Suns Basketball » Carlos Boozer

Despite Champion Lakers, NBA Seeing Power Shift From West to East

Fanhouse NBA Blog - suns — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:36:03 +0000

Filed under: 76ers, Bobcats, Bucks, Bulls, Cavaliers, Celtics, Hawks, Heat, Jazz, Knicks, Lakers, Magic, Mavericks, Nets, Nuggets, Spurs, Suns, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Wizards, Eastern, Western, Thunder, NBA Free Agents

LAS VEGAS -- This continental divide started in 1996 when Shaquille O'Neal bolted from Orlando in the East to the Lakers in the West. It really got going when Michael Jordan retired from Chicago in the East in 1998.

But those in the East are getting tired of having sand kicked in their faces.

Yes, the Western Conference still has won nine of the past 12 NBA titles and 10 of the last 11 seasonal inter-conference battles. Yet there finally is starting to be some chortling in the East.

After losing the conference regular season match-up for nine straight years, the East finally broke through in 2008-09 to win 51.3 percent of the games between the conferences. The West came back to win 54.7 percent of the battles last season (it didn't help that New Jersey and New York, in trying to clear salary-cap room, weren't trying to win). But this summer has shown the East could end up being the dominant conference this decade.

Of those generally believed to be the top eight free agents, seven signed with East teams. Five (LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce) stayed in the East and two went from West to East (Amar'e Stoudemire from Phoenix to New York and Carlos Boozer from Utah to Chicago). The only one to end up with a West team was Dirk Nowitzki re-signing with Dallas.

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Suns have options if Amare Stoudemire leaves

Tyler Lockman — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:33:54 +0000

For months now, Amare Stoudemire has put his chances of staying in Phoenix at “50-50.” We now know that he definitely won’t be picking up his player option for nearly $18 million...

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Offseason of Bulls’ Delight Under Way

Fanhouse NBA Blog - suns — Tue, 04 May 2010 06:06:59 +0000

by Pat McManamon

Filed under: Bulls, Cavaliers, Heat, Jazz, Suns, NBA Playoffs, NBA Rumors, Chris Bosh

CLEVELAND -- What could be a whopper of an offseason for the Chicago Bulls started Tuesday night.

These next few months could see the jettisoning of a coach and the signing of a big-name free agent to fill some of the Bulls' $20-22 million in salary cap space. Chicago could be in prime position to add a talented player to go with Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Luol Deng - and that could make them a formidable team for the next few years.

LeBron James understands. Toward the end of his news conference following the Cavs' Game 5 victory Tuesday night, Sam Smith of Bulls.com (and Jordan Rules fame) tried to give James a knuckleball by asking if a free agent might be intrigued by joining Rose and Noah.

"You mean do I want to play with them?" James said, smiling. "I kind of figured (the question) was coming."

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It’s Time for the Suns to Shine!

Adam Brennan — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 22:31:19 +0000

52-28, 2 days ago the Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns were all deadlocked with this record; tied for 3rd place in the wild Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets were able to break this tie by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night. However, the Nuggets luck in terms of scheduling ends there, as they had to fly into Phoenix yesterday to face the Suns. The Suns were able to easily vanquish the Denver Nuggets 123-101. This appropriately has left the Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz as a duel for 3rd place in the Western Conference. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, this would prevent the team from having to face the Los Angeles Lakers until the Western Conference Finals. This 3rd position was highly coveted by all 3 of the aforementioned teams to say the least. Of course, there are scenarios for all of the 3 teams to fluctuate from the 3 to 5 seed in the playoffs. However, the only important scenario for the Suns is the same as Adrian Balboa said in Rocky 2 as she came out of her coma to Rocky “win”.

