Positions to draft

panfolk

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What positions should we be looking to draft? Should we look for a longterm replacement for Nash or is the comination of LB and Diaw going to be enough when Nash is out? As I asked in the Hunter thread "what type of big are we looking for?" Do we want a low post banger, a rangy blocker or a high post C?

I'd propose that we are good on wings for the next few seasons. Disagree?

My pipedream is to trade up and get the Landlord or keep our 2 picks and get Jordan Farmar and Matt Haryasz as a potential Nash/KT type combo.
 

Arizona's Finest

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panfolk said:
What positions should we be looking to draft? Should we look for a longterm replacement for Nash or is the comination of LB and Diaw going to be enough when Nash is out? As I asked in the Hunter thread "what type of big are we looking for?" Do we want a low post banger, a rangy blocker or a high post C?

I'd propose that we are good on wings for the next few seasons. Disagree?

My pipedream is to trade up and get the Landlord or keep our 2 picks and get Jordan Farmar and Matt Haryasz as a potential Nash/KT type combo.

With our team currently set the way it is, i think the primary eyeing should be for a PG once Nash is done, but who is pass first and can learn from Nash both floor management and leadership.... i would have loved a guy like Luke Ridnour but we are a couple years too late...

But you read my mind about Farmar...thats who i want the Suns to get unequivacally...
 

coloradosun

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Arizona's Finest said:
With our team currently set the way it is, i think the primary eyeing should be for a PG once Nash is done, but who is pass first and can learn from Nash both floor management and leadership.... i would have loved a guy like Luke Ridnour but we are a couple years too late...

But you read my mind about Farmar...thats who i want the Suns to get unequivacally...

I still would like the Suns to make a run at Travis Diener. He is averaging only 14 minutes a game but is shooting 45% from the field, 46% from 3pt. I think there is an advantage to getting a guy who has some NBA playing time than bringing in a rookie. Take Barbosa for example, any type of floor time helps.
 

Gaddabout

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I love Tyrus Thomas. If the Suns could put a package together to acquire a high pick, I'd zero in on that guy.
 

sunsfn

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The suns need a big man, 6' 11" +....

They need someone that can play the inside and rebound block shots etc.

What always bothers me about the 6' 9" guys (if they are shot blockers) is that they have to jump so much and those guys seem to get injured more often. We need a guy that can be up there and stay up there!!

The problem is, those players are few and far between, and are not usually good all around players with offense and defense. But I would go for a guy that can play defense and get his points with put backs. There are times when you need someone like that to play just a few minutes and then sometimes play a lot, depending on the team you are playing.

But, the suns willllllll draft the best athlete when it comes to their pick!!

The lakers need to start losing some games, they are drafting 21 now.........it would be nice to be 11-15.
 

George O'Brien

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The Skita trade suggests the Suns are convinced there won't be a big man worth taking available when they pick. Considering how weak this draft is, there are serious doubts about whether any team would decide to trade down and pass on a guy like Aldridge.

What would I be looking for if there are no top big men? (An underachiever like Boone is a possibility but I not holding my breath). Ideally, another Chris Paul would nice, but the reviews are not encouraging about the available point guards.

Besides simply taking the BPA, I would consider going for an athletic wing defensive specialist like Prince was when he came out. Prince is at least 4 inches taller than Bell and is long enough to give guys like Kobe problems. I know this doesn't fit D'Antoni's "five shooters" offense, but when the Suns are getting killed by a Ray Allen, Kobe, T-Mac, LeBron class player - it would be nice to have someone who could limit them.
 

overseascardfan

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Some guys that have caught my eye are:

PG Dee Brown Ilinois
PG Mardy Collins Temple
PG Jordan Farmer UCLA
PG/SG Guillermo Diaz Miami
PF/C Al Horford Florida
PF Joahkim Noah Florida
SF Corey Brewer Florida
PF/C Hilton Armstrong UCONN
PF Jamereo Harrison Alabama
PF Nick Fazekas Nevada
C Matt Harayz Stanford
PF Leon Powe Califonia
PG Chris Hernandez Stanford
PG Marcus Williams UCONN
PG/SG Taquan Dean Louisville
PF Marco Killingsworth Indiana
 

JCSunsfan

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George O'Brien said:
The Skita trade suggests the Suns are convinced there won't be a big man worth taking available when they pick. Considering how weak this draft is, there are serious doubts about whether any team would decide to trade down and pass on a guy like Aldridge.

