Friday's News: It's like talking to a damn rock.....

[SwingMan]

Back problems hinder Bell's strengths (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1129suns1130.html)

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/pics/1130sunscov.jpg
Raja Bell may not play Friday against the Magic.

Doug Haller
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 29, 2007 09:45 PM

Raja Bell's sore back limits him defensively, which isn't acceptable to someone who has relied on grit and determination to find his place in the NBA.

That has made the Suns guard moody lately, because at times he has felt as if he isn't contributing as much as he should, and the last thing he wants is to handicap a Suns team that thrives on energy and momentum.

Mike D'Antoni's response: Stop worrying.

The Suns coach told Bell on Thursday that if his back gets worse, the team would sit him. If not, Bell needs to fight through the discomfort as much as possible. If that means sacrificing defensive positioning, so be it.

"I know he gets frustrated (with) the results because he wants to do a lot more," D'Antoni said. "He thinks defensively he can do a lot more, and he probably can, but I told him, 'We'll live with that.' If we lose a couple because of it . . . we're OK with that."
Swing's note: :roll:

Bell still might not play in tonight's home game against the Orlando Magic, who entering Thursday's play owned the NBA's second-best record at 14-3. He said it depends on how his back feels during pregame shooting sessions.

"I've never had a back problem, so it's very limiting," Bell said. "It becomes frustrating, because there are plays you think you can make, and you just can't explode to get there. The more I play like that, maybe the more I'll be able to compensate for it and learn how to take different angles, but right now I haven't been able to do that."

Bell - averaging 9.9 points and shooting 37 percent - has missed five games because of ankle and back problems. He played 23 minutes in Wednesday's loss to the Houston Rockets, scoring seven points on 3-of-8 shooting.

"The first night I came back, I knew I hadn't played in a couple weeks, so I told myself to just relax and understand it's not going to be there," Bell said. "I don't think my mind understood what back spasms were all about, (because) I felt like I was going to wake up the next morning and feel good and get back to playing. They don't work like that, so the lingering of the injury is kind of what has messed with me mentally."

Teammate Steve Nash understands.

"It's difficult, because you never know," Nash said. "There have been games this year where I thought I probably shouldn't play but said, 'You know what? I'm going to play anyway.' And you get in the game, and your fears weren't vindicated. Then there are other games where you feel like you can go and you go out there and it gets worse."

Big-man battle

For the second consecutive game, the Suns will contest one of the league's better centers. Houston's Yao Ming brought one set of problems. Orlando's Dwight Howard brings his own.

"This guy's a physical marvel," D'Antoni said. "I've never seen anything like him."

Howard, having an MVP-type season, averages 23.5 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. He shoots 61 percent from the field, second best in the league.

Problem is, he has not defeated Phoenix with Amaré Stoudemire in the lineup. The Magic are 1-6 against the Suns the past four seasons. Their only win came Jan. 24, 2006, when Stoudemire was sidelined because of microfracture knee surgery.

When they have met, Stoudemire has had success on the perimeter against Howard.

"That's what I try to do against bigger and slower players, just take them off the block, get them out of their comfort zone and make them come out on the perimeter and guard me," Stoudemire said. "(Tonight) that's probably what I'll do, but it all depends on how the defense plays me."

Free throw

The Suns are working with Bank of America and the RoomStore in the 3rd Annual Holiday Toy Drive, benefiting nearly 6,000 foster children in Maricopa County through Arizonans for Children and Arizona Helping Hands. Suns fans can drop off new, unwrapped toys at tonight's game against Orlando at US Airways Center.

Friday's game

Magic at Suns

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

Orlando update: The Magic (14-3) own more victories than any NBA team, and only the Celtics (11-2) boasted a better mark entering play Thursday night. Magic center Dwight Howard has big numbers (23.5 points, 14.5 rebounds per game) despite being just more than a week from his 22nd birthday. Hedo Turkoglu (18.5 ppg) and off-season free-agent acquisition Rashard Lewis (19.2 ppg) provide an added scoring punch.

[sunsdotcom]

marko jaric is dating supermodel adriana lima?

http://thebiglead.com/?p=3773

antoine walker said jaric is "overachieving" :D

jaric's gf is better looking than tony parker's.

[ShelC]

From Chad Ford's Insider:

I wonder if (the Suns) are following the Varejao situation. Shawn Marion can opt out of his deal this summer and has been unhappy with his role on the team. He's represented by Dan Fegan. Fegan wants a big extension. So far, it appears that owner Robert Sarver, isn't inclined to give him one. They've tried to trade him in the past, I wonder if all of this will increase the urgency. Marion is hugely important to the Suns. But if you're going to lose him for nothing this summer, you may have to see what you can find.

Nothing more than conjecture and nothing we dont already know. I think we've either inquired about Varajeo or Fegan has maybe approached us about the situation.

I really cant see us trading Shawn at this point. Hes the only guy on this team, besides Nash and maybe Barbs, who allows us to run and push the tempo. The cavs dont have anyone they can throw in with Varejao that replaces what Shawn brings and Varejao alone wont allow us to play at the pace we want. We'd basically go from a running team to having a halfcourt roster, which we'd undoubtably try to run with. We're struggling now because we dont have shooters or enough athletes...trading Shawn would be the nail in the coffin.

[Xcon]

That's brilliant coaching, keep playing your injured guys even if you loose. Heaven forbid you use you bench some. Man I tell, I sure would hate to not be one of coach's 'golden boys' who can do no wrong and get all the playing time. I though I remember D'antoni saying early in the season that he's going to play the players that are playing well. In that case, shouldn't Raja sit till he's not a liability on the court anymore. I just don't understand his thinking.

[desertcoast]

"I know he gets frustrated (with) the results because he wants to do a lot more," D'Antoni said. "He thinks defensively he can do a lot more, and he probably can, but I told him, 'We'll live with that.' If we lose a couple because of it . . . we're OK with that."

D'Antoni's quotes to the media are really perplexing this year....riddled with contradictions.

I wonder if D'Antoni would have as lenient an attitude when it comes to, say...developing other roleplayers, rookies, alternate gameplans in certain situations, etc...
I'm starting to think that he's willing to inflict long term damage in the short-term interest of winning at that very moment.
When he says he's willing to "lose a few for________", I don't buy it .

[Mori_Chu]

When he says he's willing to "lose a few for________", I don't buy it .

Why is he willing to lose a few for the sake of PLAYING AN INJURED PLAYER?? That makes absolutely no sense! If you say you're "willing to lose a few," it implies you're willing to lose them in trade for some other benefit you're getting. What is the other benefit of having Raja play injured, if we still lose the game?

Let me put it another way: If you had an all-knowing fortune teller who said, "The Suns are going to lose tonight no matter who plays," wouldn't you sit some of the stars, or at least curb their minutes? Therefore, if Coach is willing to lose a few games, shouldn't that mean he's willing to REST Raja even if that means losing a few games? That he's willing to play DJ or Banks, even if that means losing a few games?? What next, will he trot out Grant Hill on crutches after he's broken down from 40mpg?

Jesus Christ, Mike D'Antoni! Play your freaking bench guys more. Rest your starters, especially the INJURED ones. Argh...

[MTSunsFan]

Yeah coach. And while you're @ it start working on Kerr to see if he can't get that Amare for Andre Miller trade done too...

Edit: forgot the :D j/k, Mori...

[wpmiller42]

Slightly off topic, but did anybody witness the knicks absolutely destroyed by the celtics last night?

Is there a way to free Q from that mess? Maybe give him Piatkowski's jersey and see if anyone notices? I know Q's talk before the game probably had a little to do with that beat down, but still, it's tough to see such a good guy in a situation like that...

[Superbone]

Slightly off topic, but did anybody witness the knicks absolutely destroyed by the celtics last night?

Yeah, it took a halfcourt 3 at the buzzer to beat the Knicks all time record for scoring futility in a game.

[Steveskg]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/us_sport/article2977138.ece


November 30, 2007
Steve Nash responds


The Phoenix Suns point guard, one of the world’s leading basketball players, answers our readers' questions
Steve Nash

First of all, thanks for to The Times for showing the link to my Youtube ad and for putting me in touch with basketball fans from all over the world.

I enjoyed seeing your questions and hope I've answered them satisfactorily for you. Steve

Q. Is there any amount of money that could bring you back to a Texas ball club? Jerry & Barbara Curry, Wild Wild West

A. First of all, I'm happy in Phoenix. But I'd have no problem going back and playing for a team in Texas, even the Mavericks! It's not as though there was some irreconcilable divorce with Dallas, it was just best for me to move on at that time. I was wanted more in Phoenix, that's the way it is in sports. But if Phoenix doesn't want me one day, I have nothing against considering one of the Texas teams.
Related Links

* Nash thinks on his feet to earn spurs with internet generation

Q. It seems that the over-riding perception of basketball in the UK is that it is only worth bothering with if you happen to be both incredibly tall and black. This, I believe, is probably the greatest reason why the sport has never really taken off here. I was wondering if this perception is also prevalent in North America and how as a (relatively) short white guy you dealt with those prejudices? Peter Gilks, London

A. That's not the COMPLETE perception here. Basketball is a beautiful game, much like football, which everyone can enjoy playing or spectating. There's an acknowledgement here that, especially at the youth and high school levels, every body type of athlete can find a position or role on the team. I hate to say it, but you could make the argument that to play in the Premiership or Champions' League these days you need to be a track star! Of course, at the elite level of basketball, everyone is in some way special but, at lower levels, there is a role for every skill set. For me, I just tried to work as hard as I could to overcome my deficiencies, whether they were physical, mental or in terms of skills. I'm not saying every six-foot kid with a pot belly can play in the NBA - how many kids in England make the Premiership? - but everyone can still love the game of basketball.

