not to mention the 10 fouls!
Welcome to the Suns, Grant !
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Game notes from Vegas
The first game of the Summer Suns was a 93-89 loss to the Cavs. I know nobody really cares too much about the outcome of those games but there were some good news from Vegas. Marcus Banks, back at the UNLV gym, scored 42 points (23 in the 4th quarter alone) and shoot 13-19 from the field including 4-5 from 3-point range. I think it's good news, mainly because it means - at least I assume - Marcus is ready to fight for his place in tha rotation and he's taking this Summer league games seriously: a comeback from Banks could be the best move of the off season. I know...it's just ONE summer game, but I feel quite optimistic.
There was also some solid play from Alando Tucker, who was in action for 33 minutes and scored 13 points. Speaking of Alando, there was a very nice story about him in yesterday Republic, describing the young man's battle to stay out of trouble (drugs, gangs...) and become an NBA player. As I wrote before, I think I like the man, I am sure Suns fans will love him.
Next game will be tomorrow against the Summer Sixers at 8PM, Vegas Time. We should be able to catch it live (if you really can't live without basketball in July) on NBA TV.
Go Suns !
There was also some solid play from Alando Tucker, who was in action for 33 minutes and scored 13 points. Speaking of Alando, there was a very nice story about him in yesterday Republic, describing the young man's battle to stay out of trouble (drugs, gangs...) and become an NBA player. As I wrote before, I think I like the man, I am sure Suns fans will love him.
Next game will be tomorrow against the Summer Sixers at 8PM, Vegas Time. We should be able to catch it live (if you really can't live without basketball in July) on NBA TV.
Go Suns !
Sunday, July 8, 2007
In the Summer (League) Time
I really love Summer League basketball. I know, it's not really great basketball (not even close) and basically everyone tries to score on every play, and there is no foul trouble, no decent team defense...but that's the point. I mean where else could you watch some talented players just having fun and showing their game to get a contract for next season? And then you can see the players, just out of the Draft, for the first time as pro; speaking of which the first games gave us a 10-foul game from Oden, Durant 5 of 17 shooting and Belinelli netting 37 (What a way to start Beli!).
Speaking of the Suns, they open the Vegas season tomorrow, under Coach Weber with the first game on Monday night and a couple of games available on NBA TV. I am really looking forward to see our new Suns in action.
I don't think, other than Marcus Banks, Tucker and D.J., there's a player on the summer roster with a real chance of making it with the Suns for next year. There are 2-3 players who could at least make it to training camp. If I had to pick one I would say Pape Sow probably has the best chance of the bunch: he's athletic, plays forward/center, and if the Suns are able to trade away Kurt Thomas and his salary, he could even find a roster spot. By the way, according to the Suns Summer League Media Guide he speaks "Wolof" (being from Senegal) which you never know might be useful in today's game as you could take trash talk to another level (Naka mu ? i.e. means What's up).
Enjoy the games. In the summertime when the weather is hot...Chh chh-chh, uh Chh chh-chh, uh
Go Suns !
Speaking of the Suns, they open the Vegas season tomorrow, under Coach Weber with the first game on Monday night and a couple of games available on NBA TV. I am really looking forward to see our new Suns in action.
I don't think, other than Marcus Banks, Tucker and D.J., there's a player on the summer roster with a real chance of making it with the Suns for next year. There are 2-3 players who could at least make it to training camp. If I had to pick one I would say Pape Sow probably has the best chance of the bunch: he's athletic, plays forward/center, and if the Suns are able to trade away Kurt Thomas and his salary, he could even find a roster spot. By the way, according to the Suns Summer League Media Guide he speaks "Wolof" (being from Senegal) which you never know might be useful in today's game as you could take trash talk to another level (Naka mu ? i.e. means What's up).
Enjoy the games. In the summertime when the weather is hot...Chh chh-chh, uh Chh chh-chh, uh
Go Suns !
Thursday, July 5, 2007
*** Vote for Steve Nash ! ***
ESPN is running a Who's Now Survey to determine the Ultimate Sports Star.
Nash is in the Michael Jordan Bracket and is currently going against Serena Williams.
Click here to vote ! Vote Steve ! Vote Now !
Click here to vote ! Vote Steve ! Vote Now !
Extra ! Extra ! Grant Hill to sign with Phoenix
According to ESPN.com Grant Hill has agreed to a two-year deal with our beloved Suns !
The Suns of course won't be able to confirm the deal until July 11th, but it seems like it's a deal. It's reported by Paul Coro on the Republic homepage as well.
Hill will add leadership, minutes and points off the bench and great experience which should be of huge help in next year's playoffs.
The deal, if the news on ESPN is correct, is a preatty good one as Chad Ford reports it will be a two-year deal worth 1.8 million $ next year and 2 million in 2008-09. Given the kind of player he is I really believe the price is more than fair.
And all it took was a Steve Kerr phone call !
Go Suns !
The Suns of course won't be able to confirm the deal until July 11th, but it seems like it's a deal. It's reported by Paul Coro on the Republic homepage as well.
Hill will add leadership, minutes and points off the bench and great experience which should be of huge help in next year's playoffs.
The deal, if the news on ESPN is correct, is a preatty good one as Chad Ford reports it will be a two-year deal worth 1.8 million $ next year and 2 million in 2008-09. Given the kind of player he is I really believe the price is more than fair.
