Wednesday's News: Butterfingers are candy bars, DAMNIT!!!!!

[SwingMan]

D'Antoni ticked by turnovers (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1127sunsnb1128.html)
Warriors scored 37 off giveaways

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/pics/1127sunsnb.jpg
The Suns' Grant Hill passes from the floor away from the Warriors' Mickael Pietrus on Monday in Oakland, Calif.

Doug Haller
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 27, 2007 10:56 PM

The Suns gave up a season-high 129 points in Monday's loss at Golden State, but that's not what irked coach Mike D'Antoni.

He didn't care much for the 20 turnovers that led to 37 Golden State points.

"We just turned it over on easy stuff, I thought," D'Antoni said Tuesday. "We just kind of fumbled the ball away on fast breaks. And they hit opportune shots. Every time we turned it over they hit a three."

The Suns play at a frantic pace that could lead to sloppiness, but that's no excuse, D'Antoni said. The way he sees it, the Suns should have the fewest turnovers in the league because they push it so much. In other words, quicker shots equal less time to make mistakes.

"We should (average) around 13 or 14 (turnovers a game)," he said.

Going into tonight's home game against Houston, the Suns average 14.9 turnovers, 11th best in the NBA. The Spurs average a league-best 12.1 turnovers. Golden State, another up-tempo team, averages 12.9.

"I think a lot of it has to do with our movement," said guard Steve Nash, who had eight turnovers against Golden State. "I feel like we're not playing at the pace we need to play at times. And when we're not playing at that pace, a lot of times the ball is. We turn the ball over because we're hesitating, we're not getting into our spots."


Phoenix going big
The buzz from the Golden State locker room was that the Warriors forced the Suns to go big down the stretch, a rarity for a Suns team that usually forces its opponents to adjust.

D'Antoni understood the logic.

Center Brian Skinner played 15 minutes, all in the second half, collecting nine points and seven rebounds, but D'Antoni said that didn't mean he wanted the Suns to slow the pace.

No matter who is out there, D'Antoni said, the goal is create space and push.

"I could've used (Skinner) in the first half, and I didn't because I didn't think he could guard Matt Barnes or somebody like that. But he can. I'll learn from that."

Free throw

Guard Raja Bell missed the end of Tuesday's practice because of a sore back, but D'Antoni expected him to play tonight.
Swing's note: Got a clue yet, Mike?

Wednesday's game

Rockets at Suns

When: 7 p.m.
Where: US Airways Center.
TV/radio: My 45/KTAR-AM (620).

Houston update: The Rockets (8-7) have won two in a row on the heels of a six-game losing skid. Tracy McGrady, who has missed two games with an elbow injury, averages 26.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists. McGrady averages 33 points on the road, best in the league this season. Yao Ming averages 21.9 points and 10.1 rebounds, but he often struggles against the Suns. In a 115-105 loss Nov. 17, Yao had 12 points (on 4-of-17 shooting) and six rebounds. Houston has shot .436 from the field, but .308 from three-point range - third worst in the league.

[SwingMan]

Battier, Hill are more than alumni (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1127suns1128.html)
Former Duke stars Grant Hill, Shane Battier share a friendship that predates school ties

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/pics/1127suns.jpg
The Rockets' Shane Battier (left) and the Suns' Grant Hill, each of whom won a national championship while attending Duke, are close friends and have known each other since Battier was a freshman in high school.

Doug Haller
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 27, 2007 10:54 PM

Their common denominator is obvious, but Grant Hill and Shane Battier go beyond their days at Duke University.

They have known each other since Hill's NBA rookie season with the Detroit Pistons, when a talented high school freshman from Beverly Hills, Mich., served as a summer intern.

"I'd get to their practice facility every day in the summer, and I would fold the towels, do laundry, mop the floor, make the players shakes, all kinds of things," said Battier, a forward with the Houston Rockets. "I considered it paying my dues."

Twelve years later, Battier and the Suns' Hill are playing similar roles at basketball's highest level. Battier is a sweet-shooting role player, known for defense and floor burns, and Hill makes his living with midrange jumpers and finding the open shooter.

They likely will guard each other during tonight's game at US Airways Center, which produces extra motivation.

