SB Nation User Blog: UASun

Our team needs a name change

UASun — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:45:49 -0000

I'm not talking about the Suns part. It seems like this franchise has always embodied the Phoenix more than some burning ball of gas; and what's most depressing about this offseason is that it is so a-typical of this franchise. Let me explain:

The Birth - Obviously we weren't a great franchise immediately out of the gate, due to some coin flip or something (I'm so tired of hearing about this from my father). But we reached that first Finals in 76, played in the greatest NBA game every played, and were legit. This starts the Sun's Phoenix trend, where a good team reaches a peak, blazes brightly and then eventually gets destroyed - this time in the infamous drug busts of the 80s. This of course leads to our first . .

Re-Birth- After the drug scandal, our good team gets dies as the peices get torn apart. Walter Davis' cap space turns into Tom Chambers, Larry Nance turns into KJ, Thunder Dan and Mark West, and eventually the only player to survive the drug purge (Hornacek) turns into Charles Barkely. We rise from the ashes to glorious heights, and then, of course, flame out like a Phoenix. We then proceed to repeat the cycle in much quicker bursts. The teams dies with Barkely being shipped to Rockets for the infamous pu pu platter, netting us Horry, Cassel and a pile of steaming dog crap. However, we turn Nash into Marion, Horry into Ceballos into Ceballos and Finley for Jason Kidd

The Renaissance of Almost Awesomeness - We bring in Kidd, Sign Penny (people forget how AMAZING he was his one healthy year here. He destroyed the Spurs in the playoffs. Man I feel bad for him.) Draft Marion. Win 50 games like 5 years in a row, but when your best players are Kidd and Marion you know you're going to choke in the playoffs, so we blow it up again. and get

The Aborted Renaissance - We tried to pull off another re-birth by acquiring Marbury (who I'm ashamed to admit I used to love), but if failed. However, we pulled it off successfully a few years

The Infamous SSOL Renaissance - The perfect example of how stockpiling young talent (JJ, who we got for rodney rogers and tony freaking delk, Marion and Amare), and swinging for the fences in free agency (remember how everyone though we were going after Kobe that year, and we signed Nash like two days in?) can pull a team around. I cannot remind you all enough how depressing that Marbury-Tsakalidis team was. Man. But we made a strong decision and went for it.

THAT'S what's most depressing about this offseason - nothing. What I love about this franchise is that it's always doing something - whether it's adding parts (be it Walter D, The Chuckster, Penny, Hill) or just blowing it all to hell, there is never limbo for long. We've basically been in that state for a year now (The Porter hiring was the ultimate "what the hell are we going to do here, let's just tread water" move) and it's bizarre to me. And don't say it's all because the Colangelo's left - don't forget Jerry didn't own the 76 Finals team, and he ran the chuckster our of town in a horrible trade that barely got salvaged down the road. And it's not Bryan - he just massively overpayed a 31 year old, chubby turkish small forward.

This may be blasphemous, but I think that SSOL team in some ways ruined the franchise. I don't remember any suns team being as fanatically followed as that one; my father kinda talks about the 76 "Sunderella" team like that, but the 80s weren't like that, the Kidd teams weren't like that, and the hoopla in 93 was largely all around Barkely. I think everyone loved that team so much (maybe too much for how few rings they brought home) that we, as fans, got way too demanding, and that has hamstrung the team.

Now Kerr is mortified to be the guy who let Nash get away(even if it's his time), got his balls cut off for pulling off the kinda of gutsy trade (if misguided) that has defined the suns,may be trying to get too much in return for Amare to salvage his legacy, and tried to fix the suns much-maligned lack of young talent by swinging for the fences with a talented but crazy rookie.

We need to do something. If we're contending, add Chandler and make a run for it. If' were going for 2010, extend Nash at a reasonable amount (next to the winter weather, the chance of playing with him is the best lure we have) and trade Amare. If we are straight up rebuilding, trade Nash, try to keep Amare at below the maximum, and don't re-take Hill or Barnes.

