AZ Finest:
$$$$$. By that rationale, Kevin Garnett isn’t worth the contract he has. Are you saying Garnett is a role player? Check their numbers. – Is Garnett a role player? Are you kidding? See this is another thrilling case study of perceived value vs reality. Because KG has missed the playoffs two years in a row, he is now considered a player on his down side. The reality is that the last time he had two capable guys around him, he carried the team to the WCF and won the MVP. Compare the teams Cassell had around him in LA this year (ridiculous talent) and in Minny two years ago (pretty much an older Spree and KG) and you then start to realize how good Garnett is in getting that team as far as he did – they lost to the best team of the last decade for gods sakes, it was not a complete failure. KG’s biggest weakness is his inability to carry the load at the end of the game and by himself. But rather where shawn does not have the skills to do that, KG just isn’t say Michael Jordan and can do it all by himself. KG and Paul Pierce are both top ten players in the NBA (although our quick reflex society wouldn’t agree because of the last two seasons each player has had) and have shown that in flashes over the past seasons. They just have not had team success because their GM’s are idiots. That doesn’t make them less of players. Think NJ is glad they traded for Vince – on the risk he was not the same player anymore. Systems and situations matter more than people think. Bring KG over here and he would equal Amare’s numbers. KG and Marion are not even comparable- not even on the same planet in terms of basketball skills, determination and physical means. So it’s a cost benefit to answer your question. Yes I would rather pay KG 21 million than Marion 16 million because I believe for that 21 million we get a championship. That’s not as sure a thing with Marion and likely just as possible with adding a couple cheaper players……
Replaceable? I’ll go down the list of names you gave:
- Richard Jefferson. Has he played through a full season w/o being seriously injured? Ummm does that make him less of a player? I’m hoping my UA boy can avoid that tag for much longer…
- Iguadola. Perhaps. But, don’t ask him to lean on Lamar Odom or Elton Brand… which Marion was asked to do. – OK but can I lean on him to be a better passer, improving shooter, and better at creating his own shot? At 1/8 the cost? Yes I can.
- JR Smith. I’ll pretend you didn’t even list him here. – I feel bad for both the Smiths (Josh and JR) because once again, they are players not good enough to overcome the poor coaching and tutoring they receive from their respective teams. Just like Boris, it think one of these high flyers would come here, take a couple years to mature (both guys are 20) and then be flying around dunking and rebounding by the time they are 22. I really believe in the Suns development and system that much. I think Marion has benefited from that – while these other guys would excel in our up and down system and then their “perceived value” would only go up. Its fascinating because Suns players have “inflated” value in the league (which I think is the case with Marion and I don’t think he would put close to the same numbers depending on the team) because of the extra possessions and running style.
- Kyle Korver. See above. – I would NEVER want Korver to replace Marion. EVER. Korver would be a good weapon for the Suns off the bench. Not as a starter. That would be WAYYY to significant a loss of talent – even if Korver made 100 bucks a year it wouldn’t be worth it.
Complains too much? Come on. You have to take what Marion says with a grain of salt. Half the time I don’t think he knows what he’s saying. – I think you guys give him way to much of a free pass when it comes to this. You can say that the media distorts his words but c’mon this happens every three months. And its not like he is subtle. Now he plays better with that chip on his shoulder so I am sure its partially motivation but as a fan, teammate, and coach at one point you have to look around and say “What more does this guy want – hes maximizing his potential – he’s never going to be Dominique Wilkins or anything- Is he more concerned with his recognition and stats or winning” I’m not saying it this big distraction or anything but like joemama said, I have heard enough sound bites from D’Antoni through time to know he gets fed-up. I can’t understand why more people don think he is the spoiled athlete personified?
Doesn’t fit into D’Antoni’s system? You mean the system in which Marion was playing near MVP levels for most of the year? – Running up and down the floor is going to work wonders for a players stats, yes I agree. Does that change the fact that D’Antoni values spacing and shooters in his 1-3 positions? I’m not saying that a player like Marion can’t be successful in this system and doesn’t even serve as the engine for the offense from time to time. But I now D’Antoni’s system and he wants shooters – big time. If Marion ever does get traded watch what the primary skill will be of the player who takes over that position. And please, please stop the Top 10 MVP talk. He’s good. He ain’t that good.
His value has peaked? Yeah, and there are teams out there who are wanting to fleece the Suns… and make us pay for the next 5 years. Like I said, “Be careful for what you wish for”. – Sure take on a player who relies on his athleticism as he begins to creep into his 30’s and can’t be counted on to carry a team for any period longer than a couple games and can’t create his own shot. Plus is you want to maximize his production, you are going to have to completely revamp the half court offense you currently have. Oh and on more thing: He’s owed something like 34 million dollars over the next two years. Fleece away boys. I’m not saying he’s not a great/valuable member to this team. But his value is at an all time high. That’s a fact.
He doesn’t play that good of defense. Defense isn’t all about staying in front of your man. It’s the intangibles. Tipped balls, running the break after a steal, help D, etc . Not a lock-dock down defender, but better than most small forwards. – So what the hell are we exactly paying him 16 million dollars for again?
If Marion end up beng dealt, you will see why he was so important over the long-stretch of a season. Why mess with a good thing? Hell, let's see what happens with this core group all healthy. This team will be favored to win the title next year, provided Amare is back to form. What more could we ask for?
I agree with this last paragraph. This is my feeling as well. But it’s not a completely stupid move to consider getting what you can for him now and no matter what the team says – I guarantee you they are at least listening to offers. Ok so here’s a trade I have though about that doesn’t really help us salary wise but I think makes us a better team overall. I think the salaries are close enough and while I am sure the powers that be want cap space – this might make us just as solid a team next year.
Sonics get:
Marion
Suns #27 pick in 2006 draft
Suns get:
Rashard Lewis
Luke Ridnour
I can already hear everybody: Rashard Lewis? He’s half the player Marion is. Listen I am no Lewis fans as I find him soft. He makes a lot of money too. But people who watch NBA basketball cannot deny one thing. His skills are made for this Suns team. He wouldn’t be as good a defender or rebounder as Marion but he would provide size and I bet you he would shoot 45% from three on this team. Plus he can go to the rack much better than Marion. If you guys like Tim Thomas - this kid is three times as talented as TT. I honestly believe he would come to this team and average 22 and 10 a game. He would complement the guys we have already and he is a far superior basketball player (the italicized area is important) and would fit right in. To me the key to the deal though is Luke Ridnour. I have watched a lot of this kid in college and the pros. Now he’s not quite as good as Kirk Hinrich but he has the potential to be better offensively. I look at his learning curve and see a very similar one to Steve Nash. Learning under Nash would be the best thing that ever happened to him and he has played enough where he would be a solid back up next year as well. I’m telling you – go back to the year he won Pac-10 player of the year at Oregon and watch the games. Kid can play. Seattle is just a bad fit for him. He gets to run out here in the desert and you might be looking at a kid who two years down the road can be our replacement for Nash.
So for all those guys out there who think that no Marion trade could improve our title viability next year – I think the above trade could do that.
