SB Nation User Blog: phxuk: Ap

Starting Centre?

phxuk: Ap — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:32:06 -0000

As the days are counting down and all the top free agents are signing with other teams and we will pick up what ever is left i found this link http://www.rotoevil.com/nba/2009-free-agents-centers (credit goes to them) i was just wondering who you guys and girls think should start centre for us on the first day of the season?

Ben Wallace and Tyson Chandler are not on the list but you can use them if you wish.

could you put the name of the player you want to start for us in the Subject box and your reasoning in the message box so it makes its easier too read for everyone, thanks (sorry if i sound anal)

The list below i copied and pasted it so its easier to look at and comment on and the credit goes to the origonal posters.

the top 5 have been signed up.(just about)

Top 5 Centers Available

While I listed the Top 10 players available for all of the other positions, this year’s crop of centers is extremely thin, and in my opinion, only 5 of them will be highly coveted. They are:

1. Mehmet Okur (Early Termination or $9.0 million)

Okur is coming off a very strong season for Utah, and since he just turned 30, he wants to secure a big contract while he still can. Memo has said many positive things about the city of Utah, and he wants to stay in a Jazz uniform, but at the same time, he wants to get paid handsomely. On his website memo13.com, he recently stated: “I will not be changing teams if there is a difference of $3-5 million in the total worth of the new contract. I believe my managers and I have let our feelings be known (to) the Jazz management.” This makes it sound like he’s going to opt out of his contract to see what kind of money he can command as the #1 center available in 2009. Fantasy Impact: assuming he stays in Utah, his stats could go up even further without Boozer around.

2. Rasheed Wallace (Unrestricted)

‘Sheed was a great fit in Detroit, but after 5+ seasons, his Pistons career has come to an end. At the age of 34, Wallace is on the decline. He shot a career-low 41.9% from the field this past season, and his 13.5 points per 36 minutes was his lowest scoring average since his rookie year. However, he can still spread the floor and play rock solid defense, and he has plenty of moxie and experience. Since he could be the “missing piece,” several playoff teams will show interest this summer. One rumor has him going to Cleveland to play with LeBron (intriguing), while another has him retiring if he doesn’t earn $8 million next season (pulling a Sprewell).

3. Chris Andersen (Unrestricted)

In one of the best NBA comeback stories of all-time, Andersen rebounded from a 2-year drug suspension to re-join his former team and help lead them to the Western Conference Finals. Along the way, he finished 2nd in blocked shots and set career-highs in several categories. Now he’s an unrestricted free agent, and I’m guessing that several teams will be contacting his agent on July 1st. His excellent production as an energy big man off the bench is undeniable, but the value of his “Birdman” persona should also be considered. Andersen is one of the most electrifying players in the league, and as a result, he’d be a fan favorite on any team. Surely the Nuggets want to bring him back, but they’ll have to pay a pretty penny to keep him. Fantasy Impact: no matter where he plays, he’ll be one of the best shot-blockers around.

4. Marcin Gortat (Restricted)

The Magic tried to keep Gortat a secret in ‘07-08 by playing him in just 6 regular season games, but in 48 playoff minutes last year, Marcin managed to scored 10 points, pull down 8 boards, and block 4 shots. In 63 regular season games this past year, Gortat made 57% of his shots and averaged 4.6 boards, .8 blocks, and 1.8 fouls in just 12.6 minutes per game. Per 36 minutes, that translates to 13.0 boards (4.4 offensive), 2.4 blocks, and 5.0 fouls. He’s getting valuable playoff experience right now, and at the age of 25, his future looks bright. Orlando would love to keep him, but they’re going to have enough trouble bringing back Hedo Turkoglu. Fantasy Impact: if he lands in the right situation, Gortat could play big minutes next season.

5. Zaza Pachulia (Unrestricted)

Pachulia is actually the same age as Gortat, because he entered the NBA at the tender age of 19. With 6 years of experience under his belt, Zaza has developed into one of the most reliable backup centers in the league. He averaged just 19.1 minutes this past season, but he shot a career-best 49.7% from the field and pulled down 10.7 rebounds per 36 minutes. The Hawks have several free agent decisions to make this summer, and if they don’t act fast, Zaza could be playing for someone else next season.

26 and Under: Decent Talents

Ryan Hollins (Restricted)

This past season, Hollins played in just 45 games and averaged a quiet 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds. However, it was a solid year for the 24-year old, as his per 36 minute stats translate to 11.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks. He also made 53% of his shots, and that number should rise as he gets more experience. Hollins is an excellent athlete for his size, and due to his relatively young age, I really like his potential. I’m not sure what Charlotte was thinking when they traded him to Dallas for DeSagana Diop, but now the Mavs will be able to match any offer made to Hollins. Fantasy Impact: for those wondering, Erick Dampier still has 2 agonizingly long years left on his contract.

Solomon Jones (Restricted)

Jones hasn’t improved much since his rookie year, so it will be interesting to see if the Hawks choose to bring him back. He’s a rather skinny big man, but his long wingspan and nice leaping ability help him to block and alter shots. His offense still needs a lot of work, and since he turns 25 in July, it’s questionable how high his upside really is.