Winning the 3rd seed would also allow the Suns to likely draw the injury riddled Blazers in the opening round of the playoffs. This should be an easier series now that Brandon Roy is likely out for the postseason and will require surgery on a torn meniscus. Rumor has it that Roy wants to play on anyway. This on the surface seems heroic, however if the Blazers value their future, they will not let him out of a nice suit on the bench. Athletes who are injured already tend to place a lot of stress on the rest of their body often leading to additional injuries. I would understand this if they were in the NBA Finals already, however for the 1st round of the playoffs no way.

The Suns got a little bit of bad news today as Robin Lopez will not be ready for the 1st round of the playoffs. I guess the good news in this scenario is that he did not need another epidural and will be re-examined in 1 week.

Tonight the Suns face the Utah Jazz. Carlos Boozer is questionable for tonight’s game after straining his right ribcage. Boozer was taken to the locker room for X-rays at the start of the second quarter and didn’t return. He declined to comment as he slowly left the locker room, but gave a statement to the team.”I’ve got a sharp pain in my right side under my ribcage,” he said. “I will have an MRI (Wednesday) to see what it is. It happened at the end of the first quarter. I didn’t get hit. It just happened.” This is more good news for the Suns as he is a perennial thorn in their sides. This also leaves a significant match-up problem for the Jazz guarding Amar’e Stoudemire. Paul Milsap will likely start in Boozer’s place. Milsap is a solid player but will have a tough time dealing with Amar’e’s quickness when he faces him up.

There has been some assertion in the local media here that the Suns should tank tonight’s game to eliminate any possibility of facing the Spurs in round 1. I think this is a horrible idea on multiple fronts. First and foremost, losing tonight could slow all the momentum the Suns have been building up over the last couple of weeks. In addition, as I pointed out earlier, the 4 seed would mean the Lakers in the 2nd round if we were able to get by the Nuggets in round 1. I say bring on the Spurs! It is time the Suns get past their nemesis on their way to a prolonged playoff run.

An All-Star Problem?

Adam Brennan — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:18:57 +0000

The Phoenix Suns free-fall continued last night in Salt Lake City. The Suns battled back from an early 17-4 deficit to take a 17 point lead late in the 3rd quarter against the Utah Jazz. This was primarily led by the unlikely heroics of the young Slovenian guard Goran Dragic. Dragic poured in 32 points (24 in the first half alone) on only 13 shots. Despite this break out performance from Dragic, the Suns porous defense reared its ugly head once again and the Suns succumbed without much of a fight in the 4th losing 124-115. In a losing effort, Steve Nash had 15 assists and crossed the 8,000 assist threshold for his career. Nash is now eighth all-time and his next target in 7th place is Gary Payton with 8,966.

The Suns are now at a crossroads at 26-20 and 7th in the Western Conference. The Amare Stoudemire trade rumors are running rampant and as Chad Ford from ESPN.com has indicated Amare is detrimental to the Suns chemistry at this point. Stoudemire will be the Western Conference’s starting Center in the All-Star game despite the fact he really plays Power Forward with a Small Forward mentality. It truly dawned upon me that being an All-Star does not mean that a player helps his team to victory. In fact, I would contend Amare has caused more Suns losses this season then games he has won. This was never more evident than last night as Carlos Boozer simply dominated Amare Stoudemire. Boozer is clearly not as athletically gifted as Amare Stoudemire, but he managed to grab 20 rebounds compared to Amare’s meager 5 rebound night. Boozer also scored more points that the complacent Stoudemire 21-16. It simply boils down to heart and desire and Amare simply does not have those intangibles. Any team that believes Amare is a max player at this point is out of their mind. I am convinced that fan voting for the all-star game is based solely on Sportscenter’s top 10 plays. It is in fact true, that Amare can produce some electrifying dunks during the course of a game, but his lack of interest on defense allows teams to come back from insurmountable leads. The Suns should listen to trade offers that are out there (Nets, Heat, Bulls and Cavaliers have all shown interest).

