http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=3217 Mike (San Diego, CA): How about them Suns? In back to back nights, they win in San Antonio, and they beat Portland at home. Do you think, once they get big Jake back, and Penny gets to full strength, they can compete in the playoffs? Chad Ford: (12:28 PM ET ) I think they'll start rolling again. The Suns really missed Penny. He was running the point, allowing Marbury the chance to play off-guard. The offense will run better once he's healthy and they won't have to rely on Joe Johnson who was very streaky. I think if the Suns stay healthy, they're in the playoffs. I wish we had someone like Penny on this team.
I don't know if that's true or not, but Marbury has been just unbelievable on the offensive end lately. Can't help but think having someone like Penny to handle some of the point guard duties has helped him a lot.
I think pretty much everyone here thinks that getting a "combo guard", someone that can handle the ball and distribute it like a PG but also shoot like a shooting guard and defend taller SGs, would be ideal for this team. Much like Eric Snow and Hardaway do for Iverson and Marbury, allow them time at the 2. The Rockets would really benefit from a Brent Barry in this position. Then get a spark plug guard off the bench such as Mobley or a Jason Terry giving us the type of player that the Mavs and Kings have with NVE and Bobby Jackson. Those moves would help give the Rockets a better balanced backcourt. Chris
I'd love to have Penny. But no way the Suns would trade hm to us. We're rivals now. Even though he's not the old Penny, he's exactly what the backcourt needs. Experience, PG play, regular 15/5/5.
Contrary to what Mr. Ford thinks, I think Penny will do more "harm" than good in the short because The Suns have learnt to win without. I suspect early chemistry problem will come their way because Marbury, who has been playing exceptional great recently, may have to alter his game a bit to incorporate Penny's return Oh well as it stands now, we have no room for error. Golden State have no real chance of challenging for the 8th spot - it is strickly between Rox and Suns.
I believe the Suns will be more willing to give up penny + googs for free if they would found any taker.
What's sad is, Scottie Pippen would of filled that role that Penny Hardaway does for the Suns had Pippen stayed with the Rockets. That's all Scottie does for the Trailblazers. He pretty much plays point forward, gets his share of rebounds, assists, and scores in parts of the game where the Trailblazers offense has run dry.
Tony Delk doesn't fit in with Boston's offense well. He was a nice addition when he was with Sacramento. He would fit in well with us for Mobley when Mobley goes out. All we have is a 3 guard rotation. Francis/Mobley, Francis goes out first then it is Moochie/Mobley, then Mobley goes out and Francis comes in and its Moochie/Francis. One of our starting guards is always on the court. It shouldn't be like that. Fatigue plays a big part down the stretch in a game. We need relief!
I don’t know about his contract situation, but I like Alvin Williams, he’s 6’5” 190lbs, has a good assist to turnover ratio, 5.4 assists for 34 mins played, decent defense and jumper.
How about Jamal Crawford. He's a tall point guard. I think his defense is a little suspect. Alvin Williams would be nice.
Speak for yourself. The Rockets already have some combo guards. What they REALLY need is stability & patience from the top brass & the fans. Constant trades & turmoil will NEVER produce a championship. Also Snow, Hardaway, Barry, Alvin or whoever...they all have HUGE faults....possibly more than Cat. If they were on the Rockets, you'd probably be asking for them to be traded. It's time to start enjoying one of the best backcourts in the game, instead of constantly looking for a change.
Not that we'll get him, but I would be very, very interested in what Alvin Williams' HUGE weakness is...He has been playing hurt all year, and I still don't see a real weakness at all, let alone a HUGE one...his shot (.440 fg % ) is probably his weakest point, and it compares favourably with Cuttino's ( .434 ) or Steve's ( .437 )...Aside from that he has great size for a pg or even a combo ( 6-5) is cat quick, plays great defense, hustles non-stop, is a fan favorite, a coach favorite, a teammate favorite, plays team ball, isn't a look at me at all,is very, very clutch, plays hurt, ( has played in 82 games both of the last 2 years and is doing it again this year despite needing 3 surgeries in the offseason, and being hurt again this year) and is extremely efficient ( is currently the only player in the NBA to be top 10 in both asst/TO ratio and steal/to ratio)...What is his HUGE weakness?..I really want to know...
