Offseason Thread 6: The Not So Mexican Stand-off Continues

[NavLDO]

Left with lemons? I choose to make good lemonade or Your bitter won't make it better

If it does come to pass that Bledsoe accepts the QO, I hope he is treated no differently than any other player on the roster this year. Moreover, if I was Sarver, I would tell Eric that “while I'm disappointed in his decision, I can respect it”...and I'd mean it. I would make it absolutely clear to the entire organization, the press and the fan base that Eric Bledsoe is Suns family until he isn't.

I'd expect and I'd certainly hope he would be given all the opportunity (Read:Hornacek's Plan) to help the Suns win games, no differently than any other player on an expiring contract. Just because his future with the Suns will be uncertain after this year, it will provide little, and probably do harm assuming he will leave for sure. It's a projection by many of you that Bledsoe "doesn't want to play for the Suns". His "handlers" have a strategy to either get the max now, or get to UFA ASAP. A dumb plan or not, Phoenix ain't why it's happening. This "strategy" would likely have been deployed virtually anywhere EB had played last season. Yes! There were probably a few NBA locale exceptions for an easier contract accepting, but the point is, it's not about Phoenix...the Suns. Stop taking it personally. I doubt the Suns FO is taking it that way.

If I haven't angered or alienated you EB detractors/haters yet, I probably will now...

If I was Sarver, and was faced with a "QO'd Bledsoe", in addition to what I wrote above, I'd give Eric a huge in season bonus (CBA legal?) if he performs anywhere near the EB of last year. The Suns would actually be getting a tremendous bargain (3.7m vs.12m), and an unexpected year to not only gauge Bledsoe's where-with-all, but further evaluation of his suspect knee via this QO. If Eric '14-'15 plays ala '13-'14 I'm (playing owner again) giving him like a 2 million dollar bonus at some point during the season. The Suns have his Bird rights and can offer him more, and more years than anyone else come next summer. Giving Eric an unexpected huge, justified bonus wouldn't be a bad move. Again, he doesn't hate PHX...it's just business. He will consider resigning with the Suns, especially if he is treated with respect. I don't know where the Suns are as far as the salary floor, but a large EB bonus might be the best and most constructive way to achieve it.

Go ahead and hate on Bledsoe if he goes QO, but if the Suns do (which I doubt) it will be making dumb even dumber.

Respect is a two-way street. Bledsoe is not respecting this team, sorry, but it's true. He is marginalizing our team by not showing up to training camp. He is affecting team chemistry with all the media attention this team is receiving, in the negative way.

What you are proposing is basically "cow-towing" to Bledsoe. Horny will do what is best for the Suns overall. Of that, I have no doubt. He needs to build upon what he knows he'll have in the future. While I agree this isn't a "hatred" for Phoenix, but it is about unrealistic expectations and poor business practices.

If he signs the QO, then he should play about what a $3.7M salary probably would...from the bench. He can lead the 2nd team. I keep him away from Dragic. Develop Dragic/ITs relationship. That is what is best for the Suns, IMO, not playing him starter minutes and incorporating him into our 1st Team strategy, because in the end, that is going to further put our team's chemistry behind the 8 Ball..

[Sunsdeuce]

Left with lemons? I choose to make good lemonade or Your bitter won't make it better

If it does come to pass that Bledsoe accepts the QO, I hope he is treated no differently than any other player on the roster this year. Moreover, if I was Sarver, I would tell Eric that “while I'm disappointed in his decision, I can respect it”...and I'd mean it. I would make it absolutely clear to the entire organization, the press and the fan base that Eric Bledsoe is Suns family until he isn't.

I'd expect and I'd certainly hope he would be given all the opportunity (Read:Hornacek's Plan) to help the Suns win games, no differently than any other player on an expiring contract. Just because his future with the Suns will be uncertain after this year, it will provide little, and probably do harm assuming he will leave for sure. It's a projection by many of you that Bledsoe "doesn't want to play for the Suns". His "handlers" have a strategy to either get the max now, or get to UFA ASAP. A dumb plan or not, Phoenix ain't why it's happening. This "strategy" would likely have been deployed virtually anywhere EB had played last season. Yes! There were probably a few NBA locale exceptions for an easier contract accepting, but the point is, it's not about Phoenix...the Suns. Stop taking it personally. I doubt the Suns FO is taking it that way.

If I haven't angered or alienated you EB detractors/haters yet, I probably will now...

