Wed. News:About coach's dad-"If he was playing ball today,he'd be making $80 million"

[SwingMan]

D'Antoni dad a legend in W. Va. (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0101dantonidad02.html)
Dad Lewis D'Antoni led way for Suns coaches Mike, Dan

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/pics/0101dantoni2.jpg
Lewis D'Antoni is the father of Suns coaches Dan and Mike D'Antoni.

Doug Haller
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 1, 2008 08:56 PM

MULLENS, West Va. - Lewis D'Antoni watches every Suns game from the living room of a house his father had built in 1925. Sometimes he stays up past 1 a.m. to catch the final score. Sometimes he worries.

Resting on his couch, he shakes his head over losses to Atlanta, Minnesota and New Orleans, setbacks he says that "kill your soul." He wonders whether the Suns are physical enough to beat the Spurs. And please, don't get him started on the Dallas Mavericks.

"They have a lot more talent than we have, I think," D'Antoni says. "They got the big guy (Dirk Nowitzki) and they got Jerry Stackhouse coming off the bench. They have Devin Harris, who is a good point guard, then they got that dang Jason Terry, who gets in there and damn near goes crazy, shooting all those 3s. . . . I don't know."
http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gifhttp://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gif

D'Antoni often finishes thoughts with "I don't know." It's his way of saying that it's only his opinion, take it or leave it. But truth is, that opinion carries significant weight as the father of Suns coaches Mike and Dan D'Antoni.

Lewis D'Antoni, who turned 94 on New Year's Eve, is a legend in this small coal-mining town nestled among the Appalachians. His daughter, Kathy, an education official, recently gave a speech to the rotary in nearby Bluefield, and upon conclusion she asked whether anyone had a question.

No one raised a hand, which Kathy found odd. Everyone understood everything perfectly?

Finally, an older gentleman raised his hand.

"You any relation to Lew D'Antoni?"

"Yes," Kathy said. "I'm his daughter."

"Well, I tell ya what," the man said, "if he was playing ball today, he'd be making $80 million a year. The best ballplayer ever to come out of here."

Rich history

D'Antoni is proud of his past. He retrieves a black binder that features a cover photo of a serious-looking man crouched on one knee. "That's me," he says.

Inside is the story of D'Antoni's life, from the time his Italian father arrived at Ellis Island in 1909 to the accomplishments of his four children and eight grandchildren.

"I just wanted my kids and grandkids to have this information. I thought they'd be interested to see how they came about, what kind of family they were."

D'Antoni played three years of basketball and football in high school. He pleased his father, who ran a neighborhood grocery, by earning a scholarship to Concord College. There, he was the quarterback of the football team and ran the point in basketball, leading the team in scoring all four years. His coaching career started at Pineville High in 1937, leading to the Mullens job five years later.

"I always played man-to-man all over the floor, and any time we had a chance we'd fast break," D'Antoni says. "Back then there were no classifications, so we had to play the larger schools as well as the small schools. To compete, I figured we had to be in excellent condition."

In 35 years, coaching at three schools, D'Antoni won 450 games, including the 1955 state championship. A plaque commemorating his induction into the West Virginia Hall of Fame hangs on his dining-room wall, but some accomplishments are whited out.

"They made a mistake," D'Antoni says. "I didn't want to brag on something I didn't do."

Homegrown advantage

Bragging on the redbrick house is another matter. The downstairs wooden floors are original and recently shined. D'Antoni makes sure visitors notice that the stairs don't creak as you walk upstairs. If he were younger, he'd take out the kitchen wall near the dining room. He'd also remodel the upstairs bathroom.

He apologizes for the mess in the basement. Paperback books are stacked on one side of the stairs. Trophies are scattered along shelves, photos hang on walls. A large picture shows Mike, dressed in a Marshall uniform, unleashing a jump shot as the clock winds down in the background.

"That was in a tournament, I think against Wisconsin," D'Antoni says. "Last shot. He made it."

D'Antoni never coached Mike. At least not from the bench. Instead, he took notes from the stands, recording every good play and mistake so he wouldn't forget.

"OK, let's sit down and talk," the elder D'Antoni would say once they returned home.

One night Mike protested. "Dad, I thought I played pretty well," he said.

"You did," D'Antoni replied, "but you still made some mistakes."

Mike had talent and work ethic. Friends recall him dribbling while walking up the stairs, marveling at how much concentration it took to keep the ball from hitting the edge and bouncing away. Playmaking was in his blood, even though some youth coaches wanted to play Mike in the post, a move the father vetoed.

"I'll tell ya a story," Lewis says. "In my family there's me and my brother. Mike and Danny. We were all point guards. Then Danny had three sons. They were all point guards. . . . My philosophy is, if you have a good point guard, you're going to have a good team. He's a coach on the floor. That's how I tried to build my teams."

D'Antoni places the binder on a table. He has accomplished many things. He served in the Navy during World War II's latter stages. He started six-man football in Pineville, youth league baseball in Mullens.

But what makes him most proud, he says, is his family. How hard his father worked to support everyone after his mother died at 36 from kidney failure. How he never had a problem with his own children, although he admits he had to remind free-spirited Dan once or twice, just to "drill into him just who we were and what we were doing."

The real foundation

He credits much of this to wife, Betty Jo, the family disciplinarian who died nine years ago. He had met her through a mutual friend in 1940. They eloped to Bristol, Tenn., the next summer. She was quite an athlete herself, D'Antoni says, an intense competitor who played basketball in boys leagues.

"Just an outstanding person," D'Antoni says. "Very seldom would she have to raise her voice to the children. I don't think she ever whipped any of them. I didn't. We didn't have to."

Today, D'Antoni enjoys the quiet. He reads paperbacks, plays bridge and tries to golf when the weather cooperates. He hopes to shoot his age this summer. He might need a hole in one to do it, but that's not impossible. His first came just a couple of years ago.

His daughter visits often from Charleston. D'Antoni talks basketball with the boys at the barbershop, and for the past couple of years, he has joined a few players from his 1955 title team in Virginia Beach, taking time to make his special Italian spaghetti.

"For his age," said Willie Akers, one of D'Antoni's former players, "it's amazing what he can do."

After 94 years, the old coach insists he has no regrets. He admits it'd be great to one day watch the Suns win an NBA title, but such things require luck, and such things are out of his control.

For now, he'll keep watching his boys coach at basketball's highest level, knowing he might have had something to do with it, which is nice.

"If I go tomorrow, I've had a hell of a life," D'Antoni says. "Nothing to be ashamed of, nothing at all."

[AlanS]

Slow news day. FYI, these are Marc Stein's Power Rankings for this week:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/powerranking

[1] Pistons 23-7 Winning in Boston is only one justification for the Pistons' claim to the No. 1 spot. For all you margin-of-victory devotees, here's No. 2: Detroit is on a 15-2 run and has racked up 13 double-digit wins in that stretch.

