Vroman holds own against Howard! AZCentral, Elindholm!

Yuma · July 17th, 2004, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Vroman holds own vs. Howard

Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 17, 2004 12:00 AM

LAS VEGAS - No. 1 of round one vs. the No. 2 of round two.

If it sounds like a mismatch for Suns second-round pickup Jackson Vroman to face Orlando top pick Dwight Howard, a Friday first-quarter matchup at the Reebok Vegas Summer League would beg to differ.

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In 10 minutes, Vroman held Howard to 0-for-5 shooting and two rebounds. Vroman even took a charge.

"It was team defense," Vroman said. "These guys were digging into his lap for me."

Vroman was scoreless in the period, but the rookie from Iowa State was not given a first-season guaranteed contract for his offensive repertoire. A slender 6-foot-10, Vroman's impact will come in his energy.

"We have to be pleased with him, and patient," Suns summer coach Marc Iavaroni said.

Howard finished with 15 rebounds in Phoenix's 119-95 win, but also had nine turnovers and seven fouls. With 6-of-21 shooting in two appearances, Howard does not look as advanced as fellow prep power forward and Boston pick Al Jefferson (the No. 15 selection).

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First, Robert "Tractor" Traylor was sitting courtside with his beau watching the Suns game Friday. Then, he had Suns owner Robert Sarver on a wing. Later, he had President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo and two other Suns investors next to him.

It was not quite the blue-chip recruiting treatment Steve Nash got, but the message was sent that Phoenix's search for a big man includes Traylor, an unrestricted free agent.

"It's a mutual interest," Traylor said. "They've got some time (playing minutes) that I want. Hopefully, I bring some things to the table they like. It's a great opportunity with a young team that's going to be a good team."

Traylor would add bulk to the roster at 6-8 and 284 pounds. Last season, the six-year pro averaged 5.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 13.3 minutes with New Orleans.

He may sign for his veteran minimum level of $870,046.

Free throws

Phoenix left Las Vegas 3-0 and starts the Rocky Mountain Revue in Utah tonight.

• Leandro Barbosa was sterling in Vegas. He scored 16 of his 20 points Friday in the first half. He left in the third quarter with a knee bruise.

• After two rough games, Maciej Lampe was better Friday, grabbing 11 boards.

Tractor was at the first Suns game. They interviewed him during the game. I wonder if he was there in general talking to scouts, and coaches. Does anyone know if he lives in Las Vegas?

It could have been just a coincedence he was there when the Suns were.

KloD · July 17th, 2004, 10:39 AM

It may be that he can see an opportunity in Phx and is out networking to let them know he has interest? At the pay that has been mentioned I am all for giving him a one year contract and giving him a chance to prove his value.

Chaz · July 17th, 2004, 12:10 PM

Puhleese,

The Suns smothered Dwight Howard and Holman guarded him most of the second half. Dwight Howard was very impressive. He is a kid and doesn't really know anything yet but he is very impressive physically. He is taller and thinner than Amare it seemed, but not as strong. I don't think he is a center, well he is probably more of a center than Bosh in Toronto.
If that kid has a good work ethic, Orlando got a nice player.

It really sucks when you have to wait so long to see if a draft pans out.

Yuma · July 17th, 2004, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirChaz

Puhleese,

The Suns smothered Dwight Howard and Holman guarded him most of the second half. Dwight Howard was very impressive. He is a kid and doesn't really know anything yet but he is very impressive physically. He is taller and thinner than Amare it seemed, but not as strong. I don't think he is a center, well he is probably more of a center than Bosh in Toronto.
If that kid has a good work ethic, Orlando got a nice player.

It really sucks when you have to wait so long to see if a draft pans out.

The second half was when Howard got most of his stats.

elindholm · July 17th, 2004, 01:34 PM

It really sucks when you have to wait so long to see if a draft pans out.

You mean more than three weeks?

fordronken · July 17th, 2004, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elindholm

It really sucks when you have to wait so long to see if a draft pans out.

You mean more than three weeks?

Longest offseason ever.

Chaz · July 17th, 2004, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elindholm

It really sucks when you have to wait so long to see if a draft pans out.

You mean more than three weeks?

No I mean more than three years. I don't expect we will know about Josh Howard for that long. Used to be the number one pick overall would help the following season and you only had to wait a year to get a good idea of how good they would be. We are still waiting on Kwame Brown in Washington.