Suns 2012 Off Season Thoughts

I just posted my thoughts on the Phoenix Suns 2012 off season situation.

My suggestion for a path forward would be:

1. Try to resign Nash. Hopefully he will agree to a reasonable contract and will either take less to attract another solid free agent or two or perhaps the Suns can front load the contract to pay him more this year and less next (and possibly the year after) when they pursue the 2013 free agents. Why? With Nash, the Suns will again compete for the playoffs, will sell more tickets, and perhaps attract at least one more solid free agent. He is also the one you would like to be mentoring your next point guard. He is the face of the Suns and should retire with us. People have been forecasting his decline since before he left Dallas. He continues to amaze. I don't doubt that he can compete at a high level for another 2-3 years. Besides if you are not going to spend the money on Nash, who are you going to spend it on?
2. Go for Goran if Nash leaves. Obviously we never should have traded Dragic. Brooks has yet to show that he is an upgrade AND we gave up a first round draft pick. Arggh! Anyway, he is a talented PG who has the potential to be something special. He is a known quantity who knows the coach and the system.
3. Bring back Hill. Hill is another solid veteran who is a great example and representative for the organization. He still can contribute and will probably be reasonable with the salary. It would be great if he retires with the Suns and stays with the organization.
4. Crawford or Allen at the 2. Crawford or Allen would be great additions. Crawford probably has longer term potential but Allen is still a star whom Suns medicine might be able to work their magic on.
5. Else Shannon Brown. The Suns could do worse than sign Shannon Brown again. With more playing time, he could continue to develop into a dynamic shooting guard.
6. Pursue Gerald Wallace. He would be a nice upgrade at a weak position for the Suns.
7. Look for short term deals thereafter. After pursuing the names above, I think they should just look to round out their roster with as solid a group of players as possible with 1 year deals like they did last season. I would consider bringing back Michael Redd again and even consider some of the big guys mentioned (and others like Lou Amundson).