"Wow, I've been around a long time," Hill said, recalling those early days. "I've seen Shane play at three different levels. It was fun to see him grow up, and now it's fun to compete against him. He's a very smart player. He's very talented. But any time you go against people you know or played with, people who are your friends, I always look at it as more motivation."

Battier couldn't stop laughing, thinking about his intern duties. Hill said occasionally Battier would jump in and participate in informal scrimmages, but Battier insisted he was just messing around. He was good as a 15-year-old, but that "was a little different."

As the years passed, Hill answered questions Battier had about college. He knew Battier loved Duke, but he told him to go where he felt most comfortable.

He wasn't as laid-back with other advice.

"Let me tell you how crazy this is," Hill said. "My wife and I were dating at the time, and Shane was getting ready to go to college. We were talking about his girlfriend; he had been dating her since seventh grade. I kept telling him, 'Man, after a year of school you won't even remember her name. She's going to Villanova, you're going to Duke. You won't see her, blah, blah, blah.' "

So what happens?

"We were married in 2003," Battier said.

"Shows what I know," Hill said

By the time the Memphis Grizzlies drafted Battier with the sixth pick of the 2001 draft, Hill was with the Orlando Magic. Battier remembers being nervous the first time he guarded his childhood idol, but then he blocked Hill's shot in the lane. Hill thought he was fouled, argued with an official and picked up a technical foul.

"He probably doesn't remember it, but to this day that's one of the highlights of my NBA career," Battier said. "Whenever I play against Grant, my wife always says, 'Get Grant mad again so he'll get a technical foul.' "

He knows that likely won't happen tonight, because he knows Hill is happy. Battier wasn't surprised when Hill signed a two-year, $3.8 million contract with Phoenix. Nor is he surprised about Hill's output: 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

"Grant has always been about winning," Battier said. "As nice of a guy as he is, he's also an intense competitor. He wants to win more than anybody. Don't let the exterior fool you."

The only thing left to debate is their collegiate success. Who had the better run at Duke?

Hill or Battier?

Hill doesn't hesitate. He won two championships and played in three national-title games.

"We were better," he said. "Print that."

Battier's not so sure.

"That's one man's opinion," he said with a laugh. "My class had the most wins in the history of college basketball - 133 wins and only 12 losses, so while Grant might have more championships, I like to compare it to my body of work."

Grant Hill and Shane Battier

NBA experience: Hill 13 years; Battier seven years.

Season statistics: Hill 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists; Battier 8.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists.

Quote: "If you have such a thing as a Duke guy, they both epitomize that. They're very talented players, very versatile guys on the floor. But they're also extremely high-character guys, two of the better leaders in the history of the Duke program, both by example and words."

- Jeff Capel, former Duke guard and current coach at the University of Oklahoma

[sunsdotcom]

Brazilian Blur will be Qwest pitchman
by Andy Vuong on November 27, 2007


Qwest announced today that it has signed a marketing deal with NBA guard and 2006-2007 “Sixth Man of the Year” award winner Leandro Barbosa. Barbosa, a rising star for the Phoenix Suns who has one of the coolest and fitting nicknames (Brazilian Blur), will serve as the company’s spokesman and showcase Qwest’s communications and entertainment services. Barbosa will make special appearances at Qwest-sponsored cultural, retail and community events and represent Qwest in various advertising campaigns.

Good for Barbosa for landing a sponsorship deal even though he’s not widely known. The man would be starting for almost any other team in the league. And for Qwest, I think this reflects nicely on the company’s diversity efforts.

[milhouse]

how about if he becomes our pitchman to varejao to come to phx. that'd be sweet.

[Wormwood]

duke (chitown): What about trading Ben Wallace and maybe a draft pick or three for Amare? Would solve problems for both teams, right? Amare would get to be the top dog in Chicago and give them the scoring they need and Ben would obviously upgrade the Suns front court defense. It's a perfect match. Plus Paxson and Kerr must be on the same page to work this out - they're basically the same person, right? Jordan's white, go-to spot up shooter. Gotta count for something.

Bill Simmons: (1:06 PM ET ) I wouldn't touch Wallace - he has one of the top-10 worst contracts in the league, the Suns would never go near him.

