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19Jun/089:20 AM

If the Suns deal, let’s hope it’s Barbosa, not Diaw

By Vince Marotta
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We are one week away from the 2008 NBA Draft, and the rumor mill is cranked up. The , who own the 15th overall pick in the first round, and the 48th overall pick in the 2nd round, are reportedly looking to acquire more picks, and move them into the rotation quickly.

So to do this, the Suns are shopping a couple of players from their roster, and according to most rumors, those players are guard and forward . Here’s one guy who’s hoping if they deal one of them, it’s the Brazilian Blur, and not 3D.

I know that is one of, if not the most maligned athlete in Phoenix. He’s disappointed a lot of people since shining in his first year with the Suns, which led to a 5-year, $45 million contract extension. But on the other hand, he’s a unique talent. He truly is one of a small handful of players in the NBA who can play any position on the floor. He’s an excellent passer, and opened some eyes with his defensive effort against countryman and friend Tony Parker in the last 2 games of the first round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs. Actually, Boris was probably the best player on the floor in those two games, after the Suns shifted their attack, and made Diaw the focus of the offense. In those two games, Boris averaged 21 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. His performance in those two games may be the only reason he’s even being mentioned in trades. Before that, due to his inconsistent play, it was generally believed that no team would trade for Diaw and his contract.

Barbosa is a unique talent as well. He’s arguably the fastest player in the league, and takes over games offensively. But his defense has been questioned, and with head coach putting a bigger premium on ‘d’, Barbosa doesn’t seem to fit in. Plus, he’s not the backup point guard the Suns envisioned, and he seemingly disappears in big games.

I’m all for the Suns continuing to tweak things roster-wise in an attempt to force open that championship window once again. Trading will help them do that more than trading .

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June 19th, 2008 9:20 AM PST
  • Zakdaddy
    I think you have touched on the true question: Would your rather do Paris Hilton or Brittney Spears? Either way you would but man you would get sick of their crap very quickly. That is what you have here: flashes of brillance but you get real tired of the lack of effort by either of them. Let D'Antoni take both.



    But I guess if you had to pick, I say take Spears. She would probably put in the effort. Au revoir Diaw.
  • Steve
    Vince, Vince, Vince. I moved 1,300 miles away and thought I'd never have to question your sports takes again, but here I am. Diaw is soft. He just can't find it in himself to be aggressive near the basket. He shuns contact which leads to crazy off balance shots and no foul. Barbosa's defense should be questioned, but when looking at the defensive improvement of Stoudemire and Barbosa under D'Antoni's regime I have to think the coaching is the culprit. Both are so physically talented there is no reason they shouldn't be quality defensive players.



    With the "firing" of D'Antoni I think I'm finally able to break free from the hold the Suns have over me, so I'm now hoping that Barbosa could find his way to the T'Wolves somehow. But there is no way he's worth giving up #3.
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