<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">When the trading away of Joe Johnson was made, it was all about the two first-round draft picks over the next three years and a $5 million trade exception. And in particular, it was about the first-rounder in 2008 that will likely land the Phoenix Suns a very high draft choice, possibly even the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Just what the Suns were getting with throw-in Boris Diaw was up for debate. But Suns management liked Diaw all the way back to the 2003 draft. They thought he could be a backup point guard and part-time shooting guard. They believed a change of scenery would do him good. Word around the league about Diaw had not been good. He was considered soft. It was believed he couldn't shoot and couldn't play. It was said that Atlanta was willing to give him away for nothing just to get rid of him. As bad as the Hawks were, Diaw wasn't getting any playing time. . He was sitting on the bench on the worst team in the league. And that was not a good sign. Nonetheless, the Suns wanted him. They almost drafted him in 2003 but instead chose Zarko Cabarkapa. For two years, they attempted to get the versatile 6-8 Diaw to no avail. The Hawks wanted a first-round pick back and Phoenix wasn't going to do that. The Suns traded Cabarkapa to Golden State for a couple of second-round picks and were willing to give the Hawks the same for Diaw. It wasn't until the Suns decided to trade Joe Johnson that Diaw could be had by Phoenix. Make no mistake, the first-round pick that is protected in the first three in 2007 and unconditional in 2008 was the key to the trade. But Diaw's play the first month of the season has Suns management looking like geniuses and former Hawks managing partner Steve Belkin looking like he was the only one in the Atlanta camp who knew what he was doing. Belkin wanted Johnson but he also believed Atlanta was giving up too much in the deal. He wanted the Hawks to give Johnson the $75 million offer and dare Phoenix to match it. He felt that Diaw and two first-round picks for Johnson were too much to give up.</div> Source
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Source</div> Wow, Shape, thanks for that timely piece, we've only been discussing this for three days now... Jes' kiddin', buddy. But with all honesty, this sure seems to have been a great deal for the Suns, especially since it seems that Diaw just needed a change of scenery.
I think Diaw's style of play will be an even better fit once Amare Stoudemire is back in the mix of things for the Suns. The Suns now have that player who does the small things and isn't just looking for personal fame, right now Boris is playing very good basketball and is averaging 11 6 and 6. Those six assists are very good, especially considering the amount of assists Nash gets a game. Diaw and Nash seems to have a solid connection and are averaging 16 assits together so just imagine the potential growth of those numbers once Amare returns.
Diaw always had passing skill, he was not drafted as a 68 PG/SG/SF for no reason, the problem is that the Hawks did not have the system or talent level to let him shine. When they did have the talent, he wasn't as good and was not getting PT. He's been the biggest difference maker for the Suns this year because of all he can do on the floor, and when Barbosa was there, both of them were beastly, the game changed drastically when they came in.
yeah its pretty impressive how he can play all 5 positions.. and it seems like what ever position they put him at, he can still rack up the stats whether its assists, rebounds, points, whatever...
The Phoenix Suns are CROOKS and the Atlana Hawks are IDIOTS. LOL. Man you guys got a awesome deal. Suns got: Boris Diaw (triple double threat every night) 2 First round picks (high picks since Atlanta just plain sucks) 6 mil Exception Hawks got: Role player Joe Johnson (no franchise player here folks) Insanely huge contract to deal with NO FUTURE I know you guys are mad at JJ for ditching. But seriously, thank the dude. He made the Suns even stronger by leaving. You guys want to trade Boris Diaw for Mike Dunleavy? Warriors just signed him for a MEASLEY 44 million! He was 3rd pick overall too! Can't go wrong with that. Pleaseeeee?
i can't decide which was worse by the hawks, giving the suns diaw and two first rounders when they probably didn't need to give them anything or passing on chris paul
Diaw is perfect for the Suns. Talk about a steal. The Hawks are looking like idiots just when you compare Diaw v. Johnson + $75M. Diaw getting 13 assists last night while Nash still got his 12 is awesome. I have seen the Suns a little this year and Diaw is Mr. Whatever you need, bucket, pass, rebound, D. You are lucky.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting gosunsgo:</div><div class="quote_post">Diaw is a shoe in for MIP</div> I don't know about shoo in just yet, but I love these system guys, especially when they finally find the system they need to be in. Guys like Diaw and Pippen and Mario Elie and Dino Radja (jes' kiddin') and all manner of other sorts. They're fun to watch, they make heady choices, and they really make you wonder whether it's god given talent or just some phenomenal coaching that make them so great. In Diaw's case, I think it'll be coaching (so far anyway).
I think there will be another Exec. of the Year and a Coach of the Year award going to Phoenix again this year. Barbosa could also be a candidate for MIP.
phoenix is much deeper this year than last year and will be even better with those 2 first roundpicks...and use that 6 million dollar to sign a solid guy (assuming they haven't used it yet) those 2 first round picks..one of them likely lottery since atlanta sucks...man...what are the hawks thinking...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hohoyoyoyo:</div><div class="quote_post">phoenix is much deeper this year than last year and will be even better with those 2 first roundpicks...and use that 6 million dollar to sign a solid guy (assuming they haven't used it yet) those 2 first round picks..one of them likely lottery since atlanta sucks...man...what are the hawks thinking...</div> The Suns used half ($3 million) of the exception on James Jones, they still have the other $3 million remaining. They could use it in some sort of trade, but they don't need to make any changes right now.
