
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.
PLAYER NEWS:
--F Grant Hill agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million and has a player option for a second year, according to his agent, Lon Babby.
--G Steve Nash still wants to stay with the Suns as a first priority. But in comments made in Vancouver recently, Nash also made it clear that his second choice -- if the Suns can't pay him or don't show a commitment toward winning -- would be a reunion with Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni in his adopted home of New York.
"I would preface it by saying that I love Phoenix and that's what I'm focusing on right now," Nash told reporters. "But I live in New York City, and I love it there, and Mike D'Antoni was one of my favorite coaches. If it didn't work out in Phoenix, obviously that would be a place I'd consider."
--F Matt Barnes started in front of Hill for awhile last season, but despite averaging a career-high 10.7 point per game, he hasn't gotten much interest -- even from the Suns -- in free agency. That might change if Hill decides to sign elsewhere, but even that might not signal a return to Phoenix -- where Barnes, his wife and infant twins have purchased a home.
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.