What would I be looking for if there are no top big men? (An underachiever like Boone is a possibility but I not holding my breath). Ideally, another Chris Paul would nice, but the reviews are not encouraging about the available point guards.

Besides simply taking the BPA, I would consider going for an athletic wing defensive specialist like Prince was when he came out. Prince is at least 4 inches taller than Bell and is long enough to give guys like Kobe problems. I know this doesn't fit D'Antoni's "five shooters" offense, but when the Suns are getting killed by a Ray Allen, Kobe, T-Mac, LeBron class player - it would be nice to have someone who could limit them.

If there was ever a draft to trade out of, this is it--unless there are some top notch international prospects I am not aware of. The problem is that we will have 2 1st rounders in this draft.

Trading Jim Jackson and a 1st for Wilcox would be a good way to spend a 1st rounder in this draft. Another way would be to trade a first rounder to Atlanta for protection removal on the pick they owe us. Its a gamble (Atlanta might improve like Chicago did) but it would probably be worth it.

Trading a 1st this year for a future 1st wouldn't be bad either. Portland might be interested in something like that. Use our trade exception to take a contract of their hands (Juan Dixon?), and then swap 1st round picks--ours this year for theirs next year. Portland is trying to clear dough to resign Pryzbilla.
 

George O'Brien

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If I was to bet, I'd put my money on the Suns trading at least one of the picks for a future pick - perhaps both.

As for Wilcox, I just can't see a team that is just two games back from the Suns doing anything to strengthen the Suns.
 

Gaddabout

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I don't see Atlanta doing anything to remove pick protection for the 2007 draft, especially if that might mean a shot at Greg Oden.

2007 looks much more interesting to me. Maybe someone like an Al Horford or a Jordan Farmer could really be a boon -- two picks this year for an impact player next year. Don't know how you would do that, though. You could trade to a really bad team and they could pull a Chicago and you end up with one pick around where your previous two picks were.

That still might not be a bad exchange, though. This draft looks dodgy to me, too.
 

coloradosun

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JCSunsfan said:
Trading a 1st this year for a future 1st wouldn't be bad either. Portland might be interested in something like that. Use our trade exception to take a contract of their hands (Juan Dixon?), and then swap 1st round picks--ours this year for theirs next year. Portland is trying to clear dough to resign Pryzbilla.

As it stands right now the Laker pick is at #21, exactly where we were last summer. We traded out of it last year we would probably do the same in the coming summer. A late 1st round pick ties you up for 3-4 years, no sense on doing that with a player that might not develope.

I like the idea of using the TE or Jim Jackson in dealing with Portland. Steve Blake or Juan Dixon could be had with either. They have Telfair and Jarrett Jack waiting in the wings. Heck, if they wanted to get rid of Jack I think we should listen, I was his biggest supporter last year about this time. Everyone should remember the DRAFT JARRETT JACK CAMPAIGN.
 

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coloradosun said:
I like the idea of using the TE or Jim Jackson in dealing with Portland. Steve Blake or Juan Dixon could be had with either. They have Telfair and Jarrett Jack waiting in the wings. Heck, if they wanted to get rid of Jack I think we should listen, I was his biggest supporter last year about this time. Everyone should remember the DRAFT JARRETT JACK CAMPAIGN.
Steve Blake maybe Juan Dixon no.
 
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panfolk

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Marcus Williams, Mardy Collins, and Jordan Farmar are all pass first points I'd be happy with.

I have yet to hear a satisfactory answer as far as guessing the suns needs for big men (except for someone noting we are a good shotblocking team without having a 7foot center (skita doesn't count)). I'd think we need a Center that can pass out and do putbacks who has the bulk to hold his own for rebounds. Or, there's finesse big men like Frazekas and Haryasz to consider as long term replacement high post offensive centers. Is there anyone similar to KT who can guard on the block and then step out to the top of the key on offense? None of the big men candidates in the second half of the first round are described that way.
 

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panfolk said:
Marcus Williams, Mardy Collins, and Jordan Farmar are all pass first points I'd be happy with.

I have yet to hear a satisfactory answer as far as guessing the suns needs for big men (except for someone noting we are a good shotblocking team without having a 7foot center (skita doesn't count)). I'd think we need a Center that can pass out and do putbacks who has the bulk to hold his own for rebounds. Or, there's finesse big men like Frazekas and Haryasz to consider as long term replacement high post offensive centers. Is there anyone similar to KT who can guard on the block and then step out to the top of the key on offense? None of the big men candidates in the second half of the first round are described that way.