Q. Not a question, but we at NY Spurs would like to extend an open invitation to Steve to pop by a televised match whenever's he's around... All details at www.nyspurs.com, would appreciate if you could pass this along. Rob

A. Thanks guys! I know who you are and I'll drop you a line to get in touch by email.

Q. With time running down in Game 3 of last years playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, Robert Horry knocked you off your feet with a dirty foul. Do you believe his aim was to get your team members to come off the bench and recieve a suspension (which Boris and Amare did)? Or was there something else going down we dont know about? Muhammed

A. I can't believe he knew anything about it. I think he was frustrated and lost his head a little bit. And, by some fortuitous bounce of the basketball gods, WE paid for it. That's all I think it was. I like Robert as a guy, he's a winner and a good player. He was just frustrated and I can relate to that.

Q. Who is the toughest opponent you have faced? And how is the one player you admired while growing up. Arjun, India

A. Growing up my heroes were Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan so, as you might imagine, the toughest opponent I've ever faced was Jordan, all those years ago now.

Q. What NBA teams do you enjoy watching given that your own team plays basketball that seems heaven-sent? Are there any? Please don't say San Antonio - I won't believe you haha... Stefan Zubielevitch

A. That's funny! But you know, I don't mind watching the Spurs because they're unselfish and really stick to a game plan which, I think, is unselfish. I like teams that move the ball, play with a lot of skill. So I like watching Golden State, some of those teams that can really get up and down.

Q. As a Spurs fan you will know that football in England is dominated by 4 so called ‘big clubs’ and it is very difficult for any other club to break into this elite. Can football learn anything from American sports?

I believe in the 4 major US sports no team has habitually dominated like Manchester United have done over the last 14 years with, for example, there being 3 different winners of the baseball World Series in the last 3 years. Would a draft system work in football? Basil Rathbone

A. It would be too hard to change a system that's been around for 100 years so the draft and salary cap would never work in football. As a Tottenham fan, my view is breaking into the top four is extremely difficult but not impossible. The main reason the big four are where they are is that they have the financial means and, by and large, have not squandered money. Look at Arsenal and the wise way they spend their money. Then, to compete financially, you have to become a global brand, have the stadium size, the sponsorship, everything that goes with that. The question is, how do you get there? Primarily, you get there by performance and how do you perform without players? That's why I think you need a sound plan, you need to build with your youth - as Man U and Arsenal have done down the years - and hope those guys pan out. Then, if you should break into the top four even for a short time, you need to accrue income and not squander it on bad personnel and business decisions. Spurs have been close and I think we're heading in the right direction now but there is no simple answer unless a Russian billionaire comes in and buys your club. But as for the parity that we see in US sports, that can't translate to England or Europe not least of all because we don't have relegation or promotion here so each league is a single entity and that makes the potential for parity so much greater. You can tell I've given this subject a lot of thought!

Q. I'm a reader in South Africa and I believe you have South african roots. Is that correct and do you still have any links with SA? What are your recollections? Dan Haswell, Durban

A. I was born there and moved to Canada at the age of one so I have no recollections, other than what my family tell me. I'd love to go back and see it. My dad played football for a team called Florida Albion, which I don't believe is around any more, and my parents say it was a beautiful country. At the time, they just didn't want me to grow up in the apartheid system. But obviously, I hear the country has made great strides and, obviously, it is still beautiful so I hope to get back.

Q. I'd like to ask Steve whether he takes time off from training during the summer to recover from the basketball season, or does he continue playing sports such as football to maintain fitness? Ben, High Wycombe

A. I guess the answer is on the Youtube ad! I don't take time off, primarily because I can't sit still. I play football and do a variety of other things but, as for basketball, I pretty much just shoot the ball to keep my rhythm. I don't want to burn out mentally. Playing a 100-plus games a year, to come back to training camp already tired of basketball would be death for me. So I play footie, train, stay in shape and keep my shooting rhythm. That's it.

Q. Do you remember watching the 1984 Uefa Cup final and where did you watch it? Gary Mabbutt

A. Vaguely ... and the '81 and '82 FA Cup Finals. I remember watching all those at home in Victoria, British Columbia with my dad and brother but, at the same time, I was six, seven and ten years old so my memory is hazy. But I do remember being glued to the TV in my Spurs kit! And is this really Gary Mabbutt? You were my hero!

Q. Hindsight is indeed a wonderful thing, so if given the opportunity what would you have done differently in your career? Would you have perhaps pursued football? Ben Sharples, Guildford

A. Because I play basketball every single day, and though I love the game, it does become just a "job" and, of course, the grass is always greener. Yes, I'd love to run onto a football pitch with 40-50,000 people screaming and get goose bumps from it. But the truth is it's too easy to say that. I'd love that experience, I'm sad I'll never have it but I don't believe in regrets. I believe everything, even the negatives, teach you about life and yourself.

Q. Hey Steve, you are an inspiration to my 12 year old son, so thanks and keep up the great work. My question is: what would be your all time starting 5 basketball players and, of course, why? Crashing Dashing Kid, Glasgow, Scotland

A. Thanks for saying that. The answer is Magic, Jordan, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Magic was just a genius, such enthusiasm and charisma, such a special player. MJ I don't really need to explain. Bird was such a competitor, a winner who, with the game on the line, made the winning shot time after time. Timmy is just simply great. He's a winner, nothing fancy about him but at the end of the day he gets it done and wins year after year after year. Kareem, well, at his size to develop a hook shot that nobody else has been able to master since was just incredible.

Q. Hi Steve. Do you really skateboard around New York? Aren't you worried about getting run over? Tommy W. (aged 10), Manchester

A. Yes, it's the way I get around the city though I probably should be more careful. I won't be admitting to this when I get blind-sided by a taxi, but skateboarding is the fastest way to get around, it's more active and there's more exercise than taking a taxi everywhere.

Q. Hi Steve - You clearly have a passion for football. What are the major differences between playing football and playing basketball (aside from the obvious!) and how has football helped you in becoming the best point guard on the planet? Florent Coulon, Bois d'Arcy, France

A. You mean I can't say "using your hands!" The major difference is there are more than twice as many people on a football field so that makes it more of a sport for teamwork than individual talent. Still, for me, the best basketball is still when everyone is clicking as a team. I think I explained in my last article in The Times that having spent so much time playing football as a kid, trying to find ways to get balls to team mates, chip balls, bend balls, slip balls past defenders, with my feet, that when I could use my hands to do it I found it easy. Using my hands opened up so many possibilities for me when I started to concentrate on basketball.

Q. Steve - What do you think would be more gratifying, scoring the winning basket on the buzzer to win the NBA Championship or scoring the winning goal in the dying seconds of the (football) World Cup Final (for Canada!) Vince Small, Paris

A. Great question. The simple answer is, you can't go wrong with either choice. BUT, for me, there is something about the World Cup, having the whole country behind you and the whole world watching you, that makes that unbeatable. The NBA Finals are every year, the World Cup is every four years. I just think there is nothing like the World Cup. Then add the fact, you've got me scoring the winner for Canada ...! I guess that sounds far fetched but it strikes me Canada have as much chance as England of winning the World Cup these days!

Q. Hi Steve - It is a real inspiration to see you rank amongst the best players in the best basketball league in the world. When you were younger, did you honestly think you could be this good in a sport of giants? I am only 6'0 and you are an inspiration to me to keep training hard. What should i concentrate on the most? Greg Graver, London

A. I never really dreamed of being the MVP. Yes, I dreamed of playing in the league, I dreamed of maybe being an All Star. But I never dreamed of being the MVP. The advice I offer is what I did: just concentrate on getting better and what you do well and overcoming what you don't do well. That sounds overly simple but you have to break down, and then build back up, your strengths and weaknesses.

Q. Steve - The Spurs have once again started the season strongly. Do you think you have what it takes to eliminate them from the Playoffs? Eduardo Lopes, Bournemouth

A. I think we do. Last year we had it as well but didn't get an even bounce, whether through suspensions or injuries. What we have this year can be a better team. It's going to be a big ask, but anything worthwhile usually is.

Q. Hi Steve - What do you work on in the off-season? Is it more keeping yourself in shape, or are there facets of your game that you feel still need improvement? Asugi Atsiyama, Dublin

A. At this stage of my career, I really just spend the summer trying to work on all my different shots, work on my rhythm and try to work on my athleticism. That way, I aim to be able to compete with all the younger guys and stay fit for the whole season. Then, when the season starts, I hope the experience I've gained, the confidence I have built up over the years will allow me to overcome any deficiencies. I don't really concentrate on trying to improve any one skill. I feel I have all the necessary skills offensively. It's just a matter of being able to make the right decisions, the right reads, during games. So, I keep my rhythm going, work on my athleticism and then my experience will hopefully allow me to improve.

Q. What do you see yourself doing when your career is over? Will you go into coaching or ownership? Or maybe get involved in football in the UK in some way? Leon Parks, Highbury

A. It's totally open. I'd love to say yes to all of the above. I haven't thought too hard about it but right now I am trying to open up opportunities for myself outside basketball, I figure I'll always have the opportunity to be involved in the game. So, whether it be in football, in business, with my Foundation, I'm open to all the different things that I'm passionate about just now. It's still too early to say what I'll do but hopefully it will be a bit of everything.