Joel Anthony (Restricted)

Anthony turned some heads this past season, blocking 93 shots in limited minutes, for an average of 3.2 rejections per 36. Like Jones, Anthony has very long arms and is a restricted free agent this summer. One negative is that, despite only 2 years of NBA experience, Joel is already 26 years old. This means his upside is also limited, so Miami shouldn’t pay a lot to re-sign him. Fantasy Impact: is worth watching if Jermaine O’Neal can’t stay healthy.

Kyrylo Fesenko (Restricted or Team Option for $.9 million)

I’m a fan of Kyrylo Fesenko, but I’m not sure if Jerry Sloan is. The 22-year old still has a lot of maturing to do, but he has a huge body with big soft hands, and is fairly mobile for his size. Comparing both his NBA and D-League stats from his rookie year to sophomore year, he cut back on his turnovers and fouls while improving other aspects of his game. Having a guy like Kirilenko around to mentor him is hugely important, so I hope the Jazz exercise their team option on Fes.

Savvy Veterans: Solid and Cheap

Rasho Nesterovic (Unrestricted)

Believe it or not, Rasho set career highs this past season by averaging 14.0 points and 3.2 assists per 36 minutes played, and he’s shot over 50% from the field 4 seasons in a row. His rebounding and shot-blocking skills have declined, but he’s still a decent player on both ends of the floor, and at the age of 33, but he’s still a solid backup. Will the Pacers re-sign him, or are they ready to lean heavily on Roy Hibbert? Fantasy Impact: if he signs elsewhere, Hibbert and Jeff Foster will get more minutes.

Brian Skinner (Unrestricted or Player Option for $1.3 million)

Skinner was forced to play more minutes than expected due to several Clipper injuries, and he averaged a decent 7.5 points, 5.9 boards, and 1.4 blocks on 47% FG shooting in 21 starts. However, with Chris Kaman healthy and Blake Griffin arriving shortly, there won’t be much need for Skinner’s services in Los Angeles, so the 33-year old may not exercise his player option.

Theo Ratliff (Unrestricted)

Ratliff re-joined the 76ers this past season, the same team where he once averaged a league-best 3.7 blocked shots per game. At the age of 36, he’s still an elite shot-blocker, but after criticizing their coaching staff and skipping their final team meeting, Theo won’t be back in a Philly uniform.

Adonal Foyle (Unrestricted)

Foyle played a total of just 59 minutes this past season for Orlando, and in that limited action, he managed to rack up an incredible 26 rebounds and 8 blocks! So the 34-year old can still be effective, but his real value lies off the court, where he’s one of the smartest and most professional players around.

Sean Marks (Unrestricted)

He played in just 57 NBA games before the age of 29, but since then, Sean Marks has suited up for the Spurs, Suns, and Hornets. He’ll turn 34 in August and his skills are quite limited, but he’s a good 12th man/practice player, so another minimum contract seems likely.

Jamaal Magloire (Unrestricted)

He just turned 31, and he peaked a long time ago, but Magloire is still a serviceable backup center. He played 47 minutes this past postseason, and while he scored just 2 points, he pulled down 11 boards (5 offensive) and racked up 9 personal fouls. His career average of 10.8 rebounds per 36 minutes is very solid, and he’s still a physical defender who’s not afraid to mix it up. Someone will make room for the “Big Cat.”

Borderline Options: Risky or Unproven

Jason Collins (Unrestricted)

Jason Collins has started 429 games in his NBA career, so it’s tough to knock the guy. However, if you look at his detailed on court vs. off court stats, you’ll see that Minnesota was a MUCH better offensive team when he was on the bench, and they were a better defensive team when he was on the bench as well. Sure, he sets good screens and does the dirty work without complaining, but he’s become a major liability, and teams should be wary of signing him.

Lorenzen Wright (Unrestricted)

Over the past two seasons, Lo-Wright has played 286 minutes for 3 different teams, averaging 1.1 points and 1.8 rebounds in the process. He’s never been much of a scorer, but his rebounding rate has declined in recent years, and at the age of 33, it’s unlikely to bounce back. Someone may consider the 13-year veteran, but they’d have to be really desperate.

Mikki Moore (Unrestricted)

In ‘06-07, Mikki Moore had a career-year in New Jersey, averaging 9.8 points and leading the league in FG% by running the floor with Jason Kidd. Overestimating his abilities, the Kings decided to offer Moore $18 million for 3 years. After 1 1/2 disappointing seasons, Sacramento waived him. Luckily, the 3rd year wasn’t fully guaranteed, but they’ll still have to pay him $2 million next season. Mikki played in 24 regular season and 10 postseason games for the Celtics after being waived, but he didn’t give them the boost that they were hoping for (and sorely needed due to Garnett and Powe going down). At 33 years old, he is now a very risky option.

