Did the Suns get better or worse?

I think it was a move to bring in Vince Carter to keep selling tickets for rest of this year, w/ ability to trade Nash, and as seemless as possible rebuilding.

 

We'll see once both teams play at least 10 games.

 

It all depends upon Nash's future with the team.

As long as he's there you can plug in Players X, Y, Z and they'll still produce as long as he's the running that system.

The problem is they've been unable to replace Amare and they're clearly not the same without him. So even with how good Nash is, it would be wise of them to consider moving forward given Nash's advanced age.

In the interim, though -- Gortat is going to look like a stud.

 

VC for Hedo gets rid of a disappointing slug and long-term contract for an expiring. HUGE WIN.

J-Rich for Gortat rids them of a very productive player with an expiring in exchange for a long-term piece they definitely need. WIN.

Getting Pietrus for Earl Clark gets them a legitimate rotation player for a scrub. WIN.

Long-term this trade is great for the Suns. Short-term, they will be better if VC is plays decent.

J-Rich was so productive for them and that hurts, but getting Gortat makes it worthwhile. Home run trade for the Suns. Props to Lance Blanks!

 

Gortat moves well, has good hands, can set solid screens, and is long and athletic. He also plays very good defense and is a good rebounder -- both of which he is significantly better at than Amare. What doesn't have is the explosive first step and the mid-range game of Amare, but it won't matter too much with Nash there. I'm not saying he is going to have the same type of scoring numbers that Amare had in Phoenix, but he will be a pretty large interior help on both sides. A very nice upgrade.

Carter and Pietrus should be able to replace Richardson's production. In fact, i believe Pietrus is a better defensive player than Richardson and Carter should be fairly effective with a PG that has court vision.

 

Just saw the poll numbers. Would those of you who say this makes the Suns worse please explain? Thanks.

 

this is how I see it.

 

Channing Frye and Grant Hill have both evenly helped pick up the load in Stoudemire's absence. Nash is still as good as he ever was; still stackin up the usual double-double.

 

Gortat is a valueable piece to add to their future. VC and JRich are basically the same player. Getting rid of Turkoglu and his contract is huge. It's a win for them.

 

this.

 

I think all 3 teams get better in the trade.

win win win - with Orlando being the possible loser if Gilbert goes headcase on them!

Washington - win. Getting rid of a guy who plays the same position as their 'soon to be franchise player' was a win in and of itself - getting back an excellent 3 point shooter with good size for the 3 spot is a bonus.

Phx gets better by adding a 'go to' guy apart from Nash. Carter can create his own shot in ways that neither Turk nor JRich could.

Orlando gets better by replacing a 'go to guy' in Carter with Arenas, and then bringing in an excellent 3 point shooter (JRich) and a guy who might just thrive (Hedo) - but Hedo is effectively replacing Lewis as a guy 'down on his form'.

Odd trade in that nobody seems to have made out like bandits and nobody seems to have been screwed/ completely salary dumped!

 

I'm thinking the same line as A_3PO.

I wonder how Gortat is going to play like under Nash. I'd love it if Nash is somehow able to "revive" Carter (at least for a little while, until he loses interest).

 

Nash making Dudley look like a beast. Can't wait to see Gortat

 

I think of it as the Magic got worse during the trade. The Suns kinda stayed the same, but they got some good players. Plus that got Hedo out.