Chad Ford's take from ESPN Insider. http://proxy.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&id=1836108 Will the Clips match the Suns' offer for Q? The Suns reversed course quickly Wednesday after learning that Turkoglu, whom they had brought in Tuesday and expected to sign, had gotten a more lucrative offer from the Magic. The Suns, according to league sources, gave Quentin Richardson a six-year offer sheet worth between $48 and $50 million depending on where the cap comes in. While the Richardson deal doesn't raise eyebrows financially, it's another unusual move for the Suns. First, the offer is reasonable enough that there's a good chance the Clippers will match it if they don't land Kobe. Because the Suns gave Q all their remaining cap space, the team's money could be locked up until July 29, the deadline for the Clippers to match the offer. Given the Clippers' history, they likely will wait the full 15 days to decide, unless Bryant comes on board. Second, the team already has Joe Johnson, Leandro Barbosa and Casey Jacobsen who can play the two. Given their hole at center, was Q really necessary? The Suns declined comment on the reported offer. However, another league source believes the Suns' offer for Q was a good one. "Q gives the Suns a couple of things," the source told Insider. "He's tough and one of the hardest-working guys in the league. They're looking for character guys who can lead by example on the floor. Nash and Q both fit the description. The team wasn't going to get a great center with their remaining cap room. Why use it to overpay someone? Remember Luc Longley? The Suns don't want to get in a situation like that again. I think it's conceivable that with Q on board, the team could dangle either Joe or Shawn (Marion) in an attempt to get a big man on the trade market. Signing Q gives them options, and it also gives them leverage should someone like Johnson blow up this year and demand a fortune in free agency next summer."
If they wind up with Q, they probably have a deal for one or two of their other guys already lined up. Man, why do the Western Conference teams have to keep improving? Granted, Nash won't stay great for long, and he received WAAAAAY too much money ("Colangelo", does that mean "with the angel" in Italian or "big dumba$$?") Still, a quick glance at the WC teams reveals: possible playoff teams: SA, Dal, Hou, Sac, Denv, Phoe, LAL, Port, Memph, hell, even Seattle has a chance, depending on whatever moves they make. If Show-be goes to the Clippers, (not likely), they'd be trouble. Hmn. Utah has really done well for itself. Meanwhile, not too many EC teams have significantly improved.
Hrmmmm. But the Mavs killed us those last few years... I would be concerned that the ol' run-n-gun offense will continue to be a thorn in our side, be it from Dallas or Phoenix.
Those last few years we didnt have Tracy McGrady though. Not saying that they wont be tough, they will. But the Rockets will be a lot better than their teams from the last few years and if Yao becomes more dominant, the skys the limit.