[2] Celtics 26-3 The Sports Guy claims that they're three plays away from being the first 29-0 team in history. Whether or not you buy that, give it up to the Celts for their road exploits after all that noise about their soft early schedule.

[3] Suns 22-9 It probably won't have any effect, but this should temper some of the local panic that follows every Suns defeat: Phoenix was forced to play 19 of its first 31 games on the road. Try to see the sunny side, people.

[4] Spurs 21-8 Repeating has always been their problem, true, but has it ever been this painful? Brent Barry is the latest Spur to go down -- joining Manu on the shelf -- for a team that can only hope it's seeing all its injury woes early.

[5] Lakers 19-11 Even with Kobe buying in, Phil freshly re-signed, Bynum drawing daily raves and the bench booming, this quality start could have been even better. In four of its 11 losses, L.A. squandered a fourth-quarter lead.

[6] Hornets 20-10 With five W's in a row by an average of 18 points, Paul's Hornets have tied the best 30-game start in club history. So we presume that the schedule makers are already resolving to get him on national TV more in 2008.

[7] Trail Blazers 18-12 Just a hunch, but we're guessing McMillan and Roy have an OK shot at coach of the month and player of the month in the West. Seriously: Isn't any team that wins THIRTEEN games in a row a serious playoff contender?

[8] Mavericks 20-11 You've probably heard the oft-recited Dampier line from Nowitzki: ''When he's dominant, we're a different animal.'' But the Mavs might not even need dominance; they're 7-0 when Damp scores a mere seven points or more.

[9] Warriors 18-13 If they get through January in decent shape, look out. The Warriors have only one road game in February and just improved to 18-7 since that 0-6 start after posting their first winning December (10-6) since 1992-93.

[10] Magic 21-11 For all their recent woes -- Rashard's ailing neck and that 2-7 skid, namely -- Orlando has rallied back to .500 this month (7-7) and still sports one of the league's top-four ratios of road wins to home losses at +8.

[AlanS]

Current Hollinger Power Rankings:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking

1. Celtics
2. Pistons
3. Suns
4. Lakers
5. Jazz
6. Spurs
7. Hornets
8. Mavericks
9. Magic
10. Raptors

[AlanS]

Jeff Sagarin NBA ratings
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/nba0708.htm

NBA 2007-2008 through games of 2007 December 31 Monday
HOME ADVANTAGE= 2.84

Ranking Team W L /
SCHEDL(RANK)|VS top 10 | VS top 16

1 Boston Celtics 26 3
89.37( 23)| 5 2 | 11 2

2 Detroit Pistons 24 7
89.10( 27)| 5 2 | 9 4

3 San Antonio Spurs 21 8
88.84( 30)| 5 4 | 11 6

4 Phoenix Suns 22 9
89.65( 19)| 4 5 | 8 7

5 Orlando Magic 22 11
90.26( 13)| 4 7 | 8 8

6 Los Angeles Lakers 19 11
90.83( 6)| 7 7 | 10 8

7 Dallas Mavericks 20 11
89.93( 16)| 6 3 | 12 8

8 New Orleans Hornets 20 11
89.15( 26)| 3 5 | 6 9

9 Golden State Warriors 19 13
90.56( 10)| 3 8 | 8 10

10 Utah Jazz 17 16
91.05( 3)| 7 6 | 9 10

[Nodack]

I think it is pretty funny that the power rankings paragraph focuses on the panicky Suns fans. Somebody us reading this site. LOL

[AmareIsGod]

cap, it's crazy how you fail to put any weight into our record. Yet, Hollinger and the Saragin ratings, all based on schedule, wins, losses, margins, stats, places us in the top 5 in the league. You talk about all of the teams that haven't been healthy that we've beaten. All of the good teams we've lost to. And yet, seeing as you're a number guy and all, the other number based rankings have us as one of the tops teams in the NBA. Drink the Koolaid brother. There's plenty to go around.

[harry_pair]

the suns have been ranked one of the top teams for the past 3 years and the banner is still missing from the rafters.

[BobbyDogg]

the suns have been ranked one of the top teams for the past 3 years and the banner is still missing from the rafters.


Thank you.

The record at this point of the season is, quite frankly, what most people expected it would be. This year more then in the past three is all about going to the finals and getting our first championship. It is not about rebuilding or heading in the right direction, it's absolutely about winning it all.

I'm happy their at the top of the league with the most road games. To tell you the truth, I'm completely unsuprised. The only reason they would have any problems would be due to an injury. They have way too much talent to be a losing team.

It's not panic, it's expectations.

I'm always proud to be a Suns fan, win or lose. I have season tickets that we pay a lot of money for and have for several years. We've been very patient and now we want to win it all and this is our best chance in years to actually do it, so I tend to get a little bit excited about the little things. That is why this year in paticular has had kind of a overly-critical atmosphere so far, at least for me.

I'm very impressed with the Suns the last three games and believe this is a turning point for them.
I think now that it's the new year we will see more intensity as we go.

Now, if we could just trade Boris and Banks for Marcus Camby, Andre Miller, and Josh Howard we'd be right there. I'm kidding. Don't throw things at me......Ow.

[jed]

I've been the first to claim that the Suns' hiccups have been due to slow-startitis. But there are some real issues emerging -- and maybe even correcting themselves already. First and foremost has been the defensive woes, plus an inability/unwillingness to get the ball low to Amare.

[SwingMan]

I think it is pretty funny that the power rankings paragraph focuses on the panicky Suns fans. Somebody us reading this site. LOL

That was a post good, Nodack. :lol: ;) :cool:

[tbrkingofthesouth]

This is a painfully slow news day...I am ready for the game against the Sonics..I want to hear what Barkley thinks about our team feeding the ball to Amare more...Barkley always said that Amare is the Jordan, the Bird, the player that can't be stopped on our team..I agree with Chuck on that..Amare is calling for the ball and his team-mates are giving it to him..I am very happy that we are working inside out..It is soo much more fun to watch Amare go to work in the paint bullying smaller defenders out quicking bigger defenders than to see us bricking as many threes as we have this season and losing to teams I know we would have beaten if Coach D and Nash would have let Amare attack those centers..The ball find energy my ass..Give the ball to the best inside scorer in the NBA hands down

[Billyjoejimbob]

I know this isn't Suns related, but I think it's pretty funny. Artest wants to go to the Knicks because he thinks he can fix their problems.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/01022008/sports/knicks/artest__i_can_fix_knicks_870495.htm


ARTEST: I CAN FIX KNICKS
By MARC BERMAN
New York Post

January 2, 2008 -- Ron Artest told The Post he is scheduled to have surgery today in New York on his right elbow to remove bone chips, forcing him to miss his lone Garden appearance tonight when the Knicks host the Kings.

