Jalen signs with the Suns

Alright! The self proclaimed "Rose that grew from the concrete" has agreed to play with the Phoenix Suns this season. Got to say this is great news. Granted, I had my doubts about this signing a few days back but if D'Antoni thinks Rose is going to be good on this team, he must be right. My main concern was Jalen's defense and whether he'd jell with this team but the more I think about it, those doubts fade further away.

If you're not so sure about the Jalen signing, read on:
1. Jalen's main reason for joining the Suns is to revive his career a 'la Tim Thomas and I'm sure he will do what is needed to improve his stock. If that means he will have to be a good locker room presence and play some decent D, he's going to make sure he gets the job done.

2. Jalen's played 12 years in the league and hasn't won a championship ring. He will defer gladly to the younger guys if that means he can get a ring finally. Hey, Gary Payton himself played a limited role without begrudging the young guns like D Wade.

3. Its been several years since Jalen played on a winning team. He will definitely lap up the winning culture in Phoenix.

Welcome on board, Jalen!

M

Suns close to signing Rose

The EVT is reporting that the Suns are close to signing Jalen Rose, who was waived by the New York Knicks earlier this week. [full story]

Apparently piqued by the opportunity to play in the Suns' up-tempo system, veteran Jalen Rose was on the verge of signing a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns Thursday night.NBA sources said the deal would likely be completed by the end of the night.

Is he a good pickup? What better validation for a player than Isiah Thomas not wanting a player (Tim Thomas, 2006 No.2 pick.....)? I see the positives of this potential signing but how can we be sure that Rose will not impact the chemistry negatively?

Will he develop the willingness to pass the ball around when he doesn't have a good look?
Will D'Antoni be able to get him to buy into the team philosophy?
He's always had the reputation of being a malcontent -- that's a well known fact.

On the flip side, Jalen is signing with the Suns for just one year and is in effect playing for a contract. Tim Thomas - one of the biggest underachievers in the NBA, came out of his slothful shell to play like a dream last season. There is a chance that Jalen would do the same. There's just one difference though, and it bothers me - Jalen will be 34 in Jan. TT will be just 30 around the same time.

If Jalen works out well in Phoenix, we'll have Isiah to thank. As part of the Eddy Curry trade late in 2005 he sent TT to Chicago where Timmy was quickly released. TT then made his way to PHX earlier this year and had that great playoff run.

The fact that D'Antoni likes him enough to bring him in, is comforting though, and so long as he can rein in Rose I'm happy.

GO SUNS!

M