If I was Sarver, and was faced with a "QO'd Bledsoe", in addition to what I wrote above, I'd give Eric a huge in season bonus (CBA legal?) if he performs anywhere near the EB of last year. The Suns would actually be getting a tremendous bargain (3.7m vs.12m), and an unexpected year to not only gauge Bledsoe's where-with-all, but further evaluation of his suspect knee via this QO. If Eric '14-'15 plays ala '13-'14 I'm (playing owner again) giving him like a 2 million dollar bonus at some point during the season. The Suns have his Bird rights and can offer him more, and more years than anyone else come next summer. Giving Eric an unexpected huge, justified bonus wouldn't be a bad move. Again, he doesn't hate PHX...it's just business. He will consider resigning with the Suns, especially if he is treated with respect. I don't know where the Suns are as far as the salary floor, but a large EB bonus might be the best and most constructive way to achieve it.

Go ahead and hate on Bledsoe if he goes QO, but if the Suns do (which I doubt) it will be making dumb even dumber.

Respect is a two-way street. Bledsoe is not respecting this team, sorry, but it's true. He is marginalizing our team by not showing up to training camp. He is affecting team chemistry with all the media attention this team is receiving, in the negative way.

What you are proposing is basically "cow-towing" to Bledsoe. Horny will do what is best for the Suns overall. Of that, I have no doubt. He needs to build upon what he knows he'll have in the future. While I agree this isn't a "hatred" for Phoenix, but it is about unrealistic expectations and poor business practices.

If he signs the QO, then he should play about what a $3.7M salary probably would...from the bench. He can lead the 2nd team. I keep him away from Dragic. Develop Dragic/ITs relationship. That is what is best for the Suns, IMO, not playing him starter minutes and incorporating him into our 1st Team strategy, because in the end, that is going to further put our team's chemistry behind the 8 Ball..

To add to that. I guarantee the coach and front office are talking about minutes right now knowing bledsoe's future. In fantasy land, everyone would be happy and pretend bledsoe's situation doesn't exist but that's not how human nature works. This whole situation will be in the back of everyone's mind EVEN bledsoe's teammates. Leaders lead from the front not the rear like Bledsoe is attempting. Your kidding yourself if you think bledsoe's situation isn't going to have an affect on everyone.

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[aIvin adams]

His teammates dgaf about whether he plays on his QO.

[Sunsdeuce]

His teammates dgaf about whether he plays on his QO.

its not about whether he takes the QO, its the knowledge of knowing he is a goner at the first chance he gets. Basically he isn't committed to his team.

And another thing. Bledsoe's motivation (put up big numbers for next contract) to succeed will be quite different from the rest of the team (winning). Sure Bledsoe would like to win but it's not as important to him, he is looking for a big contract, as putting up great stats. That's what this whole stupid contract BS is about with him. He thinks he is a top tier player worthy of a big contract.

Bledsoe is karlos dansby 2.0. Both are loyal to the money not the team. Dansby put up big numbers to get paid. And he made sure everyone knew how great he was (touted himself as defensive MVP) all year.

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[carey]

What you are proposing is basically "cow-towing" to Bledsoe. Horny will do what is best for the Suns overall. Of that, I have no doubt. He needs to build upon what he knows he'll have in the future. While I agree this isn't a "hatred" for Phoenix, but it is about unrealistic expectations and poor business practices. .

Oy vey. You'd need a trailer to cow tow. It's kowtow or really kau tau.

As for the larger point, if Bledsoe is on the team, at any contract, he'll play. He may not start if he's on a one year deal, but he'll play & probably play relatively big minutes.

[TASTIC]

Didn't the Knicks have DLee on a 1yr deal (larger than QO, but essentially the QO) and he still played at ALL STAR level.

It makes no sense for Bledsoe to play poorly or not give 100% or not play nice/within the system. He HAS to play well as he's positioning himself as an elite PG on the open market.

[Fo-Real]

Bledso agent has created all of this, but that is what an agent is for. The layer of seperation is what gives the player the room to come off of an uncomfortable situation and just play ball. I am sure that if Eric signs the Q.O. he will just refer all questions about that to his agent. I still dont see Bledso taking it though, the risk is too great. This is all just been a ploy for the Suns to have to bid against themselves because the market did not exist for him. The fact that he didnt even visit any ther team shows no effort to go to another team. He either shows up and negotiates a slightly higher contract than was offered, or at the last minute gets with another team and requests a sign and trade. There is no way he simply sits all of the freeagency period.... does nothing.... and just takes the Q.O.

[drewsprocket]

The more EB plays the better we are. McD/Horny wouldn't go for that.

Except Bledsoe's not trying to accomplish anything as a sun other than make money. Look how Stephenson derailed the pacers last year. This isnt baseball where you can just go after your stats and get paid. Basketball is a team oriented game and very dynamic sport based on team chemistry.

Lance derailed the Pacers by having his best season? I think you mean Hibbert...