Aaron Gray (Restricted)

The good: Gray has excellent size, is a solid rebounder, and a decent touch around the rim. The bad: everything else. Gray is very limited athletically, so it’s no surprise that he fell out of Chicago’s rotation. He’s a restricted free agent, but I doubt that the Bulls want him back, so he’ll be available to any team that wants to take a chance on him.

Patrick O’Bryant (Restricted or Team Option for $1.6 million)

I’d really like to write this guy off, but since he’s fairly young (turns 23 on June 20th), he could still develop into a decent bench player I suppose. Despite three seasons of NBA experience, O’Bryant still picks up fouls left and right (for his career, he has 116 rebounds compared to 114 fouls), and after being traded twice already, his confidence can’t be very high. The Raptors have a team option for him, but they could opt for this next guy instead.

Nathan Jawai (Restricted or Team Option for $.7 million)

Since Jawai played just 19 minutes for the Raptors as a rookie, let’s examine his D-League stats instead. In 14 games, he averaged 11.1 points, 6.4 boards, 5.1 free throw attempts, 1.6 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 3.4 fouls in 24.1 minutes on 52.6% FG and 77.8% FT shooting. Decent stats, but nothing to write home about. He’s 22, he has a big body, and is fairly athletic, so the potential is still there, but he has a LONG ways to go before being an NBA rotation player.

Johan Petro (Restricted or Qualifying Offer for $2.9 million)

Petro has 4 years of NBA experience now, but his career is headed in the wrong direction. After shooting 51% from the field and averaging 1.4 blocks to 6.0 fouls per 36 minutes as a 20-year old rookie, Johan shot just 41.5% from the field and averaged .9 blocks to 6.9 fouls per 36 minutes as a 23-year old. He’s still young enough to turn his career around, but in my opinion, he rarely looks comfortable on the floor, and I’m guessing that he’ll continue to disappoint.

Robert Swift (Unrestricted)

Swift was the #12 pick in the 2004 draft (ahead of Al Jefferson, Josh Smith, Jameer Nelson, Kevin Martin, JR Smith, Trevor Ariza, etc.), and while injuries have certainly slowed him down, he needs to start producing immediately if he wants to stay in the NBA. In 26 games for the Thunder this past season, he averaged a mediocre 9.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 5.2 fouls per 36 minutes. He’s still just 23, but it looks like picking him and Petro (ahead of David Lee, Ronny Turiaf, Monta Ellis, etc.) with back-to-back 1st round picks turned out to be a bad idea. Of course, that was before Sam Presti took over as GM.

Out of the League???

Raef LaFrentz (Unrestricted)

Raef LaFrentz didn’t play at all in ‘08-09, and he played sparingly for Portland in the couple of seasons before that. To see how much he’s fallen off, just look at his outside shot. After making 112-of-286 threes (39.2% 3P) in ‘05-06, Raefer has shot a sorry 2-27 from beyond the arc (7.4% 3P) since then. He isn’t very valuable without his 3-point shot, because LaFrentz is no longer the intimidating shot-blocker that he once was. At the age of 32, his NBA career might be over.

Chris Mihm (Unrestricted)

After missing the entire ‘06-07 season, Mihm played just 383 minutes for the Lakers over the past couple of years, shooting just 47-135 from the field in that timeframe. He was traded to Memphis in February, but had right ankle surgery and never suited up for them. Injuries have derailed his career, and at this point, he’s likely played his last NBA game.

Jake Voskuhl (Unrestricted)

Back in 2000, who knew that Jake Voskuhl (8.5 points and 6.4 rebounds for UConn in ‘99-00) would play in 400 more NBA games than Khalid El-Amin (16.0 points and 5.2 assists for UConn in ‘99-00 after leading them to a National Championship in 1999)? Since big bodies are always in demand, Voskuhl is a 9-year veteran, despite never having blocked more than 29 shots in a season. Someone might want his veteran presence around, but I would rather gamble on a young player with some athleticism.

Calvin Booth (Unrestricted)

Another overpaid 7-footer? Despite career averages of 3.3 points, 2.8 boards, 1.0 blocks, and 1.9 fouls, Booth managed to make over $36 million over the past 8 years. Can we please let him retire now?

My preference would be in order: Gortan( why didnt we offer him the MLE (damm you Cuban),Pachuila(RealGM says he is close to sign a new contract), B Skinner( was decent when he was here if i remember correctly), J Magloire(only player i like on the list can play defense and who we can seriously afford)

Who do you guys think, since you guys and girls know more about the game than me?

Sarvar & Kerr Listen Up

phxuk: Ap — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:35:43 -0000

Looks like the GSW trade isn’t happening now. Unless they throw in next years 1st round unprotected I don’t see why we should get another scrub instead or Curry.

We have never heard (or I have never heard) Ben Wallace says he wants to retire.

He has a $14 million dollar salary he might want all of it bought out or he may want to play. Lets face it $14 million in this credit crunch era is a lot.

I read somewhere( don’t know if its true) that last year if we got into the playoffs and played 2 more games Sarvar would have made even throughout the year.