Bill Simmons: (1:08 PM ET ) Only two Amare trades make sense for them.

1. Amare for Rasheed and Maxiell.
2. Amare and Banks for Camby, Najera and a first round pick.

Interesting. Bill Simmons also thinks Camby would be a great fit in PHX

[Dustbuster]

Camby would probably fit nice, I agree, but his brittleness concerns me. Then again, Amare doesn't exactly seem to be the man of steel either.

[Superbone]

Camby would probably fit nice, I agree, but his brittleness concerns me. Then again, Amare doesn't exactly seem to be the man of steel either.

Tiny bit of an age difference might factor in as well.

[Nodack]

Does anybody think this has even a 1% chance of happening?

I didn't think so.

[ShelC]

Camby would be amazing in Phoenix. I think his injuries may be past him. Even so, the 20 games he may miss are made up by the presence he has on the court the other 60 games. Hes a true difference maker on the defensive end, an impact player in that regard. But hes no stiff, able to get up and down the floor as well as any big and has a great touch out to 18 feet and is a very underrated passer. Yea, hes in a contract year and playing for his last big contract, but id probably give him a 3 yr 30mil deal with a 4th year option.

That said, i wouldnt trade Amare for Ben Wallace (he'd never get PT here), Sheed (older and less effective) and Maxiell (LOVE him, but undersized and cant replace Amare) or Camby (age and FA status).

[LazarusLong]

another snippet from Bill Simmons' chat ...


Chris (Boston): How about Amare and Banks for Chandler and Bobby Jackson? Gives the Suns a great defensive big man, who is still young, with a decent contract, plus a good veteran PG to backup Nash and allow Barbosa to slide over to the 2. And it gives Chris Paul a legit finisher.

Bill Simmons: (1:14 PM ET ) It's a very logical trade on paper (although NO should have to throw in Julian Wright as well), but Kerr and Sarver would get killed in Phoenix for that one by the casual fans who don't understand the league and think Amare is a top-5 guy because he scores so much. At least if they traded for Rasheed Wallace, you could sell that one because he's such a smart player and has been such a winner over the years.

[LazarusLong]

and yet another ...


James (Murfreesboro, TN): Do the Suns have a serious shot at winning the NBA title as they are constructed, or do you think they need to add something? How good would Mike Miller or Anderson Varejao look on that team?

Bill Simmons: (12:17 PM ET ) I think the Suns need to make a deal - they're too soft and they can't get stops. G-State ran all over them the other night; it was like a layup line. I am patiently waiting for them to put Amare into play because that's the real problem here - they have enough offense as it is, and he's a terrible defensive player. I would love to see them trade him to Detroit for Rasheed Wallace and Jason Maxiell, I think that trade makes them tougher and better defensively. Rasheed can guard Duncan one-on-one and Amare can't - and they're not getting to the Finals without beating SA.

[Wormwood]

I don't disagree with Simmons... The layup line has to stop, we're late on our defensive rotations, and we've always played better D in the past when we can go to a one on one scheme.

[LazarusLong]

Re: Tyson for Amare ... seems to me this would be an exchange of one set of health issues (Chandler's back) for another (STAT's knees). Bobby Jackson and Barbs in the backcourt is a damn small combination, too ...

I think that any changes to the team (trade) during the season would involve somebody at the tail end of the rotation, and not the big six (Nash, Hill, Marion, Amare, Bell, Barbs).

[MTSunsFan]

Notably left off your list LL is Diaw. Interesting. And can these Amare trade scenarios please just go away -- @ least until the season's more then 14 +/- games old...

[LazarusLong]

I think the braintrust thought long and hard in the offseason about the Marion and STAT offers. Their decision was to stand pat, at least for the duration of the season.

I think Diaw might be in play if the right scenario presented itself. Heavy on "might" and "if" ...

[Wormwood]

Joe (Waco,TX): How likely is a Suns trade for Camby, like the one mentioned above, given the affinity in AZ for Amare and the status of the league as a No B**** Association? Kerr seems smart enough to break this mold, but I don't know. As a Spurs fan, this trade scares me to death. It would definitely kill us.

