Analyzing the Suns-Bobcats deal

The deal:

Pheonix acquired SG Jason Richardson, SF Jared Dudley and a 2010 second-round pick from Charlotte Bobcats, in exchange for PF Boris Diaw, SG Raja Bell and PG Sean Singletary.

My take:

For the Suns:

I have said all season long, that the Suns need more scoring, esp. on the perimeter. J-Rich just gives them what they need: a prolific scorer who can shoot the 3s and drive to the basket, not to mention that he can run with Nash in fast breaks too. J-Rich's scoring comes off a bit this year (just 18.7 PPG), but he’s obviously an upgrade over Raja Bell in offense. He’s hitting his career best 3P% this season, a whopping .458. His D is underrated. Remember him playing tough D against the Mavs in the Upset of the Century in 2007 Playoffs? I always like J-Rich, because he is a classy guy who plays hard. A huge plus for the Suns.

Trading away Diaw won’t hurt that much. Unlike under D’Antoni, Diaw didn’t play a pivotal role this season under Porter. Jared Dudley is a young and energetic back up to replace Diaw. So overall it’s a plus for the Suns.

For the Bobcats:

Really don’t know what MJ is thinking. J-Rich is the ONLY true scorer in their entire roster and they traded him away for two non-scorers. Gerald Wallace, their second leading scorer, is not exactly that type of player who can create his own shots. He relies more on team plays and ball movement. J-Rich’s departure will boost up his scoring but the team’s overall offense will be worse. D.J. Augustin can score but he’s just a rookie. Already dead last in scoring, the Bobcats will have extreme difficulty in scoring after the trade.

Diaw can replace the ineffective and immobile Sean May to start at PF right away. Sure they need frontcourt depth but Diaw is not at all a traditional big man. He’s more a finesse big man who is good at playing point forward, instead of the traditional big man who scores down low and bangs against opposing big men. He is agile and quick, and may take advantage of the opponent's slow bigs. However, the bigger question is, will Diaw’s unorthodox game fit Larry Brown’s “play it right” game? I seriously doubt it. Diaw is not at all a hard working type. Expect the Bobcats to fall in ranking. Well it might be a good thing, because they can get a high pick in 2009 draft. Well, maybe that's what they are planning for, you know, trying to get the consensus #1 pick, Oklahoma's sphomore PF Blak Griffin.

MJ the GM has done quite a questionable job over the years. You know, from drafting Adam Morrison over Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay etc in 2006, drafting D.J. Augustin over Brook Lopez when they were (and still are ) in need of big man in 2008, trading for Nazr Mohammad, etc.

Sometimes, a great player does not always translate to a great management. Look at Kevin McHale. Look at Isiah Thomas. Even though you are the greatest player of history.