Phx-Suns.Net

There are alternatives in free agency. Among consolidated rotation player you have Spencer Hawes, Josh McRoberts or Patrick Patterson, but they are not exactly flawless either. One, or many, tears below are the likes of BJ Mullens or Anthony Tolliver.

And there are others who could play this role to some degree, but their range doesn't extend to the 3pt line, like Jason Smith (who is an ace launching midrange shots from around the FT line).

From that bunch I wouldn't really look at Patterson. Lacks size compared to the rest of this group and is not a defensive presence although he is not the weakest rebounder (a tad better than the others mentioned). Still, his 3pts come from the corner a little too much for the purposes we are discussing here. Besides, he is a RFA unless Toronto doesn't extend the QO.

The two main targets if you want to let go of Frye would probably be Spencer Hawes and McRoberts.

Hawes is a more prolific rebounder and post player, but always looks incredibly weak defensively. Easily moreso than Frye, at least besides the second half of last season, and this is a real concern since in terms of position he is strictly a C, unlike others who can be used at PF alongside a bigger rim protector. Specifically in terms of rebounding, he is a wash with Frye and McRoberts if we talk about more than brute totals. Above 40% 3pt for the first time in his career. And turns the ball much more than the other two.

Then we have Josh McBob. He possesses one of the weirdest skillsets in the whole L for a big man, probably more exotic than Boris Diaw. He can actually put the ball on the floor, is extremely agile and quick and is an outstanding passer for PF (Hawes also logs assists, but this is completely different). Defensively he doesn't offer anything of note above Frye and won't wow you on the glass either. Like in Hawes' case, 13-14 is the first season he has shot so much from 3pt, so you could question if he's there to stay, but watching his form and above all his shot selection I am not very concerned although on that front it is true that sometimes he tries too diffucult shots.

Relative to Frye, both are considerably younger (25-26) but are not as proven in this stretch PF/C role as the current Sun. Each adds something new to our roster but both lack the versatility to play PF and C. Their flaws are similar too.

It will come down to money, as per usual. I believe Frye won't lack suitors this summer (Houston or Portland, for instance), but if he takes a home discount he is my choice all factors considered. If his price was about the same, I'd look hard at McRoberts. Hawes would come in third in my book.

Ring_Wanted wrote:There are alternatives in free agency. Among consolidated rotation player you have Spencer Hawes, Josh McRoberts or Patrick Patterson, but they are not exactly flawless either. One, or many, tears below are the likes of BJ Mullens or Anthony Tolliver.

And there are others who could play this role to some degree, but their range doesn't extend to the 3pt line, like Jason Smith (who is an ace launching midrange shots from around the FT line).

From that bunch I wouldn't really look at Patterson. Lacks size compared to the rest of this group and is not a defensive presence although he is not the weakest rebounder (a tad better than the others mentioned). Still, his 3pts come from the corner a little too much for the purposes we are discussing here. Besides, he is a RFA unless Toronto doesn't extend the QO.

The two main targets if you want to let go of Frye would probably be Spencer Hawes and McRoberts.

Hawes is a more prolific rebounder and post player, but always looks incredibly weak defensively. Easily moreso than Frye, at least besides the second half of last season, and this is a real concern since in terms of position he is strictly a C, unlike others who can be used at PF alongside a bigger rim protector. Specifically in terms of rebounding, he is a wash with Frye and McRoberts if we talk about more than brute totals. Above 40% 3pt for the first time in his career. And turns the ball much more than the other two.

Then we have Josh McBob. He possesses one of the weirdest skillsets in the whole L for a big man, probably more exotic than Boris Diaw. He can actually put the ball on the floor, is extremely agile and quick and is an outstanding passer for PF (Hawes also logs assists, but this is completely different). Defensively he doesn't offer anything of note above Frye and won't wow you on the glass either. Like in Hawes' case, 13-14 is the first season he has shot so much from 3pt, so you could question if he's there to stay, but watching his form and above all his shot selection I am not very concerned although on that front it is true that sometimes he tries too diffucult shots.

Relative to Frye, both are considerably younger (25-26) but are not as proven in this stretch PF/C role as the current Sun. Each adds something new to our roster but both lack the versatility to play PF and C. Their flaws are similar too.

It will come down to money, as per usual. I believe Frye won't lack suitors this summer (Houston or Portland, for instance), but if he takes a home discount he is my choice all factors considered. If his price was about the same, I'd look hard at McRoberts. Hawes would come in third in my book.

If we were to merely replace Frye, I'd go after McRoberts for sure - problem is, even with his playmaking ability, I doubt he'd improve us.....

Josh McRoberts is intriguing as hell on offense, though - check the video below.

I chose this video not because it highlights his career high scoring, but it shows most all facets of his offensive game (shooting, driving, playmaking/passing from just about every spot on the court) :

The thing is that you are not getting an clear cut upgrade through free agency, unless somehow the Suns got Dirk, Melo or Bosh. I forgot to mention Marvin Williams as a UFA, but he is a SF-PF, more like Patterson so I wouldn't be interested.

In my opinion you don't need to get rid of Frye (and Tucker) to improve. You just need to add somebody capable of actually allowing you to limit their playing time (I am not talking about the typical struggling rookie).

In essence, returning them to their role player status, instead of starters. If you can afford to use them 20+ minutes only when they are doing their thing well, you have gained a ton.

I'd say something similar about Plumlee, but he earns his minutes in a much simpler way so as long as he has the energy to protect the rim and rebound, it is ok.