Bill Simmons: (3:24 PM ET ) I think Kerr is one of the few GM's in the league with the balls to trade someone like Amare - he played on five champs and understands the value of defense, and right now, this team can't stop anyone. I also don't think they're a very tough team - they're even softer than usual. G-State was running a layup line on them on Monday night and none of the Suns even bothered to knock 1 guy down. I don't think that's a good sign for their season.

Interesting that an alleged Spurs fan said this. (Yeah, I know I'm not letting it die, but other fans and sportswriters are picking up on it...)

[LazarusLong]

Lots of Suns questions on Simmons' chat ... and most all pertain to Amare.

Interesting to note the lack of Marion trade questions.

[ShelC]

All of those scenarios only take into account the next 2-3 years really. Camby, Sheed....what happens when our window closes? Nash, Bell Hill, Marion, Sheed/Camby are all gone most likely and we're left with Barbs and Boris. I'd much rather be left with Amare, Barbs and Boris whenever this current run ends. Yea, its about winning a chip now, but you cant mortgage the future as well especially when we've been so careless with the draft.

Having said that...i know Boris is a BYC player and Varajeo is looking for 8-10 mil, but would anyone here consider trading Boris for a re-signed Varajeo for a deal starting at 7 mil?

[Wormwood]

Nope, rather have Boris. Varejao wants way too much, and his agent (who represents Shawn, BTW) is a jackass who's all about the money, and not about the best interests of his client.

Dan Fegan is trying to get Steve Nash money for a guy whose numbers are pretty marginal 6 pts 6 rebs in 26 mintes.

As for the window thing... I wouldn't count on Amare's knees holding out for another 3 years at this rate... Nash, Barbosa, Hill, Marion, and Camby is still pretty nasty, and probably a lot better on defense and at rebounding.

[LazarusLong]

I'm with WW. Andy Veryzhow may be taller and more energetic, but he has little range outside of 5 feet, is not a particularly adroit passer and now has established himself as somewhat high maintenance. Boris, with all his quirks, is a more complete player and at least suffers in silence.

[ShelC]

Dan Fegan is trying to get Steve Nash money for a guy whose numbers are pretty marginal 6 pts 6 rebs in 26 mintes.

Thats his job. Now he has to save face or else his rep is ruined. He cant take less money from the cavs so maybe he can steer Varajao here in the hopes that we bend a bit on shawns contract. It could work out for both sides. I dont think Varajao is worth the money Fegan wants. A lot is also being made of Varajaos numbers. 6 and 6 in 26 minutes for a 2nd yr player off the bench? He could be a 10 and 10 guy (at least) here with 30+ mpg. And hes got the size, rebounding, hustling and defensive mentality we're lacking in the frontcourt.

I love Boris and his array of skills, but i still feel like hes not being fully utilized. Yea its early, but we may never be able to utilize all of his skills the way we did 2 years ago. And for all the talk of Varajeos money demands, we're paying 9mil for Boris off the bench putting up 8/5/4.

[LazarusLong]

More Simmons, re: Camby ...


Suns Fan (Phoenix): Bill, I like you a lot, but if you were my GM I would probably get arrested trying to exact revenge against you. I'm kidding, of course, but I think you're undervaluing Amare just a little bit. He's not top 5, but Camby and Najera?

Bill Simmons: (4:48 PM ET ) Camby has the single best contract in the league - 3 years remaining at less than $25 million total - and Najera expires after the season, so financially, that trade really helps them down the road and allows them to keep Marion next season. Remember, Sarver won't pay the tax.

[wpmiller42]

Geez, you lose one game to a hyped, super-hot, Golden State team and suddenly the season is a disaster? We are tied for the best record in the West!

And I watched the GS game, and I wouldn't characterize GS's offense as a "layup line." Monta Ellis hit about 30 18 ft-jumpers with a hand in his face. Baron was chucking up 3's that were going in. They got some easy layups, but so did we. And we SHOULD have had more layups, but some passes/catches were off. Whatever.

I can't believe how people are saying this one game dooms the Suns. At least let Amare get back into shape...