If I was in control and wanted to put a winning product on the floor this is what my crazy British idea would be. (God help us all)

Fist I would try and buyout Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic. Therefore the total salary for the team would be $56 million.

The basic idea is that a team can only sign a free agent if the total payroll for the team will not exceed the salary cap, so what I have been researching and trying to understand is that we can sign a free agent because our team salary Is $56 million and the salary cap is $59 million.

Hopefully this is right or this post will be for nothing.

I hit free agency looking at the needs of the team which are starting SF and C. With Shaq gone and G.Hill (probably signs with contender) and M.Barnes.

Starting with SF free agency

Trevor Ariza, would love him to come but probably re-signs along with Lamar Odom.

Shawn Marion, love him to come back but since he doesn’t like management he will sign somewhere else.

Ron Artest, love to have his defence and on court presence, I am sure Amare once said he would like to emulate him. Ron said he wants to get paid but if my first choice (going to list below) doesn’t sign then he would be a nice backup.

My first choice would be Hedo Turkoglu. He would be great in the run and gun would give good size at 6-10 could operate the high pick and role, shoot the 3 take it to the basket, underrated defence and take some point guard duties away from Steve Nash and we know how clutch he is and he would be threat on out of bounds plays.

I read somewhere that his agent aid he wanted a Corey Maggette type contract 5 years $50 million. For the 09/10 season I would offer him $9.2 million.9.6,9.9,10.2,10.9the following seasons.

Next is the Centre position

Love to reunite Hedo T with Memo Okur but his price is too high, the birdman will sign with Denver and R.Wallace is old, lots of technicals and will sign with a contender in the east or maybe SAS.

Obvious choice is Marcin Gortat, (we drafted him) his 25 years old, mobile for the run and gun, rebounds a lot with little playing time he had, has a decent offensive game(probably gets better with Steve Nash at point), his biggest asset is his man defence as well as his pick and roll defence. Obviously he is going to get a lot of teams asking for him (Dallas Detroit New York Knicks OKC Portland and SAS

) who need starter centre help but I think we can offer him starting job decent money as well as the city of phoenix and the fact we got Hedo on our team by now.

Sign him for 5 years $35 million. Starting at $5 million 6,7,8,9 million the following season.

If Grant Hill wants to sign the minimum we can give him is $1.3 million, but doubt he will be back, not heard anything from him or management.

Robin Lopez was drafted 15th and signed a $1.6 for the first season hopefully we can sign Ear Clark for the same amount.

The Salary Cap and Luxury Cap Numbers are from that Google Spreadsheet Document which has all the other teams salaries and other statistical information

There we go our starting line up as follows with average points next to them(total team average 105points per game) but we probably score more than that. We have a decent team, under the tax and a shot at at least the second round of the playoffs.

SN 15pts

JR 15pts

HT 15pts

AS 20 pts

MG 10 pts

LB 15 pts

GD 4 pts

JD 4 pts

LA 2 pts

RL 5 pts

PLAYER	2009/2010
Marcin Gortat	$5,000,000
Amare Stoudemire	$16,378,325
Hedo Turkoglu	$9,275,862
Steve Nash	$13,125,000
Leandro Barbosa	$6,600,000
Jason Richarson	$13,333,332
Goran Dragic	$1,836,000
Robin Lopez	$1,745,520
Jared Dudley	$1,307,640
Alando Tucker	$1,071,720
Louis Amundson	$855,189
Earl Clark	$1,623,720
13th man/ D League	$797,581


TOTAL	$70,528,588.00
PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT	13

Luxury Tax	$71,861,500

interesting would you?

phxuk: Ap — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:06:19 -0000

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/insider/news/story?page=09DraftBuzz2&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fdraft2009%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fpage%3d09DraftBuzz2

"One rumor that won't go away has the Suns and Thunder talking about a draft-day swap that would give Oklahoma City the 14th pick and land the Suns the Thunder's 25th pick and, more importantly for the Suns, the return of their first-round pick in 2010. The Suns traded that pick to the Thunder several years ago as part of the Kurt Thomas trade. The trade is unprotected next year, and with the Suns flirting with rebuilding, they don't want to lose it.

Sources say the Thunder have an eye for Ohio State center B.J. Mullens and likely will take him if he's available at No. 14."

This just in, personally i would just so we can get out 2010 pick back and proably draft Jonas Jerebko with the 25th pick as both Gant Hill and Matt Barnes dont look like there coming back.

Paul Harris or Danny Green with the #48 and Lester Hudson or John Bryant with the #57

Would you guys swap the picks?

#48 #57

phxuk: Ap — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:29:40 -0000

Obviously after the top half of the draft to pick 60 all the talent level is nearly the same so with that in mind who would you pick with our two second rounders? would you package them both to buy another first round pick or draft a European and store him in Europe for a few years or address some of the needs Steve Kerr talks about like getting better with defense and rebounding? Any other ideas?