And all it took was a Steve Kerr phone call !
Go Suns !
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Anyone willing to play for a winner here?
We're entering that part of the off season when the talk is all about free agents. Who's going where, who's moving, who's staying and, above all, who are the Suns going to sign.
Taking a look at the list of free agents on ESPN.com, not counting those the Suns won't afford to sign anyway, there aren't really many good choices around.
Some of them - and I won't mention the top 4-5 players - would be of great help to the Suns: guys like Mo' Peterson, Desmond Mason, Ruben Patterson. None will be signed by the Suns, I am afraid, not after drafting Tucker at forward. I would have loved to have Luke Walton in Phoenix, but that's not going to happen anyway.
There's even some talk of bringing back Allan Houston, well I am sure he would not cost a fortune, I don't know if he'll able to play much either. He was a great shooter, possibly the best in the League, but how difficoult would be to come back after 2 years of inactivity? Could be a steal but I am not sure it's worth the risk anyway.
All the talks has focused on Grant Hill who would be a great fit in the club since he could provide solid play off the bench, experience and, if last year was any indication, 20-25 minutes, at least 10 points (not to mention a couple of assists) every night. I am not sure he will come cheap, but at this stage of his carreer he'll love to play for a winner. Grant Hill will be the Suns' main target this off season. Steve Kerr is already on the phone !
The toughest job will be to find a decent back up at PG. Any decent point guard will cost too much and I am starting to feel Coach D'Antoni will give Marcus Banks another chance, which would be a surprise. I remember seeing Mike D'Antoni play, I have seen him a lot over here back "last century", and he seemed to be making the right decision all the time, he knows a lot about playing that position and I think he has seen enough of Banks.
Back to the draft for a second, I am sure everyone will love "Doe" Tucker. He comes from a tough Chicago neighbourhood and was able to stay away from drugs, gangs and all the tragedy that comes with them. There's a nice article in the East Valley Tribune reprinted in the Suns official site.
He spent 4 years in college and completed his degree. I really hope he'll be able to fit well in a Suns team made of decent men, even before great players. Good Luck Alando. We'll be rooting for you.
Go Suns !
Taking a look at the list of free agents on ESPN.com, not counting those the Suns won't afford to sign anyway, there aren't really many good choices around.
Some of them - and I won't mention the top 4-5 players - would be of great help to the Suns: guys like Mo' Peterson, Desmond Mason, Ruben Patterson. None will be signed by the Suns, I am afraid, not after drafting Tucker at forward. I would have loved to have Luke Walton in Phoenix, but that's not going to happen anyway.
There's even some talk of bringing back Allan Houston, well I am sure he would not cost a fortune, I don't know if he'll able to play much either. He was a great shooter, possibly the best in the League, but how difficoult would be to come back after 2 years of inactivity? Could be a steal but I am not sure it's worth the risk anyway.
All the talks has focused on Grant Hill who would be a great fit in the club since he could provide solid play off the bench, experience and, if last year was any indication, 20-25 minutes, at least 10 points (not to mention a couple of assists) every night. I am not sure he will come cheap, but at this stage of his carreer he'll love to play for a winner. Grant Hill will be the Suns' main target this off season. Steve Kerr is already on the phone !
The toughest job will be to find a decent back up at PG. Any decent point guard will cost too much and I am starting to feel Coach D'Antoni will give Marcus Banks another chance, which would be a surprise. I remember seeing Mike D'Antoni play, I have seen him a lot over here back "last century", and he seemed to be making the right decision all the time, he knows a lot about playing that position and I think he has seen enough of Banks.
Back to the draft for a second, I am sure everyone will love "Doe" Tucker. He comes from a tough Chicago neighbourhood and was able to stay away from drugs, gangs and all the tragedy that comes with them. There's a nice article in the East Valley Tribune reprinted in the Suns official site.
He spent 4 years in college and completed his degree. I really hope he'll be able to fit well in a Suns team made of decent men, even before great players. Good Luck Alando. We'll be rooting for you.
Go Suns !
Sunday, July 1, 2007
NBA Dress Code
One of the funniest things about the NBA Draft is the way these young athletes are dressing up for one of the biggest nights of their lives. There's a very nice Photo Gallery on NBA.com where you could have a look yourself. I did and I here's my favourite:
And finally a special mention to my fellow Italian Marco Belinelli and his black on black on black.
Marco, did you really had to go to NYC to get dressed like one of the Sopranos?
Best dress (not even close): Joakim Noah
He was dressed like a 19th century gentleman, straight out of Paris' Saint Germain...and that Bulls hat, just perfect!
I would like to assign a special mention to the worst tie I have ever seen...The award goes to Mike Conley Jr. Hey Mike, what was that, some piece of luxury carpet?
And finally a special mention to my fellow Italian Marco Belinelli and his black on black on black.Marco, did you really had to go to NYC to get dressed like one of the Sopranos?
From day 1, it looks like the NBA Dress Committee, will have some serious work to do on the 2007 rookie class.
By the way, I am still thinking about the Suns draft, I am still undecided is the glass is half full or half empty. I am not sure, but let's not forget this Suns team is a great one, the players we have right now are the best in the league.
Go Suns !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