[Coop]

I watched that game as well... and yeah it pretty much was a layup line

[darrkin]

Panty Bunchers...Amare aint getting traded for any of that pile of shite!.....please...this is Amare, idiots! He is when healthy one of the top 2-3 dominant players in the game, you dont give that up, esp since hes still very young, injury prone or not. Marion or Diaw will be gone long before Amare.

[darrkin]

BTW Marion is gone its just a matter of this year or next year, i bet this year with Banks..but we shall see

[k_kwan]

wow third loss in to the season with fourteen games under our belt and the cries to blow up the big three are in full effect.

Jesus h christ......I love this board but sometimes it makes me want to ram my head into a brick wall with the way we jump the shark everytime something doesnt go our way. and this happens EVERY GAME! Well at least every game we lose.

seriously does anyone remember Amare is still battling getting back into game shape? Gawd the layup line that happened at GS was not all Amare's fault.......His explosion and quickness is still not all the way but by gawd some of us expect more than the world from him.

Lets not forget Bell's trying to get back into the groove with his team as well. No one seems to be mentioning him especially with Monta Ellis going off on him.

And what about Nash? Gawd I love our MVP but all of those turnovers sure didnt help our cause to win.

I'm tired of this Amare is the problem, just like I was tired of Marion needs to be traded. Give it a rest...............

[darrkin]

Watch, GS will lose to Queens tonight, they are decent, but not even sure they make playoffs, kinda remind me of Seattle. Quick, can shoot ok, but not much substance, also Baron is very injury prone...everyone pretty much pointed this out already. I was disgusted with our defense, but we still coulda won game, if we played our B game instead of our C game

[Coop]

I dont blame Amare for the layup line, nor do I want to trade him at all, nor am I being doom and gloom at all...... I just say GS played very well the other night and our defense was piss poor and our turnovers were horrible..... and yes it was a layup line...

Next game please..

[LazarusLong]

still more Simmons ... Amare for Camby redux:


Elias (Tartu, Estonia): Don't you think that Kerr couldn't trade Amare for Camby because of the significant age difference? Even if he needs to improve at defense Amare is much more valuable than a 33 year old Camby...

Bill Simmons: (5:46 PM ET ) Here's the catch: They only have a few years left with Nash. They need to win a title within the next 2-3 years. And they're almost better off starting over and having everyone get old at once because they'll have cap space and everyone wants to play there.

[ShelC]

Thats basically the argument to my point. Yea, we can basically clean house and start over completely, but that would mean at least 2-3 years of cellar-dwelling, waiting for the top 3 draft pick and right FAs to come along. I'd rather have Amare as a foundation and work around him.

[MTSunsFan]

I like Simmons' writing but regarding all this "trade Amare" talk, he needs to stick a cork in it...

[LazarusLong]

It beats talking about the Celtics all the time!

[MTSunsFan]

Isn't he a big fan of the Clippers too though? Couldn't he talk about their great 4 & 0 start and... Whoops!

[LazarusLong]

I believe he lives in LA and his fascination with the Clippers is proportionate with his disdain for the Lakers.

[Nodack]

I think we have made too much of one game. Yes GS did whatever they wanted on offense and the Suns had no answer. A lot of wide open dunks and a lot of jump shots with no Suns defender close enough to even bother running to them.

I also remember the Suns were ranked 4th in defense a few days ago before that game weren't they? I don't think the Suns are great at defense, but I don't think they are as bad as they looked in GS either.

It's like playing the stock market. Some people want to sell their stock every time they hear a rumor or see the stock go down at all. Some people believe in a stock and stick with it for the long haul riding out the peaks and valleys. In both cases either guy could be right or wrong.

I vote for sticking with this team and trying to make it work with the pieces we have unless we can get a big man stopper without giving up any of the big names which isn't likely.

[LazarusLong]

Note that, when the Suns win, the board is quiet. The game thread often has 2-3 pages. Where are all the "true believers" ?

When the team struggles or loses, the game thread is 5-6 pages long or longer. That's when the wide-ranging discussion occurs.

[CNY_xplant]

Note that, when the Suns win, the board is quiet. The game thread often has 2-3 pages. Where are all the "true believers" ?

When the team struggles or loses, the game thread is 5-6 pages long or longer. That's when the wide-ranging discussion occurs.

You said a mouthful Laz. Oh so true!