After getting a second opinion from his former doctor at St. John's over the last few days, Artest believes he'll be back in two to four weeks. And when he's back healthy, yes, Artest, the Queensbridge product said, he would approve getting dealt to his hometown team and thinks he can reverse the Knicks' catastrophic situation.

"Anywhere I go, I can turn things around, given the opportunity," Artest said. "I definitely would not be opposed to it if that is my calling. I would not be opposed if something would happen [with the Knicks]. But I just want to win a championship."

The Knicks were hotly interested in Artest over the summer, with coach Isiah Thomas believing Artest could have been the final piece to the puzzle to compete for the Eastern title.

The Knicks' perimeter defense is awful, and Artest is a renowned defensive stopper who plays with more on-the-ball tenacity than the entire Knick team combined.

Artest can opt out of his contract after the season, leaving $8.5 million on the table. Thomas is one of the few who wants to coach Artest. And the Knicks can offer him a long-term, mid-level contract for $31 million.

Artest, who has missed the last two games, arrived in New York three days ago to seek another opinion on his elbow injury.

"I haven't been able to shoot the ball," he said. "I got to get this right and be back for a playoff push."

The Kings last night would not confirm that Artest was undergoing surgery, but did say he was scheduled to undergo an MRI.

The Kings are 2-8 without Artest, including a seven-game suspension that began the season. Like the Knicks, the Kings (11-18), losers of four straight, are in no position to make a playoff run.


Thomas said yesterday he does not expect the Kings to trade Artest, despite the opt-out factor. The problem with the Knicks trading for Artest is most of their players have minimal trade value, except for David Lee, whom Thomas has said he doesn't want to part with for Artest.

[MTSunsFan]

Didn't see this posted anywhere:


January 2, 2008 - 12:22PM
D’Antoni expecting more from Suns’ reserves
Comments 1| Recommend 1
Jerry Brown, Tribune
It could be the difference between a 22-9 record, and running away with the Western Conference.

Read Jerry Brown's blog, Rim Shots

It could be the difference between the Suns wrapping up games in the third quarter and emptying the bench, and fighting for their lives and having to re-win games in the final seven minutes against inferior opponents.

So Phoenix coach Mike D’Antoni doesn’t want to hear anymore about how the Suns have to tread water when Steve Nash goes to the bench. With Leandro Barbosa, Boris Diaw and Brian Skinner joining starters Grant Hill and Shawn Marion on the floor, there is plenty of athleticism, experience and firepower. And he’s done lowering the expectations of a second unit that he thinks should be pushing the envelope instead of running in place.

“We keep saying we have the top seven or eight players in the league. That’s our motto, right?” D’Antoni said Tuesday, as the Suns shook off their New Year’s Eve cobwebs with a light afternoon workout. “Well if that’s the case, we should be lengthening the score when other teams go to their bench, not trying to hold the fort.

“When Steve goes out, out mind-set has been ‘Let’s try to hold on until he comes back’ and that’s (garbage). I was kind of doing the same thing, holding my breath in those sequences, and that’s not the right mind-set. We should build on leads, and in the last four or five games, we’ve done a better job of doing that and giving the starters more to work with. We have the players who should be doing it, so let’s charge up the hill.”

The problems? Diaw has been stuck in a season-long funk — which many may argue is now two seasons long. When Barbosa is hot, the Suns lap the field, but when he isn’t, the rest of the players are left to stand and watch him shoot or drive on almost every half-court possession. And while Hill and Marion thrive on the receiving end of Nash’s fast-break passes, their productivity dips when he leaves and the pace downshifts.

But things are improving. In Sunday’s 117-102 win over the Kings, the Suns led by four (27-23) when Nash departed in the first period and led by eight (45-37) when he returned seven minutes later. In Friday’s win over the Clippers, the lead went from eight to ll, and the night before in Los Angeles, the lead jumped from four to 14.

“There are all kinds of benefits for us,” D’Antoni said. “You can rest the guys who need rest, play guys who haven’t played and you can become more cohesive. We claim to be a team of interchangeable parts and the machine should still run good when we have such good cogs on the floor.”

Nash is a two-time MVP and the most unique player in the league. Hill has said playing with and without him in Phoenix “is like two completely different teams” and has found the transition curve slower without Nash out there. But as he lies flat on the floor, resting and watching, Nash says his teammates aren’t far from finding their own continuity.

“This is potentially our best team because of what we can accomplish when I’m not out there,” Nash said. "We’re talented, we’ve just been inconsistent. We have nights when that group just blows other teams away, but others when we wind up on our heels.”

The Suns have three potential ball-handlers in Diaw, Hill and Barbosa, but have had trouble getting the ball to the right player at the right time — often tripping over themselves in the name of doing the right thing. Too many distributors can lead to not enough finishers, especially when Amaré Stoudemire is often resting with Nash.

The upcoming schedule should help. The Suns play far less often and far more at home over the next two months — allowing for more practice time and more opportunities to work out kinks that are still there after 31 games.

“A lot of our problems this year have been related to energy. That shouldn’t be a problem now that we’re playing 3-4 games a week and not traveling as much,” D’Antoni said. “And when we have our energy and our legs, our defense is better and things like size and stuff aren’t as big a deal.”

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/105669

[Mori_Chu]

Chris Bosh makes a somewhat pathetic video to beg for all-star votes:

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/12/30/chris-bosh-wins-all-star-plea-of-the-year/

[Suns_Dave]

Don't give him any!

[Nodack]

I'm excited about Amare's play in the past couple of weeks. I do like the inside out approach, but I still think it's hogwash that the team was deliberately not going to Amare before this new Anare we have seen. I truly believe that it's Amare that has changed and not the team. I believe Nash would pass it to the devil himself if he was open.

I also think some of you watch too many soap operas when you can take a quote by Nash talking about a player on another team and turn that into a fiction novel on how the Suns players don't like each other etc. It's pure speculation and not based on any facts.

[sehan]

You are probably right Nodack, we probably over dramatize the chemistry issues in the locker room.

But I do believe there is a preferences for certain style of play, mostly by Mike D'Antonie and, to certain degree, Nash as well; and its not the "inside out approach". Mike has stated to this fact in the media -- a week or so ago, I am too lazy now, but if you want I can go pull the quote.

You say the change is mostly in Amare and that is true to certain degree -- he is more aggressive, but most notably he is calling for the ball more authoritatively. However, I don't think you can attribute all that to Amare just not being aggressive in the early season. His field goal % hasn't changed drastically; his minutes haven't changed; yet he is scoring more. Only thing that has changed is that he is getting more touches, specially early in the game.

I just don't buy that this is all due to the ball finding energy. Unless you call Amare yelling for the ball and Stevie not waving him off energy.

[JediSkywalker]

I do believe you CAN attribute it to Amare not having the energy earlier, and having it now (after Kerr publicly pointed out his lack of energy). It is easy to blame Dantoni and Nash (and Nash haters certainly will blame him for all that happens). Amare was not doing his part; that's what it boils down to.