Paul Davis
 
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panfolk

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overseascardfan said:
Paul Davis

Draft Express has Jordan Farmar falling into our range (and us going up). Either he or Paul Davis would suit our needs best in my opinion. If we could get Farmar with the first and Haryasz or Frazekas with the second first rounder I'd be a happy camper. As much as the idea of HAssan Adams is growing on me I still think we're good on wings (as long as we resign Barbosa successfully). Every draft seems exciting to me I guess.
 
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George O'Brien said:
From what I've seen, Paul Davis is much too slow to play Suns basketball.

Arghhh... another one bites the dust. Any opinions on Farmar?
 

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panfolk said:
Arghhh... another one bites the dust. Any opinions on Farmar?

Not really. It is really hard to make a judgement on a college player until you've seen him against top opponents and I haven't. He's certainly got first round talent, but that's not really your question.

A couple of years ago there was a big push on this board for Rafael Araujo out of BYU, so I tuned into a game they played against Colorado State. He was 5 to 6 inches taller than the guys playing against him, yet they dominated him. When I pointed that out, I got some flack but so far in the NBA Araujo has really struggled.

When looking at scouting reports, I have reached a point of just writing off slower players. Not only do they not fit the Suns, but they are failing on most other teams as well.
 
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panfolk

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George O'Brien said:
When looking at scouting reports, I have reached a point of just writing off slower players. Not only do they not fit the Suns, but they are failing on most other teams as well.

For the most part any forward or guard prospect that isn't described as "athletic" fails to draw my interest in looking for Suns second round fodder. Besides the attractiveness of having a true center (however unathletic) if they aren't shooters or freak athletes we don't seem to need them. Hence, my wondering if Farmar could even draw interest. Surely, they are thinking of long term understudies to Nash. I just think that Barbosa's future is as the starting SG on future teams with Bell joining Diaw and Jones as long term supporting cast.
 

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Taj Gray PF Oklahoma
Josh Boone F/C Connecticut
Hilton Armstrong F/C Connecticut
Jordan Farmar PG UCLA
Jermareo Davidson F/C Alabama
Gabriel Pruitt PG USC (haven't seen but a few minutes) lol
Hassan Adams SG Arizona
Guillermo Diaz G Miami
James White G/F Cincinnati
Cedric Simmons F North Carolina State
Juan Diego Palacios F Louisville
Matt Haryasz PF Stanford
Darius Washington PG Memphis
Justin Williams PF Wyoming (role player)


I also don't know Al Horford's game but he seems to be getting a lot of Love sooo (he probably wouldn't be available), Pruitt I can't say I've seen even 3 minutes of Gametime but the few minutes I watched and looking at stats, the size, athleticism, etc. I could be interested in him... the only guy I could be interested in that I haven't seen AT ALL or not too sure I have Gamefilm is Randy Foye PG Villanova (I've heard some good comments watching other games from Broadcasters)...


These are some Prospects I'd be interested in, I haven't watched a lot this year but I caught glimpses of some of these guys and obviously last year, I watched a lot of gamefilm. The guy I'm disappointed without watching him play THIS year is Courtney Sims F/C Michigan, I've been waiting on him for 3 years to get some attention, but oh well.


I wouldn't mind Adams with 1 of the Picks, I have quite a bit of players on Suns I have as favorites and without a lot of playing time on deep Team next year, adding a UofA player that has some excitement to game would be sweet... but I'm not greedy.
 
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panfolk

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I've seen several descriptions now of Haryasz being a potential complimentary center who has both added bulk and proven to have a consistent mid-range jumper. He sounds like a potential replacement for KT in that regard. Of course it remains to be seen if the KT/Amare combo will be as mutually beneficial as predicted. I have little doubt myself...
www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1188
 

George O'Brien

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panfolk said:
I've seen several descriptions now of Haryasz being a potential complimentary center who has both added bulk and proven to have a consistent mid-range jumper. He sounds like a potential replacement for KT in that regard. Of course it remains to be seen if the KT/Amare combo will be as mutually beneficial as predicted. I have little doubt myself...
www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1188

IMHO, the future of the Suns will be Amare at 5 and Diaw at 4, with Thomas (and others) coming off the bench. Diaw has a ways to go physically to be able to rebound well enough, but he has shown he can play defense and is growing into a an offensive threat scoring and passing that will compliment Amare a lot.