Randon Sun Stuff

phxuk: Ap — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:50:17 -0000

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06192009/sports/moresports/lincoln_star_stephenson_in_sights_175022.htm?&page=2

Are the Suns considering exchanging Shaquille O'Neal for the Cavs' unwanted goods? Depends on how strapped owner Robert Sarver is for cash. He improved his position by selling a small piece of the team to a current investor.

P.s anyone know or heard of who he sold to and for how much ?

With all that in mind, Suns GM Steve Kerr was in New York yesterday in an attempt to extend Steve Nash past next season. During the finals, Nash told me he wants to stay in Phoenix but, at the same time, wants to be able to legitimately compete for a title. To that end, I've got an idea: Why doesn't Jerry Colangelo re-purchase the Suns.

P.s i only have been following the suns for a couple of years but was there a reason why JC sold the team?

Amare Amare Amare

phxuk: Ap — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:29:14 -0000

Looks like Amare is going in 2010, sounds like he isn’t getting the max he wants and probably going to New York for the money that they MIGHT give him and probably some marketing opportunities to expand his brand.

http://phoenix.fanster.com/suns/2009/05/29/amare-stoudemire-the-walking-contradiction/

http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/knicks/archives/2009/05/amare_knicks_sh.html

2010 Free Agency Speculation?

phxuk: Ap — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:30:32 -0000

Here is a brief Summary of the team’s payroll for 2010, I am sure it will change due to this years free agency and trade deadline. Its pure speculation.

Atlanta Hawks(Major Player): 22 Million without Mike Bibby who is a free agent this year (probably will resign with the team) and our beloved ahem Joe Johnson in 2010

Boston Celtics: 50 million on the books without Ray Allen who most likely will resign along with most of their current bench which needs resigning. (Probably sign lower end free agents to fill there bench)

Charlotte Bobcats: 55 Million on the books, Raja Bell is free plus not many players will end up there unless looking for a pay day.

Chicago Bulls: 41 million on book this is without Ben Gordon there’s a 50/50 he will sign for 10 million plus if they do then not a major player in free agency but if they do not sign Ben Gordon they have an outside chance of getting Dwyane Wade in 2010.

Cleveland Cavaliers: 20 million on books without the king (37M With), Depends on what The King does if he stays someone might join him (Basically the summer of 2010 will depend on the King)

Dallas Mavericks: 65 Million Dirk will probably finish his career there

Denver Nuggets: 68 million with all there top 5 players signed

Detroit Pistons: 2009 will be there free agency signing year so can’t speculate too much

Golden state Warriors: 63 million all young players unless big trade comes they will stay the same

Houston Rockets: 36 million, Yao Ming will finish his career there Scola probably resign this year depends what happens with Tracy Mcrady and Ron Artest

Indiana Pacers: 60 million, not much will happen

L.A Clippers: 52 million, let’s hope they give more effort just for their fans

L.A Lakers: 77 Million, Kobe probably stays (well he should be loyal to the team)

Memphis Grizzlies: 31 million, up and coming team the draft will be there best friend.

Miami Heat: 30 million, depends if Dwyane signs someone might want to team up with him.

Milwaukee Bucks: 59 million, not much activity

Minnesota Timber wolves: 32 million, Al Jefferson will need help but won’t get any.

New Jersey Nets: 47million they will probably keep building with youth.

New Orleans Hornets: 70million, moving on, unless trades

New York Knick: 23 million, The Holy Grail of the Free Agency where probably Chris Bosh will end up.

Oklahoma City Thunder: 32 million, The Scariest Place if a super star lands here to help the thunders big 3 then they will be the elite team in the west for years to come.

Orlando Magic: 54 million need to sign Turkoglu

Philadelphia Sixers: 62 million, need to resign Andre Miler.

Phoenix Suns: 47 million with Amare 30 million without. We all know he wants a Max contract.(i am sorry I don’t know what a max contract is if anyone does can you comment below as to how much money Amare gets over how many years) It will depend on what Steve Nash does and how much he signs for he will probably ask for 2 year 15 million each. Shaq could surprise us all and sign a grant like contract but he will probably look for 2 years 10 million each

Portland Trailer blazers: 39 million, they could add a few key signings and challenge the elite of the west.

Sacramento Kings: 35 million, most likely rebuilding through the draft next couple of years.

San Antonio Spurs: 34 million without Manu Ginobli which they should resign and I am sure will attract good role players.

Toronto Raptors: 50 million with Bosh 33 without, again player looking to get paid will be there.

Utah Jazz: 41 million, someone might go there because of the coach or d-will?

Washington Wizards: 63 million, plus this year’s rookie signing

Basically looking at the free agency list for 2010 (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=12156)

I don’t think any of the top tier free agents will land in phoenix for 2010.

