Deal with Suns close?

[younggunsmn]

Valanciunas's measurements just came out, he's 7' even, 245 lbs, 9'3" reach, and 7'4" wingspan.

Gortat is 7', 255 lbs, 9'2" reach, and 7'3.5" wingspan. He also has proven hes a legitimate NBA starting center, won't take years to develop, doesn't have buyout issues, and is signed to a longterm deal at below market value.

Gortat is also 27 years old (8 yrs older than Jonas), and never averaged more than 4 PPG (or even 10 per 30 minutes) before his 55 games with PHX last year where he put up 13.0 and 9.3 rebs in 30 mins/game.
"Below market value" is only your opinion. That contract was considered an albatross by some for 1 1/2 yrs, suddenly it's worth the 2nd pick in the draft?
Sample size and situation are big issues. He got to run pick n' rolls with Nash, play at a fast pace, and didn't have Kevin Love stealing rebounds from him. Give Pek 30 mins in that situation and I don't think it would be far fetched that he would put up similiar or better stats. I think Gortat's defensive acumen has also been overblown. They actually played much better d with Amare at C the year before.

I like Gortat. Just not for anything involving the 2nd overall pick.

Jonas's buyout issues have been overblown or he wouldn't be top 5 in all the mocks. In fact, they would be settled already if he knew his draft slot and there wasn't a lockout coming. And if there is a protracted lockout it will be to our advantage to leave him there for a year anyway rather than waste a rookie scale year on half a season.

He's already developed well in Europe, has a great work ethic, he's put up eye-popping per-minute stats, and when you watch film of the guy the non-stop motor and high BBIQ are the first things you notice. I would be very disappointed if Jonas ended up as just a Gortat-level player. He has the potential to be much better than Gortat ever will be.

If you want to settle for "legit starting C" with Gortat, that's up to you. I am aiming higher than that with the 2nd overall pick.

[Busch Legion]

I could of swore I read an article (about Jonas) that scouts were worried if he had the desire to get better... Like the article basically was implying he's playing because he's tall. I'm trying to find it again.

[younggunsmn]

I could of swore I read an article (about Jonas) that scouts were worried if he had the desire to get better... Like the article basically was implying he's playing because he's tall. I'm trying to find it again.

A bunch of DX writeups, game film, and 2 interviews on their site would strongly disagree. But I'd like to see it if you've got it. Guys who play just cuz they're tall don't shoot 200 ft's every day, I'll tell you that much.
In his interviews he comes off stoic and a bit shy, but that could have a lot to do with having to converse in english.

[guille_4]

I could of swore I read an article (about Jonas) that scouts were worried if he had the desire to get better... Like the article basically was implying he's playing because he's tall. I'm trying to find it again.

That was probably the other Lithuanian big man; Donatas Motiejunas. People are concerned about his "love for the game", thats why his stock has fallen almost 10 positions.

Valenciunas seems to have a good work ethic, he may have a lower BBQ IQ and be less skilled than Motiejunas, but is a more sure thing and has better athletecism.

[Busch Legion]

I could of swore I read an article (about Jonas) that scouts were worried if he had the desire to get better... Like the article basically was implying he's playing because he's tall. I'm trying to find it again.

That was probably the other Lithuanian big man; Donatas Motiejunas. People are concerned about his "love for the game", thats why his stock has fallen almost 10 positions.

Valenciunas seems to have a good work ethic, he may have a lower BBQ IQ and be less skilled than Motiejunas, but is a more sure thing and has better athletecism.

Yeah thats probably it. Everything I've read trying to find that article again on Jonas says exactly the opposite lol.

[eyeteeth]

From David Aldridge's big board:

In a year where international prospects are among the best in the Draft, Valanciunas may well be the best of them, drawing comparisons to the Bulls' Joakim Noah because of his motor. Guys who play that hard usually get better at the things they're not good at now. The 6-foot-11 teenager is skinny, though, and will need to live in the weight room for a couple of years.

The biggest question about Valanciunas may be his contract. There are conflicting reports about how hard it will be for him to get out of the remaining three years of his deal with Lietuvos Rytas.

"The buyout's not bad," said a Central division executive, "but it exists, and it has many years on it."

Valanciunas may be worth the wait, but it's a gamble in a league that still remembers how Orlando has been left high and dry by Spanish star Fran Vazquez -- the 11th pick in 2005 who has yet to move to the NBA. And the looming lockout creates another set of uncertainties for international players -- and their agents -- who will think long and hard before signing an NBA contract with the possibility of not getting paid for a year. It may make more sense to stay in Europe and enjoy the guaranteed payday.

Valanciunas may be worth the risk.

"Whoever gets him, they're going to have a player," gushes a Pacific Division executive. "First of all, he has a motor. He plays hard and he has a huge (7-foot-6) wingspan. The only thing right now is he's light in the (behind). But he's got great hands. He's not a stiff; he's got a touch. He runs. Whether he can contain the post right now, I don't know; he's so light. But he's got a lot of (stuff) going for him."

Said another Pacific Rimmer: "That kid can play. Are there some considerations about his contract? Yes. But his age is legit. He's thin looking but I see him having good strength in the body he has. In two years, he could be cut pretty well. They don't lift (weights) the way we lift. He's not going to be Dwight Howard, but I see him as a kid that's not going to get pushed around in our league."

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/david_aldridge/05/16/big-board-centers/

[urinesane]

I'd be happy with the #2+Pek for Gortat+#13+2012 1st round pick (top blah blah protected).

Use the #13 on Brooks or move up if needed using the #13 and Flynn etc. If we head into next season adding Rubio, Gortat, and Brooks, Kahn would have done a hell of a job.

[Twolves98]

I don't understand the love for Gortat... I have never seen him play but I just don't get the love for him. Some help me understand why we want him?(other than vetran big)

[lebronjames6]

Gortat has all-star potential in the West. I would rank him right behind Chandler in the West as the top defender at center. Probably never seen him play because he was Howard's backup in Orlando so he didn't get the oportunity to play. He is a great man to man defender and also a good help defender. He doesn't make any bone headed mistakes on defense. He is a great rebounder as well, him and Love would average 25 rebounds a game. The wolves are set at PF, so it makes perfect sense for them to trade the 2nd pick for Gortat. I agree that it would take more than that.

I believe Gortat, Pietrus and 13th pick for 2nd and Pekovic is fair for both teams.

All around game for Gortat i would rank him behind Bynum, Nene and Jefferson in the West.

[Saltine]

I like Gortat a lot, but not for the #2, that's crazy. He isn't that much better than Pek right now.
I'd rather give them the #20, Pek, Ridnour and Webster for Nash and Gortat.
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=3u8nakx

[the_bruce]

Just keep the two and sign jeff foster.

[Kumar]

I like Gortat a lot, but not for the #2, that's crazy. He isn't that much better than Pek right now.
I'd rather give them the #20, Pek, Ridnour and Webster for Nash and Gortat.
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=3u8nakx

Wow, no way is that even remotely true.

I still wouldn't give the #2 for Gortat though.