#2 – Michael Finley
I guess the Suns passed up on two future All-Stars when they traded for Jason Kidd. I can’t say I blame them for making the trade (although if I absolutely do blame them for the poor Kidd/Marbury trade), but hindsight does make you wonder a bit. Take a look at Michael Finley, who the Suns also traded away for Kidd at Christmas 1996.
The Suns drafted Finley late in the first round of the 1995 draft. He showed promise during his time in Phoenix, making the All-Rookie First Team and averaging just under 15 PPG during that season and a half. However, he broke out during his first full year in Dallas. That year, he averaged 21.5 PPG while shooting roughly 50% from the field and 36% from three. He significantly improved in several other categories as well.
Two seasons later, Michael Finley would become an All-Star. He only made two All-Star teams in his career, but that’s still quite a feat in the Western Conference. He was also a star player for some great Mavericks teams and ultimately a major contributor for a championship Spurs team.
Again, were Michael Finley and Sam Cassell ultimately worth Jason Kidd? Maybe, but the Suns ultimately didn’t take full advantage of Kidd when they had him.