Bledsoe has no reason to tank next year. It makes zero sense for so many reasons.

lance gunned for himself last season causing all kinds of squabbles with his teammates acting like he were magic Johnson. Talk about stat padding remember that slump Indy had because Lance was going for triple doubles ? I love Lance but he's was in contract mode.

[Sunsdeuce]

Except Bledsoe's not trying to accomplish anything as a sun other than make money. Look how Stephenson derailed the pacers last year. This isnt baseball where you can just go after your stats and get paid. Basketball is a team oriented game and very dynamic sport based on team chemistry.

Lance derailed the Pacers by having his best season? I think you mean Hibbert...

Bledsoe has no reason to tank next year. It makes zero sense for so many reasons.

lance gunned for himself last season causing all kinds of squabbles with his teammates acting like he were magic Johnson. Talk about stat padding remember that slump Indy had because Lance was going for triple doubles ? I love Lance but he's was in contract mode.

Exactly. He wants two things out of this upcoming season. 1) put up big numbers. 2) the season to hurry up and be over.


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[RunDogGun]

I'm still of the mind of bringing him off the bench if he signs the QO, and isn't out of spite. He will be trying to get the best stats he can get, and much less team play. And he may not do it to purposely hurt the team. So far it seems that he does whatever his agent tells him, and his agent will tell him to look out for himself.

For me, I just wouldn't want that in my starting lineup, and our team was bad enough about too many ISO plays, and very little assists. So, bring Eric off the bench, give him good minutes, and give him an opportunity to still get his stats, less minutes will also give him a chance to maximize those minutes while remaining healthy. It would be a win for everyone.

His agent can then tell teams to look at his stats per minute to try and get the best deal possible. Moreover, if we keep him on the team the whole year, we will be the only team with his bird rights, which gives his agent a chance to do a sign and trade if a team really wants him, but can't afford to offer a max deal.

[Fo-Real]

NEWS!!!!!!! ALL I WANT IS ACTUAL NEWS MAN, BE IT GOOD OR BAD!!!

[carey]

His agent can then tell teams to look at his stats per minute to try and get the best deal possible. Moreover, if we keep him on the team the whole year, we will be the only team with his bird rights, which gives his agent a chance to do a sign and trade if a team really wants him, but can't afford to offer a max deal.

No. We've been over this so many times. UFA & no Bird rights if he plays under QO. That's why no one wants that as an outcome. It means it's almost a certainty he walks without compensation.

[LukasBMW]

His agent can then tell teams to look at his stats per minute to try and get the best deal possible. Moreover, if we keep him on the team the whole year, we will be the only team with his bird rights, which gives his agent a chance to do a sign and trade if a team really wants him, but can't afford to offer a max deal.

No. We've been over this so many times. UFA & no Bird rights if he plays under QO. That's why no one wants that as an outcome. It means it's almost a certainty he walks without compensation.

This means that we or any other team could then only sign him to a 4 year deal correct?

If he takes the QO, the best he can do next year with us or any other team is 4 years and 63 million?

[JDLAW]

His agent can then tell teams to look at his stats per minute to try and get the best deal possible. Moreover, if we keep him on the team the whole year, we will be the only team with his bird rights, which gives his agent a chance to do a sign and trade if a team really wants him, but can't afford to offer a max deal.

No. We've been over this so many times. UFA & no Bird rights if he plays under QO. That's why no one wants that as an outcome. It means it's almost a certainty he walks without compensation.

If he plays under the QO and is not traded, the Suns will retain his Bird rights. If he is traded while playing on the QO, there are none.

[MilotheSlayer]

His teammates dgaf about whether he plays on his QO.

its not about whether he takes the QO, its the knowledge of knowing he is a goner at the first chance he gets. Basically he isn't committed to his team.

And another thing. Bledsoe's motivation (put up big numbers for next contract) to succeed will be quite different from the rest of the team (winning). Sure Bledsoe would like to win but it's not as important to him, he is looking for a big contract, as putting up great stats. That's what this whole stupid contract BS is about with him. He thinks he is a top tier player worthy of a big contract.

Bledsoe is karlos dansby 2.0. Both are loyal to the money not the team. Dansby put up big numbers to get paid. And he made sure everyone knew how great he was (touted himself as defensive MVP) all year.

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When has EB ever stated that he is going to leave PHX the first chance he gets? He wants a max contract, and he should want a max. If he thinks that eventually the Suns will cave and give him the max why wouldn't he wait them out. He knows he's had 2 knee surgeries and he might not have the longest career. Why not try and get paid as much as possible?
And if he does end up on the QO I don't see him trying to 'pad' stats at all. Last year he put up 18/5. He was a critical cog in the lineup when healthy and I think starting him would benefit all parties involved. Say we win and he has a good time doing it, he average 18/5/5 for the year and plays 81 games we make the playoffs. I would bet he would come back. Benching him only hurts the team.