[SunsRIt]

I just got a text saying Alando Tucker was assigned to Albuquerque of the D-League today.

[SunsRIt]

Here's the article and the link:

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1128tucker.html


Tucker assigned to NBDL
Associated Press
Nov. 28, 2007 05:36 PM

The Suns assigned first-round draft pick Alando Tucker to Albuquerque of the NBA Development League on Wednesday.

Tucker was the 29th pick overall out of Wisconsin in this year's draft. He had averaged six points in two appearances this season for Phoenix.

[Nodack]

When they win everything is good among the true believers and they might be afraid to get too excited and post too many good thoughts or they might get chastised for drinking too much kool aid. When the Suns win where are all of the downer types? They all wait until the Suns lose to fire all of their salvos, prompting the true believers to come to the Suns defense.

[CNY_xplant]

I just got a text saying Alando Tucker was assigned to Albuquerque of the D-League today.

IIRC, this is what some around here were hoping for. Does this mean anything other than giving him a chance to develop?

i think it's a great idea. Give him a chance to hone his skills and be ready to go for it next season.

[CNY_xplant]

When they win everything is good among the true believers and they might be afraid to get too excited and post too many good thoughts or they might get chastised for drinking too much kool aid. When the Suns win where are all of the downer types? They all wait until the Suns lose to fire all of their salvos, prompting the true believers to come to the Suns defense.

Not entirely true Nodack. There are those downers that just keep it going even when we win. They can't seem to find anything good about anything this team does.

[LazarusLong]

There's a difference between having a decent basketball take and saccharin adoration. There was a time when the level of basketball commentary was much higher on this board. Much of it now is reactive and knee-jerk.

FYI, I usually post when they win or lose.

[OE]

I love Amare when healthy: he's by far my favorite player to watch. However, if the issues with his knees persist and he continues to play like he's played so far, then there's no question that we'd be better off with Camby. Diaw has shown that when he's the cornerstone of an offense, he can be a damn fine post player. Admit it: Amare's offense is easier for us to replace than it is for us to acquire solid interior D. If those knees are indeed chronic, then it's a smart move.

Iverson-Smith-Melo-Amare-Nene

Denver immediately becomes the most entertaining team in the league.

Nash-Barbosa-Marion-Diaw-Camby

Somehow, Diaw needs to start. It's like 05-06 with Camby instead of TT, Hill instead of JR, and Barbs instead of Barbs.

I would require at least a draft pick or two to make that deal. I don't care how the knees look. It's Amare Stoudemire, the once-future Hakeem.

It's all about the knee...

[LazarusLong]

See, that's a solid post, dealing with real issues.

But somebody, somewhere, will retort with "he just had a knee operation, just wait a month or two, he'll be fine and dunking over everybody just like before..."

[SunsJunkee]

Wow I know Amare is still trying to get his groove this season but seriously how does Camby, or either of the Wallace's help our inside game? We lose all offensive balance with any of those guys. As it stands we have not been going inside to Amare nearly enough this year. It reminds me of 2005 with the overacheiving midget lineup that we had that would constantly kick it out for 3's and try to outshoot you because hey couldn't get anything resembling a stop. I find it hilarious that a Spurs fan would fear an Amare trade seeing as he is the one guy that they simply can't guard with their personell.

One of Amare's faults starting from his rookie year is he needs to get touches and feel included in the offense in order to get other facets of his game in gear. If he is lost in the offense, typically his rebounding and defensive effort suffer. It doesn't help that he has been a walking foul magnet this year, and that Mike D sits him for extremely long stretches of games even when he starts well.

I'm glad that LB and Grant Hill can get their shots, but to be honest the team would be much better served if they got Amare off early, and established the two man game with Nash. Mike D is all about the equal opportunity offense, but there are times when we really need to prey on interior weak teams ala Golden State the other night. It puts much more pressure on them than jacking up jumpers.

[DrSublime]

Tucker just got assigned to the D League

[ShelC]

What does it say that Tucker goes to the DLeague and DJ doesnt?

[illmatic]

That's correct Shel. I got the same text from KTAR.

[illmatic]

That's why I hopped on the board to see what we were discussing, and low and behold, a trade scenario involving Amare. Makes you wander, do you think there might be a trade looming?

