Live press confrence with Babby, McDonough and Hornacek.

Dambo · Post #1 » by **Dambo** » Fri Apr 18, 2014 6:22 pm

http://www.nba.com/suns/now

Jdiddy701 · Post #2 » by **Jdiddy701** » Fri Apr 18, 2014 6:34 pm

A lot of good stuff here. Thought they handled the Bledsoe question perfectly about his future in Phoenix.

ImNotMcDiSwear · Post #3 » by **ImNotMcDiSwear** » Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:27 pm

That was very exciting! It sounds like the front office is optimistic about their ability to attract free agents, looking forward to a draft day deal, and committed to shaking up the rotation. They're also saying that PJ Tucker will definitely be part of it.

I think the Morrises are prime candidates to be dealt. As for Channing, I bet he gets an extension from someone, somehow.

If only Channing Frye were as cold-blooded as Robert Horry...

BobbieL · Post #4 » by **BobbieL** » Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:49 pm

cosmofizzo wrote:That was very exciting! It sounds like the front office is optimistic about their ability to attract free agents, looking forward to a draft day deal, and committed to shaking up the rotation. They're also saying that PJ Tucker will definitely be part of it.

I think the Morrises are prime candidates to be dealt. As for Channing, I bet he gets an extension from someone, somehow.

If only Channing Frye were as cold-blooded as Robert Horry...

Here is the thing about the Morris twins in my opinion:
1) there is a salary cap - which Sarver and D'Antoni didn't recognize in the summer of 2006 hence trading off Kurt Thomas - but there is a cap and unless you want to be the Knicks or the Nets - and how has that worked. The spurs model makes sense. Find a few core guys, pay them and fill out. So not everybody gets paid

2) if the Suns upgrade at forward, how many forwards to you keep

3) they seem to play better together so are they worth a combined $10-12m of your cap if you are paying Dragic, Bledsoe, this new forward, etc

I just don't see how realistically they are not part of the trade. And the team getting them get two young forwards, plus draft picks to fill out the roster.

Tucker is a guy who is cheap - will come off the bench hopefully and be a contributor either way.

McDonough has a plan and this will not be a repeat of 2006 or 2010.

JDLAW · Post #5 » by **JDLAW** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 12:34 am

cosmofizzo wrote:That was very exciting! It sounds like the front office is optimistic about their ability to attract free agents, looking forward to a draft day deal, and committed to shaking up the rotation. They're also saying that PJ Tucker will definitely be part of it.

I think the Morrises are prime candidates to be dealt. As for Channing, I bet he gets an extension from someone, somehow.

If only Channing Frye were as cold-blooded as Robert Horry...

Go back and listen with a sharper ear. They made no such commitment to PJ Tucker. They want him back and recognize this contributions, but will not break the bank for him.

They gave no hint about dealing the Morris bros and praised them for their development. They also had praise for Channing and how he was a valuable member of the team who they expect back.

They said nothing about being "committed to shaking up the rotation" Their commitment was to improve and that they expected most of, if not all of the rotation back.

You have read way too much into this.

BobbieL wrote:Here is the thing about the Morris twins in my opinion:
1) there is a salary cap - which Sarver and D'Antoni didn't recognize in the summer of 2006 hence trading off Kurt Thomas - but there is a cap and unless you want to be the Knicks or the Nets - and how has that worked. The spurs model makes sense. Find a few core guys, pay them and fill out. So not everybody gets paid

Sorry, but I have no idea what point you're trying to make here. In 2006, the Suns fully recognized there was a salary cap and they have always recognized there was a salary cap. The Suns traded Kurt Thomas because in the two years he was a Sun, he played on only 120 of the 164 games and he was due to be paid $8.5 for the 3rd year and last year of his contact (2007-08). He would not opt out and sign a more cap friendly contract and because was going to cost the Suns over $18M ( salary, lux tax, and giving up participation in tax rebate). So they dumped him at the cost of 2 first young picks. Thomas was a declining role player who simply was not worth the money he was going to cost.

BobbieL wrote:I just don't see how realistically they [the Morris twins] are not part of the trade. And the team getting them get two young forwards, plus draft picks to fill out the roster.

What trade are you talking about? Hopefully, not another Kevin Love fantasy trade.

BobbieL · Post #6 » by **BobbieL** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 12:41 am

After watching the video - thanks for posting - a few thoughs:

1) Ryan and Jeff in year 2 will be better in year 1. How many wins that means is hard to quantify as injuries play a factor but like both said things are different

2) there will be a trade and it will involve players - I think the Morris Twins and possibly Green. As for a team taking them, all three have one year left so the team getting them are not taking on horrendous contracts

3) I think they also add a significant free agent with the cap space.