Going forward, a lot will depend on whether improved conditioning will turn Skita into a Suns type player. His work habits will determine whether the Suns go after another project big man.
 

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panfolk said:
Arghhh... another one bites the dust. Any opinions on Farmar?

The first time I saw Farmar, when he was a freshman, I said, "Mike Bibby".

I've gone back and forth on Farmar since then. He's obviously not Bibby--for one thing, he's not as athletic--but I still think he'll have a decent career in the pros.



The problem for the Suns is that Farmar can't play SG at all; the Suns' offensive system is centered around their PG, Farmar has to play PG to get on the court, and Farmar's closest comp in the NBA is probably Beno Udrih. If the Suns pick Farmar, though, I've seen enough good things from him that I'll be willing to trust their judgment.
 

sunsfn

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Here are the ESPN write-ups on three bigs that would make sense for the suns to draft. They are all athletic and can run the court.

I would not be surprised if the suns took a shooting guard on their first pick they will be getting from Atlanta.

(They always take the best available player)
-----------------------------------------------------------
In reading articles on the web,
these players seem to be improving as the year goes on.

Josh Boone, (ranked #14 on NBAdraft.net)http://nbadraft.net/index.asp


Hilton Armstrong, (ranked # 24 on NBAdraft.net)(#17 Draft express) http://www.draftexpress.com/mock.php?y=2006

Joakim Noah


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Josh Boone
Center (Rank: #41) | 6-10, 237 | Age: 21
Connecticut (Mt. Airy, MD)

Draft Projection: Late first round to second

Notes: Got off to a great start last season, averaging 17.5 ppg, 11.3 rpg and 3.7 bpg before hitting the wall in January. An injury in the USA Basketball trials kept him out of the competition this summer.

Positives: Boone has all the tools to be a great power forward in the pros. He runs the floor, blocks shots, rebounds on both ends of the floor, plays the game with great energy and is starting to figure out how to finish around the basket on the offensive end of the floor. Scouts also claim that he's a great person -- the epitome of a team player. Teams feel like he is long enough to play center on a running team, but better suited as a power forward in a more traditional half-court offense.

Negatives: Does Boone really like to play? Some at UConn wonder whether he has the drive, both on and off the court, to ever become a great player. After a stellar start to the season, he had a number of truly awful performances for UConn that really make you wonder.

Summary: Off to a very shaky start. Scouts love his size, athleticism and rebounding skills, but it looks like he's still struggling to find any sort of consistency. May still be a first rounder because of his size, but his play hasn't warranted such a high selection.
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Hilton Armstrong
Center (Rank: #40) | 6-11, 235 | Age: 21
Connecticut (Peekskill, NY)


Draft Projection: Late first round to second round

Positives: He's long and athletic. Armstrong is an explosive leaper with excellent shot-blocking timing. He hustles up and down the floor and plays with a lot of enthusiasm. Good rebounder.

Negatives: Offensively he's still very raw. Doesn't have any real moves around the basket. He's also turnover prone, which makes the UConn guards reluctant to pass him the ball. Consistency will be the biggest issue. Can he stay focused enough to play this hard every night?

Summary: After being virtually a non-factor for UConn the past three years, scouts were shocked to see Armstrong break out at the Maui Invitational. His size, athleticism, rebounding and shot-blocking ability turned a lot of heads. There aren't many good centers in the draft right now ... so you never know.
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Joakim Noah
Center (Rank: #35) | 6-11, 230 | Age: 20
Florida (New York, NY)


Draft Projection: Late first to second round

Similarities: Anderson Varejao

Positives: Has great length, athleticism and a motor that runs non stop. He?s always around the ball and is an excellent shot blocker.

Negatives: He's too thin and doesn't seem to have the frame to hold much more weight. He's very raw offensively and gets most of his points on dunks and offensive rebounds.

Summary: Most of our Florida focus this year has been on big man Al Horford and swingman Corey Brewer, but lately, it?s been impossible to ignore what?s happening with Noah, who?s really turned it on for Florida of late. He dominated Kentucky over the weekend scoring a career high 26 points on 11-for-13 shooting. If he can find a way to add more muscle to his thin frame, he?ll have a chance to be mid to high first round pick. But that?s only if he stays another year at Florida, works on his offense and adds 20 pounds of muscle (which won?t be easy given his frame).
 

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