Stoudemire is not the only All-Star that is hurting the Suns right now. Everyone that is familiar with my blog knows that I love Steve Nash. He is a great spokesperson for the NBA and possibly the best shooter and passer this generation has seen. However, Nash like Stoudemire plays matador type defense on a consistent basis. In the past, we could put up with this because he dominated the offense. The alarming part of Steve Nash’s game this season is the sheer volume of turnovers. Nash is averaging 4.04 turnovers per game. Specifically in January, Nash is averaging nearly 5 turnovers per game (4.9) versus the 3.8 in November; way back when they were 14-3. Nash’s assist to turnover ratio is only 2.72, good for 15th in league, even behind shoot first guard like Baron Davis. This is the lowest it has been since he was originally drafted as a Sun. Understandably, Nash isn’t solely responsible as players are not in position or simply fumble perfect passes. However, the alarming trend of late is Nash’s propensity to leave his feet and throw the ball away typically, leading to fast breaks for the opponents.

Point blank, if Nash can not get his turnovers below 4.0 and Amare Stoudemire is not traded, the Suns will be watching the playoffs at home. I hope both happen and sooner than later.

Big Names Will Test Free Agency

Tim Povtak — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Filed under: 76ers, Bulls, Cavaliers, Hawks, Heat, Jazz, Knicks, Lakers, Magic, Mavericks, Nuggets, Pacers, Pistons, Raptors, Rockets, Suns, NBA Rumors

Not everyone is waiting for 2010 - the mother of all free agent summers - to try to improve their team by throwing big money at the seasoned veterans.

Even in hard economic times, the top players like Carlos Boozer, Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Kidd will leave teams and get their financial reward in other places. The squeeze will be on the lower-level free agents who must settle for minimum or various exceptions.

What hurts this class is that only seven teams really have major room under the salary cap to make something happen, and they usually aren't the NBA's biggest spenders. Unless the free agents stay with their current teams, only Memphis, Oklahoma City, Sacramento, Atlanta, Portland, Toronto and Detroit have major room.

Although there has been plenty of dancing and unofficial talks the last few days, the real dealings can't start until 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

Here is a breakdown by position of the five most intriguing - and unrestricted - free agents.

Point Guards

Jason Kidd (Mavs) - They made a mistake by giving up promising Devin Harris and two first-round picks to get him. He still can help a good team win, but at age 36 he is slowing noticeably. Someone like Atlanta or Portland may sign him away from Dallas.

Allen Iverson (Pistons) - Must take a big pay cut to keep playing because the Pistons have no interest anymore. He could make a splash for a year with the Knicks in Mike D'Antoni's offense. Or how about reuniting with Larry Brown in Charlotte?

Mike Bibby (Hawks) - He was key in the Hawks ability to get past the first round. They should try hard to re-sign him because they still need his stabilizing influence. He is only 31.

Andre Miller (Sixers) - Still puts up good numbers and rarely misses any games, but his lack of playoff success should be a red flag. Might stay with the Sixers if outside interest isn't there

Ronnie Price (Jazz) - More of a low-budget guy who should try his luck elsewhere because he won't play much behind Deron Williams. Might be what either Atlanta or Philadelphia needs if their current starter leaves.

Shooting Guards

Kobe Bryant (Lakers) - No need for anyone in LA to worry. When you're the champ, everyone loves you again to the max, which is what he'll receive should he decide to opt-out and sign a longer deal. If he brings Odom and Ariza along for the ride, the Lakers can repeat.

Ben Gordon (Bulls) - This one is going to cost because several teams are interested. Can't stop anyone on defense, and plays in a system that helps him. Likely will stay where he is because the Bulls need him.

Anthony Parker (Raptors) - Only NBA player who isn't as good as his sister, but he will be looking around in hopes of finding a better-paying home.

Marquis Daniels (Pacers) - Pacers let him become unrestricted because for all his talents, he doesn't always focus well. Still can play multiple positions on the perimeter, but he'll have to wait until the tops guys sign first.