Q. Have you considered finishing your career in Europe? Sam Jones, Newcastle

A. I've thought about it. I love to travel and I love Europe so it would be great in many ways. But at the same time there is another part of me that thinks while I'm capable I might as well try and play as many years in the top flight as I possibly can, then move to Europe and enjoy it as a tourist or a resident. Going to a team and experiencing life in Europe as a pro athlete is one thing but maybe it would be better to retire from the game here and then go and live over there for a time.

[ShelC]

That game was ridiculous. The knicks are funny cuz there are times (not many, but the Utah game was one) when they come out focused and other times when, from the tip, you get the feeling all of them would rather be somewhere else.

I know Q is absolutely disgusted to be part of that mess and would jump at the chance to play here again. The professional vets like Q, Rose, Lee, maybe even Jeffries, want nothing more than to get out of NY IMO. The other guys (Steph, Randolph) either dont care or dont know any better (Curry, Jamal).

[misteradiant]

i read that quote swing highlighted and which 'coast quoted this morning in the paper and knew i'd see discussion here about it. it bugged me, too. we've got a talented defender in dj who could get 5 or 6 minutes and marcus could get 10 while we rest raja for as long as he needs to completely heal. we were winning games starting leandro. marcus came out a couple times and did an admirable job off the bench. pike, not so much. even if we don't see strawberry, raja should sit and we should win, not the other way around.

the concept of playing an injured player and stating that it's okay to lose playing him perplexes me. that is the nicest thing i can say about it. while coach is really disappointing me so far this year, i think it's way too early to discuss replacing/firing him. it just isn't going to happen. if we choke down the stretch and wipe out in the first or second round with injured players on the bench, having gone 8 deep all year (which is still better than 7), he might get replaced over the summer with someone that can play at least 9. but summer isn't until july and discussion of getting rid of mike d is a waste of time until at least then.

regarding the kicks: they are officially the worst team in the league. i clicked on it for ten seconds when it was 51 - 100 with 3 minutes left, laughed, and went back to the history channel. what a complete disaster they are. but what gaudy stats for our poor man's shawn marion, mister renaldo balkman! six whole points in a mere 20 minutes. bravo, renaldo, bravo!

(place smiley for incredulous, derisive laughter here)

[ShelC]

6 pts out of a team total of 59 still aint bad.

[Squeege63]

I hate to say it but I don't have a good feeling about this years team and I think that this will be the end of the run for this group. I know we are off to a great start and what not, but the attitude that the team has is really a downer and same with the fans and the media. It doesn't seem like they are having fun out there anymore. It seems like it is too much about business. I really can't say what it is but I just have this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I think about this suns this season.

My thoughts:

1) Coach D is digging in his heals too much about tthe Suns style. I've finally admitted to myself that he is a one trick pony. yeah our style is to run fast and move the ball and we rely on our outside game, but there is no diversity in it at all. One of the things that a great coach can do is throw different looks at opposing teams to keep them off their game. Yeah, on most nights we can run teams out of the gym, but we have nothing if we are playing a team taht can either a) run with us or b) can impose their will on us.

2) Nash is too determined for his own good. All he is seeing are the teams flaws, and when he is the leader of the team and he has an attitude like that, he is making the rest of the team think the same. Thus, bringing down team morale and making the flaws even bigger.

3) I would like to see us move Amare. I wish that the Suns had pulled the trigger on sending Amare for KG. I mean look at the fire KG is playing with right now in Boston. I don't know who I would want in place of Amare, but I have lost faith in him as the big man for our team. Bill Simmons threw out some trades for players like Marcus Camby and Rasheed Wallace. Both of which I considered and also had no hesitation about - particularly Camby. I know he has a history of injuries, but he has been relatively healthy the past few seasons, and with our training staff he should be fine, plus his contract would require that at least one more player be included in the trade which would give us one more body to put on the floor. Plus Camby can effectively guard Duncan.

4) Skinner is a steal. Too bad we only have him on a 1 year rental. He will be commanding a contract based off of his play this year that we won't be willing to pay. Whoops.

5) The team is playing with fire right now - putting so much pressure on Hill; playing Raja when he shouldn't be playing (at the very least, we should move Barbs to starter and have Bell off the bench); Though the Marion situation has really been put on the back burner, it is still an issue, as he will probably opt out this summer because he has an idiot for an agent, and then we will be screwed anyways. We might want to consider trading him for something, just so we don't lose him for nothing.

I probably have more thoughts, but tahts all I can really think of and articulate now.

[Steveskg]

I agree there is a certain je ne sais quois about the team that isn't good. But, I'm hoping for something positive to swing the aura.

[misteradiant]

6 pts out of a team total of 59 still aint bad.

wow. the guy who wrote the bell curve just fainted.

[Ring_Wanted]

How Isiah keeps his job is mind-boggling.

[ShelC]

Much like early on last year, we're trying to combine 2 different teams. We have guys who thrive on ball/player movement (stevie, raja, hill, shawn, boris) and then we have devastating individual talents in Amare and Barbs. Put Amare on any other traditional team and hes getting 15-18 touches a game and is a go-to guy. Here hes a glorified screener because we want to keep the ball moving around and thats not his forte. Hes not a basketball player as much as the other guys. Put Stevie, Raja, Hill, Shawn and Boris on the floor and theres a rhythm, a flow to the offense. They know how to play off of each other. Amare gets in the way of that because he chases the ball and then looks for his own. We're trying to make it work both ways, but im not sure it can.

Do we trade Amare and go with a high IQ but finesse type team similar to 05-06?

Do we keep Amare and make him the focal point in the 2man game like 04-05? Problem is we dont have the shooters to spread the floor and make the collapsing defense pay.

Do we try to incorporate Amare and Boris to play a hybrid style? We tried it last year and Boris' game suffered and we still didnt take full advatange of Amares physical gifts inside the paint.

[SherD]

Raja is as tough as they come and if he feels as though he's not right and is possibly hurting the team, then Coach needs to get his head out of his crack and listen to him.

If he's so willing to "lose a few", then why not give some of the younger guys (DJ) an opportunity. I'd rather lose a few that way as opposed to running an injured player into the ground.

[Squeege63]

So I was messing around on ESPN's trade machine and I came up with two trades that would 1) save us money, 2) make us a deeper team and 3) potentially make us a more championship caliber team.

Now bear with me b/c these are rather drastic moves, and also, I'm not sure that the other teams would be interested in the trade scenarios, but I'm bored, feel the team needs a jolt, and really, its just fun.

Trade 1

Phoenix trades Shawn Marion
Washington trades Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels

Trade 2

Phoenix trades Amare Stoudemire
Denver trades Marcus Camby

Line up

Starters

PG: Nash
SG: Barbs (he has earned it, through his offensive production and his strides on defense)
SF: Hill
PF: Butler
C: Camby

Bench

PG: Daniels
SG: Bell
SF/PF: Diaw
C: Skinner

That is 9 deep, while still leaving DJ, Banks, Tucker, Marks and Pike to fill out the rest of the bench. I think it is a really strong balanced team that would allow us to play our style but would give us options if we had to go another way.

EDIT: If I were to choose jsut one of these two trades I would go with the Denver trade because 1) it saves us some money to allow us to sign one more player if need be; 2) it gives us a better defensive prescense in the post and 3) it takes us more towards a team oriented finesse game like we had in 05-06 but with a better rock in the middle.

[Squeege63]

Raja is as tough as they come and if he feels as though he's not right and is possibly hurting the team, then Coach needs to get his head out of his crack and listen to him.

If he's so willing to "lose a few", then why not give some of the younger guys (DJ) an opportunity. I'd rather lose a few that way as opposed to running an injured player into the ground.

Agreed.

[ShelC]

Problem is that Washington probably wont trade daniels now that Arenas is out. I like Butler and hed give us a bit of what Shawn does and what shawn doesnt. Hes not as athletic as shawn nor the open court player, but hes bigger and stronger and would give us some toughness we're lacking upfront i tihnk. Not sure how well he'd handle the 4spot in the west tho. Jamison might be a better fit for us.

[jkalldaway]

If you are trading a force like Amare you better get back someone better than an injury-prone Camby. Camby is great but you would have to be insane to trade Amare to a team that already has AI and Carmelo, that is suicide. In other words, the trade sucks.

[misteradiant]

my god, you guys are a bunch of whining little babies. coach this, amare that.... shawn this, raja that (had to do it!).... jesus. everything with most of you is about problems and trade scenarios. what ever happened to just rooting for the team and being part of the ride? there is nothing good from any of you, even the great signing of skinner turns into a "whoops." give me a break, please.

i'm sticking around here but shit, you guys are a fucking drag.

[Ring_Wanted]

Amare for Bosh.

[misteradiant]

what a stupid thing to post. like that's ever gonna happen.

[jkalldaway]

Much like early on last year, we're trying to combine 2 different teams. We have guys who thrive on ball/player movement (stevie, raja, hill, shawn, boris) and then we have devastating individual talents in Amare and Barbs. Put Amare on any other traditional team and hes getting 15-18 touches a game and is a go-to guy. Here hes a glorified screener because we want to keep the ball moving around and thats not his forte. Hes not a basketball player as much as the other guys. Put Stevie, Raja, Hill, Shawn and Boris on the floor and theres a rhythm, a flow to the offense. They know how to play off of each other. Amare gets in the way of that because he chases the ball and then looks for his own. We're trying to make it work both ways, but im not sure it can.

Do we trade Amare and go with a high IQ but finesse type team similar to 05-06?

Do we keep Amare and make him the focal point in the 2man game like 04-05? Problem is we dont have the shooters to spread the floor and make the collapsing defense pay.