Future is very bright..

sunskerr · Post #7 » by **sunskerr** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 1:05 am

Great interviews as always from the higher ups.

Was the fan email that Babby read from one of our Aussie posters?

ImNotMcDiSwear · Post #8 » by **ImNotMcDiSwear** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 1:13 am

JDLAW wrote:
cosmofizzo wrote:That was very exciting! It sounds like the front office is optimistic about their ability to attract free agents, looking forward to a draft day deal, and committed to shaking up the rotation. They're also saying that PJ Tucker will definitely be part of it.

Go back and listen with a sharper ear...
You have read way too much into this.

Well, I am reading into it. What I read is McD and Lon's repeated qualification of the effects of this year's chemistry on how they'll progress, their direct negative response to the question of, will they bring this team back (which you can read as referring to non-rotation players, but I don't), and their statements that PJ Tucker was the "heart and soul" of this team. They said they would not divulge their valuation of Tucker relative to the rest of the league's (signaling a desire to keep him, or, and maybe you think this, attempting to drive his value up so they can S&T him). They also referred to "tough decisions," and reiterated their desire to upgrade the roster, mentioning the draft picks as one means to do so.

I think they genuinely want to bring PJ back. I thought they were clear about the intent to upgrade our roster. They simply did not impress me as particularly conservative in the conference. But human signals are open to interpretation.

bigfoot · Post #9 » by **bigfoot** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 1:34 am

What I heard

1) The starting backcourt is set.

2) We can improve at 3, 4, and/or 5 positions. It can happen by our players getting better, by trades, by free agents, or draft picks.

3) We have $20M to use on free agents

4) We value Archie and Len. It is hard to get rookies playing time on a winning team unless it is a very special rookie. We don't see three new rookies joining the Suns next year.

5) Our eventual goal was to bring in a star player. Since things have progressed quicker than expected we will use the six first round picks over then next two years to acquire a star player.

6) The chemistry was special this year. It is hard to produce that every year.

RaisingArizona · Post #10 » by **RaisingArizona** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 1:53 am

What's everyone's fixation with trading the Mo Bros?

Jdiddy701 · Post #11 » by **Jdiddy701** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 2:09 am

ginobiliflops wrote:What's everyone's fixation with trading the Mo Bros?

Exactly, I would love to extend both ASAP. I would be pissed if we ever trade them. Markieff and Marcus love this organization and expect them both to work on their game every day in the offseason.

DRK · Post #12 » by **DRK** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 4:13 am

I love what Babby said at 8:45.

Our biggest accomplishment this year was we have a spirit within the team we can be proud of.

We have established a winning culture, and a winner's, mentality, while also developing young talent.

Our future is very bright

Revived · Post #13 » by **Revived** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 5:11 am

ginobiliflops wrote:What's everyone's fixation with trading the Mo Bros?

I think the better question's what's everyone's fixation with trading for Kevin Love?

Our defense is our biggest weakness and Love don't fix that especially if giving up all kinds of assets for him.

Christine-In-AZ · Post #14 » by **Christine-In-AZ** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 6:16 am

SF88 wrote:I think the better question's what's everyone's fixation with trading for Kevin Love?

Our defense is our biggest weakness and Love don't fix that especially if giving up all kinds of assets for him.

Booyah!

Love isn't for PHX. He's a #3 on a title contending team. He plays poor defense...Doesn't even try much of the time. If (insert team) can pay 20+ million per for a "one-way" #3 ...then go for it! The Suns can't do that. There are many better routes for the Suns to find a 1st rate PF, and I think they will.

NaturalBuns · Post #15 » by **NaturalBuns** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 8:47 am

If you can get love you go for it.
Bledsoe/dragic/love are you kidding me.

He dramatically helps on the rebounds and gives us a legit 1st,2nd,3rd option.
He was pullin down triple doubles. Total package minus the defense.

No way in hell he doesn't make this team better

DirtyDez · Post #16 » by **DirtyDez** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 9:46 am

I would like to see what K-Love can do when he's not the #1 option every game. It could really make us unstoppable offensively should everyone buy in. If Len can develop into a fine player that would be a massively sized dominant rebounding frontcourt to go along with the most explosive backcourt in the league with excellent spacing.

I think Horny would make it work on-the-court but financially it's pretty unrealistic, although the L-Tax limit going up is good news. Nearly 81m in 2016...

BobbieL · Post #17 » by **BobbieL** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 1:43 pm

JDLAW wrote:
cosmofizzo wrote:That was very exciting! It sounds like the front office is optimistic about their ability to attract free agents, looking forward to a draft day deal, and committed to shaking up the rotation. They're also saying that PJ Tucker will definitely be part of it.

I think the Morrises are prime candidates to be dealt. As for Channing, I bet he gets an extension from someone, somehow.

