DRAFT PICKS:
Earl Clark, F, 6-10, Louisville (first round) -- He's the kind of guy who can guard the hybrid forwards in this league. He's played in an up-tempo system in college (for Rick Pitino). He's got a good body makeup and there is an indication that he can improve offensively. The drawback has been his motor and his attention to detail. Taylor Griffin, F, 6-8, Oklahoma (second round) -- No, not Blake Griffin. Right school, right family, but this Griffin averaged 10 points and six rebounds a game for the Sooners and will have a hard time breaking onto the roster.
FREE AGENT FOCUS: If the Suns move Amare Stoudemire after trading O'Neal, a big man will climb to the top of the wish list. Even if Andris Biedrins and Brandan Wright come over in a deal with Golden State, the Suns will be looking for some depth.
On the wings, both Grant Hill and Matt Barnes are free agents, and it's unlikely that both would be back. The Suns' choice would be Hill, but he's likely earned a raise and a look-see from title contenders with as much as the mid-level exception. Like Hill, Barnes would like to return but he doesn't have Hill's bank book and will be looking for the best deal.
PLAYER NEWS:
--G Jason Richardson could be the next Sun to go. With Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa, Goran Dragic and Alando Tucker on the roster, Richardson is coming off a disappointing season and makes more than $13 million -- more than Nash. The Suns need a big guard -- and perhaps even a small forward a la the old Quentin Richardson days? -- and Jason Richardson will fit into the style well, but he needs to improve his defense and shot selection if he wants to stay in Alvin Gentry's good graces.
--G Leandro Barbosa was the subject of many pre-draft trade proposals but the Suns don't seem interested in moving him despite a subpar season marked by injury and the death of his mother. Barbosa still has a rather friendly contract and will have a more comfortable role in Gentry's up-tempo system. The Suns will want more on the defensive end, but Barbosa hasn't delivered to this point.
--C Ben Wallace, obtained from Cleveland in the Shaquille O'Neal trade, had a short conversation with GM Steve Kerr on Wednesday. He said he is in good health, was working out and will be available to play this season despite reports he was ready to retire. The Suns can go in three different directions with Wallace: keep him, trade his cap slot or buy him out.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Amare Stoudemire (eye surgery) has been slower to heal that the projected 8-10 weeks, but is still on track to be ready to go next season -- wherever that is.