LeBron James (owed 17.2 million in 10/11)
Dwayne Wade (owed 17.0 million in 10/11)
Chris Bosh (owed 17.1 million in 10/11)

None of the above will sign for the suns

Amar'e Stoudemire (owed 17.7 million in 10/11)
Dirk Nowitzki (owed $21.5 million in 10/11)
Paul Pierce (owed $21.5 million in 10/11)
Yao Ming (owed 17.7 million in 10/11)
Mike Redd (owed $18.3 million in 10/11)
Tyson Chandler (owed $12.8 million in 10/11)

Amare should sign and finish his career here but he wants to be the man probably looking for 20 million a season. (Hope not)

Maybe Tyson chandler might sign because of the Bill Cartwright link but I doubt it.

All the rest Dirk, Pierce, Ming and Redd won’t come.

Joe Johnson
Ray Allen
Manu Ginobili
Marcus Camby
Tracey McGrady
Brad Miller
Jermaine O'Neal
Mike Miller
Shaquille O'Neal

Would like Joe Johnson but probably won’t be back, would love Camby or Shaq but both probably wont come. All the rest will reup with their teams.

Udonis Haslem
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (option to opt-out prior to 2010)
Anderson Varejao (option to opt-out prior to 2010)
Al Harrington (option to opt-out prior to 2010)
Ben Wallace
T.J. Ford (player option for '10-'11, owed 8.5 million)
Jamal Crawford (option to opt-out prior to 2010)
Richard Jefferson (ETO)
Amir Johnson
Raja Bell
Jerry Stackhouse
Peja Stojakovic (ETO)
Josh Howard (*Mavs have a Team Option for $11.8 million in 10/11)
John Salmons (ETO)
Travis Outlaw
Rafer Alston
Luis Scola (restricted)
Roger Mason
Chris Duhon

Don’t like any of the above as well as don’t know there games that well, maybe Raja Bell might come back probably not.

Best of the rest

Joel Przybilla (ETO)
Larry Hughes
Eddy Curry (option to opt-out prior to 2010)
Quentin Richardson
Carl Landry (Team Option)
Chuck Hayes (Team Option)
Rasual Butler
Bruce Bowen
Earl Watson
Luke Ridnour
Matt Harpring
Derek Fisher
Speedy Claxton
Brian Scalabrine
Tony Allen
Patrick O'Bryant
Anthony Roberson
Randolph Morris
Sasha Pavlovic
Antoine Wright
Steven Hunter
Anthony Marrow (restricted)
Brent Barry
Marquis Daniels (Team option for '09-'10)
D.J. Mbenga
Chucky Atkins
Kelenna Azubuike (Player Option)
Darko Milicic
Dorell Wright
Yakhouba Diawara
Mark Madsen
Craig Smith
Dominic McGuire (restricted)
Kurt Thomas
Francisco Oberto
Antonio Daniels
Jerome James
Brendan Haywood
Tony Battie
Anthony Johnson
Tim Thomas
Brian Cardinal
Damien Wilkins
Mark Blount
Bobby Simmons
Kenny Thomas
Matt Bonner
Etan Thomas

Most of these would probably could come and be bench and role players.

I personally think that the suns should target this year’s free agency

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=12445

These are the players I think we should target but wont.

Ron Artest: perimeter/man defender would help Amare better because Amare said he wanted to be like him lol

Hedo Turkoglu: jack of all trades as well as Mr clutch 4th quarter well I think he is.

Marcin Gortat the guy we drafted in 2005, 25 years old , back up center or starter when shaq goes give the MLE ( whatever that is? about 5 million a season?)

Basically being realistic I would like to resign Grant Hill, pick up Steve Nash’s contract and sign Marcin Gortat. Proably have to draft a point guard of the future, I love Dragic but we will need his back up and this is a point guard draft plus Gentry said they might draft someone and keep them on the bench for the rest of the season. Plus we don’t have a draft pick in 2010. The second round draft picks should focus on SF and PF.

Phoenix Suns Draft?

phxuk: Ap — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:48:47 -0000

Since the first order of business was to sign Alvin Gentry and now that is official lets get behind him and the team.

the second order of business is free agency and draft. Whilst I think Grant Hill will be our only free agency signing this year (hopefully there will be a surprise like Lou) the next thing to look at is the Draft.

Looking online it looks like our 14th pick is a lock on for Jonny Flynn via the links below.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/156074-the-goal-of-the-nba-draft-find-the-perfect-fit-part-1#page/4

http://www.nbadraft.net/node/5605

To be honest I don’t like this pick, it looks like the suns are going to draft a point guard with this being a point guard draft I would rather have Ty Lawson PG (probably goes earlier but if he slips he would be a good offensive PG and some steals. Most likely plays defence like Steve Nash.

I have no knowledge of the college game but looking at the millions of NBA Draft Mocks and databases If I was picking I would take the 2 players below at 14. I could list all their attributes, the pros and cons all are on the links below but who do you think we should draft guys and girls?

Gerald Henderson

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Gerald-Henderson-1042/

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/gerald-henderson

Terrence Williams http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Terrence-Williams-507/

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/terrence-williams

Off Season Miracle

phxuk: Ap — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:48:45 -0000

I have been following the suns for the past 4 years (from the UK have to stay up late most nights and find streams most of which are crap) and this site for the past year keep up the good work guys.This is what I think what we should do in the off season with trades to get ourselves in the upper echelon of the Western Conference.