[JediSkywalker]

I enjoyed reading about the senior Dantoni. One thing that scared me is he too noticed how talented the Mavs are. He mentioned the 7-footer (Dirk). Why doesn't he teach his grown up son to bring in a 7-footer on the Suns' team? Just kidding.

[sehan]

I do believe you CAN attribute it to Amare not having the energy earlier, and having it now (after Kerr publicly pointed out his lack of energy). It is easy to blame Dantoni and Nash (and Nash haters certainly will blame him for all that happens). Amare was not doing his part; that's what it boils down to.

I don't understand how you can single handedly say that. Can you elaborate?

As I said in my post, his minutes have not changed and he's shooting percentage hasn't changed. Only number that has changed is the number of touches his getting. And he can't control how much touches he gets other than by calling for the ball more. Right?

I seen the Suns make a concerted effort to go to him early in the game(especially in the first clipper game and the Sacramento game). I really don't know how that could just happen without some short of agreement before hand to execute that game plan.

Lastly, I hate to ask you to do this given I didn't provide the quote in my post, but I don't recall Kerr calling out Amare specifically. Where was this?

[AmareIsGod]

I don't recall him ever calling out Amare publicly. I too would love to see this quote.

[jkalldaway]

He did it on KTAR but it was in a nice way just saying that Amare among others need to step up.

[jkalldaway]

By the way, if there was any truth to the Suns/Philly deal for Iggy and Dalembert I would love to see it happen. Those two have been playing real well lately and I think they would fit into our system seamlessly.

[AmareIsGod]

Go into detail about the trade situation you just brought up jkalldaway. It does NO good if you say what you said and provide no sources or who we offered in that trade. All it leaves is questions for anyone who reads it to ask.

[ShelC]

Theres no validity to those philly rumors at all. Case closed.

“We keep saying we have the top seven or eight players in the league. That’s our motto, right?” D’Antoni said Tuesday, as the Suns shook off their New Year’s Eve cobwebs with a light afternoon workout.

No, YOU keep saying we have the top 7 guys in the league. And only a few weeks ago did YOU finally concede that Skinner was deserving of the 8th rotation spot. Funny, but a lot of the other top teams find ways to play their 9th and 10th guys this time of year and then gradually shorten the rotation.

[JediSkywalker]

I do believe you CAN attribute it to Amare not having the energy earlier, and having it now (after Kerr publicly pointed out his lack of energy). It is easy to blame Dantoni and Nash (and Nash haters certainly will blame him for all that happens). Amare was not doing his part; that's what it boils down to.

I don't understand how you can single handedly say that. Can you elaborate?

As I said in my post, his minutes have not changed and he's shooting percentage hasn't changed. Only number that has changed is the number of touches his getting. And he can't control how much touches he gets other than by calling for the ball more. Right?

I seen the Suns make a concerted effort to go to him early in the game(especially in the first clipper game and the Sacramento game). I really don't know how that could just happen without some short of agreement before hand to execute that game plan.

Lastly, I hate to ask you to do this given I didn't provide the quote in my post, but I don't recall Kerr calling out Amare specifically. Where was this?

I have said in several posts that Amare was not getting the touches because he was just standing around and not hustling. I even wondered in a post if he was still injured/recovering from the surgery. In addition, he was missing some shots while he was near the basket, when he was given the ball. He started playing with a lot of energy, starting with the LAC game in LA, and I believe Kerr's remarks motivated him to do that.

It (Kerr calling out Amare publicly) was in the AZ republic, and it was on KTAR. It was after the Suns lost to the Lakers in LA. I cannot give you the date/time, but it was on KTAR (I listen to it while driving to/from work). I remember thinking at that time- that is pretty strong (publicly mentioning Amare as not playing consistently with energy- those were not the exact words; I am paraphrasing). The news in the AZ Rep was relatively small, somewhere in the inside. I don't think it was a headline. I don't save my newspapers, or I could have found more details to post here. It did not surprise me that STAT suddenly started playing as if he had something to prove. I just hope he keeps that up.

[JediSkywalker]

By the way, if there was any truth to the Suns/Philly deal for Iggy and Dalembert I would love to see it happen. Those two have been playing real well lately and I think they would fit into our system seamlessly.

Unfortunately I don't think Dantoni et al. are open to making any changes in the middle of the season, even though it may be for their own good. I am noticing how Utah has started winning after making that deal involving Giricek.

[JediSkywalker]

The Mavs are looking scary. They beat GSW by 22 points. I think they have made some changes to the way they were playing and it is working (less dependence on Dirk; more utilization of Josh Howard). They could be the real block in the Suns' way (besides many other western teams). Hopefully the Suns will make the needed adjustments as the season goes on (is that too much to expect from Dantoni?). Right now I don't even know what this Suns team is capable of.

[JustWinBaby]

For all of you Mighty Mouse Fans ( Damon Stoudamire)

Mike Conley returned tonight after injury and had
7 pts
6 Rbds
8 Assists

While Mighty Mouse sat the the Grizzles beat Indiana 90 -72

Conley got the big three involved Gasol, Miller and Gay - all three had big nights.

Mighty Mouse is and has been overated. He was one of the main reasons they stunk last year and have stunk thus far this year. My bet is Memphis's record improves dramatically with Conley at the point.

[ShelC]

Please....Memphis is rebuilding and Conleys the future. They just dont have any use for Stoudamire at this point. Put him on a veteran team with guys that actually know how to play and where he doesnt have to carry the load and he'd be fine. I could see him as a NVE for us off the bench.

[JustWinBaby]

Please....Memphis is rebuilding and Conleys the future. They just dont have any use for Stoudamire at this point. Put him on a veteran team with guys that actually know how to play and where he doesnt have to carry the load and he'd be fine. I could see him as a NVE for us off the bench.

Sorry

Give it up

Mighty Mouse - Stinks

And would be horrible for this team

[jed]

I do believe you CAN attribute it to Amare not having the energy earlier, and having it now (after Kerr publicly pointed out his lack of energy). It is easy to blame Dantoni and Nash (and Nash haters certainly will blame him for all that happens). Amare was not doing his part; that's what it boils down to.

Not that simple -- while I agree it's partially true. The Suns have also been failing in passing him the ball and getting him jump-started, which has been what has gotten him going in just about every year past.

[JustWinBaby]

I do believe you CAN attribute it to Amare not having the energy earlier, and having it now (after Kerr publicly pointed out his lack of energy). It is easy to blame Dantoni and Nash (and Nash haters certainly will blame him for all that happens). Amare was not doing his part; that's what it boils down to.

Not that simple -- while I agree it's partially true. The Suns have also been failing in passing him the ball and getting him jump-started, which has been what has gotten him going in just about every year past.