I know it's easy to play arm-chair GM, but all I want is for the team to do something. And I think, as fans, it might be time to shove a sock in all the whining and let the team make a move. If you are bailing on the team because we blew up SSOL or less, and kicked D'Antoni out, and blah blah blah bullcrap, you're probably the same fans who bailed when Barkely left, and it's time to say: Good riddance. Get the hell of the bandwagon. I'm a Phoenix fan, dammit; this team has gone through so many changes, it's part of our identity. We are on of the best franchises in the NBA, maybe in sports; and I am excited for the future.

If it ever gets here.

Get Ariza NOW

UASun — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:26:50 -0000

According to ESPN, Trevor Ariza is now set on leaving the Lakers due to apparent bad blood, and is willing to accept the mid-level amount.

I think the Suns should move on this, and fast. Here's why:

1. Youth - We could resign Hill and get someone like Dice or Smith. But why? If we are trying to get younger, why not sign Ariza? While I'm not a deluded Lakers fan who believes he's the next Scottie Pippen, I don't see any reason why he can't replicate what Shawn Marion did for this team in the Run and Gun offense. I'm not even saying Ariza is as good as Marion in his prime, just that he's a great rebounder, defender, athletic finisher, and unlike Marion, doesn't need to be a #1 or 2 opttion.

2. Talent - I kind of already covered this, but I don't think Hill gives you a lot more than Ariza does anyway. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Grant Hill. But he's billed as our "top defender" and honestly, Ariza is much better in that category. Ariza may not have the shooting touch, but I think his speed makes up for it. I would love to see him grabbing lobs from Nash.

3. Money - I know the Suns don't have a lot of it. But we did save a deal of it in the Shaq trade - around 3 million, if I'm right. I believe the Mid-level exception is a bit shy of 6 million a year? Well, were' definitely gonna get another 3 from Ben Wallace - either from trading him for Chandler (which I've seen nets us about 2.5 mill in savings) or even more in a buyout. If it comes down to it, I'd even rather have Ariza than Chandler. I would also dump J-Rich basically to make this happen.

Is it possible? I think so. If there is bad blood between Ariza and the Lakers, the Suns give him a great chance to stick to Kupchak and the boys in gold. Honestly, I also think we're a better fit that some of the other teams going after him too. Besides, look at this roster, and tell me it doesn't make you salivate:

Nash/Dragic

Richardson/Barbosa

Ariza/Clark

Stoudemire/Amundson

Chandler/Lopez

Folks. we have here the best starting 5 since 2004, the first with a legit center, and a honest-to-goodness bench. Hell, I'm not even sure Grant doesn't resign for the vet minimum if we can pull this off, because we would have as good of a chance as anyone in the west to take out the lakers

Don't Trade Amare

UASun — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:11:00 -0000

If the Warriors send us Curry, Bellinelli, Wright and Biedrins, then I might reconsider. Anything less, and I cannot accept this as a sound basketball decision. This is for four reasons:

1. Necessity of a cornerstone - I agree he hasn't lived up to potential, hasn't improved defensively, etc, etc . . . but the very fact that we might get all those players back for Amare proves he's a franchise cornerstone. That's right, I said it! You can absolutely build a team around a guy who goes for 26 and 8 and 1. The nuggets made it to the WCF with Carmelo basically puttting up those numbers. And to everyone who complains about the defense - it's a valid point, but I never want to hear those same people pining for a SSOL team again. The point is to score teams off the floor. There is not a better PF in the game for that, period. Curry and (maybe) Randolph are the only two guys GS has that might prove to be a franchise cornerstone. If you're not getting that in return, you're setting yourself back not just for a few years, but indefinitely, until you find another franchise guy. The Bulls waited what, 10 years? No thanks

2. the BFD factor - basically, when it comes to Biedrins, Wright and/or Bellineli, my point is: BFD. You cannot build a team around Biedrins - he's at best the 4th best player on a championship team. I don't even like Lopez, but I see no reason he can't get there in two or three years. Same thing with Wright - we might of well just drafted Austin Daye. He has shown no signs of realizing his "potential", and while I like Bellineli (but can't spell his name), talk about massive overkill at the 2 position.

3. 2010 - Everyone is saying Amare might leave in '10; one, in no way is that a given. If you just look at the hesitency of teams trying to trade for him, there's no reason to believe 10 teams will be throwing max contracts at him. Second, if he walks, I would 100% honest to god rather have that 20 million to throw at Bosh or Wade than have half of it tied up in freakin Biedrins.