SwingMan wrote:Josh McRoberts is intriguing as hell on offense, though - check the video below

Something you have to take in mind when replacing Frye with him (or Hawes), is their slow are relatively low release. If their main use is meant to be Goran's pick and pop partner, that's something you don't want to overlook.

Really, beyond the unattainable stars, very few players are so adept at this role as Channing Frye. Ryan Anderson, for instance, but he is under contract and badly injuried.

Sorry, I'm not convinced - I've seen more than enough proof that Frye's useless unless his shot is on, which has gotten steadily rarer since 2009-2010.

Besides - Frye's 31 and it's all downhill from here. At the very least, McRoberts is 27 and more versatile (and a bit more athletic) with loads more court IQ - their matador defense is idenical, though.

SwingMan wrote:Sorry, I'm not convinced - I've seen more than enough proof that Frye's useless unless his shot is on, which has gotten steadily rarer since 2009-2010.

Besides - Frye's 31 and it's all downhill from here. At the very least, McRoberts is 27 and more versatile (and a bit more athletic) with loads more court IQ - their matador defense is idenical, though.

It's weird that Marvin Williams is only 28. It seems like he's been around forever. I like McBob's skillset. I like that he actually passes the ball. I guess we need another lefty to add to our left-handed army. I'm not a fan of his Jesus look currently, but that' not all that important. Hehe.

Of course it all comes down to the $$. Right now I'm wondering if it wouldn't be wiser to nail down our SF spot for the next 4 years with someone like Deng or Ariza and forgo re-signing Tuicker & Frye. With Frye opting out we have quite a bit more money to play with. Lets take a look!

Dragic $7.5M
Green $3.5M
Len $3.7M
Bledsoe $6.6M CAP HOLD
Keef Morris $3M
Mook Morris $3M
Plumlee $1.2M
Goodwin $1.1M
#14 $1.6M
#18 $1.3M
#27 $1M
Beasley Stretch Provision $.8M

That's only $34.3Million. We have a lot of cap room available, but also a whole lot of holes to fill. Even with a maxed out Bledsoe starting at $13M we'd have over $20M in cap space to mess with. It's really a shame someone like James or Carmelo wouldn't look at this team and really envision what it could be with themselves on the roster.

PS, for now we have to be the only team in the league with no players making 8 figures?

Spitballing some ideas here while I wait for the Doctor's office to open so I can make an appointment for my sick kids.

RFA's I wouldn't mind targeting depending on the money: Parsons and Hayward.

UFAs I'd like to consider: Deng, Ariza, Marvin Williams, Jimmer, Humphries, Jordan Hamilton, Jodie Meeks, and (Lord, please forgive me for even suggesting this) Boris Diaw.

i hope frye opts out and seeks greener pastures in GSW (if the kerr offer is real). obviously, mcdo is willing to stand pat and do little to improve the squad via free agency.

SDC wrote:i hope frye opts out and seeks greener pastures in GSW (if the kerr offer is real). obviously, mcdo is willing to stand pat and do little to improve the squad via free agency.

FREE AGENCY ISN'T EVEN HERE YET.

carey wrote:I'm not a fan of his Jesus look currently, but that' not all that important. Hehe.

He looks like Gary Oldman in Dracula.

carey wrote:RFA's I wouldn't mind targeting depending on the money: Parsons and Hayward.

UFAs I'd like to consider: Deng, Ariza, Marvin Williams, Jimmer, Humphries, Jordan Hamilton, Jodie Meeks, and (Lord, please forgive me for even suggesting this) Boris Diaw.

Hayward is my #1 target, but like Parsons and Bledsoe, we know he'll be expensive as hell. My hope is that the Jazz are amenable to a sign and trade, but they have little incentive unless they draft someone to take his place.

Deng will get 10M+ unless he goes to say LAL or Miami, and I don't think it is wise to invest in him considering his age, past injuries and the amount of minutes he has played. Besides, he can't create and is not a shooter.

Ariza is full MLE at the very least from a contender team, also 29 and not that great offensively or 3pt shooter anyway. Even if he is better than PJ, you need to think in terms of marginal cost here. He could end up making twice as much and has had consistency troubles before. In all honesty, I'd pass too.

Jimmer, Meeks, etc would be options if we didn't have already a plethora of competitive #8-9 guys and draft picks. Assuming we keep Bledsoe, Dragic and GG, you need very little more guard punch. I'd be happy riding with Archie and Ish, or Archie and a draftee if a PG was BPA. Hamilton could be decent at the min as SF insurance, but I'd rather have a rookie.

Humphries maybe, but I'd go with Jan Vesely first if given the chance. I'd try him at C-PF in a small ball system.

I'd love to bring in Jimmer. I still think that this is the perfect team for him, and I wish he were one of our free agency targets.

Coro's article on Frye opting out: http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/n ... /11263553/

I actually like Frye in Detroit if they move/lose Monroe. He could help stretch the floor between Smoove and Drummond.

ShelC wrote:I actually like Frye in Detroit if they move/lose Monroe. He could help stretch the floor between Smoove and Drummond.

Wouldnt work because Smith THINKS thats his job.

Golden state and Houston are his best fits IMO.

I'd expect GSW, HOU, IND, POR, and PHX to be after him.

carey wrote:Coro's article on Frye opting out: http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/n ... /11263553/

this is good news. now the suns has even more cap space to go after lebron.

Yeah, that was the main obstacle in our quest for Lebron... Eeeh, no.