Agreed

[jkalldaway]

It's what both of you are saying. Amare needs the ball but he wasn't getting open and the team wasn't looking for him. In regards to the Mavs, the Mavs cannot beat the Suns in a seven game series if Amare plays like this. They have absolutely no answer for him whereas SA has Duncan to counter the points. Amare not only scores against Dallas but he draws fouls when he is playing like he should.

[Nodack]

I still stand by what I think I observed during the season in that Amare started out pretty aggressive, but got nailed for an offensive foul every time he tried to make any kind of spin move in the post. Couple that with a bunch of defensive fouls and I think Amare got so frustrated that he became afraid to do almost anything out of fear of getting called for a foul. He stopped doing any kind of post moves with his back to the basket. He barely guarded anybody in the post allowing every center we played against to have career numbers.

He has gradually started to turn it around and has gotten back to being aggressive again and has been able to stay out of too much foul trouble for the most part in the last several games.


Not that simple -- while I agree it's partially true. The Suns have also been failing in passing him the ball and getting him jump-started, which has been what has gotten him going in just about every year past.

I think that helps a lot if Amare can get it going on offense early getting their centers in foul trouble before they can get Amare in foul trouble. We have played some not so great teams which has been great for getting Amare's confidence back.

So, in my completely unscientific reasoning I believe that Amare wasn't out of energy so much and he wasn't being denied the ball by his teammates either. I think he was just frustrated and has worked himself back into being for the most part the Amare of old that we have come to expect and count on. It has been a gradual transformation from him playing passive the whole game to saving his fouls to play aggressive in the second half of games to now playing aggressive the whole game for the most part. I hope he can continue to get more and more confidence as the season progresses, but I am very happy with the results of the past several games.

[SpecialSauce]

Please....Memphis is rebuilding and Conleys the future. They just dont have any use for Stoudamire at this point. Put him on a veteran team with guys that actually know how to play and where he doesnt have to carry the load and he'd be fine. I could see him as a NVE for us off the bench.

Sorry

Give it up

Mighty Mouse - Stinks

And would be horrible for this team

wrong

[misteradiant]

i think amare just got his head straight and decided to take more on by himself. we were all complaining that it looked like he was coasting at times. i called him out and posted that he was going to miss the all star game playing this way. then he changed. not saying it was me. regardless, it's a shame that it took him so long to figure it out. we could have used some wins in dallas and against the lakers.

we'll see how he does vs. chandler saturday night. that's a bellwether game regarding amare's better play.

[Wormwood]

It's hard to imagine a verteran PG who knows how to pass the ball effectively like Damon would do worse here than Barbosa and Banks at playing back up to Nash. 15 minutes a night, and just keep the offense going. That's all you have to do... I keep saying we've never had a pass first guy behind Nash, so how do we know it wouldn't work?

[Nodack]

we'll see how he does vs. chandler saturday night. that's a bellweather game regarding amare's better play.

I agree.

I actually hope that none of the Suns make the All Star game. They could use that as motivation and they could use the rest.

[JustWinBaby]

It's hard to imagine a verteran PG who knows how to pass the ball effectively like Damon would do worse here than Barbosa and Banks at playing back up to Nash. 15 minutes a night, and just keep the offense going. That's all you have to do... I keep saying we've never had a pass first guy behind Nash, so how do we know it wouldn't work?

Since when has Damon been considered a pass first point guard?

Hoops Hype - player profile

Very Quick .... Good in the Open Court .... Not that good in Halfcourt offense ..... More than decent scorer ... poor shooting percentages.... not a pure point guard....rookie of the year in 1996 ...... not lived up to expectations since.

Lifetime:

Damon 5'10" 35 years old
33.9 min 6.3 assists .407 FG% .358 3p %

LB 6'3" 25 years old
25.7 min 2.8 assists .471 FG % .410 3P %

I would like another point guard as well, but Damon ain't the answer. He would never see the floor. All it would be is a salary dump to get rid of Banks, that could be a good thing down the road. Potentail locker room problems could come with him as well.

As far as helping this team win a Championship, he would not help at all. Our defense is bad already, who in the league can he guard, he is a shrimp. The only time he would ever see the court would be in mop up time or in case of injury. If he were to replace either LB or Nash we would stink about as bad as Memphis has and his most recent stop in Portland. He also was involved in some sort of off the court issue while a jail blazer, not the kind of player Kerr would be interested in.

Coach D has said it. There is no reason that our 2nd unit should be playing 2nd fiddle to any other 2nd unit in the league, I quite frankly agree. They need to get their act together as much as Amare needs to get the ball more. The 2nd unit already has Boris and Hill include most of the time who both pass the ball equally well to Damon. We need more size not less.

[Nodack]

Our second unit's production has been a problem for as long as Nash has been here. They just don't seem to know what to do without him on the floor and opposing teams wait for that time to really attack knowing that is when the Suns are at their most vulnerable time. I'm not sure what the answer is.

Putting out our best defensive team at that point to slow down the other teams during that point? Maybe make sure that Amare is on the floor when Nash is out and feed the beast during those times. I almost think it would be a good thing for Nash to go down with some minor injury so that the Suns are forced to play without Nash for a couple of games forcing them to learn to play without him.

[Superbone]

we'll see how he does vs. chandler saturday night. that's a bellweather game regarding amare's better play.

I agree.

I actually hope that none of the Suns make the All Star game. They could use that as motivation and they could use the rest.

There's no way Nash doesn't get voted in by the coaches.

[Wormwood]

JWB,

You missed the key stat....6.3 APG career. Banks clocks in at 2.3, and Barbosa at 2.8. There's a hell of a difference there. Last time we had a guy like Damon here (Brevin Knight) he actually played very well, posting the best +/- per 48 on the team, and a very nice PER as well.

[SpecialSauce]

It's hard to imagine a verteran PG who knows how to pass the ball effectively like Damon would do worse here than Barbosa and Banks at playing back up to Nash. 15 minutes a night, and just keep the offense going. That's all you have to do... I keep saying we've never had a pass first guy behind Nash, so how do we know it wouldn't work?

Since when has Damon been considered a pass first point guard?

Hoops Hype - player profile

Very Quick .... Good in the Open Court .... Not that good in Halfcourt offense ..... More than decent scorer ... poor shooting percentages.... not a pure point guard....rookie of the year in 1996 ...... not lived up to expectations since.

Lifetime:

Damon 5'10" 35 years old
33.9 min 6.3 assists .407 FG% .358 3p %

LB 6'3" 25 years old
25.7 min 2.8 assists .471 FG % .410 3P %

I would like another point guard as well, but Damon ain't the answer. He would never see the floor. All it would be is a salary dump to get rid of Banks, that could be a good thing down the road. Potentail locker room problems could come with him as well.