4. TRADE FOR CHANDLER - Chandler is every bit the player Biedrins is. No, not as young. But everyone here has commented how ironic it is we are trading Amare for Biedrins, when Biedrins is really good to us as someone to play next to Amare. Well screw that! Let's put someone next to Amare! If it doesn't work, I'm 100% sure we can shop Chandler at the next draft, since he'll only have one year on the contract, Billy Bean style.

Post Shaq trade ideas

UASun — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:18:30 -0000

First, I want to say to almost everyone - Lighten Up! This is not the end of the world - even as a young suns fan, I've endured Majerle for Hot Rod Williams, Barkely for Cassel and Horry, Kidd for Marbury, and much more. Shaq is not Majerle. Shaq is not Barkley, and Shaq is not Kidd. I like Shaq as a player and a personality, wish it could have worked for him here, wish him well in Clevelend, and this this trade was for the better. He didn't have a future here. So let's all put our balls back on, calm down, and look at the Bright Side. This team is the PHOENIX suns for a reason. With that said, I do think the Suns are blowing everything up, and I had some ideas.

I just wanted to get these down- I honestly think all of the following trades have a 50% chance of happening, and I want credit, damnit. No, I don't have any sources, just too much time with the Trade Machine and an over-active imagination.

1. Ben Wallace and some second round picks to the Hornets for Tyson Chandler.

About 5 sources have already alluded to this, but it's been blatantly obvious that the Hornets were willing to do this trade with the Cavs, only the Cav's didn't want to. I think this has a 60 percent chance of happening; The Suns made the Cavs trade first because they could cut Pavlovic lose immediately, where they might have had to taken some worse contracts on from the Hornets, like we mentioned earlier. If this is true, I want everyone on this site to realize how good a job Kerr did in bringing on Chandler while side-swiping the Hornet's bad contracts, and you should all tell me how Kerr's ass tastes. If not, I will look stupid. Not the first time

2. Steve Nash and Barbosa, and #14 to The Boston Celtics for Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen, or Nash and Richardson and the #14 to the Celtics for Allen, Scalabrine and Rondo

The Celtics want to trade Rondo. They want to get in the lottery. Nash DESERVES a ring. I don't want him to leave, but I want him to do well, and if we blow it up he deserves to leave. He's a horrible fit for Portland (although I think he may head there anyway - Nash for Bayless and Outlaw, basically). Obviously, I would rather have the second of these two trades happen, and maybe we can throw Sasha in there instead of Barbosa to make that trade happen. Anyway, I think Nash will leave, and it will be to Boston, Portland, or . .

2.5 Steve Nash and the #14 for Jose Calderon, Marcus Banks and the #9

Apparently the Raptors are willing to unload Calderon, and Nash would be a huge coup for them, plus Nash and B-C have a good relationship.

3. Amare Stoudemire to the Hawks for Josh Smith

I think the Hawks have to throw some more contracts in their to make it work, but they want Amare, and apparently Amare wants to be there, which is huge, cause the team that trades for him will want him to re-sign him. A couple more options for Amare-

4. Amare Stoudemire to the Grizzlies for Rudy Gay and Darko Millic

Gay is talented, young, the Grizz seem to want Amare, and I just don't know if we're gonna get much more than that in return for him. My last Amare idea-

5. Amare Stoudemire for Kenny Thomas, Jason Thompson and the #4 pick

This is my favorite. I don't quite understand the King's cap position- we might have to take Udrih (blah) but I love this trade because Thompson is a good, young replacement for Amare, and RUBIO will be there at #4. Man I hope this happens.

6. Jason Richardson to the Clippers for Marcus Camby and Jason Hart

My second favorite trade. Yes, I am convinced Dunleavy is dumb enough to make this trade, and to be fair, I think it's the most talent wise (even if the fit isn't great) that the Clippers will get for Camby, who will fit in our run and gun system for a year, then be a free agent. Heres what I think will happen, in probability -

Wallace to Hornets for Chandler

Nash to Celtics for Rubio and Allen

Amare to Grizz, then Amare to AC" class="sbn-auto-link">Kings (only because I think we might hold onto him until the deadline)

Nash to Blazers

Nash to Toronto

Richardson to Clippers

Here's some Nostradamus coming at you

Total Destruction

UASun — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:32:22 -0000

The day before the draft, (as I see it, our last chance for major overhaul) I figured I would roll out my huge, crazy, insane rebuilding project, and pray that Kerr reads it. Be warned, the only players I plan on keeping are Barbosa, Dudley and Lopez

Trade #1: Amare Stoudemire and the #14 pick for Rudy Gay and the #2 pick.