Do we try to incorporate Amare and Boris to play a hybrid style? We tried it last year and Boris' game suffered and we still didnt take full advatange of Amares physical gifts inside the paint.

Shel, you say we don't have the shooters to make 04-05 work but who did we have then? We had Nash, JJ, Q, Jim Jackson (the only players that played in the postseason). Today we have Nash, Bell, LB, and Hill. Granted, Hill isn't going to hit the three as regularly as Jim Jackson did but he is still a threat to take a dribble and hit a mid-range shot which still forces the defense to close out. In my opinion, Amare should be option 1A and 1B. The guy is a freak when he gets touches, and the more touches he gets, the more defensive intensity he shows.

[OE]

Much like early on last year, we're trying to combine 2 different teams. We have guys who thrive on ball/player movement (stevie, raja, hill, shawn, boris) and then we have devastating individual talents in Amare and Barbs. Put Amare on any other traditional team and hes getting 15-18 touches a game and is a go-to guy. Here hes a glorified screener because we want to keep the ball moving around and thats not his forte. Hes not a basketball player as much as the other guys. Put Stevie, Raja, Hill, Shawn and Boris on the floor and theres a rhythm, a flow to the offense. They know how to play off of each other. Amare gets in the way of that because he chases the ball and then looks for his own. We're trying to make it work both ways, but im not sure it can.

Do we trade Amare and go with a high IQ but finesse type team similar to 05-06?

Do we keep Amare and make him the focal point in the 2man game like 04-05? Problem is we dont have the shooters to spread the floor and make the collapsing defense pay.

Do we try to incorporate Amare and Boris to play a hybrid style? We tried it last year and Boris' game suffered and we still didnt take full advatange of Amares physical gifts inside the paint.

I don't know the answer to your question except to say that I feel ya. I think the first two are legitimate options, while the third one - which, with our personnel, we're obligated to try - won't work.

Quick question: if everything falls apart and we cease to be contenders, do you think D'Antoni would ever, under any circumstances, have the heart to trade Nash?

Also: If this is, in fact, the end, I'm still very proud of this group. Look around the league. Teams are routinely scoring points in the 100s and almost no one's averaging under 90. Compare that to three years ago. The Spurs may have won the rings, but we've changed the game.

...

Hope that didn't come across too much like a eulogy. After all, Seattle gets 2 of our next 3 draft picks. :oops:

[misteradiant]

Granted, Hill isn't going to hit the three as regularly as Jim Jackson did but he is still a threat to take a dribble and hit a mid-range shot which still forces the defense to close out.

he also often goes to the basket and gets and-one opportunities. that's three points PLUS getting a foul on the opponent. that works for me.

[jkalldaway]

First of all, we are contenders and we will win it this year. Second of all, if isn't D'Antoni's choice to trade Nash. Third of all, hell no, it would never happen. Glad that we have talked about trading the whole team today.

[misteradiant]

jk, i agree that amare should be more of a focus. he is underutilized and it's true that "the more touches he gets, the more defensive intensity he shows."

hopefully we will see some of that tonight. he ususally has good games against orlando.

[Superbone]

my god, you guys are a bunch of whining little babies. coach this, amare that.... shawn this, raja that (had to do it!).... jesus. everything with most of you is about problems and trade scenarios. what ever happened to just rooting for the team and being part of the ride? there is nothing good from any of you, even the great signing of skinner turns into a "whoops." give me a break, please.

i'm sticking around here but shit, you guys are a fucking drag.

WORD, mf, er... mr.

[OE]

i'm sticking around here but shit, you guys are a fucking drag.

What, you never get nostalgic for the days when a player on your team popped his jersey after knocking down a 3 or roared after dunking on an opposing team's BWS? I don't know about you, but I know that my attitude as a fan correlates pretty closely to the attitude of the team I watch play.

A few more weeks of this kind of play and these raised eyebrows will surely turn to full-blown frowns.

[misteradiant]

i'm sticking around here but shit, you guys are a fucking drag.

What, you never get nostalgic for the days when a player on your team popped his jersey after knocking down a 3 or roared after dunking on an opposing team's BWS? I don't know about you, but I know that my attitude as a fan correlates pretty closely to the attitude of the team I watch play.

A few more weeks of this kind of play and these raised eyebrows will surely turn to full-blown frowns.

it's a measely 2-game losing streak. you guys are acting like we're 4-11. in reality, we have the 4th best record in the league and we haven't even gotten tight due to injuries. as banged up as we've been and we're 11-4? dudes.... chillify. seriously.

[ShelC]

Shel, you say we don't have the shooters to make 04-05 work but who did we have then? We had Nash, JJ, Q, Jim Jackson (the only players that played in the postseason). Today we have Nash, Bell, LB, and Hill.

Heres the difference...JJs a better shooter than Raja, with better size and athleticsm to get down court. Q had a swagger to him that no one on this team has. He was streaky, but the defenses had to run out on him because he could go off at any time. JJax was hitting like 50% from 3 that last half of the year. Barbs has turned into a legit 3pt shooter, but unless hes wide open he has trouble getting his shot off because of size and shooting form. This means hes going off the dribble more and going ot the basket, with mixed results. Hill can get to the basket and get the foul, but doesnt that defeat the purpose of having him out there to spread the floor so things open up underneath for amare.

I dont care about the record or 2 game losing so much as i care about what im seeing. We're still trying to run and gun, score in 7 seconds, quick hit with 3s like in 04-05 and its not working. The personnel isnt built for it and we're struggling offensively more often than not because when we dont score quickly, we dont have set offense or go-to guys we can rely on everytime down. Its just more of nash probing and trying to find a hole in the defense so we can get a shot off. Live by the jumpshot, die by the jumpshot.

Teams dont respect our 3pt shooting anymore. Theyre getting back in transition, making us use the clock more and we're not getting those spurts we're used to. Only in the last game when we went on that 7-0 run or something did i see us play with the energy we shoul be playing with.

[Squeege63]

my god, you guys are a bunch of whining little babies. coach this, amare that.... shawn this, raja that (had to do it!).... jesus. everything with most of you is about problems and trade scenarios. what ever happened to just rooting for the team and being part of the ride? there is nothing good from any of you, even the great signing of skinner turns into a "whoops." give me a break, please.

i'm sticking around here but shit, you guys are a fucking drag.

MR,

If you've paid any attention to my history on this board, I have always been a positive fan of the team, and I still have hope for them and support them in every way. The trade scenarios, as I said where a bit out there and drastic. I'm not believing that they would ever happen, but I was messing around and came up with them and liked what I saw. This is a discussion board and sometimes off the wall things are said.

Just rooting for the team is virtually impossible and would make this board ridiculously boring. We are all fans who are too invested in the team to simply sit back and enjoy the ride, especially after the recent run of post season disappointment. Yes I have enjoyed the ride thoroughly and I am happy that I am a fan of a team that is an elite member of the NBA. (I would hate to be a grizzlies fan or a hawks fan). but we are also a team that has achieved a lot of success, but hasn't achieved the ultimate success, which means that we nit pick at flaws for fear that said flaws will hinder the team's ability to get over that hump.

Really, I think one of the biggest issues plaguing the fan base of the team, is the perception the team itself is giving off. They don't appear to be having fun, and that has trickled down to the fans.

[ShelC]

Really, I think one of the biggest issues plaguing the fan base of the team, is the perception the team itself is giving off. They don't appear to be having fun, and that has trickled down to the fans.

MikeDs biggest mistake IMO was stating that hes going to have more fun and make sure the team has more fun as well. Early on tho, hes been tight and the team has as well. You cant ignore the expectations. We're trying to win a championship. Hes trying to emulate the care-free, nothing to lose mentality the 04-05 team had but its a much different situation simply because of the expectations now.


Sometimes you just gotta play ball and win games. Fun or no fun, you gotta bring it everynight. ITs fun to win, sure. But you can never get too high or too low. Look at the spurs....theyre a machine night in and night out. When they win, theyve taken care of business, when they lose they move on to the next opponent. Thats how we need to be.

[misteradiant]

there is a difference between analysis and straight-out negativity, squeege.

as you said, you nitpick. it's middle-aged housewife drama and i'm calling out a lot of people with it. it's like everyone is a bored housewife, lashing out at everything because she has nothing but time to see that nothing is perfect, even with a new car and big home and stainless steel appliances in her kitchen. instead, she bitches that her husband is out of shape and her kids don't listen and are spoiled.

no wait. you guys aren't like a bored housewife. you're spoiled children demanding more, never satisfied with what you've got. well i've got news for you, this is the brand of cell phone you've got so quit bitching it isn't an iphone. you don't need to do anything but talk and text on it. you've already got a computer for the rest. just like you don't need the suns to win 63 games but they do need to simply take this season and get it right by may, five long months away.

blaming the team is horsehockey. where are the screaming fans in the stands? where are they here at .net? everybody is bitching and complaining since game five and i am sick of it. it's the other way around. how can the team excel when they are bombarded everywhere by fans that don't cheer and instead whine about every little nitpicky thing? if i was playing for the sake of you guys, i'd probably care a lot less. you're ungrateful and it's an awful display of selfishness on your parts.

the team needs us to support them and tell them we believe in them. it's called positive affirmation, people. it works. what you offer is negative affirmation and that creates dissent and general bad communication. ever had a boss like that? who had nothing good to say even if you did something well? well, you're like that boss, people.

i suggest to everyone here to meditate on what is good about this team, what is great about them, what is better than any other team, what is most fun, most interesting, anything. it's a far sight better than trade amare or fire the coach crap.