As far as helping this team win a Championship, he would not help at all. Our defense is bad already, who in the league can he guard, he is a shrimp. The only time he would ever see the court would be in mop up time or in case of injury. If he were to replace either LB or Nash we would stink about as bad as Memphis has and his most recent stop in Portland. He also was involved in some sort of off the court issue while a jail blazer, not the kind of player Kerr would be interested in.

Coach D has said it. There is no reason that our 2nd unit should be playing 2nd fiddle to any other 2nd unit in the league, I quite frankly agree. They need to get their act together as much as Amare needs to get the ball more. The 2nd unit already has Boris and Hill include most of the time who both pass the ball equally well to Damon. We need more size not less.

I don't get you JWB. You hold these grudges against certain players and your arguments make NO sense. You're sitting there saying that LB is a better PG than Stouds? Look at the assist numbers that you posted yourself.

[Velo]

Our second unit's production has been a problem for as long as Nash has been here. They just don't seem to know what to do without him on the floor and opposing teams wait for that time to really attack knowing that is when the Suns are at their most vulnerable time. I'm not sure what the answer is.

Putting out our best defensive team at that point to slow down the other teams during that point? Maybe make sure that Amare is on the floor when Nash is out and feed the beast during those times. I almost think it would be a good thing for Nash to go down with some minor injury so that the Suns are forced to play without Nash for a couple of games forcing them to learn to play without him.
I would like to see Steve get some rest as well. the problem is that Nash doesn't go down with minor (or even major) injuries. he will play until he physically can't hold a basketball.

[JustWinBaby]

JWB,

You missed the key stat....6.3 APG career. Banks clocks in at 2.3, and Barbosa at 2.8. There's a hell of a difference there. Last time we had a guy like Damon here (Brevin Knight) he actually played very well, posting the best +/- per 48 on the team, and a very nice PER as well.

You are missing my point.

Damon is too small, probably the reason that Brevin Knight has bounced around the league as well and Boykins can't find work. Albeit both Damon and Brevin are better distributors than Boykins. Why in the hell did he opt out anyway? If I were him I would fire my agent if he hasn't already.

The scream from everyone is better defense will win a Championship. IMO that includes the 2nd unit as well.

While LB can drive a sane man stupid at times, the guy busts his ass and does far more good things than bad. The problem is that he seems to go stupid for like three plays in a row. If he can just be bad rather than horrible in his down cycle I think we are fine.

As far as the differnece between 6.3 and 2.8 I understand but also think LB can be used on the 2nd team as a scorer utilizing Boris and Hill's passing skills similar to when Nash is in. They just have to figure it out. Bottom line I do not see Damon ever replacing LB on the court and doubt they could possibly coexist together.

Now if you or anyone else can come up with a plan to add Andre Miller I would be all over it.

Not to mention a trade agains but......

Boris for Andre (Doubt it could happen) and a PJ Brown signing would fortify our week spots in a big hurry without losing a beat and keep our front liners in place.

[Ring_Wanted]

Uhh.. The Sixers just dumped an useful player and a fan fav in Korver to get cap space. Sure, they are taking Diaw's 45 for Miller short contract, while we can't send them a pick. Also, Diaw is a BYC player.. The chances we move him are close to 0, in the case the coaching staff even wants to do it, tho it's not them who take those decisions...

Boris is approaching Dampier contract status.. With the added problem that our owner does not spend like Cuban.

[JustWinBaby]

It's hard to imagine a verteran PG who knows how to pass the ball effectively like Damon would do worse here than Barbosa and Banks at playing back up to Nash. 15 minutes a night, and just keep the offense going. That's all you have to do... I keep saying we've never had a pass first guy behind Nash, so how do we know it wouldn't work?

Since when has Damon been considered a pass first point guard?

Hoops Hype - player profile

Very Quick .... Good in the Open Court .... Not that good in Halfcourt offense ..... More than decent scorer ... poor shooting percentages.... not a pure point guard....rookie of the year in 1996 ...... not lived up to expectations since.

Lifetime:

Damon 5'10" 35 years old
33.9 min 6.3 assists .407 FG% .358 3p %

LB 6'3" 25 years old
25.7 min 2.8 assists .471 FG % .410 3P %

I would like another point guard as well, but Damon ain't the answer. He would never see the floor. All it would be is a salary dump to get rid of Banks, that could be a good thing down the road. Potentail locker room problems could come with him as well.

As far as helping this team win a Championship, he would not help at all. Our defense is bad already, who in the league can he guard, he is a shrimp. The only time he would ever see the court would be in mop up time or in case of injury. If he were to replace either LB or Nash we would stink about as bad as Memphis has and his most recent stop in Portland. He also was involved in some sort of off the court issue while a jail blazer, not the kind of player Kerr would be interested in.

Coach D has said it. There is no reason that our 2nd unit should be playing 2nd fiddle to any other 2nd unit in the league, I quite frankly agree. They need to get their act together as much as Amare needs to get the ball more. The 2nd unit already has Boris and Hill include most of the time who both pass the ball equally well to Damon. We need more size not less.

I don't get you JWB. You hold these grudges against certain players and your arguments make NO sense. You're sitting there saying that LB is a better PG than Stouds? Look at the assist numbers that you posted yourself.

Sauce

You don't get it. Damon is a loser and has been for most of his existence in this league. He is a poor shooter that takes horrible shots, can't guard a coffe table and was a bad apple in Portland. The only reason that he is still in the league is that Jerry West or Fratello went stupid and signed him to that contract. He would not have played virtually at all this season if not for Conley's injury - he did not beat him out.

It is not that I do not want more assists, it is that I think he is a horrible fit for this team. I expect the rest of the league will say the same after his contract runs out after next season, see ya.

Boris really doesn't want to shoot anyway, let him be the playmaker and let LB be the shooter on the 2nd team.

The other thing you don't get is that all of Damon's time on the court he has been assigned as point guard. Only 12 minutes of LB time has he been the PG.

Per 48 MInutes as PG

Damon = 8.88
LB + 11.2

Obviously that is an incorrect extrapolation, in that LB's assists include time at the 2(actually it is somewhere between 5.2 and 11.2 - probably right at Damon's number), but you get the point. Damon ain't all what you guys make him out to be.

[Ring_Wanted]

Whatever. I'd take Damon for Banks in a heartbeat, even if It's only for his shorter contract.

[JustWinBaby]

Whatever. I'd take Damon for Banks in a heartbeat, even if It's only for his shorter contract.

He could be better for this team than Banks, maybe. But replacing LB's minutes would be a downgrade.

[torres]

Please....Memphis is rebuilding and Conleys the future. They just dont have any use for Stoudamire at this point. Put him on a veteran team with guys that actually know how to play and where he doesnt have to carry the load and he'd be fine. I could see him as a NVE for us off the bench.

Count me in for the Damon Stoudamire bandwagon.

