HoopsHype.com Columns

One big man away from contention
by Eddie Johnson / July 2, 2004

This generation's top free agents look for four things when deciding on a destination: 1. Teams with money; 2. Teams with good potential; 3. A first-class organization; and 4. Warm weather. The Phoenix Suns found themselves at the top of the list this offseason. And when the Suns have money to spend, they have always been a big player on the free agent market.

They did it again this year pulling off their own version of “Shock and Awe” by showing up in Dallas the first day of the free agent period with a contingent that included new owner Robert Sarver, chairman Jerry Colangelo, GM Bryan Colangelo, head coach Mike D’Antoni and franchise player Amare Stoudemire I assume this was enough for Steve Nash to decide on a five-year, $65 million deal in one of the quickest decisions in NBA free agent history.

Nash will give the Suns everything they have been lacking since the Jason Kidd trade – leadership, scoring and an ability to make sure the three cornerstones (Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson and Amare) get the ball in their comfort zones. He will also give the Suns the consistent perimeter shooting they sorely need.

But if the Suns are to get to the next level, they must find a serviceable big man that will clog up the middle and allow their quickness to harass and gamble defensively on the perimeter. There are plenty of options for the Suns, but they have to act fast because everyone needs a big man who can bang and help anchor the defense.

POSSIBLE TARGETS

- Erick Dampier would be a great fit because he knows how to go get his points off the offensive glass and has become a very good shot blocker, but he might be to expensive to sign.

- Adonal Foyle is one of my favorites. He works just as hard in the locker room providing leadership as he does with his all-out hustle and shot blocking on the court. But one has to wonder why he has not solidified himself in the Warriors rotation.

- Vlade Divac has turned the corner and headed downhill. Yes, he is still viable when he is on the court. But he can only play for short periods of time before he shows signs of fatigue. The Suns need someone who can give quality defensive minutes at the end of games.

- Mehmet Okur seems to be the favorite target, but I say the jury is out on a player that fell out of favor with Larry Brown (maybe by design) and has not been put in a situation where he has to be counted on for 30+ minutes. Plus the Suns have a player in Maciej Lampe who has the potential to be a mirror image of Okur – if he toughens up and stops playing 80 percent of his game on the perimeter.

- Don’t be surprised if Greg Ostertag is the winner of this group. Why? The Suns don't need an offensive-minded player at this position. They will have their hands full trying to find shots for the core players they already have. What they need is a space-eater, a guy that knows how to get in the way on defense and get out of the way on offense. Ostertag knows very well how to do that, having played with Karl Malone and John Stockton for most of his career. He will also be able to allow Amare and Shawn Marion to rotate defensively and be big time weak-side shot blockers.

Assistant GM Mark West was the last space-eater the Suns had that knew how to be invisible when the situation called for it, but was the physical force on defense that enabled Charles Barkley to get his only MVP Award and helped take the Suns to the Finals in 1993 against the Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. The Suns have begun their quest to return to the playoffs. Only a space-eater will help speed up the process.

Eddie Johnson is a regular contributor to HoopsHype.com

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