[jkalldaway]

Shel the personality difference of Q and JJ's ability to get down the court have nothing to do with the spacing needed to allow Amare to dominate. Bell is pretty deadly from the corners ala JJ and Hill embodies JJ's ability to head fake and get in the lane. What I am really noticing is that on the screen and roll with Nash and Amare, Nash is rarely dropping the ball off to him and instead of passing the ball to the man on the wing for three Nash just pulls is back out. Not saying it is Nash's fault but it just seems like everyone is not still on the same page.

[v9]

WTF is all of this Amare trade talk? The guy is obviously playing hurt, and should be resting instead of playing - just like Raja. Yet, I don't hear any Raja trade talk...

Trading Boris for Varejao? Plausible. All of this sh!t about trading Amare for the likes of Camby? Pathetic.

[Ring_Wanted]

Giving Varejao the kind of money a sign and trade for Diaw would require is as stupid as trading Amare for Camby.

[misteradiant]

or amare for bosh.

[Ring_Wanted]

Yeah. Because you say it..

[JackArse]

mrradiant. i enjoy your viewpoint and would like to subscribe to your newsletter

[Squeege63]

there is a difference between analysis and straight-out negativity, squeege.

as you said, you nitpick. it's middle-aged housewife drama and i'm calling out a lot of people with it. it's like everyone is a bored housewife, lashing out at everything because she has nothing but time to see that nothing is perfect, even with a new car and big home and stainless steel appliances in her kitchen. instead, she bitches that her husband is out of shape and her kids don't listen and are spoiled.

no wait. you guys aren't like a bored housewife. you're spoiled children demanding more, never satisfied with what you've got. well i've got news for you, this is the brand of cell phone you've got so quit bitching it isn't an iphone. you don't need to do anything but talk and text on it. you've already got a computer for the rest. just like you don't need the suns to win 63 games but they do need to simply take this season and get it right by may, five long months away.

blaming the team is horsehockey. where are the screaming fans in the stands? where are they here at .net? everybody is bitching and complaining since game five and i am sick of it. it's the other way around. how can the team excel when they are bombarded everywhere by fans that don't cheer and instead whine about every little nitpicky thing? if i was playing for the sake of you guys, i'd probably care a lot less. you're ungrateful and it's an awful display of selfishness on your parts.

the team needs us to support them and tell them we believe in them. it's called positive affirmation, people. it works. what you offer is negative affirmation and that creates dissent and general bad communication. ever had a boss like that? who had nothing good to say even if you did something well? well, you're like that boss, people.

i suggest to everyone here to meditate on what is good about this team, what is great about them, what is better than any other team, what is most fun, most interesting, anything. it's a far sight better than trade amare or fire the coach crap.

To your point, I agree that as fans we need to show more active positive support. I agree with that. Also, this is the first time I have EVER gotten negative about the team. I have always been one to look at the positive side. I guess I was just influenced by the negativity that has pervaded and I have succumbed to it. Also, I was watching the Celtics game last night and became a bit enamored with what could have been. The fire Garnett is playing with, etc.

Also, I don't live in Phoenix and I can't afford league pass, so I am limited in my access to the suns to what I read on the web (mainly here, which has been for the most part negative) and the few games that are on national TV, and on top of that, the few that I HAVE seen haven't been our best performances.

The trade scenarios are one of those things that happens. Its fans playing GM, kinda like when you play fantasy basketball. Every fan wants to see their team win, and part of that is looking at your team and saying "what can get us over the hump." Don't tell me you haven't sat at a bar with your buddies while watching a game and discussed "wouldn't it be cool if we had Player X. He would be great on our team." And then your buddy follws with - "but who would you give up for him." Its being an Arm Chair GM. It happens. I'm not going to be disappointed if we don't make a trade, I'm just throwing out possibilities. I haven't given up on the team. I just has some feelings and felt like expressing them here. I wanted to facilitate discussion.

I know you are sick of the negativity around here. So am I. look what it has done to me. I was, and hope to be a again, an unabashed homer. What we need to do is try to facilitate positive discussion. Turn people's negative points into positive ones, not just bash them for making negative comments. Negativity is a good thing to a point. You don't always want to hear 'You're doing great. Keep going." when there are things that can be fixed that could make you better. but at the same time you don't want to hear that everything you are doing is wrong. that sucks. We've had too much of that, but there is nothing wrong with constructive criticism as long as there is equal praise - something that has been lacking around here.

Also, if someone is being too overly negative with their post, just ignore it. Only respond to the constructive posts. That will help turn this place around.

[Squeege63]

On another note - I hope this whole hold out thing with Varajao blows up in his face and that of Dan Fegan. Fegan is trying to be the Scott Boras of the NBA. If it works for Fegan and Varajao, you know that Fegan is going to try it with Marion, and other agents are going to try the same thing. If it doesn't work, we could actually have a shot at resigning Marion to a reasonable extension.

[MTSunsFan]

The doom, gloom and trade everybody talk around here is approaching ludicrous speed. IF we bring home the championship some of you will find a way to complain about the parade route or the type of ticker-tape being used. Sheesh. It's only basketball...

[misteradiant]

mrradiant. i enjoy your viewpoint and would like to subscribe to your newsletter

hooray! i just made $9.99!

:cool:

[misteradiant]

Don't tell me you haven't sat at a bar with your buddies while watching a game and discussed "wouldn't it be cool if we had Player X. He would be great on our team." And then your buddy follws with - "but who would you give up for him."

i did that 18 months ago in austin when i was sitting in a sports bar with lazarus and sodc. i thought if we could get iverson for leandro it might be cool. then leandro went on a tear the next year (last year) and shut my stupid mouth up. so there's a lesson for you all. be thankful for what you have.


You don't always want to hear 'You're doing great. Keep going."

speak for yourself, man. i always want to hear that. i always want to perform in a way that makes people think that. when you are performing at your best and still you are told you should be better, fuck that. also, while getting your bearings and being told you should have them by now is bullshit. there are so many dynamic factors that determine the success of a team that one fan cannot sit on the high and mighty throne and proclaim that they know better. it isn't possible. we know what we know through the filters of television and print personalities. the truth is something different. because we don't fully understand it, it is my opinion that simply rooting for the success of good men is good enough, and is more enjoyable than picking apart every aspect of a game and finding any little negative thing. we win more than we lose. we're considered elite. shit. i want more. i deserve more. i've suffered and waited and rooted and for what? for this?

yes, for this. got a problem with that? then go be a fan of another team.

oh yeah. i mostly ignore posts from a number of members here. i only hope they ignore mine in return and it's obvious that they do. either that or they are too stupid to understand if they don't.

still, a decent post, squeege. i'm glad you see the need to support the team rather than tear them down.

[Squeege63]

Don't tell me you haven't sat at a bar with your buddies while watching a game and discussed "wouldn't it be cool if we had Player X. He would be great on our team." And then your buddy follws with - "but who would you give up for him."

i did that 18 months ago in austin when i was sitting in a sports bar with lazarus and sodc. i thought if we could get iverson for leandro it might be cool. then leandro went on a tear the next year (last year) and shut my stupid mouth up. so there's a lesson for you all. be thankful for what you have.


You don't always want to hear 'You're doing great. Keep going."

speak for yourself, man. i always want to hear that. i always want to perform in a way that makes people think that. when you are performing at your best and still you are told you should be better, fuck that. also, while getting your bearings and being told you should have them by now is bullshit. there are so many dynamic factors that determine the success of a team that one fan cannot sit on the high and mighty throne and proclaim that they know better. it isn't possible. we know what we know through the filters of television and print personalities. the truth is something different. because we don't fully understand it, it is my opinion that simply rooting for the success of good men is good enough, and is more enjoyable than picking apart every aspect of a game and finding any little negative thing. we win more than we lose. we're considered elite. shit. i want more. i deserve more. i've suffered and waited and rooted and for what? for this?

yes, for this. got a problem with that? then go be a fan of another team.

oh yeah. i mostly ignore posts from a number of members here. i only hope they ignore mine in return and it's obvious that they do. either that or they are too stupid to understand if they don't.

still, a decent post, squeege. i'm glad you see the need to support the team rather than tear them down.

its part of humanity to always want the next level. If we weren't a playoff team, we'd be rooting for the team to be a playoff team and be happy that they made it. We'd be sad when they lose but we would understand that they had reached the next level.

once a team is a playoff team, they (and their fans) want them to be an elite playoff team, so staying stagnant as a lower level playoff team isn't acceptable, and if it goes on too long, cries for change occur because the goal is to get over that hump.

Once a team gets over than hump and becomes an elite playoff team, there is only one goal left - to win the championship. We are now an elite playoff team. The goal is to win a championship, but we've also been an elite playoff team for the past three years and haven't been able to get over that hump to even make it to the Finals. Stagnation breeds discontent. Our team has a perception of being unable to clear that final hurdle (San Antonio) to the finals. Moves begin to be questioned based on the perception of how they will allow the team to clear that final hurdle.

The prevailing perception from the off-season is that we didn't make enough or the right moves to clear that hurdle, thus we are still stagnant. The attitude is that we should be better than every other team except San Antonio, so when we lose to other teams, it is affirmation that we still aren't good enough to beat San Antonio. This perception won't change until we play San Antonio. I hope we beat San Antonio, and decidedly at that. I believe that if we can do that, then the team and the fans will have confidence and perception that we have cleared that hurdle, and will support the team with gusto.