If only Channing Frye were as cold-blooded as Robert Horry...

Go back and listen with a sharper ear. They made no such commitment to PJ Tucker. They want him back and recognize this contributions, but will not break the bank for him.

They gave no hint about dealing the Morris bros and praised them for their development. They also had praise for Channing and how he was a valuable member of the team who they expect back.

They said nothing about being "committed to shaking up the rotation" Their commitment was to improve and that they expected most of, if not all of the rotation back.

You have read way too much into this.

BobbieL wrote:Here is the thing about the Morris twins in my opinion:
1) there is a salary cap - which Sarver and D'Antoni didn't recognize in the summer of 2006 hence trading off Kurt Thomas - but there is a cap and unless you want to be the Knicks or the Nets - and how has that worked. The spurs model makes sense. Find a few core guys, pay them and fill out. So not everybody gets paid

Sorry, but I have no idea what point you're trying to make here. In 2006, the Suns fully recognized there was a salary cap and they have always recognized there was a salary cap. The Suns traded Kurt Thomas because in the two years he was a Sun, he played on only 120 of the 164 games and he was due to be paid $8.5 for the 3rd year and last year of his contact (2007-08). He would not opt out and sign a more cap friendly contract and because was going to cost the Suns over $18M ( salary, lux tax, and giving up participation in tax rebate). So they dumped him at the cost of 2 first young picks. Thomas was a declining role player who simply was not worth the money he was going to cost.

BobbieL wrote:I just don't see how realistically they [the Morris twins] are not part of the trade. And the team getting them get two young forwards, plus draft picks to fill out the roster.

What trade are you talking about? Hopefully, not another Kevin Love fantasy trade.

I know I am revisionist history but in the summer of 2006 the Suns had a core group of Nash, Marion, Amare, Thomas and Bell with Diaw and Barbosa off the bench and two first round picks. The core group was about $52-54m if I remember. Diaw and LB on base year contracts.

So, what did D'Antoni and Sarver due - added to the next years payroll for both LB and Diaw to the tune of $15m combined. Traded the first round picks for cash - $6m. But remember, these first round picks would have signed 4 year contracts at like 1m to 1.5m and then signed Banks for $4m per year

Pushing the next years payroll to close to $70m, over the luxurty tax

With a little common sense and long term cap thought process - you might use the draft picks, not extend both Diaw and LB and not have to dump Kurt Thomas and stay under the lux tax.

So I hope Sarver has given a 5 year budget to Ryan and Babby so he can plan around the luxury tax and cap that will happen if you get better players.

BobbieL · Post #18 » by **BobbieL** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 1:46 pm

ginobiliflops wrote:What's everyone's fixation with trading the Mo Bros?

The fascination is you cannot pay everbody.

In a year from now - Dragic will opt out and command $15m; Bledsoe will be at say $13m; Star Player X Ryan talks about will be at $15. That is between 40-45m in three players. Len will be on the books for close to 6; Goodwin gets an increase, Tucker, etc etc. Plumlee, Frye, other draft picks and depth.

I just don't see how you can pay both the Morris Brothers too and stay close to the luxury tax. Unless Sarver is willing to go guns a blazing - which is the worst thing he can do as if he gets in a financial pickle, he will pull the plug, some players have to go

If you trade the Morris twins this offseason, you get good value as they are coming off good years and there contracts do not really kick in for another year. To me, its selling at the right time. Plus iyou include them in a trade, you are swapping cash for cash. So the Suns COULD this offseason both make a trade for a player with players/picks and sign a guy outright with cap space.

ImNotMcDiSwear · Post #19 » by **ImNotMcDiSwear** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 4:12 pm

ginobiliflops wrote:What's everyone's fixation with trading the Mo Bros?

Because if you're going to upgrade the front court, you have to pick between those two or Frye and Tucker. The four of them have too many overlapping qualities, and together, they lack length, passing, low post offense and defense abilities, and rebounding.

I prefer PJ and Channing. You want to keep the whole team together? Doesn't make sense to me.

JDLAW · Post #20 » by **JDLAW** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 4:33 pm

BobbieL wrote:After watching the video - thanks for posting - a few thoughs:

1) Ryan and Jeff in year 2 will be better in year 1. How many wins that means is hard to quantify as injuries play a factor but like both said things are different

2) there will be a trade and it will involve players - I think the Morris Twins and possibly Green. As for a team taking them, all three have one year left so the team getting them are not taking on horrendous contracts

3) I think they also add a significant free agent with the cap space.

Future is very bright..

I do not think they have any intention of trading the Morris twins and G Green. They were very important pieces of this team. You have extrapolated some very general comments into some very unrealistic and specific actions.