joe johnson to atlanta

[T Park]

Looks like I can officially welcome you back to the Rasho fan club.

True, T-Park?

I never left.

But I still like Mohammed's game more than his.

Ive said all along Nesterovic was the best available, I just didnt think Thomas was stupid enough to trade Nazr.

Ive never left Rasho's fan club, Id love for him to stay, but if getting that young long three is what it takes, adios Rasho.

[timvp]

I think this just ended the PHX as contenders.

R.I.P.

Over the summer they've gotten slower, worse shooting and worse passing. Those were the three areas they used to hurt the Spurs. Now Bowen can lock down Marion (doesn't have to worry about JJohnson), Manu can guard whoever they put at shooting guard and the Spurs' front line is still better and bigger than their front line. Not to mention that Parker plays Nash about as well as anyone in the league.

The Suns were stupid this summer. The only way they were going to eclipse the Spurs was if they added even more shooters and even more open court players. Now they are trying to be like the Spurs, except the Spurs will be better at playing Spurs basketball than the Suns.

And if the Suns ever adapt to slower basketball in a couple seasons, Nash will be done.

R.I.P.
Phoenix Suns As le Contenders
2005-2005

[TexasAggie2005]

For bigmen Nesterovic is a midlevel salary.

Jerome James will be making more than him. COME ON.

I think Rasho's salary is reasonable, I like the guy. But it's still a substantial amount of money for a team that's about to swallow $70 million in salary for a player that's worth about half that. I'm saying I doubt they want that much liability. And let's be honest, Rasho doesn't fit with Atlanta.

[picnroll]

They should have tried to work out a S&T with Cavs for Varejao and picks.

[T Park]

Well said.

I agree, losing Johnson lost their versatility also in guarding Tony parker.

Dont forget it was he that helped defend Parker so well in 3 4 and 5 of the Western Finals.

[2centsworth]

Those two lottery picks might be huge down the road.

[T Park]

They should have tried to work out a S&T with Cavs for Varejao and picks.

Only problem is, Joe Johnson didn't want to go to Cleveland.

And let's be honest, Rasho doesn't fit with Atlanta.

Nahh, 8 to 10 point a game, good defensive centers have no place no where, of course not.

[Kori Ellis]

Are both of the picks protected?

[tsb2000]

Those two lottery picks might be huge down the road.

Those picks are lottery protected. That's the crap part for Phoenix.

[T Park]

they wont be getting those picks for a while....

[timvp]

Those two lottery picks might be huge down the road.

It won't matter because they're a lottery team without Nash. Nash has one maybe two more years left.

[T Park]

Lottery team without Nash and WITH Joe Johnson.

Over under on Phoenix's win loss record??

Ill say.......


48 34.

Win the division because no one else is good enough to pass em up for it.

Once again, the Spur's road to the finals with this move, got a whole of alot easier.

[clubalien]

most lottery protected picks "expire" remember when we got suns it would be prtected and then over time expire its protection. turned out that suns got to playoffs and we traded the pick so didnt matter.

the pick from alanta could turn out big depending on draft/and what suns pick. e ally since they will have tons of money doteted to their salary and it will be a cheap way to add talent
the other pick not sure of they might end up trading too

[T Park]

Once again, when they lose Nash, they will go back to a lottery team their ownselves.

[sickdsm]

Why would the exception be in the $5 million range if the difference in salaries is over $10 million?

Nevermind -- JJ is base year, that's why.

If you answered your own question in the same post, why ask it?

[exstatic]

I think PHO already fell out of the top half of the WC draw, even if they get Finley. It's not only the transition threes that they lost, it's the lane space in the half court for Amare by the threat of threes, and the defenders honoring that threat. Amare's scoring is going to go down at least 3 ppg. Book it. He's going to find out how Tim has felt since he's been in the league. He's going to feel the collapsing defenses.

[Mr. Body]

If they don't get Hunter (or someone like him), then they'd just roll with Collins as their only big?

Wouldn't you rather do it that way than overpay for someone who doesn't work within your system who doesn't really do a whole lot more? People around here tend to think in Spurs-colored glasses.

[BillsCarnage]

Lottery team without Nash and WITH Joe Johnson.

Over under on Phoenix's win loss record??

Ill say.......


48 34.

Win the division because no one else is good enough to pass em up for it.

Once again, the Spur's road to the finals with this move, got a whole of alot easier.

Let's just wait until the season is closer. The elements of this trade is speculation right now. There are still a few days left to work things out.

[Kori Ellis]

Wouldn't you rather do it that way than overpay for someone who doesn't work within your system who doesn't really do a whole lot more? People around here tend to think in Spurs-colored glasses.

I'm not saying that they'll go for Rasho. I'm just saying that they can't roll with just one big on their entire roster, which is what I think you are saying they will do. They'll at least pick up some young raw bigs (or old vets).

[timvp]

The only way to salvage it long term for the Suns is if they use their trade exemption for someone like Earl Watson. Getting a backup point for Nash would be huge.

[Kori Ellis]

The only way to salvage it long term for the Suns is if they use their trade exemption for someone like Earl Watson. Getting a backup point for Nash would be huge.

True. They can do something with that trade exception that will improve their depth.

[TheWriter]

5 mill trade exception, right?

I don't think Earl is being traded, I think he's getting signed straight up.

[Kori Ellis]

I don't think Earl is being traded, I think he's getting signed straight up.

They've been talking about trading him all week.

[TheWriter]

They've been talking about trading him all week.

Memphis? Isn't Earl a FA? Is he R or UR?

[Kori Ellis]

Memphis? Isn't Earl a FA? Is he R or UR?

He's unrestricted. Memphis has been rumored to be in talks with quite a few teams for a sign-and-trade.