The guy has shot 38% from the 3-point line this season and 81% from the free throw line. I'm sure he would do a very respectable job running the team off the bench.

If we don't find a way to pick him up, I am sure that the Celtics will.

[Shabazz]

On topic - this just came out:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/jan/03/agent-says-stoudamire-will-seek-release-or-trade/


Agent says Stoudamire will seek release or trade
By Ronald Tillery (Contact)
Originally published 04:06 p.m., January 3, 2008
Updated 04:06 p.m., January 3, 2008

BOSTON — Grizzlies veteran point guard Damon Stoudamire will seek a trade or contract buyout, his agent said Thursday.

Stoudamire was removed from the starting lineup in favor of first-round draft pick Mike Conley. Stoudamire was on the inactive list for the Grizzlies' victory Wednesday over Indiana. Aaron Goodwin, an experienced NBA agent with a star-studded client list, called the decision to relegate Stoudamire to an insurance player at the point unacceptable and disrespectful.

A 13-year veteran, Stoudamire started in 29 games for the 9-22 Grizzlies. He averaged 7.3 points on 39-percent shooting and 3.9 assists in 20.5 minutes.

Head coach Marc Iavaroni, however, prefers to commit to a youth movement at the point with Conley starting and second-year player, Kyle Lowry, coming off the bench.

Conley will make his second NBA start Friday when the Griz play the Boston Celtics.

“For the Grizzlies to demote Damon because of his age and because of the team’s record is unacceptable,” Goodwin said. “They’re going to have to do right by Damon — move to get him out of there or restructure his contract so he can be bought out. Mr. Heisley is a good, compassionate man. But we’re not going to sit back and watch Damon’s career rot.”

Goodwin referred to Griz owner Michael Heisley, who said the team will try within reason to accommodate Stoudamire. Heisley, though, cautioned that the team will consider a lot more than Stoudamire’s personal desire if something is done.

“I have deep affection for Damon Stoudamire,” Heisley said. “I was invited to and went to his wedding in Hawaii. He’s been a stand-up guy. We’re not going to treat Damon in a cavalier manner.

“If the opportunity presents itself, I’d love to see Damon play for a championship team. But that means we have to make a trade and somebody has to want him. We all think the world of Damon. We want to do what’s in his best interest as long as it’s in the best interest of the Grizzlies.”

Stoudamire is under contract through the 2008-09 season. He is scheduled to earn $4.65 million in the final season of a four-year deal he signed in 2005. Stoudamire’s contract is also laden with language that determines his salary for 2008-09 based on the minutes he averages this season.

[misteradiant]

you guys and your trade scenario bullshit. call fox and make it a tv show.

[ShelC]

But replacing LB's minutes would be a downgrade.

Why would we have to replace his minutes? They could play in the backcourt, DStouds taking the ball handling/decision making duties out of Barbs' hands, and even Hills and Boris' for that matter. Its just one more playmaker and shooter to spread the floor.

[torres]

I think Damon Stoudamire would take more of Raja Bell's minutes than Leandro Barbosa's. If we bring Stoudamire in, I think we'd be best served starting Barbosa at the 2, then having Stoudamire, Bell, Diaw, and Skinner off the bench.

[sunsdotcom]

we don't need mighty mouse. we need another big or a "GS type" player.

[SpecialSauce]

I think Damon Stoudamire would take more of Raja Bell's minutes than Leandro Barbosa's. If we bring Stoudamire in, I think we'd be best served starting Barbosa at the 2, then having Stoudamire, Bell, Diaw, and Skinner off the bench.

Word, but I'd much rather have Pietrus.

[INFORMER]

I think back-up point guard is still a need the team would do well to address. If Stoudemire was waived (bought-out), I'd have no problem with the Suns picking him up. Though, I still wonder if the Suns could move Marcus Banks for Damon Jones.

[JustWinBaby]

You guys just don't get it. Stoudamire sucks and his agent is a moron.

WTF has Stoudamire ever accomplished, past his rookie year?

This contract is his last payday - book it. He should try to help the youngsters become better players while cashing a very nice pay check each month. About a week ago he was calling out teammates for poor play. Ivaraoni benches his lame ass and the Grizzles win. Look in the mirror Damon you will find the problem. With a healthly Conley all year, my bet is they would be in the playoff hunt. I also project them to cause everyone problems in the 2nd half of the season. There is too much talent on that roster, they just have needed someone other then Damon to lead the band.

[Wormwood]

You guys just don't get it. Stoudamire sucks and his agent is a moron.

WTF has Stoudamire ever accomplished, past his rookie year?

This contract is his last payday - book it. He should try to help the youngsters become better players while cashing a very nice pay check each month. About a week ago he was calling out teammates for poor play. Ivaraoni benches his lame ass and the Grizzles win. Look in the mirror Damon you will find the problem. With a healthly Conley all year, my bet is they would be in the playoff hunt. I also project them to cause everyone problems in the 2nd half of the season. There is too much talent on that roster, they just have needed someone other then Damon to lead the band.

I can easily see Stoudamire doing yeoman's work as a back up PG here.

You ask what he's accomplished? He's got more assists per game, that Barbosa and Banks ever have, and probably more than they will ever have combined. If he could get 12-15 minutes a game behind Nash, and allow Barbs to play exclusively at his more natural SG spot, I believe it would help us greatly. How many times have we seen our second unit stumble because we don't have a PG that can run the show? Our offensive strategy revolves around having a playmaker PG. In the past 4 years, Nash has been the only one we've had, and we've been damned good with him on the court...

I agree that another big defensive body like PJ Brown to throw at Duncan would be very useful, but at the moment out biggest failing is our second unit, whose defeciencies seem to stem from it's inability to generate points.

If an opportunity to snag Stoudamire presents itself, I suggest we take it.

[ShelC]

Still JWB, if he were to get bought out and were willing come here for the minimum, shouldnt we at least take a flyer on him?

[JustWinBaby]

Still JWB, if he were to get bought out and were willing come here for the minimum, shouldnt we at least take a flyer on him?

I really think if we enlist Damon's services we are very desparate. As a matter of fact any team that enlists his services we be desparate.

Memphis took the Celtics down to the wire with Conley tonight, while Damon sat..

We need another big first and foremost, to help on the boards and points in the paint.

Banks looks scared to death on the court. He almost looks like a robot. He made no mistakes but really no impact. D'Antoni needs to loosen the leash and let him make a couple of mistakes. He has done that with others, LB, and has been paid back in spades. When LB does make mistakes he yanks him out but always puts him back in. I believe Banks is not as bad as we all are made to believe, if given some room to grow.

Who here would not like to see DJ, after he gets back from the D league, get a chance. Those are two choices for me that I would like to see get PT prior to Damon.

I doubt anyone really wants Marks to get any PT. That is who will have to get PT if any of our bigs miss any games, Skinner or Amare. Who really wants that to happen.