Give Gentry a 2 year contract, the players love him, I like him and I think no one else can come in and have a positive effect. The difference between him and Porter was he knew how to manage the egos and personalities.
Hire a coach who specialises in perimeter defence or pick and roll defence.

We need to improve one (which I will give reasons for below)

Re- hire the athletic training staff (I personally don’t know there contracts but we will need them to keep the oldies off the injured list.

The next part involves trades I don’t know the trading and salary stuff too well but this is what I think could work. (I am probably wrong)

Pick up Steve Nash’s option and trade him to the New York Knicks for a 1st round pick (maybe for 2010 since we don’t have one (Steve Kerr) and the talent pool in this years draft is not that great) and a second round pick or cash considerations (whatever that means).We could get David Lee, Jared Jefferies or Nate Robinson but I have not followed them that much this year so I don’t know the pros and cons of their games.

I know if your reading this now you will be going what this British guy thinks he is doing, be patient and you will understand my reasoning. Steve Nash is out best offensive player and has been for the past 4 years (somewhere he has had 2 MVP years). He is out best playmaker and best shooter. But since his lover Mike Dantoni has left and his got older he has lost that je ne sais quoi that being involving shaq in the offence or porter’s attempt to change the system or any other number of reasons. But the worst thing was opposition guards playing against him and scoring career high points, a la B. Roy, Mo Williams, D. Harris, D Wade etc.

2. Trade Jason Richardson the trade has not worked he is hit and miss and not consistent enough and several game winning shot against us which were kind of blamed on him and personally I don’t like him as a player and as a person with his dui and speeding. I would even buy his contract out but I don’t understand how that works so trade him. The only reasonable teams that I think that could take his are the Minnesota Timberwolves who are £50 million 09/10 and can be there second scorer after Al Jefferson. Another team which is more unlikely are the New Jersey Nets with the J Rich’s contract is £13 million and they will be over the tax and they could give us one of their scrubs contact for $4 million, which we could buy out.

These first 2 trades are because our perimeter defence is getting abused time and time again and captain Canada and J Rich are simply not getting the job done and need replacing. I could have gone and traded Shaq or Amare because of the lack of pick and roll defence but I think Amare is the future which is kind of scary but if he was healthy after the all star break we might have got the last seed and give the LA Lakers a run for the money but most likely out in first round. Also shaq is in the last year of his contract and I think he can be a factor in the playoffs if healthy.

Get rid of Matt Barnes the most hit and miss player of our team all season, kept jacking up threes and making stupid passes thinking he was a quarterback thinks he deserves a raise more like a kick up the back side.

Swift you got to go!! enough said.

So that is 26 million of the books and 8 players on our team with 51 million in guaranteed money and tax is at 69.5 so 18 million to play with

Next part is free agency which we need to sign a couple of defensive players we have had a great offence the past seasons but we need to stop the perimeter and dribble penetration.

Re- sign our MVP in the 08/09 season which was Grant Hill, his contract his 1.9 million now and I am not sure but there is a rule like you have to give veterans certain amount of money do lets say $1.5 million.(which is probably the wrong amount)

Ramon Sessions

Trevor Ariza

Ben Gordon

And the controversial players

Ron Artest

Rasheed Wallace

What a starting line up those 5 players could be, if only we can pull it off and sign them all on vet minimum, like that’s ever going to happen. These are the players I think we should target. Realistically we can get 2 of them.

No 1 priority is signing Ramon Sessions since trading Nash we need a point guard duh and I think Sessions will develop into a top tier point guard given time. He is a true point and I think gentry will get the best out of him, at 6-3, he averages 10 points per game and 6.5 assists and has already had a triple double against the Lakers with 16 points, 16 assists, 10 rebounds, and two steals, only 7 other players (Wade Kidd Lebron Paul Kobe Rondo and other one I think is Devin Haris but I am not sure) this season have achieved this. Last season he had 20 assists season before in a meaningless game plus his numbers will be up in an up-tempo offence. Since he has been paid $722,517 past 2 seasons I would say give between 7-10 million since both the top point guards Steve Nash Jason Kidd Deron Williams and Chris Paul get about 13 million a year. I would settle at 7 million. Plus the Milwaukee bucks are just under the tax by half a million or so in 09/10 what ever they offer him they will be over. Plus I am sure they want to offer Villanueva extended contract too. So should be interesting for them and I think who ever gets him will be the steal of the free agency. Plus I think him starting with hill Amare and Shaq would be a decent pitch he can’t refuse to play with. Or can he?

These are his assist stats (below) which were 18 overall during the season of all point guards and his scoring average of the 2008/2009 season were 12.4 points per game

GP MPG AST APG TO TOPG AP48M AST/TO

79 27.5 452 5.7 152 1.9 10.0 2.97

Signing him probably is 8 out of 10 to a $7 million starting contract.

Update: after proof reading this article I am writing (and there are probably spelling/ grammatical mistakes as well as mistakes in understanding free agency.)

