I didn't expect the Suns to be dependent on Knight entering the season to start at point guard but here we are.
The Suns may still do it before the season starts. For the longest time I thought the Suns would address the PG position in the offseason. Maybe Igor feels comfortable with the situation as his offense may be less dependent on a PG. I still think some team is going to cut or trade a PG that has the potential to start.
I have my doubts about a true starting pg becoming available, and therefore I don't really want to trade Warren. The Suns seem to think Knight has the potential to surprise in this role.
Maybe the Clippers will cut someone. Teodesic is interesting but they seem set on keeping him and he does not seem to be able to handle starters minutes.
If you can't sign or trade for a pg, you have to develop one, I guess.
I think part of why a deal hasn't been done for a PG is that there isn't a clear upgrade at PG available right now and in addition to that, if they traded for someone like Teodosic or even a younger guy with potential like Tyus Jones, that could set Knight back. I know we shouldn't be planning on Knight being great but with how the team is currently assembled, or how it was after we signed Ariza, Knight was the top PG on the roster. That allows him to head into next season with something to prove and feeling like he'll get a fair shot, finally, to show the Suns what he can do for the team as a PG. He's been here 3 years but he hasn't had that chance yet because of his injuries and the 2 PG nonsense.
It would probably set Knight back mentally if we traded for someone who isn't a clear upgrade to take his spot. Of course if we could have added Kemba Walker or someone like him then I think Knight would understand why he's not starting but no one like that was available. At best we might have been able to add an Elfrid Payton type that may be a solid PG if given the chance but it would be just as likely that person wouldn't move the needle also. The direction they've gone has built up Knight some and should have helped repair his confidence, which was shot when he last played, and there's a chance he shows he's capable of being a solid PG for us. If he sucks then we should be able to find a deal similar to what we could right now. What are we losing in waiting and putting Knight in position to rebuild his career? A few wins? We're not a playoff team so that doesn't matter.
I think they've played things well. We're paying Knight regardless, so lets see if he can revert to who he was in Milwaukee. He's done his part by working with our SL team and Kokoskov since Kokoskov was hired. Rewarding him with being the opening day PG isn't that much. He needs to prove he deserved that job and that he can keep it all on his own. If he doesn't? We're in the same spot we are now. Find a deal for another PG. I doubt our options will change that much between now and a month into the season.