[CNY_xplant]

What does it say that Tucker goes to the DLeague and DJ doesnt?

It tells me that the FO thinks that DJ's game is more NBA ready than Tucker's. And I have to agree. DJ has shown that he play in this league and do well. Tucker really needs some playing time to find his worth in the league. He has a lot of potential, but without the D or the solid J, he just won't make it. With any luck, he can fine tune his shot and defense in an environment more closely resembling the NBA than college.

[ShelC]

Agreed. I didnt like Tuckers game prior to our drafting him but have held out hope that he can eventually adjust. I dont know tho....i just hope we didnt waste a pick on a guy just because hes a high character, accomplished college player. We did that already in 2002.

[Nodack]

Well he will certainly will get a lot more PT on the D league to work on his game than he would with the Suns. It might be the best thing for him in the long run.

[Wormwood]

Casey Jacobson's college credentials should have made him a Kyle Korver or Jason Kapono type shooter. We could use that. I don't know exactly what to make of Tucker's demotion, but truthfully I'd like DJ to be developing his ability to run an offense just as much... DJ's has great defensive skills, but he's shooting a God-awful .222 as well, so he could stand to develop his shot as well.

[Wormwood]

Wow I know Amare is still trying to get his groove this season but seriously how does Camby, or either of the Wallace's help our inside game? We lose all offensive balance with any of those guys. As it stands we have not been going inside to Amare nearly enough this year. It reminds me of 2005 with the overacheiving midget lineup that we had that would constantly kick it out for 3's and try to outshoot you because hey couldn't get anything resembling a stop. I find it hilarious that a Spurs fan would fear an Amare trade seeing as he is the one guy that they simply can't guard with their personell.

One of Amare's faults starting from his rookie year is he needs to get touches and feel included in the offense in order to get other facets of his game in gear. If he is lost in the offense, typically his rebounding and defensive effort suffer. It doesn't help that he has been a walking foul magnet this year, and that Mike D sits him for extremely long stretches of games even when he starts well.

I'm glad that LB and Grant Hill can get their shots, but to be honest the team would be much better served if they got Amare off early, and established the two man game with Nash. Mike D is all about the equal opportunity offense, but there are times when we really need to prey on interior weak teams ala Golden State the other night. It puts much more pressure on them than jacking up jumpers.

Don't tke this the wrong way, but we were damned good with KT in 2005-2006. We'd be better than that Squad with a substitution of Camby for Amare.

As for Camby and the post, Boris has a very nice back to the basket game that is under used with AMare out there. Camby's got great court awareness, and if he can elevate and detonate we'll still be in good shape. One thing people rarely mention about him is that he averages 3.5 assists as a center. He knows how to keep the ball moving...

[Suns_Dave]

Maxiell (LOVE him)

Does he know you feel this way?

[jkalldaway]

Amare is the most dominating player on this team, WHEN HE GETS THE BALL. The Suns really aren't using him right. Last night I watched him run from side to side and it almost seems like they are playing keep away from him. Still, he drops 25 and goes to the line 9-10 times.

[Nashfan]

Amare is the most dominating player on this team, WHEN HE GETS THE BALL. The Suns really aren't using him right. Last night I watched him run from side to side and it almost seems like they are playing keep away from him. Still, he drops 25 and goes to the line 9-10 times.

I agree with your assessment JK, he definately needs the ball more. I was screaming at the tv last night for someone to get Amare the ball! I also hate when coach plays Amare with Barbosa. Barbosa pounds the ball too much and doesn't get it to Amare very often. Amare needs to play his minutes with Nash. On a side note...Amare needs to ditch the headband. :lol: I think he has worn it in the last two games and we lost. :wink:

[misteradiant]

watching leandro take stupid contested shot after stupid contested shot last night made me want to break his fingers.

how's that for reactionary, laz?

i wish he'd learn to drive inside and kick it out for the open man. there are always open men when he drives into the paint.

is that better?

:cool:

[LazarusLong]

watching leandro take stupid contested shot after stupid contested shot last night made me want to break his fingers ...

Right. If for one night, Barbie was a shrimp on the grill of the brightly lit court. His decisions for the most part were awful.