[MilotheSlayer]

If we signed Bledsoe to a 1 year deal for 7Million, would any team he gets traded to have his bird rights still? That'd make him a much better trade chip. He gets more than the QO and we have a better return on a possible trade if he does say he wants out.

[Sun Scorched]

I haven't seen one post that discusses why Bledsoe should have the basic amount of respect for the Suns.

The Suns traded for him and made him a centerpiece of their Cinderella campaign this past offseason. I don't give two **** what Bledsoe thinks he's worth, he wouldn't even be sniffing a $48 million contract had the Suns not started him for the half the year.

It's called **** loyalty. Understanding where you came from and why you're in the position you're in. Bledsoe is in this position because of (a) Ryan McD trading for him, (b) Hornacek developing a custom-built offense around two PGs, (3) Dragic having an incredible year and taking the offensive focus off of Bledsoe entirely, and (4) Sarver offering $12m (subsequently setting his "floor" in the marketplace) and openly admitting that he's willing to negotiate.

That's four reasons to realize that the world doesn't revolve around you. Further, had he been stuck on the roster behind CP3, there's no way he's even sniffing $12m.

Loyalty HAS to count for something.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

If he plays under the QO and is not traded, the Suns will retain his Bird rights. If he is traded while playing on the QO, there are none.

Thus, if Bledsoe kills it this year on the QO, he can get more money if we agree to S&T next offseason, correct? And if Bled isn't counting on a S&T with us, then presumably he wouldn't object to a trade that would give him more minutes and opportunity elsewhere, as he wouldn't anticipate taking advantage of his Bird rights. That's why the QO isn't quite as dire as people have indicated. But if his intended destination is LA, we can't stop him.

[MilotheSlayer]

I haven't seen one post that discusses why Bledsoe should have the basic amount of respect for the Suns.

The Suns traded for him and made him a centerpiece of their Cinderella campaign this past offseason. I don't give two **** what Bledsoe thinks he's worth, he wouldn't even be sniffing a $48 million contract had the Suns not started him for the half the year.

It's called **** loyalty. Understanding where you came from and why you're in the position you're in. Bledsoe is in this position because of (a) Ryan McD trading for him, (b) Hornacek developing a custom-built offense around two PGs, (3) Dragic having an incredible year and taking the offensive focus off of Bledsoe entirely, and (4) Sarver offering $12m (subsequently setting his "floor" in the marketplace) and openly admitting that he's willing to negotiate.

That's four reasons to realize that the world doesn't revolve around you. Further, had he been stuck on the roster behind CP3, there's no way he's even sniffing $12m.

Loyalty HAS to count for something.

That's all fine and dandy, but if you were told you were going to get a max contract either this summer or next wouldn't you do the same thing? I'm sure he's grateful for the opportunity we gave him but why should he take less than what he thinks he deserves?

[Sunsdeuce]

I haven't seen one post that discusses why Bledsoe should have the basic amount of respect for the Suns.

The Suns traded for him and made him a centerpiece of their Cinderella campaign this past offseason. I don't give two **** what Bledsoe thinks he's worth, he wouldn't even be sniffing a $48 million contract had the Suns not started him for the half the year.

It's called **** loyalty. Understanding where you came from and why you're in the position you're in. Bledsoe is in this position because of (a) Ryan McD trading for him, (b) Hornacek developing a custom-built offense around two PGs, (3) Dragic having an incredible year and taking the offensive focus off of Bledsoe entirely, and (4) Sarver offering $12m (subsequently setting his "floor" in the marketplace) and openly admitting that he's willing to negotiate.

That's four reasons to realize that the world doesn't revolve around you. Further, had he been stuck on the roster behind CP3, there's no way he's even sniffing $12m.

Loyalty HAS to count for something.

That's all fine and dandy, but if you were told you were going to get a max contract either this summer or next wouldn't you do the same thing? I'm sure he's grateful for the opportunity we gave him but why should he take less than what he thinks he deserves?

No one said anything about a max contract. No one said the suns will offer him a max contract. The only thing that was said is the suns would match any offer. Stop sticking up for that turd. He also never said, at any time, that he wanted to be in phx. In fact, he avoided that question everytime he was asked. Beldsoe is a greedy turd.

And to answer your last question. He should take what he deserves not what he "thinks" he deserves. If everyone got what they think they deserve, everyone would be rich. It's called the real world, not fantasy Bledsoe world.

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