NBA: Phoenix Suns sign free-agent Hedo Turkoglu
The Phoenix Suns set about filling the gaping roster spot created as Amare Stoudamire left for the glitz and glamor of New York City by signing Hedo Turkoglu, a player they had courted even before Stoudamire left. For both team and player, it is hoped that the new roster will invigorate them and help them move on.
When Turkoglu was signed in Toronto, he was bringing with him hope of big things and big dreams. He was the biggest free agent available in 2009, and he was supposed to be the player who would keep Chris Bosh in Toronto and playing for the Raptors. He was supposed to rain buckets, just as he had for the Orlando Magic, while cashing his big paychecks.
When the Raptors landed Turkoglu, it was supposed to let the world know that the Raptors could land the big free agents. But Turkoglu did not have the same team around him that he had in Orlando, with no solid point guard, a lesser defense and Chris Bosh, unlike Dwight Howard, does not draw double teams. All of that added up to a harder time for Turkoglu getting off shots and making an impact.
The Suns are looking for Turkoglu to be a better fit in Phoenix than he was in Toronto, complementing older players Grant Hill and Steve Nash. With a better point guard to get him the ball, it’s hoped that Hedo will find the ball and better shots easier and relieve pressure from Nash.
Whether or not that works out better for both teams remains to be seen.
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