Another factor is that it has appeared that other teams have improved dramatically, while we are still playing the same game. In addition, people aren't liking how coach is playing our players. Yes he is the coach and he knows better then us, but when you have an injured player like Raja, he should be sitting out until he is healthy. We can't afford to lose him further down the line because we played him when we didn't really NEED him and he became more severely injured. The same goes for Grant Hill. His injury history shows that he should be playing much less than he currently is. The perception is that Coach is treating each game like a sprint instead of treating the season like a marathon.

[Mori_Chu]

All of this sh!t about trading Amare for the likes of Camby? Pathetic.

I agree. Amare has his flaws and isn't a perfect fit here, but I really don't want to trade him for Marcus Camby. Camby is old and has a pretty pathetic offensive game. I think we'd really suck in a year or two if we made that deal.

[Miamisun]

I notice something about ALL message boards lately. Lots of complaining. It doesnt matter if it is music message boards or Star Trek message boards, every bitches about how things in the past were so much better than they are today. Today sucks, yesterday was the best...blah blah blah.

I dont know what is worst, overwiegh guy sitting on his couch drinking beer yelling at the TV watching the game, or message board complainers.

[misteradiant]

The prevailing perception from the off-season is that we didn't make enough or the right moves to clear that hurdle...

tell that to brian skinner and grant hill. we're over the salary cap. what else do you want? if amare and steve and shawn and grant and raja and leandro aren't enough, what the fuck else do you want? shit, man. some really want do shake that core up. i say they are idiots.

when you crap it's still a turd, even if you don't mind the smell of your own farts.

if i live my life wondering what others thought of me, or using another's accomplishments as a gauge of my own, i'd be a complete loser (hold the jokes, folks). by my age, henry miller had published his first novel. bukowski was getting blowjobs from co-eds. kerouac was living it up in san francisco and traveling the nation proclaiming his own mad genius love. what have i done? published one book? a few hundred thousand unpublished words? i must be a loser. i ought to throw it all away and try something else.

yeah, right.


The attitude is that we should be better than every other team except San Antonio... San Antonio... San Antonio. I hope we beat San Antonio...

jesus. is san antonio god or something? i deleted all the words except san antonio in your paragraph and man, i think some folks here are obsessed with them.

back to my point of being who you are; it isn't different for the suns. no, they are not the spurs. thank god. no, they can't always beat the spurs. okay. but to use everything we do as a gauge of how we match up with the spurs is folly. same goes for me judging myself on the accomplishments of jack kerouac. he knew allen ginsburg who had new york publishing connections. i know nobody but you jerks. the comaprison isn't fair. besides, we might not even face the spurs in the playoffs. it's happened before. we just need to be a great team, be ourselves, and win on our own terms. fuck the spurs. they don't determine what we do. we determine what we do.

i agree that coach needs to go deeper. his remarks about playing a hurt raja trouble me. they probably trouble all of us. he'll hear if from the press today and my guess is raja rests tonight. still, as far as coaches go, we could do a hell of a lot worse.

i've enjoyed our discussion today, squeege.

[Squeege63]

tell that to brian skinner and grant hill. we're over the salary cap. what else do you want? if amare and steve and shawn and grant and raja and leandro aren't enough, what the fuck else do you want? shit, man. some really want do shake that core up. i say they are idiots.

I never said it was my opinion, I said it was the common opinion. Whether the opinion is right or wrong will be determined at the end of the year.


if i live my life wondering what others thought of me, or using another's accomplishments as a gauge of my own, i'd be a complete loser (hold the jokes, folks). by my age, henry miller had published his first novel. bukowski was getting blowjobs from co-eds. kerouac was living it up in san francisco and traveling the nation proclaiming his own mad genius love. what have i done? published one book? a few hundred thousand unpublished words? i must be a loser. i ought to throw it all away and try something else.

yeah, right.

That isn't a fair comparison. When you are in a sporting league, the point is to win. The point is to be compared to other teams, whether you are better or worse, etc. Writing isn't the same. If you aren't winning (though we are winning a lot, we aren't winning the ultimate prize), then there is something wrong and something needs to be changed. I'm happy sticking it out with this team this season, but if we can't win it all this year (I know thats a lot of pressure) I think it might be time to go in a different direction, because, like I said, we've become stagnant and can't get over the final hurdle.

Maybe we are playing the right way and taking it easy at the beginning of the season and will coast into the playoffs like the Spurs have the past few seasons, and be fresh and prepared for the slugfest. The thing is, as suns fans, over the past few years, we aren't used to that mentality, so it is a bit of a shock.



The attitude is that we should be better than every other team except San Antonio... San Antonio... San Antonio. I hope we beat San Antonio...

jesus. is san antonio god or something? i deleted all the words except san antonio in your paragraph and man, i think some folks here are obsessed with them.

In basketball terms, they may not be god, but they are king of the hill. And isn't the point of king of the hill to knock off the king. They have won 3 of the past 5 championships, that is a dynasty for all intents and purposes. They are the goal, and by goal I don't mean their style or make up of players, but their position as champions. To do that, it is necessary to constitute ourselves in a form that is designed to beat them (without sacrificing our ability to beat other teams). Maybe we are constituted to beat them now, but until we play them, we don't know. Grant hill is an upgrade over James Jones. Skinner is much better than expected and fills in admirably for KT. They are the King of the Hill. We need to knock them off. Its that simple.

[sehan]

MR I've always been a fan of your posts and have been subscribing to your news letter, but got to agree with Squeege on this one.

Basically, it all comes down to expectations. Back on 04 -05 season, we were coming off of our worst 2 seasons with a 30 some year old injury prone point guard that most of us thought we over paid for. I think we would have been happy even with just 50 wins. After 2 years later, 50 or 55 wins is just not enough. I wish it was, but I can't psychic myself out like that no matter how hard I try. That $20 outback stake just never tastes the same after you've had that $100 Kobe beef.

So good or bad, its the expectation that the team set for themselves and the fans during the last 2 seasons. Only way to lower that expectation would be to force feed sizzler stakes for couple of seasons (a la after Barkely years).

Regarding coaches comment to Raja. Maybe he knows something we don't. Back pains are usually chronic - a la Nash. If that is the case, the coach is right and Raja will have to learn to play with the pain just like Nash. In that sense, playing Raja is like playing DJ. Playing a player that he knows we need in the playoffs at the cost of short term performance. Regardless of how good DJ is going to be in next few years, I would hate to have to rely on him (rather than Raja) to make the winning 3 in the playoffs.

Lastly, trades trades trades.... silly silly silly. Amare trade scenarios.... when did we fire Kerr and sign Thomas as GM????

[Wormwood]

In retrospect, this offseason had only one area where I think we screwed up big time, and that's the unprotected pick in 2010 we sent away with KT. That sucker could easily be a lotto pick, based on the fortunes availed by Steve Nash's back.

To a lesser extent, I still don't like what we did with the draft. It's not potentially crippling, but if we're going to stash someone in the D-league, I'd rather it be a guy with a ton of upside (Koponnen) than a guy who's not going to change much after 5 years in college (Tucker).

As for what's going on right now, there's something about this team that doesn't seem right. Maybe it's the pase, or lack of explosiveness, or poor defensive play. Something. There's a lot of people that probably feel the same way. Maybe that "something" is simply the feel that we're a team that can beat anyone. Right now, you just don't get that feeling.

[tbrkingofthesouth]

Amare for Bosh.

I like that trade Ring...We get a good young big and Amare can finally spread his wings in the east

[misteradiant]

They are the King of the Hill. We need to knock them off. Its that simple.

unless we meet the warriors in the first round! doh! then who cares about the spurs. then maybe we wated to be small and fast and hit our jumpers, rebounds be damned.

thanks for the props, sehan. but there is a girl in colorado who wishes she never ordered the kobe beef.

seriously though, if you don't care about all the wins and only a championship, then be patient and let them have through spring to get their act together and win when it really counts. it is way too early to get our panties all bunched up. i believe in this team and i am willing to give them more than 15 games to get it right.



Amare for Bosh.

I like that trade Ring...

of course you would! :lol:

[Wormwood]

Steve Nash responds

The Phoenix Suns point guard, one of the world’s leading basketball players, answers our readers' questions
First of all, thanks for to The Times for showing the link to my Youtube ad and for putting me in touch with basketball fans from all over the world.

I enjoyed seeing your questions and hope I've answered them satisfactorily for you. Steve

Q. Is there any amount of money that could bring you back to a Texas ball club? Jerry & Barbara Curry, Wild Wild West

A. First of all, I'm happy in Phoenix. But I'd have no problem going back and playing for a team in Texas, even the Mavericks! It's not as though there was some irreconcilable divorce with Dallas, it was just best for me to move on at that time. I was wanted more in Phoenix, that's the way it is in sports. But if Phoenix doesn't want me one day, I have nothing against considering one of the Texas teams.

Nash thinks on his feet to earn spurs with internet generation
Q. It seems that the over-riding perception of basketball in the UK is that it is only worth bothering with if you happen to be both incredibly tall and black. This, I believe, is probably the greatest reason why the sport has never really taken off here. I was wondering if this perception is also prevalent in North America and how as a (relatively) short white guy you dealt with those prejudices? Peter Gilks, London

A. That's not the COMPLETE perception here. Basketball is a beautiful game, much like football, which everyone can enjoy playing or spectating. There's an acknowledgement here that, especially at the youth and high school levels, every body type of athlete can find a position or role on the team. I hate to say it, but you could make the argument that to play in the Premiership or Champions' League these days you need to be a track star! Of course, at the elite level of basketball, everyone is in some way special but, at lower levels, there is a role for every skill set. For me, I just tried to work as hard as I could to overcome my deficiencies, whether they were physical, mental or in terms of skills. I'm not saying every six-foot kid with a pot belly can play in the NBA - how many kids in England make the Premiership? - but everyone can still love the game of basketball.

