SportLine.com Report
July 28, 2000

Free-agent front

The search continues. The Suns continue to look for somebody -- anybody, who can get them some rebounds.

But their problem is shared throughout the NBA. They are over the salary cap. They are expected to get Tony Delk, a free-agent guard from Sacramento, to sign a 6-year, $17.375 million deal on Aug. 1.

After that, their options are limited. However, Delk fills a key need. The Suns were desperately seeking back-up help in the backcourt. They needed a shooter, especially if Rex Chapman retires. They also need somebody to give Jason Kidd an occasional breather. Kevin Johnson is not expected to continue his comeback, and the Suns weren't satisfied with reserve playmaker Randy Livingston.

Delk, one of Sacramento's most effective players in the first-round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, should be able to fill both roles.

"He'll be the third guard in a three-man rotation,'' Suns coach Scott Skiles said of a Kidd-Penny Hardaway-Delk triple threat.

The Delk acquisition promises to strengthen a back court that already was perhaps the NBA's strongest. But the big-man question continues be unanswered.

The Personnel File

MAIN TARGETS: Delk was something of a surprise. The Suns had been courting Utah's Howard Eisley, but it is expected that the Jazz will retain the restricted free agent.

"It was the deal I was looking for, and I would have signed it if I had gotten it from Sacramento,'' Delk said. "But the Kings really didn't say anything.''

Delk's agent Steve Kauffman says the Suns always have been interested. "Phoenix tried to trade for him last season,'' said Kauffman, who negotiated the deal while spending time with Suns owner Jerry Colangelo at the WNBA All-Star Game and a Diamondbacks game. Meanwhile, the Suns hope to retain back-up forward/center Corie Blount, who was effective in the playoffs. Blount has drawn some interest from the New York Knicks.

IF THEY GET LUCKY: Maybe Brian Grant, the free-agent power forward from Portland, has family in Phoenix. Nah, that would be more luck than any franchise can expect.

THE LOSERS: Livingston might have to go back to the Continental Basketball Association or Europe. Controversial center Oliver Miller says he wants to retire, but he has not had any word on whether the Suns want him back. Don't bet on it. Skiles complained about him all year.

Todd Day also doesn't expect to return, after a season with mixed results. He signed last year at the urging of Hardaway, his longtime friend from high-school days in Memphis

Noteworthy

NEW LOOK: The Suns will have a new logo and different shade of color on their uniforms next year. "Retro,'' team president and general manager Brian Colangelo said of the update in fashion.

SHUFFLES: Joe Proski, the only trainer in Suns history, is retiring. Team physician Dr. Richard Emerson is leaving the club. Former player Keith Erickson is leaving the broadcast team as a color commentator.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: The Suns will open the 2000-2001 season at Golden State. It is the sixth time in the past seven years that the Suns have opened on the road.