Suns perimeter guys sucked the wind out of the offense -- Hill, Bell and Leandro were a collective 7-27. I had a better percentage playing Frogger blind-ass drunk. Bell is still hurting, so he gets a pass, and Hill apparently tweaked his back.

Last night would have been a fun night to experiment with DJ in the lineup. Even Banks. Crap, Mike D ... season is still young ... have a little creativity with your troops.

Also, the Diaw drive deep baseline, then kickout to the arc made me want to spew vomitus.

[misteradiant]

the Diaw drive deep baseline, then kickout to the arc made me want to spew vomitus.

i yelled so much after that the dog cowered and my girl and her daughter decided i needed a hug.

[LazarusLong]

Nice ladies. They'll civilize you yet, amigo.

[misteradiant]

NEVER!

MWAA HA HA HA HAAAAAA!

[Superbone]

the Diaw drive deep baseline, then kickout to the arc made me want to spew vomitus.

i yelled so much after that the dog cowered and my girl and her daughter decided i needed a hug.

Yeah, the one right under the hoop with nobody even near Diaw. Ahhhhh!!!

[SunsJunkee]

Wow I know Amare is still trying to get his groove this season but seriously how does Camby, or either of the Wallace's help our inside game? We lose all offensive balance with any of those guys. As it stands we have not been going inside to Amare nearly enough this year. It reminds me of 2005 with the overacheiving midget lineup that we had that would constantly kick it out for 3's and try to outshoot you because hey couldn't get anything resembling a stop. I find it hilarious that a Spurs fan would fear an Amare trade seeing as he is the one guy that they simply can't guard with their personell.

One of Amare's faults starting from his rookie year is he needs to get touches and feel included in the offense in order to get other facets of his game in gear. If he is lost in the offense, typically his rebounding and defensive effort suffer. It doesn't help that he has been a walking foul magnet this year, and that Mike D sits him for extremely long stretches of games even when he starts well.

I'm glad that LB and Grant Hill can get their shots, but to be honest the team would be much better served if they got Amare off early, and established the two man game with Nash. Mike D is all about the equal opportunity offense, but there are times when we really need to prey on interior weak teams ala Golden State the other night. It puts much more pressure on them than jacking up jumpers.

Don't tke this the wrong way, but we were damned good with KT in 2005-2006. We'd be better than that Squad with a substitution of Camby for Amare.

As for Camby and the post, Boris has a very nice back to the basket game that is under used with AMare out there. Camby's got great court awareness, and if he can elevate and detonate we'll still be in good shape. One thing people rarely mention about him is that he averages 3.5 assists as a center. He knows how to keep the ball moving...

Well I would respectfully disagree with you, our offense was very one dimensional in 2005 it was the Suns trying to outshoot other teams and their margin for error was so tiny because of no inside game, and having to compensate for double digit rebounding defecits, and inability to get any stops. In the playoffs the Suns couldn't stay hot enough for the outside to win consecutive games. We made Kwame Brown look like an NBA player for crying out loud.

Camby's while a pretty good defender, has yet to help Denver to more than one victory against SA in the playoffs in two years. Duncan is still doing his thing except he doesn't have to worry about guarding Camby much. His offense consists of garbage baskets and the occasional awkward looking jumper. He's hardly a player that other teams need to gameplan for. Amare needs to be the focal point of the offense especially at the end of games when the pace slows down and the other elite teams in the NBA are going to their most unstoppable player Duncan, KG, Dirk etc.

Secondly, we need to stop making excuses for Boris, he has a big contract and he has regressed and played passively even when he is in the game all by himself. How you want a guy that won't shoot a two footer over a midget like Steve Francis to be our primary inside option is beyong me. We tried the equal opportunity basketball at the beginning of last year and as I recall we didn't start very well until D'Antoni brought Amare back as a starter and he started playing a bigger role in the offense. One of the reasons everyone other than Nash's 3% is down this year is they are having to try and create too much on their own instead of working the inside-out game.

[darrkin]

i wouldnt take anybody off the nuggets they are worse than us....

[SwingMan]

i wouldnt take anybody off the nuggets they are worse than us....

Brian Skinner was drafted by the Clippers.....