Q. Not a question, but we at NY Spurs would like to extend an open invitation to Steve to pop by a televised match whenever's he's around... All details at www.nyspurs.com, would appreciate if you could pass this along. Rob

A. Thanks guys! I know who you are and I'll drop you a line to get in touch by email.

Q. With time running down in Game 3 of last years playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, Robert Horry knocked you off your feet with a dirty foul. Do you believe his aim was to get your team members to come off the bench and recieve a suspension (which Boris and Amare did)? Or was there something else going down we dont know about? Muhammed

A. I can't believe he knew anything about it. I think he was frustrated and lost his head a little bit. And, by some fortuitous bounce of the basketball gods, WE paid for it. That's all I think it was. I like Robert as a guy, he's a winner and a good player. He was just frustrated and I can relate to that.

Q. Who is the toughest opponent you have faced? And how is the one player you admired while growing up. Arjun, India

A. Growing up my heroes were Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan so, as you might imagine, the toughest opponent I've ever faced was Jordan, all those years ago now.

Q. What NBA teams do you enjoy watching given that your own team plays basketball that seems heaven-sent? Are there any? Please don't say San Antonio - I won't believe you haha... Stefan Zubielevitch

A. That's funny! But you know, I don't mind watching the Spurs because they're unselfish and really stick to a game plan which, I think, is unselfish. I like teams that move the ball, play with a lot of skill. So I like watching Golden State, some of those teams that can really get up and down.

Q. As a Spurs fan you will know that football in England is dominated by 4 so called ‘big clubs’ and it is very difficult for any other club to break into this elite. Can football learn anything from American sports?

I believe in the 4 major US sports no team has habitually dominated like Manchester United have done over the last 14 years with, for example, there being 3 different winners of the baseball World Series in the last 3 years. Would a draft system work in football? Basil Rathbone

A. It would be too hard to change a system that's been around for 100 years so the draft and salary cap would never work in football. As a Tottenham fan, my view is breaking into the top four is extremely difficult but not impossible. The main reason the big four are where they are is that they have the financial means and, by and large, have not squandered money. Look at Arsenal and the wise way they spend their money. Then, to compete financially, you have to become a global brand, have the stadium size, the sponsorship, everything that goes with that. The question is, how do you get there? Primarily, you get there by performance and how do you perform without players? That's why I think you need a sound plan, you need to build with your youth - as Man U and Arsenal have done down the years - and hope those guys pan out. Then, if you should break into the top four even for a short time, you need to accrue income and not squander it on bad personnel and business decisions. Spurs have been close and I think we're heading in the right direction now but there is no simple answer unless a Russian billionaire comes in and buys your club. But as for the parity that we see in US sports, that can't translate to England or Europe not least of all because we don't have relegation or promotion here so each league is a single entity and that makes the potential for parity so much greater. You can tell I've given this subject a lot of thought!

Q. I'm a reader in South Africa and I believe you have South african roots. Is that correct and do you still have any links with SA? What are your recollections? Dan Haswell, Durban

A. I was born there and moved to Canada at the age of one so I have no recollections, other than what my family tell me. I'd love to go back and see it. My dad played football for a team called Florida Albion, which I don't believe is around any more, and my parents say it was a beautiful country. At the time, they just didn't want me to grow up in the apartheid system. But obviously, I hear the country has made great strides and, obviously, it is still beautiful so I hope to get back.

Q. I'd like to ask Steve whether he takes time off from training during the summer to recover from the basketball season, or does he continue playing sports such as football to maintain fitness? Ben, High Wycombe

A. I guess the answer is on the Youtube ad! I don't take time off, primarily because I can't sit still. I play football and do a variety of other things but, as for basketball, I pretty much just shoot the ball to keep my rhythm. I don't want to burn out mentally. Playing a 100-plus games a year, to come back to training camp already tired of basketball would be death for me. So I play footie, train, stay in shape and keep my shooting rhythm. That's it.

Q. Do you remember watching the 1984 Uefa Cup final and where did you watch it? Gary Mabbutt

A. Vaguely ... and the '81 and '82 FA Cup Finals. I remember watching all those at home in Victoria, British Columbia with my dad and brother but, at the same time, I was six, seven and ten years old so my memory is hazy. But I do remember being glued to the TV in my Spurs kit! And is this really Gary Mabbutt? You were my hero!

Q. Hindsight is indeed a wonderful thing, so if given the opportunity what would you have done differently in your career? Would you have perhaps pursued football? Ben Sharples, Guildford

A. Because I play basketball every single day, and though I love the game, it does become just a "job" and, of course, the grass is always greener. Yes, I'd love to run onto a football pitch with 40-50,000 people screaming and get goose bumps from it. But the truth is it's too easy to say that. I'd love that experience, I'm sad I'll never have it but I don't believe in regrets. I believe everything, even the negatives, teach you about life and yourself.

Q. Hey Steve, you are an inspiration to my 12 year old son, so thanks and keep up the great work. My question is: what would be your all time starting 5 basketball players and, of course, why? Crashing Dashing Kid, Glasgow, Scotland

A. Thanks for saying that. The answer is Magic, Jordan, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Magic was just a genius, such enthusiasm and charisma, such a special player. MJ I don't really need to explain. Bird was such a competitor, a winner who, with the game on the line, made the winning shot time after time. Timmy is just simply great. He's a winner, nothing fancy about him but at the end of the day he gets it done and wins year after year after year. Kareem, well, at his size to develop a hook shot that nobody else has been able to master since was just incredible.

Q. Hi Steve. Do you really skateboard around New York? Aren't you worried about getting run over? Tommy W. (aged 10), Manchester

A. Yes, it's the way I get around the city though I probably should be more careful. I won't be admitting to this when I get blind-sided by a taxi, but skateboarding is the fastest way to get around, it's more active and there's more exercise than taking a taxi everywhere.

Q. Hi Steve - You clearly have a passion for football. What are the major differences between playing football and playing basketball (aside from the obvious!) and how has football helped you in becoming the best point guard on the planet? Florent Coulon, Bois d'Arcy, France

A. You mean I can't say "using your hands!" The major difference is there are more than twice as many people on a football field so that makes it more of a sport for teamwork than individual talent. Still, for me, the best basketball is still when everyone is clicking as a team. I think I explained in my last article in The Times that having spent so much time playing football as a kid, trying to find ways to get balls to team mates, chip balls, bend balls, slip balls past defenders, with my feet, that when I could use my hands to do it I found it easy. Using my hands opened up so many possibilities for me when I started to concentrate on basketball.

Q. Steve - What do you think would be more gratifying, scoring the winning basket on the buzzer to win the NBA Championship or scoring the winning goal in the dying seconds of the (football) World Cup Final (for Canada!) Vince Small, Paris

A. Great question. The simple answer is, you can't go wrong with either choice. BUT, for me, there is something about the World Cup, having the whole country behind you and the whole world watching you, that makes that unbeatable. The NBA Finals are every year, the World Cup is every four years. I just think there is nothing like the World Cup. Then add the fact, you've got me scoring the winner for Canada ...! I guess that sounds far fetched but it strikes me Canada have as much chance as England of winning the World Cup these days!

Q. Hi Steve - It is a real inspiration to see you rank amongst the best players in the best basketball league in the world. When you were younger, did you honestly think you could be this good in a sport of giants? I am only 6'0 and you are an inspiration to me to keep training hard. What should i concentrate on the most? Greg Graver, London

A. I never really dreamed of being the MVP. Yes, I dreamed of playing in the league, I dreamed of maybe being an All Star. But I never dreamed of being the MVP. The advice I offer is what I did: just concentrate on getting better and what you do well and overcoming what you don't do well. That sounds overly simple but you have to break down, and then build back up, your strengths and weaknesses.

Q. Steve - The Spurs have once again started the season strongly. Do you think you have what it takes to eliminate them from the Playoffs? Eduardo Lopes, Bournemouth

A. I think we do. Last year we had it as well but didn't get an even bounce, whether through suspensions or injuries. What we have this year can be a better team. It's going to be a big ask, but anything worthwhile usually is.

Q. Hi Steve - What do you work on in the off-season? Is it more keeping yourself in shape, or are there facets of your game that you feel still need improvement? Asugi Atsiyama, Dublin

A. At this stage of my career, I really just spend the summer trying to work on all my different shots, work on my rhythm and try to work on my athleticism. That way, I aim to be able to compete with all the younger guys and stay fit for the whole season. Then, when the season starts, I hope the experience I've gained, the confidence I have built up over the years will allow me to overcome any deficiencies. I don't really concentrate on trying to improve any one skill. I feel I have all the necessary skills offensively. It's just a matter of being able to make the right decisions, the right reads, during games. So, I keep my rhythm going, work on my athleticism and then my experience will hopefully allow me to improve.

Q. What do you see yourself doing when your career is over? Will you go into coaching or ownership? Or maybe get involved in football in the UK in some way? Leon Parks, Highbury

A. It's totally open. I'd love to say yes to all of the above. I haven't thought too hard about it but right now I am trying to open up opportunities for myself outside basketball, I figure I'll always have the opportunity to be involved in the game. So, whether it be in football, in business, with my Foundation, I'm open to all the different things that I'm passionate about just now. It's still too early to say what I'll do but hopefully it will be a bit of everything.

