rumors

[Mark Piotrowski <markp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

1.  From Real GM message boards --

> Ok don't shoot me I am just the messanger and it was reported on 
> Phoenix radio.
>  The guy is a big mouth but he DOES have good sources.
>
>  I am putting it short.
>
>  - Phoenix is #1 on Kobe's list, not that big of a surprise the rumor 
> was there before
>
>  - Kobe and TMac want to play together and TMac wants the Suns to keep 
> capspace for him to sign in 2005 or
>
>  - The Suns should trade for him, didn't elaborate on this but I guess 
> Orlando would have to think about Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson and a top 
> 5 pick for TMac possibly, the Suns could still just sign Kobe
>
>  Don't shoot me, I know it sounds ridiculous but the guy who reported 
> it on the phoenix sportstalk show does have good inside sources and he 
> defended his source.
>
>  Maybe it wouldn't sound that ridiculous if the media rivalry between 
> TMac and Kobe wouldn't be there.
>
>  Anyway can you just imagine? Amare, Kobe and TMac

This could just be idle chatter -- but it's intriguing for Pheonix and 
the talent-starved Orlando would definitely have to do that trade:  
McGrady --> Marion, JJ + one other player (to make money work) and #5 
pick (to go along with the #1 pick) for McGrady

2.  Lets assume -- just for giggles -- the DO do this deal, here's 
they're lineup:

PG: Tyronn Lue / (Shaun Livingston - #5 pick)
SG: Joe Johnson / DeShawn Stevenson
SF: Shawn Marion / Pat Garrity / Keith Bogans
PF: Juawan Howard / Drew Gooden / DeClercq
C: Emeka Okafor / Steven Hunter / Z. Pachulia / Rooks

All of a sudden Orlando's become one of the best teams in the East --- 
though they're a bit thin at PG.

So...with Marion able to play the 4, Howard and Okafor both the 4 and 5 
-- could we maybe swing a deal for Gooden -- maybe say Chucky Atkins + 
Michael Stewart + Detroit's #1 for Gooden + DeClerq + Garrity?

I guess this would need some more work -- but with Marion on board 
Gooden becomes even more expendable.

(the other) mark