State of the Suns Address

Morphology · Post #21 » by **Morphology** » Sun Feb 3, 2008 11:38 am

One other thing I'll add: the only "excuse" for NOT signing Artest is the constant complaint that he'll resemble some sort of crazed stallion or wild grizzly upon signing. If I didn't know better I'd think he was liable to EAT the entire crew. This is obviously nonsense. The presence of Nash and Hill will, at the very least, make him semi-responsible. And that's all that's needed. Sign Artest. He solves soooo many problems for the Suns. We need Tough. Artest provides it. Pull the trigger.

Morphology · Post #22 » by **Morphology** » Sun Feb 3, 2008 11:49 am

"can Artest guard Duncan, Bynum, or Gasol?"

I think so, yeah...who wants a karate chop to the throat? Kidding. But Artest is a superb defensive entity, and can indeed arguably guard all of those characters, whereas Marion (for instance) is a bust.

Morphology · Post #23 » by **Morphology** » Sun Feb 3, 2008 11:50 am

And just to be clear: I do NOT want to deal Marion. That's the beauty of Artest. It's not necessary. But for Christ's sake -- if you ARE going to deal Marion at least land a big in return. That's alls I'm saying.

Morphology · Post #24 » by **Morphology** » Sun Feb 3, 2008 12:08 pm

And one more thing, if you'll indulge me. Artest would be a cancer on ANY OFFENSE IN THE LEAGUE. Bynum, Duncan, Paul, you name it. No one wants to go up against Artest.

Artest is the BEST POSSIBLE MOVE THE SUNS COULD MAKE, in my humble opinion. I've argued this for over twelve months. But I admit I'm no "expert".

Can Nash get it done regardless? Possibly. We're talking about a skinny white kid who NO ONE wanted to draft. Nash had to contend with a SINGLE University who recognized his talents. Quite literally, no one else was interested.

I'm of the opinion (having grown up on Isiah) that Nash is the greatest p.g. to ever play the game.

You wanna tell me honestly that Stockton was a superior passer? Or Shooter? Or that Is. was a better three pointer? All around? Not even close.

What really pains me is that Nash may very well NOT win a ring. Kobe will be remembered, Nash not. That's a travesty if I ever heard one! But that's life.

I met Nash in Vancouver. He was wearing his typical "I'm not rich" clothes. 6-3? Not. He was barely 6-1. But he did take the time to sign autographs in the rain when everyone else went home. Struck me as a nice guy, for real, someone who didn't really care about the press.

I hope he overcomes the "hump". He sure as hell deserves it.

guaves13 · Post #25 » by **guaves13** » Sun Feb 3, 2008 2:58 pm

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/PaulCoro/16176

Just say no to Artest.

Post #26 » by **TASTIC** » Sun Feb 3, 2008 6:38 pm

Personally...I'm totally 50-50 on him...I'd love to have him as 6th man and a defensive presence in crunch time. You have to think if we challenged him to make the 2nd unit his own and to bring toughness that he'd actually step up. To anyone who says he couldn't guard Duncan, I call bull. If Marion can (kinda) then Artest can - the guy is built like an ox and knows the tricks of the trade.

Banks+Barbosa+Tucker+ATL for Artest + Garcia

Post #27 » by **rsavaj** » Sun Feb 3, 2008 7:13 pm

Morphology wrote:One other thing I'll add: the only "excuse" for NOT signing Artest is the constant complaint that he'll resemble some sort of crazed stallion or wild grizzly upon signing. If I didn't know better I'd think he was liable to EAT the entire crew. This is obviously nonsense. The presence of Nash and Hill will, at the very least, make him semi-responsible. And that's all that's needed. Sign Artest. He solves soooo many problems for the Suns. We need Tough. Artest provides it. Pull the trigger.

He REQUESTED TIME OFF FROM THE PACERS SO HE COULD RECORD AN EFFING RAP ALBUM!!!!! HOW is that not ALARMING?!?!?!

I'm serious. Nobody is denying his talent, but there is a REASON that Sacramento grew weary of him after their one year "honeymoon phase."

Edit: And again, he said he is GOING TO OPT OUT, for sure, which means that he would leave us at the end of this season. Why the hell would we trade a long-term proven asset(Barbosa, Marion or even the ATL pick) for a 3 month rental?!?

Sun Scorched · Post #28 » by **Sun Scorched** » Sun Feb 3, 2008 7:33 pm

rsavaj wrote:He REQUESTED TIME OFF FROM THE PACERS SO HE COULD RECORD AN EFFING RAP ALBUM!!!!! HOW is that not ALARMING?!?!?!

I'm serious. Nobody is denying his talent, but there is a REASON that Sacramento grew weary of him after their one year "honeymoon phase."

Edit: And again, he said he is GOING TO OPT OUT, for sure, which means that he would leave us at the end of this season. Why the hell would we trade a long-term proven asset(Barbosa, Marion or even the ATL pick) for a 3 month rental?!?

I think that if he signed with a legit contender his attitude would be much different. If you give a guy a legitimate shot at a ring and a title, I bet they act differently.

Besides, I think the point here is that he would come for next to nothing.

Post #29 » by **rsavaj** » Sun Feb 3, 2008 7:35 pm

Okay, if we can sign him using the MLE this summer, I'm for it.

I just don't want to add Artest at the expense of losing part of our core.

Sun Scorched · Post #30 » by **Sun Scorched** » Sun Feb 3, 2008 8:50 pm

rsavaj wrote:Okay, if we can sign him using the MLE this summer, I'm for it.

I just don't want to add Artest at the expense of losing part of our core.

Rsavaj, I agree completely. You don't break up your core for a guy like Artest.

At the same time, I would only want Artest if we can get him now. If we wait till the offseason and haven't won a championship, I think we'll see a big move anyways. Artest will be chump change at that point.

-SDU- · Post #31 » by **-SDU-** » Mon Feb 4, 2008 5:01 am

i was dead against artest before the lakers trade, now i am not so sure

part of me would like to add him for his toughness, and on the edge personality that could make or break this team (ala sheed to portland)

at this point, i would be prepared to give it a go but waver back and forth on it totally by the hour

Black Jesus 1 · Post #32 » by **Black Jesus 1** » Mon Feb 4, 2008 5:18 am

Meh. I'd take him.

13-32 · Post #33 » by **13-32** » Mon Feb 4, 2008 5:27 am

I'd take him

for Diaw + Tucker + 2nd Round pick

No need to add the ATL pick because it ain't like he's going to be staying in Sactown after this season so atleast they would be getting something in return

nba_addict · Post #34 » by **nba_addict** » Mon Feb 4, 2008 6:11 am

Artest may be 3-4 inches short compared to Duncan, Gasol, Dirk and West but his physical defense makes up for it. Artest is way better defender against these bigs compared to Marion. Artest is worth a gamble. Artest just needs to be motivated just like Gasol and playing for a title contender should be a good motivation for him to focus.

I like the Diaw + filler for Artest trade but Im not sure if Sactown will accept that trade.

mkot · Post #35 » by **mkot** » Mon Feb 4, 2008 6:53 am

I'd take valium...