Barry ponders future <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> As Brent Barry left for KeyArena yesterday afternoon, he wondered whether he would be playing his final home game as a Sonic. He didn't overanalyze or worry about it. He simply allowed himself the thought. "Then I started my car, drove to the arena and played," Barry said after the game. His tone was matter-of-fact, offering neither a hint of wanting to return to -- nor depart -- the city he has played in for the past five seasons. But actions can deafen words. And just minutes earlier, after Barry had finished dressing at his locker, he tore his name tag off his stall and flung it into a nearby trash bin. The gesture likely was precipitated by the Sonics' disheartening loss to a depleted Rockets team last night. Yet, as the soon-to-be free agent continued to answer questions about his status with the Sonics, he sounded more and more like a player who wanted to return to Seattle, provided some changes are made in the off-season.</div>
I also don't see Brent staying, many of the championship caliber teams will also be interested in him, and I expect him to join one of them. I see him being a Spur next season.
Recent comments made by Barry gave every indication he would say, along the lines of he would get a big kick out of helping Seattle back to the playoffs, maybe even bigger then tacking onto a contender and trying to win a ring that way. He also talked of his family life being at a stage where he would like to stay settled (young kids etc). I am confident that if the price is right, he stays. And going by our performance while Bones was out, my feeling is the price will be right from management.
Two Barrys? 'Outrageous' <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Rick said there's a strong chance Brent, 32, will re-sign with the SuperSonics if they offer him a four-year, rather than a three-year deal. If not, he likes the Nuggets' chances. "If they're willing to give him four years at the midlevel, I'm sure he would certainly consider it," Rick said. The midlevel salary exception will be worth about $5 million next season. The Nuggets, though, will be well under the cap and not bound by that amount.</div>
Four years is risky, but if it's what it takes and it's at the MLE I think there's a good chance it is offered. Brent is integral to this team's fortunes and that was magnified this season , and if Sund and co. want to build a winner, then he is going to be vital. Especially with young guards like Ridnour and Flip on the roster. That said, I think he'll settle for three.
So far, my thinking is 50/50 on whether Barry stays or goes. There is enough evidence to support both him wanting to stay as well as wanting to leave so I'm really not sure. I really like Barry's game and how he brings the team together, but the one aspect of his game that really frustrates me is his lack of defensive intensity. Yeah, he plays the passing lanes pretty well but his man to man defense is not too great. But then again the vast majority of the players on this team lack defensive intensity.
^ I would agree with that, and it isn't much of a secret that his defense is the real achilles heel of his game. However I am of the opinion that you need a balance, and combining Brent's leadership, shooting and team play with a post presence and a potent defender is a recipe for success. Most player's have their weakness, but in my opinion his positives far outweigh his negatives, which are obviously his defense.