Another big or another lights out shooter is a bigger priority than Damon at this point IMO. You can say Damon is not a bad shooter, but he is just to small.

[JediSkywalker]

I think we are desparate as far as the bench and the rebounds go. Skinner has done more than anyone expected him to, and I hope he will get even better. Still, the Suns need a big guy whose name is not Sean Marks. If Damon S. is available for the minimum, the Suns should sign him (I don't believe PJ Brown is an option anymore).
Of course it could mean one of the rooks not getting a chance to play, but Dantoni is not going to play the rookies anyway. He just seems to be comfortable with more experienced players. Damon may even get a chance to play more than Banks. However, if Banks and Damn could be swapped, that may be even better.

An alternative may be to throw in Atlanta's 2008 pick and get Gasol instead of DS, though that will be much tougher to bring about. Atlanta lost tonight and I think they lost the game before that too. They still are a 15-15 team, and are not likely to pick before the 15th pick.

[Ring_Wanted]

Gasol has a max salary..

[INFORMER]

Gasol has a max salary..

. . . and does nothing to help the Suns win it all.

[JustWinBaby]

Gasol has a max salary..

. . . and does nothing to help the Suns win it all.

He would do a whole lot more than Boris or mighty mouse.

[Mori_Chu]

So wait - JustWinBaby I am confused - Do you like Boris Diaw and Damon Stoudamire? I can't really tell - from your posts - they are kind of ambiguous.

[INFORMER]

Gasol has a max salary..

. . . and does nothing to help the Suns win it all.

He would do a whole lot more than Boris or mighty mouse.

:roll:

Apples and oranges. Gasol makes the max and would require us giving up Marion or Amare. Stoudamire was been discussed as a minimum salaried free agent addition. Come on.

[JustWinBaby]

Gasol has a max salary..

. . . and does nothing to help the Suns win it all.

He would do a whole lot more than Boris or mighty mouse.

:roll:

Apples and oranges. Gasol makes the max and would require us giving up Marion or Amare. Stoudamire was been discussed as a minimum salaried free agent addition. Come on.

I have suggested since the off season that we should consider trading Marion for Gasol. I still would do it.

[JediSkywalker]

Gasol has a max salary..

. . . and does nothing to help the Suns win it all.

He would do a whole lot more than Boris or mighty mouse.

:roll:

Apples and oranges. Gasol makes the max and would require us giving up Marion or Amare. Stoudamire was been discussed as a minimum salaried free agent addition. Come on.

I have suggested since the off season that we should consider trading Marion for Gasol. I still would do it.

If the Suns offered the Atlanta pick and Boris for Gasol, would that work?

[JustWinBaby]

. . . and does nothing to help the Suns win it all.

He would do a whole lot more than Boris or mighty mouse.

:roll:

Apples and oranges. Gasol makes the max and would require us giving up Marion or Amare. Stoudamire was been discussed as a minimum salaried free agent addition. Come on.

I have suggested since the off season that we should consider trading Marion for Gasol. I still would do it.

If the Suns offered the Atlanta pick and Boris for Gasol, would that work?

Since Boris is a BYC player only 4.5 of his 9 can count in trade. However according to the CBA we can utilize our ($9million TE we got from Seattle in the Thomas trade to seucre Gasol) The only problems are who the hell wants Boris and 4 more years after this one at $9 MIl and I think we need to get a third team involved.

Memphis could be interested in Marion and be willing to just let him walk this off season to clear Salary.

My ultimate trade, which is unpopular is Marion and LB for Gasol and Miller. It would work under the CBA.

Unfortunately D'Antoni is too hooked on speed Ball.

Gasol
Amare
Hill
Miller
Nash

Could be amazing - Amare could actually play where he needs to play. We could get away from midget ball as well as speed ball.

[JediSkywalker]

He would do a whole lot more than Boris or mighty mouse.

:roll:

Apples and oranges. Gasol makes the max and would require us giving up Marion or Amare. Stoudamire was been discussed as a minimum salaried free agent addition. Come on.

I have suggested since the off season that we should consider trading Marion for Gasol. I still would do it.

If the Suns offered the Atlanta pick and Boris for Gasol, would that work?

Since Boris is a BYC player only 4.5 of his 9 can count in trade. However according to the CBA we can utilize our ($9million TE we got from Seattle in the Thomas trade to seucre Gasol) The only problems are who the hell wants Boris and 4 more years after this one at $9 MIl and I think we need to get a third team involved.

Memphis could be interested in Marion and be willing to just let him walk this off season to clear Salary.

My ultimate trade, which is unpopular is Marion and LB for Gasol and Miller. It would work under the CBA.

Unfortunately D'Antoni is too hooked on speed Ball.

Gasol
Amare
Hill
Miller
Nash

Could be amazing - Amare could actually play where he needs to play. We could get away from midget ball as well as speed ball.

May be next year. Nash should still be playing next season. Hill too. May be there is hope for a championship one more year.

[INFORMER]

My ultimate trade, which is unpopular is Marion and LB for Gasol and Miller. It would work under the CBA.

Memphis doesn't do that deal. They're not going to give up Miller to get Barbosa.


Could be amazing - Amare could actually play where he needs to play. We could get away from midget ball as well as speed ball.

Size, or a lack thereof, is not what's killing the Suns/Amare. Just putting a bigger player next to Amare won't make everything better. You think having Amare guard Dirk Nowitzki instead of Erick Dampier is an improvement? Amare's problem is not a lack of size. It is his willingness to attack the boards and his ability to defend (which is all mental). It doesn't matter if the opposition is 6-8 or 7-0.

If you want improvement, put a defensive/rebounding beast next to Amare. And sorry, that isn't Paul Gasol.

[ShelC]

If you want improvement, put a defensive/rebounding beast next to Amare.

...and then get him the ball 22 times a game inside.

[JustWinBaby]

{May be next year. Nash should still be playing next season. Hill too. May be there is hope for a championship one more year.}

Unless something dramatic happens Marion may not be a Sun past this season and undoubtedly not past next season.

To continue to be competitive while Nash is still here we cannot afford to just lose Marion for nothing, he must be traded.

This is why his name is always in trade rumors.

We always think Amare would be much better off with a center by his side rather than a small forward. The only two centers I see available, or so says the NBA rumor mill, are Gasol and Dalembert. If we really do not want to extend Marion and or he really is going to leave we need to make a move for our immediate future otherwise this could be our last chance at a ring for a very long time.

Marion and Barbosa Salaries added together get either of the following two combos.

Dalembert and Andre Miller

or

Gasol and Mike Miller

Either combo could could insure that we reamin competitive through Nash's contract. I obviously prefer the Memphis combo. Dalembert has never blossomed but is 7ft and athletic. Andre Miller while being a very good point is not a great shooter. I believe Gasol and MIller would fit like a glove.