Dahntay Jones (Nuggets) - He is coming off his best all-around season. He is just entering his prime and his playoff performance, especially at the defensive end, will be rewarded. Nuggets success in the playoffs works in his favor.

Small Forwards

Ron Artest (Rockets): With Yao Ming potentially lost for the 2009-10 season, the Rockets really need to keep him, especially after the way they came together late last season. Artest isn't quite the lock-down defender he once was, but he's still a well-rounded player who can win games. Miami might try but they don't have the money he wants.

Hedo Turkoglu (Magic) - The traded traded for Vince Carter because they didn't want to play Turkoglu's asking price. He is leaving a championship contender to get more money in Portland or Toronto.

Trevor Ariza (Lakers) - An outstanding second half of the season - and his playoff performance - earned him real money for the first time in his career. Lakers want him back, but he's not good enough to overpay.

Shawn Marion (Raptors) - Will never be as good as he once was playing alongside Steve Nash. No one ever is when they leave Nash. Will have to take a cut, but may end up at Oklahoma City or Memphis.

Grant Hill (Suns) - With Shaq gone and Stoudemire almost out the door, Hill is likely to join one of the contenders. Still has some game left, and could end up in Miami or San Antonio if the Spurs let go of Michael Finley.

Power Forwards

Carlos Boozer (Jazz): He is expected to opt out Tuesday, but the Jazz may not pay him the monster contract he wants. He's been injured way too much to give him a max deal. It's why they've targeted Paul Millsap to be his replacement. Detroit or New York might give him what he wants.

Anderson Varejao (Cavs): The addition of Shaq to the front line makes him very important. He really could shine next to the big guy, grabbing all sorts of rebounds. He'd be smart to re-sign in Cleveland.

Charlie Villanueva (Bucks) -- Surprised that the Bucks didn't make him a qualifying offer. He has been lobbying hard to play in Cleveland, but if Varejao returns the Cavs really don't need him. Sacramento and Atlanta are expected to make a run, but don't be surprised if he stays where he is.

Brandon Bass (Mavs) - He looked good in a limited role behind Dirk Nowitzki, and would be a nice rebounder for a team that already had a good center like Orlando or San Antonio. Will get a nice raise because he's a hustler who doesn't mind doing the dirty work.

Lamar Odom (Lakers) - It's tough for a team to not pay you well when you help win an NBA title. Odom will have to take a pay cut if he wants to stay, but he won't find a better fit, where he can stay in a secondary role behind a pair of stars.

Centers

Rasheed Wallace (Pistons) - He's too old (36) to play anywhere but with one of the contenders. The Pistons want someone younger, like Boozer, when they try to add another big piece in 2010. The Magic, Celtics and Spurs want his championship experience.

Zaza Pachulia (Hawks) - A big bull in the middle who can knock down people. Anyone in the East who needs bodies to help with Dwight Howard could use him.

Mehmet Okur (Jazz) - Another one of those centers who would rather face the basket and take 3's. Expected to opt out and become unrestricted on Tuesday. Good shooter who can win games if his team already has a low-post threat. Just don't expect him to bang around the boards.

Chris Andersen (Nuggets) - Teams love his shot blocking and high-octane engine. His popularity in Denver means the Nuggets probably will overpay to keep him. For a guy who was bounced from the league a few years ago, his stock sure has risen.

Rasho Nesterovic (Pacers) - Still has the skills to play center in the NBA, but the Pacers often wonder about willingness to play physical. Will make a good backup somewhere, but don't count on him as a starter.

Big Names Will Test Free Agency originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big Names Will Test Free Agency

Tim Povtak — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Filed under: 76ers, Bulls, Cavaliers, Hawks, Heat, Jazz, Knicks, Lakers, Magic, Mavericks, Nuggets, Pacers, Pistons, Raptors, Rockets, Suns, NBA Rumors

Big Names Will Test Free Agency originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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