Why the Suns do it: We want to unload Amare. It's already known that we like Gay. We almost got him in an earlier trade before Chris Wallace went gun shy (Chad Ford discussed as much recently in ESPN). This trade gives us our guy, and, at #2, the final heir apparent to Steve Nash - Ricky Rubio!

Why the Grizzlies do it: Gay and Mayo cannot fit on the same team- not enough touches to go around. The Grizz get their inside scoring option to go with Mayo (personally, I would love to build around a Conley-Mayo-Stoudemire trio) and alleviats the clear problem they have at #2. I think Chris Wallace pulls of this trade because, short term, the Grizz are the immediate winners. If I were the suns, I would throw in a future number 1 if I have to as well.

Trade #2: Shaq to anyone. Preferebly the Hornets for Chandler and Wright.

Why the Suns do it: I think Shaq tried as hard as, and was good as anyone last year. That said, he's not a fit here. And from attending the last 5 home games, Lopez was half-decent when he got playing time. I do think Chandler can be had for Shaq, and that gives you a good big to build around (Chandler) who, if he doesn't pan out or gets injured, it's okay, because Lopez needs some playing time. Not only that, you know have consistency at the 5 with two athletic, defensive centers.

Why the Hornets do it - This is, with out a doubt, the best salary-cap shedding moves the Hornets have out there. The teams with the partially guaranteed contracts (Mavs, Cavs, Bucks) have no interest in Chandler. If the Hornets aren't game, the trade becomes -

Shaq and Tucker to Cavs. Ben Wallace and draft pick to Clippers. Camby, Pavlovic to Suns.

This trade happens because the Cavs need an offensive threat, which Camby is not. ESPN has reported that the Suns and Cavs are desperately trying to find a third team - the Clippers can fit that role, because they desperately want to shed camby both to get cap space and room for Griffin, which the retiring Ben Wallace will give them

Trade #3. Steve Nash to the Knicks in a sign and trade for David Lee and the 2010 #1, or the #8 this year.

New York wants Nash. Nash wants New York. Let's not delay the inevitable. Hopefully #8 will be Hill or Evans or something, giving the Suns this lineup:

Trade #4: Jason Richardson to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Corey Brewer, Etan Thomas and Mark Madsen

I forgot to put this trade in here; Chucko ripped me a new one and it reminded me. Anyway . . .

Why the Suns do it: Shed J-Rich's contract, get a young, defensive wing player, and possible big help in Etan Thomas, although he's really there because his contract comes up.

Why the Timberwolves do it: They got rid of all there decent wing players; Richardson becomes their backcourt scorer.

Rubio/Dragic

Barbosa/Brewer (yes we should start Barbosa).

Gay/Hill

Lee/Amundson

Camby-Chandler-Lopez

We are the run and gun team of the future. I think this team is actually better defensively - Rubio is already better than Nash, Barbosa is not awful (better than J-Rich) Gay has flashes of greatness defensively (he just needs to apply himself - I know it's a big if, but that what Hill is for hopefully) we can dominate the boards with Lee, and Camby/Chandler, and have a good future froncourt with Lee and Lopez.

Plus, you've got three years of rookie contracts for Rubio, Gay, and Lopez, with Hill and Barbosa at reasonable contracts. If we dump J-Rich by the trade deadline, we should have enough money (13 mil) to sign a FREE AGENT in addition to the Rubio-Barbosa-Gay-Lee-Lopez core.

Of course, in real life, we'll draft Earl Clark, who will have a Casey Jacobson career, trade Shaq for Ben Wallace, dump Amare at the deadline for something like Rodney Stuckey and Rip Hamilton (blech) and lose nash in free agency.

J-Rich (or Amare) to the Hawks for Josh Smith?

