Could Shawn Marion be had?

[exstatic]

I am going to assume that what you meant to say was that he struggled in the handful playoff games that you have actually watched.

He has not had great success against the Spurs, this much is true. However, you can count on 20 and 10 almost every night from Shawn. He is not a system player. He has played for 4 or 5 head coaches, all who varied in styles from Ainge to Skiles to D'Antoni. He has played with 4 different point guards, from pass-first Kidd and Nash, to shoot first Marbury. All Marion has done during that time is put up close to 20 and 10, no matter what.

This year regular season he put up 21ppg and 11rpg, in the playoffs he put up 20 and 11.

For his career his is 18ppg and 10rpg, playoff career 17 and 11.



The Suns traded Nash to the Mavs for the pick and a few spare parts.

The common thread is that EVERY Suns team he's played on has been Run'n'Gun, so in that sense, he IS a system player. Didn't matter who the coach was or who the PG was, Phoenix ing RAN. That's playoff death.

Almost all of his numbers are lower in the playoffs, in spite of playing an average of 2.5 more minutes per game. The sample size is pretty good, too, with 54 playoff games.

There is no ing way he's the best player on the Suns. On his best day, he's the third wheel behind Nash and Amare, yet he's paid like a Franchise guy.

[SenorSpur]

The common thread is that EVERY Suns team he's played on has been Run'n'Gun, so in that sense, he IS a system player. Didn't matter who the coach was or who the PG was, Phoenix ing RAN. That's playoff death.

Almost all of his numbers are lower in the playoffs, in spite of playing an average of 2.5 more minutes per game. The sample size is pretty good, too, with 54 playoff games.

There is no ing way he's the best player on the Suns. On his best day, he's the third wheel behind Nash and Amare, yet he's paid like a Franchise guy.

That's why it's Phoenix's problem. I heard he makes something like 17 mil per year.

[exstatic]

That's why it's Phoenix's problem. I heard he makes something like 17 mil per year.

$13.7M last year, but bump that by 12.5% for each of the next two years for those figures.

[nkdlunch]

rofl @ the dork who said marion would not fit cuz he can't play and guard SF's

he's like the best rebounding SF in the game

I'm the dork who said that. Marion has no defensive skills whatsoever. If you beleive he's a good defender u the dork.

Even Manu, who is smaller,weaker and slower owns his ass. please, Spurs defense would suffer w/a guy like Marion especially in the playoffs.

[DarrinS]

I'm the dork who said that. Marion has no defensive skills whatsoever. If you beleive he's a good defender u the dork.

Even Manu, who is smaller,weaker and slower owns his ass. please, Spurs defense would suffer w/a guy like Marion especially in the playoffs.

Marion is no Bruce Bowen but he's best defender on the Suns after Raja. He's got an awkward looking jumpshot, for sure, but that damn thing does in most of the time. His defense could be further improved if he were in the right "system". He's a very versatile player that can play numerous positions. He IS paid quite a bit of money, but, .... How much are we paying Rasho? I forget.

We may not be able to get him, but if we get a player LIKE him (and a serviceable backup for TP), then the Spurs will be in excellent shape for next season, IMO.

I still like the idea of moving Timmy to center and bringing someone else in at PF. I think this could extend Timmy's career in S.A. Anyone else with me?

[AZLouis]

He's paid a lot of money for sure. But he also is one of 4 players in the league that averaged 20/10 last season. While also leading the Suns in blocks, steals, minutes played, and a few other categories.

He's been an all-star a few times, all-nba, all-defense, he's got the whole package. Except for his GD playoff performances where he goes casper.

He gets paid like a franchise player because at the time he was signed he in fact was.

Problem is now he is the 3rd or 4th wheel on the Suns team. Amare and Nash obviously are above him, and it can be argued that last season Joe Johnson became the 3rd wheel and this past season Diaw became that guy.

Marion can and has defended 4 positions this season. His defensive versatility being showcased during the playoffs when having to defend the likes of Elton Brand, Sam Cassell, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Dirk Nowtizki, and Josh Howard.

But he wouldn't fit in with the Spurs. The style of game isn't what he excels at and which can easily explain his troubles in the playoffs. A fast paced game better suits his talents.

[nkdlunch]

but he's best defender on the Suns after Raja.

that's not saying much

[DarrinS]

But he wouldn't fit in with the Spurs. The style of game isn't what he excels at and which can easily explain his troubles in the playoffs. A fast paced game better suits his talents.

Not to rub salt in an old wound, but didn't the Spurs beat Phoenix in some pretty fast-paced games last year? Yes, but we also had a different supporting cast.

IMO, the Spurs need some more youth and speed to compete with the likes of the Mavs and Suns. NBA rules have changed that benefit "small ball" teams. Spurs have to adapt.