Q. Have you considered finishing your career in Europe? Sam Jones, Newcastle

A. I've thought about it. I love to travel and I love Europe so it would be great in many ways. But at the same time there is another part of me that thinks while I'm capable I might as well try and play as many years in the top flight as I possibly can, then move to Europe and enjoy it as a tourist or a resident. Going to a team and experiencing life in Europe as a pro athlete is one thing but maybe it would be better to retire from the game here and then go and live over there for a time.

[misteradiant]

But if Phoenix doesn't want me one day, I have nothing against considering one of the Texas teams.

it's just business and i don't blame him in the least. go where you're wanted. right now he is wanted here and he's happy here.

[sehan]

thanks for the props, sehan. but there is a girl in colorado who wishes she never ordered the kobe beef.

Hilarious!!!!

[desertcoast]

Regardless of how many questions we might have about certain players on the current roster and coaching decisions, I'm in the camp of
"our best chance of being a contender this year still lies with the coach and the squad we have right now". Look within.

As far as D'Antoni..I think he's reeling enough over the rocky play and injuries that every PR clip just sounds forced or out of whack.
I'm just going to quit reading them for a while ( for the sake of my own sketchy sanity).

I think they'll get it turned around, but I suspect it might get a bit uglier between now and then.

[Mori_Chu]

Maybe we are playing the right way and taking it easy at the beginning of the season and will coast into the playoffs like the Spurs have the past few seasons, and be fresh and prepared for the slugfest.

We are *not* going to be fresh and prepared for the slugfest based on the way we are playing. Coach is still only playing 7 guys. Yes, I know, if you look at the average minutes, they are not that far off from what they should be for most of our guys. But they're only that way because Grant Hill is getting way too many minutes, Raja Bell is playing way too many minutes *injured*, and Amare is probably even playing too many minutes on his tender knee.

DJ and/or Banks need to be in the rotation. We also need to develop a lot more coherent offensive strategy for when Nash is out (and maybe even for when he is in). We need plays, go-to moves and players, etc. What we are doing is not working.

The reason this is more important this year than ever is that we are not as fast as we used to be. Our speed is only slightly above average, any more. We need to realize that in the pursuit of a championship, we have slowly become a veteran team, one that is not quite the pack of cheetahs we grew accustomed to in past seasons.

[INFORMER]

Why would Toronto trade Bosh for Amare? Yeah, I think Amare's better, but Bosh doesn't have a microfractured knee.

And why are we even talking about trading Amare? Honestly? Maybe if we still had an overachieving TimThomas and a Boris Diaw that dominates, then that might be an idea worth considering. But neither player is on this roster. And what could we get for Amare that would make this team better, now or in the future? Camby? Rasheed Wallace? Please.

Just stop people, just stop.

How about trading Marion? I was for it in the offseason, but now it just doesn't make sense. I don't believe there is a single good offer out there for Marion. Plus, right now, we need him so much it isn't even funny. Shoot, I'd rather him walk after this season. At least then, we wouldn't have to take back any crappy contracts that we'd almost assuredly have to do if we traded him during the season.

As far as D'Antoni: I like his philosophy. But the short rotation and the excessive minutes is wearing so thin on me. And Raja leading the team in scoring tonight is not going to help things. DA will keep riding him and everyone else until we limp into the playoffs, exhausted and vulnerable. I'd be shocked if Hill and/or Raja were healthy come playoff time.

[INFORMER]

CORRECTION: I'll admit Chicago could offer a tempting package for Marion or MAYBE Amare. Philly could make a pretty good offer for Marion.

[misteradiant]

i challenged everybody to meditate upon things about the suns that were great. so here's my rambling list:

there were times steve walked the ball up while looking over to d'antoni seeking instructions which means mike coaches, dudes, and that he did well tonight. he didn't go deep but he played 8 guys and made no grave mistake. i think he is taking things way too seriously right now, though. that does not seem like a bad thing because the team responded with a very serious effort. interesting as i think about it dispassionately. it was businesslike. it was like the spurs play sometimes. you've seen it. the realization makes you tremble inside. you were wrong. we can play the spurs and score over 100 points on them doing it. tonight's performance illustrates that we have the ability to dominate a great team. we are a great team and we've got five months to get even better.

you want more? okay.

amare had incredible blocks and rebounds and forced howard into many of his 8 turnovers. the suns communicated well and passed the ball crisply for 29 assists. even leandro. skinner had 6 rebounds in 12 minutes to go with a block and a steal. i want to start the brian skinner fan club and make t-shirts. how about boris moving step by step with his back to the basket and turning while being fouled past two defenders and still putting the ball hard into the hoop? what about that, motherfuckers? how about out-rebounding, out-assisting, less turnovers, more blocks, and with that and more outscoring the red hot orlando magic with spectacular defense that consisted of no less than ten blocks. and the scoring? what a killer spread of points among the team. 6 players scored between 15 and 20. these are all great things. they are all reasons to love the suns and give them a break. they are calls to action for wisdom and understanding, for mercy and severity, but severity for our team, not against them.

i agree with desertcoast. i wouldn't trade a soul on this team because i think these guys can win the championship. they played a very good team tonight and won. it wasn't really too hard. we led by 10 points most of the game. the magic picked it up a notch and it took us a minute to get there, too. when we did, we did what we needed to do and it was never in doubt. if you were a fan of the magic you'd think phoenix was what phoenix thinks the spurs are. no matter how well they're playing, we beat them. we beat them in their house. that's a great reason to be happy about what the suns are doing. the suns are a nemesis. they are hacking and getting balls. not to be confused of coughing while squeezing balls. and heaven forbid we bring up that akward pre-teen moment in the school doctor's office. goodness no. we're much too delicate around here. there's got to be a reason why the suns are just missing that something you can't put your finger on. maybe if you smelled your finger, you'd realize you needed to wash it before you touched anything with it. regardless, vote independent or die. you know, freedom or death. like if you were jesus getting a blowjob. how sweet would that be? master of all souls, transmitter of the dreams of man to god. a blowjob must feel pretty darn good to you.

anyway. balls. steve nash licks his fingers all the time and touches balls.

go suns. the sun is a ball. a ball of fire! grr!
touch me! the sun cries.
but we could not. fire hot. fire hurt. still, the sun, alone and untouchable, watches us and knows that it is alive.

just fucking with you people. good night. sweet dreams. wake less cranky. chillify. send me your money. yeah. especially that.

zzzzzzzzz....


wah!? hmmm. unless someone gets injured. then you can freak out. but only if it's brian skinner. 'cause he's cool. now go to bed.

[cap]

when you are performing at your best and still you are told you should be better, fuck that.
They did set the expectations with all kinds of promises in the offseason — that the team would be contending for a championship, that Amare would be contending for Most Improved, etc.

What we are seeing is a team that does not look remotely like a contender, an Amare that does not look greatly improved, etc.

The frustration comes from their failing to live up to the expectations that they set.

But maybe it’s time to forget about all those offseason promises and just appreciate them for the above-average team that they are.

[sunsdotcom]

cap, do you manually input your nba stats in your player rating software? or is it automated? where do you get your nba stats?

[cap]

cap, do you manually input your nba stats in your player rating software? or is it automated? where do you get your nba stats?

I download and parse the boxscores from NBA.com. It automatically happens once a day.

A couple of times this season it has broken when they changed the way the boxscore pages were formatted; fortunately, the changes were trivial and I was able to fix the code very quickly.

[sunsdotcom]

thanks.

[JediSkywalker]

I hate to say it but I don't have a good feeling about this years team and I think that this will be the end of the run for this group. I know we are off to a great start and what not, but the attitude that the team has is really a downer and same with the fans and the media. It doesn't seem like they are having fun out there anymore. It seems like it is too much about business. I really can't say what it is but I just have this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I think about this suns this season.

My thoughts:

1) Coach D is digging in his heals too much about tthe Suns style. I've finally admitted to myself that he is a one trick pony. yeah our style is to run fast and move the ball and we rely on our outside game, but there is no diversity in it at all. One of the things that a great coach can do is throw different looks at opposing teams to keep them off their game. Yeah, on most nights we can run teams out of the gym, but we have nothing if we are playing a team taht can either a) run with us or b) can impose their will on us.

2) Nash is too determined for his own good. All he is seeing are the teams flaws, and when he is the leader of the team and he has an attitude like that, he is making the rest of the team think the same. Thus, bringing down team morale and making the flaws even bigger.

3) I would like to see us move Amare. I wish that the Suns had pulled the trigger on sending Amare for KG. I mean look at the fire KG is playing with right now in Boston. I don't know who I would want in place of Amare, but I have lost faith in him as the big man for our team. Bill Simmons threw out some trades for players like Marcus Camby and Rasheed Wallace. Both of which I considered and also had no hesitation about - particularly Camby. I know he has a history of injuries, but he has been relatively healthy the past few seasons, and with our training staff he should be fine, plus his contract would require that at least one more player be included in the trade which would give us one more body to put on the floor. Plus Camby can effectively guard Duncan.

4) Skinner is a steal. Too bad we only have him on a 1 year rental. He will be commanding a contract based off of his play this year that we won't be willing to pay. Whoops.

5) The team is playing with fire right now - putting so much pressure on Hill; playing Raja when he shouldn't be playing (at the very least, we should move Barbs to starter and have Bell off the bench); Though the Marion situation has really been put on the back burner, it is still an issue, as he will probably opt out this summer because he has an idiot for an agent, and then we will be screwed anyways. We might want to consider trading him for something, just so we don't lose him for nothing.

I probably have more thoughts, but tahts all I can really think of and articulate now.


WORD on all 5. Watching Garnett on the Celtics team just burns me. If the Suns were willing to part with Amare, we could have gotten KG. The Suns need more defense.