UASun — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:26:07 -0000

According to ESPN.com Insider (which, by the way is expensive, tempermental, and disappointing - save your money), the Hawks are trying to move Josh Smith. Since the Suns have had a supremely talented, athletic and moody forward before, I figured . . . why not give it a try

Here's the trade:

The Suns get: Josh Smith, Speedy Claxton and the #19 pick

The Hawks get Jason Richardson and the #14 pick

Why the Suns pull the trigger: The young building block the Suns need. You can absolutely build around Barbosa, Smith and Amare. I probably wouldn't feel safe in a dark room with Josh Smith, but he's a hell of a basketball player, and a perfect fit in an ump-tempo system. They idea of Nash feeding him lobs makes me giddy.

Why the Hawks pull the trigger: Apparently they're fed up with Smith. I know, this isn't want you want to hear when you're trading for the player, but sometimes the team simply not patient enough, and gives up too soon (shades of Marion to Miami, or Nash and Finley to Dallas). It also saves them around 3 million in cap space, which they need, and moves them up in the draft. J-Rich can play the 3, and gives them a #2 scoring option, something they need, since Smith isn't a pure scorer.

I'd even be ok with this trade if it meant straight up sending them the pick, and dumping Shaq on the Cavs to make the room.

[Note by Phoenix Stan, 06/16/09 7:36 AM MST ]

When I saw yesterday that Smith was on the blocks I immediately thought about this too. I am not thrilled with the $6m immediate trade kicker that Smith gets if he's traded and especially not thrilled with his contract which is through 2013 but it does only max out at $13m. Smith with this contract would be a huge gamble. At his age if he matures he could be a key center piece for a long time signed to a reasonable deal. If he's a bust who never improves he's an albatros on the organization's books for a long time.

Having Smith and Amare on the same team is intriguing as well. You put those two on the floor together and you've got the most athletic front line by far. If you move Shaq for salary room this deal almost makes more sense since since you would free up the playing time needed to rotate Amare, Smith and Lopez (for defense). You also increase your bargaining position with Amare since you could better afford to lose Amare if Smith is locked up.

The next obvious question here considering Smith is on the blocks is trading Amare himself.

We all know that Amare would love to play in Atlanta where his "record" label is based so do you consider sending him to Atlanta for Smith? I had always considered Atlanta a potential landing spot for Amare but figured they wouldn't be willing to deal Smith to get him. Now it looks like things have changed in the ATL.

Poll

Are you interested in seeing Josh Smith become a Phoenix Sun?

No way. He's an over-paid head case.

48 votes

Yes! I like trading JRich to get him

263 votes

Yes! I like trading Amare to get him

21 votes

332 votes | Poll has closed

Nash AND Amare trade

UASun — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:48:17 -0000

Alright, this post is partially in jest to all the other crazy trade rumours (I'm looking at you, Rondo/Allen trade). But the more I think about it, the more I like it.

To Chicago: Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire,

To Phoenix: Derrick Rose, Loul Deng, Ty Thomas, Tim Thomas

Why Chicago does it: I firmly believe this trade makes Chicago contenders, if not favorites. This trade gives Chicago the cap room to resign Gordon, making their lineup:

Nash

Hinrich/Gordon

Salmons

Amare

Miller/Noah

No way that team doesn't contend in the East.

Why Phoenix does it: Want to blow it up? Want to rebuild? This is your wish. Rose is the next great point guard - Nash is replaced. I believe in Deng's talent, and most of the Suns fans would deal Amare for Salmons, Thomas and Thomas anyway. Deng is younger, quicker, and more talented than Salmons, it's known the Bulls want to deal him, and we still get the next PF. Lineup of the future:

Rose/Dragic

Barbosa/Johnson?

Richardson/Clark

Thomas/Blair?

Lopez

Better than rebuilding with Antawn "Creaky Hips" Jamison, people.

Yes, it's a huge deal, but huge deals have been done before. I think the Bulls will be looking to capitalize on their glut of talent know that John (I'm terrified of dealing for a superstar) Paxson is gone.

What the Lakers struggles mean for the Suns

UASun — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:43:29 -0000

If the Western Conference finals ends up Houston vs. Denver. Even with Amare out, I 100% firmly believe the Suns can beat either of those teams in 7 game series. We took the nuggets in the regular season, and Lord knows we can take the Rockets with Yao out. This is killing me.