Just looked up stuff on free agency and found out he is a restricted free agent, I am sorry still after looking it up I kind of understand what it means. We can offer him $7 million the bucks can match it, so is it up to the player where he can sign or up to his team. Hopefully it’s his option and he signs with us if not my whole post is for nothing. Oh well lets carry on.

The Lakers are 77 million without odom and ariza in 09/10, (with the tax at $69.5 million which gives us hope in the pacific) and ariza is a decent SF who can play defence. Lakers no1 priority would be to sign odom to a smaller contract and if that doesn’t happen then they will turn to ariza and give him something a little bit more than the 3.1 million he currently gets paid, we could offer him 5-6 million.

Signing him probably 1 out of 10 because odom will sign somewhere else and they will probably give ariza the mid level exemption (sorry don’t know what that means)

Ben Gordon the moron should have signed that big contact before the economy went down the toilet. Am I right and saying we had his draft rights or something I probably am wrong. Any way we know he wont sign anything under $6.5 million but looking at the Google spreadsheet nba salaries thing player salaries increase every year and we know shaq 20 million is coming off next season so we can offer him $7 million 1st year then 8 the next then 9 then 10 a four year contract.

Signing him is probably 1 out of 10 only if he signs a vet’s minimum with us and re-signs a bigger contact in 2010 which probably won’t happen.

Now to the controversy from the brief knowledge of the game Ron Artest is somewhat known as a problem here and there but he has settled down of late and knowing the rockets won’t make it far through the playoffs (hopefully out in the first round ) we can sign him. He currently gets paid 7.4 million we can offer him 8 to 10 million for 3-4 years plus he can play the guard position he is playing since T Mac went down or he can switch with grant hill in the starting line-up. This would beef our perimeter defence where got killed last year.

Signing him would be 5 out of 10, to $8 million to start with, he will probably get better offers from other teams.

Lastly the crazy signing of the year of Rasheed Wallace, this would only work if Detroit do badly in the payoffs and he and shaq decide to rotate the centre position each game or depending on match ups or injuries to either and the fact he gets technicals and he would sign for the veterans minimum . Also Detroit are 40 mill without rasheed and Iverson on the books and are rumoured to sign Boozer, Marion or Gordon, boozer gets paid 12 million which he can opt put of and he said he is going to say he probably signs a 15 million plus which I think he probably is looking for then maybe rasheed might stay like I said a long shot.

Signing him 1 out of 10

Every year we have a signing like that surprises us couple of seasons ago it was grant Hill becoming the player he should have been in his career this year it was Louis Amundson and for next year we should sign

Othyus Jeffers playing for the Iowa Energy from the d-league, You’re all like what is this crazy guy thinking never heard of him.

Just won rookie of the year 08/09 in the d-league and who ranks in the top 10 in scoring, rebounding and steals. In 46 games (31 starts) for Iowa, Jeffers is averaging 20.9 points on 53 percent (354-for-667) shooting from the field, to go with 9.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.1 steals who is know as a defensive player.

Starting line up

Sessions Artest Hill Amare Shaq

Dragic Barbosa Dudley Lopez Admunson

Tucker Jeffers 1st round rookie

Our 13 man squad

PLAYER	2009/2010
Shaquille O'Neal	$21,000,000
Amare Stoudemire	$16,378,325
Ron Artest	$8,000,000
Ramon Sessions	$7,000,000
Leandro Barbosa	$6,600,000
Grant Hill	$1,500,000
Goran Dragic	$1,836,000
Robin Lopez	$1,745,520
Jared Dudley	$1,307,640
Alando Tucker	$1,071,720
Othyus Jeffers	$797,581
Louis Amundson	$855,189
Rookie 1st round(shooter)	$1,300,000
Rookie 2nd round overseas
offer 2nd round for another future 2nd
TOTAL	$69,391,975.00
PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT	13

Luxury Tax	$69,400,000

Plus we had a first round pick and I think but I am not sure but 2 second round picks some mocks have us at 2 picks and some have as 1. I don’t know who we should draft because after Rubio and Griffin the rest are hit and miss. But I think we should draft a pure shooter or defender. Ty Lawson, Cole Aldrich or Darren Collison are some of the players I like. The second round pick should be an international player whose contract we can buy next year when Shaq monster contract comes off the books.

Went to Draft Express and Donatas Motiejunas the Lithuanian 7 feet (without shoes) who plays PF/C, Vladimir Dasic a 6’9 SF/PF who is probably a prospect as is Jan Vesely a 6’11 Centre.

I guessed Grant Hill’s salary and 1st round rookie contract.

For all this to pan out (ASSUMING IM RIGHT AND I HAVE A FEELING I AM WRONG) several miracles needs to happen to pull this off at the same time but if this roster change happens we should be a force to be reckoned with in the western conference and the Phoenix will rise again and like all fans who post stuff like this I will finish with the dream of

PHOENIX SUNS 2009/2010 NBA CHAMPIONS !!!!!!!!