Let's say we take the Mav's place - we glide by a depleted, decrepit San Antonio Team, Shaq abuses K-Mart down low, Nash matches Billups shot for shot, we take the Nuggets just like we did in the regular season, then put Shaq up against Carl FREAKING Landry? Say what you will about Shaq, but he's not disappearing Like Pau or Bynum. He take Landry to task, and we all know it.

I do think this bodes well for our future. If San Antonio is really this old, and LA is reallly struggling this much . . . I'm fine bringing back our same exact team. But I can't help thinking we could have done something this year.

If you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some kerosene . . .

[Note by Phoenix Stan, 05/15/09 1:37 PM MST ]

I have been thinking along these same lines regarding the Lakers and how less then great they are looking and what that means for the Suns.

I would also point out that the Lakers will be losing Odom and Ariza to free agency. Both are unrestricted and with Bynum's big extension kicking in next season they are already at about $76m without Tervor and Lamar. I suppose it is possible they will find a way to keep one or both but it is also quite likely that next year's Lakers will be with out those key pieces.

Are the Suns a contender if they come back in tact? Probably not, but they are by no means a lottery team again either.

Crazy is different than impossible

UASun — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:38:01 -0000

Plus, it's not like there's a whole lot of Suns-related news right now, and no offense PhoenixStan, but I'm not big on the WNBA.

I saw a post from a TrueHoop network blog about the 76ers trading Iggy for Gordon, and it got me thinking. If Iggy and Dalembert want out of Philly, what about coming to phoenix? Stick with me here.

From my humble calculations, the Sixers will be around 4 to 4.5 million dollars under the cap this year. The Suns want to move J-Rich and Shaq for talent and cap space, with Philly in a similar situation. Here's the trade

To Phoenix: Igoudala, Dalembert, Reggie Evans and Jason Smith and the #17 pick

To Philly: Richardson, O'Neal and the #14 pick

Here's why it works, cap-space wise:

Phoenix: The Suns are shredding around 5 millions from their payroll (which is, of course, around ten million because of the luxury tax). Dalembert's contract expires the same year as Richardson's if he doesn't work out, and the only "bad" contract is reggie evans, who is at about 4.6 for the next three years.

Philly: The Sixers shed their salary-cap albotross in Dalembert, and get monster cap space for the summer of LeBron.

Here's why it works, talent wise:

Phoenix: Igoudala replaces the energy, hustle and DEFENSE lost by Marion. If we're playing fast paced, a Nash-Barbosa-Iggy-Stoudemire-Dalembert lineup would, in my humble opinion, bring back the glory days- in Iggy we would finally have our stopper. Dalmbert, in a bad year, averaged the same blocks and rebounds as Shaq did, would fit better next to Amare, and I bet would have a better chance of repeating those numbers that Shaq will. You can also go Nash-Iggy-Hill-Stoudemire-Dalmbert for a suprisingly decent defensive team, that can still score, because unlike Bell or Marion, Iggy can create his own shot. Evans becomes the back-up big man that we need. Teague or Holliday should be available at 17 for us to draft.

Philly: It seems to be a fore-gone conclusion that Dalembert is on his way out, and Iggy wants to be. J-Rich can put up all the numbers Iggy can offensively, and most importantly he lets them play Thad Young at the 3, whom they seem to be enamored with. A Williams-Richardson-Young-Brand/Speights-O'Neal lineup would be just as good as last year, would give them a chance to build around Lou, Young and Speights, and would give them that precious cap space.

Obviously, I am enamored with this trade. So sue me. I may harbor a man-crush on Iggy, but it still seems like a good trade.

Shaq finally gone?

UASun — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 23:28:19 -0000

ESPN is talking about a trade I've been privately pushing for for months now

I like it better if it's Daniels and Wright.

I LOVE this trade. Chandler is the perfect Center to play next to Amare, as long as the rumor that they hate each other isn't true). He's not an offensive force, so he won't clog up the paint for Amare on offense, but his excellent rebounding and weak-side defense should cover Amare up on defense. This still obviously necessitates a J-Rich trade to clear up cap space else where. But I think a Barbosa-Amare-Chandler core is one you can build around.

As for his health - I'll just say I have faith in our medical staff. If we can rejuvanate a 36 year old center, I hope we can do the same for a 27 year old.