Thursday's News: FU and move over, GS - There's something leaner!!!

[SwingMan]

Suns cruise past Raptors (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1205sunsonline1206.html)

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/pics/1205sunsgamer.jpg
Suns guard Leandro Barbosa drives to the hoop past Raptors forward Jason Kapono during the first half in Toronto on Wednesday.

Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 5, 2007 11:20 PM

TORONTO - The last time that Suns point guard Steve Nash created offense like this, it began a run in which they won 27 of 29 games.

If there is a sign of how the Suns have found harmony, it is the way Nash is dispersing the ball. He set a season high in assists (18) for the second consecutive game, and the Suns set a season scoring high in defeating the Raptors 136-123 on Wednesday night.

That is 64 assists to nine turnovers in Nash's past four games, something he has not done since the first month he returned to Phoenix in 2004.
http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gifhttp://view.atdmt.com/AST/view/cnoccbwr0080000008ast/direct/01/594158095 (http://gcirm.azcentral.gcion.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1205sunsonline1206.html/594158095/ArticleFlex_1/OasDefault/bmw_sports_2007_300_fixed/bmw-sports-300x250.txt/34373233333337313436646134623030?594158095)http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gif

The Suns will not practice this week, but that doesn't seem necessary, because their progress is evident with each win. A night after the Suns scored 121 points at Indiana, Leandro Barbosa scored 35 points to lead the team's output that was aided by 59 percent shooting and a second consecutive game of 38 team assists.

"I like it when we play a lot of games," said Nash, whose team has started a road trip of five games in seven days with three wins. "I like four in five nights. Physically, it can be a little tougher and mentally, but our rhythm's there. We seem to not skip a beat from night to night. It's almost like the night between the games is halftime and we jump back out there."

The Suns wondered just how much they could score when newcomers Grant Hill and Brian Skinner fully meshed and all the injuries were behind them. Averaging 124 points in these three road games is a sign.

"We're looking pretty good," coach Mike D'Antoni said. "That's 136 points pretty easy."

The Suns were more relentless Wednesday than Tuesday, when they continually surrendered big leads. Each Suns player performed well, right down to Shawn Marion's game-high 14 rebounds. Hill continued to find more ways to be a playmaker, notching a season-best nine assists to give him 22 in the past three games.

Amaré Stoudemire followed a 42-point game with 25 on Wednesday. Raja Bell hit five consecutive shots in the third quarter to stretch the lead.

The Suns' bench outscored the starters in the first half because Boris Diaw was having his best scoring night (14 points) in a month.

"Boris was much more aggressive, and that's what it takes," D'Antoni said.

But it was Nash's orchestration, from the time he found Stoudemire rolling for a jumper on Phoenix's first possession to the time he left after feeding a Hill alley-oop and a Bell breakaway dunk, that was key. Nash has averaged 17 shots in four losses and 10.5 in 15 wins this season.

"When the ball moves, we're difficult to defend," Nash said.

"I want to try to get these guys as many shots as I can and feeling confident about themselves and feeling good. If I don't have to shoot, I have no problem not shooting. I'm happy to distribute and find my teammates and get their confidence going and try to find that natural rhythm of our team."

Report

Cheers

Suns center Amaré Stoudemire did not pick up a foul. That happened once in 82 games last season.

Jeers

The Raptors shot 55.4 percent despite missing two of their best offensive weapons, Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani.

Player of the game

Phoenix's Leandro Barbosa scored 35 points, four off his career high.

View from press row

Shawn Marion might have unknowingly spurred Boris Diaw on Wednesday. Mike D'Antoni believes Diaw needs "starter minutes" to excel. When Marion picked up two quick fouls, Diaw entered three minutes into the game and drove for a score on his first possession. Moments later, he drove the baseline for a dunk. He scored 14 points after having nine points total in the previous four games, when he averaged 17.5 minutes. Someone asked D'Antoni before the game about teams needing a "Big 3" to win a title, and D'Antoni said he has a "Big 7." It looked like that Wednesday.

- Paul Coro

[SwingMan]

Nash's Olympic decision criticized (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1206sunsnb1206.html)

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/pics/1205nash.jpg
Steve Nash passes the ball as he is guarded by Raptors forward Anthony Parker on Wednesday.

Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 6, 2007 12:00 AM

TORONTO - Suns guard Steve Nash is Captain Canada in these parts but that apparently is not keeping him from being criticized during his only visit to his homeland.

Nash has stated clearly and repeatedly in recent years that it is doubtful that he would play for Canada's national team again, but that did not stop local talk radio from debating and criticizing Nash's choosing.

"I wish I could play, and some people will say, obviously, you can, but I don't think people realize how difficult it is for me to do what I do for the Suns and accept the responsibility I have for this team physically, mentally, emotionally and then everything that goes with that off the court," Nash said. "It's a lot. It would really, I think, be a detriment to both parties if I played this summer (in an Olympic qualifier). I don't know if I could last all that basketball.
http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gifhttp://view.atdmt.com/AST/view/cnoccbwr0080000008ast/direct/01/1706968181 (http://gcirm.azcentral.gcion.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1206sunsnb1206.html/1706968181/ArticleFlex_1/OasDefault/bmw_sports_2007_300_fixed/bmw-sports-300x250.txt/34373233333337313436646134623030?1706968181)

"As you get older, you realize it's impossible to play year-round. For me to play at the level I want to play at, I have to train pretty hard to get to that level. I just can't show up the week before and expect the type of performances I expect or people expect. It would take me six weeks, two months of training to get to that level. I can't afford to do that at this stage of my career without getting injured."

BC's glue guy

In nearly two years of running the Raptors, former Suns General Manager Bryan Colangelo has been active in retooling his team. Off-season acquisitions Jamario Moon, Jason Kapono and Carlos Delfino each were in Toronto's rotation Wednesday.

He said the Raptors have needed all three because they have had a hard time overcoming injuries to Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani and Jorge Garbajosa, all of whom were out Wednesday. But none hurts more than losing Garbajosa, who played for Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni in Treviso, Italy.

"He was that glue intangible we brought to the team," Colangelo said. "Mike used to tell me (in Italy), 'He's not my best player, but he's the reason we win.' "

Miked Mike

USA Today reported Wednesday that TNT and ESPN broadcasts will start having more inside access this week with locker-room cameras, required microphones on coaches and optional microphones on players. Only taped, screened material would be used from coaches, who will do in-game interviews.

"I don't care," D'Antoni said. "If it helps the league and we're in it to give some entertainment and if people feel it's a benefit, let's do it. It's not like I got state secrets over here. We're just playing basketball. We'll see if I can make any sense when the adrenalin is flowing. I might be babbling."

The Suns are slated to do it for the first time Wednesday for an ESPN game vs. Utah.

[SwingMan]

(Bob Young with an opinion from his blog)

Time for Suns to measure up (http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/BobYoung/12041)

Here we are, approaching the height of the holiday season, when we should be feeling comfort and joy, and yet we still don't really seem happy with what we're getting from the Suns.

Oh, they're going about the business of dispatching opponents, although perhaps without the same zeal and exuberance that we have become accustomed to seeing in past seasons.

But we wring our hands over Boris Diaw's lack of aggressiveness and lie awake at night wondering whether Leandro Barbosa is going to get it going like he had it last season.

We pick apart their victories because, well, they won but it wasn't pretty or they blew that big lead or they played down to the level of their competition or they didn't cover the #@&%! point spread.

Uh, never mind that last one.

Let's face it: We have become so spoiled that we're examining every brush stroke instead of just standing back and admiring a piece of art.

Hey, it's human nature.

We knew they would win a ton of games, but the question is whether this latest incarnation of the Suns has what it takes to win it all. So we sweat the little things.

Thankfully, they're going to give us a great glimpse of the big picture in the coming weeks.

We're circling the dates for you. And if you can't enjoy these works, then maybe it's time to buy a paint-by-numbers.

Dec. 12

Last season's surprise Western Conference finalists, the Utah Jazz, visit US Airways Center.

Like Shawn Marion, Andrei Kirilenko evidently has tabled his "trade demand." He hasn't burst into tears lately, either.

Dec. 15

Believe it or not, this is more than just a tune-up for the heavyweights to come. The Hornets are 8-2 on the road.

OK, not against great teams, but winning on the road against anybody is the mark of a tough team.

Frankly, we're surprised they're not better at home, where this one will be played. It's New Orleans, after all.

Dec. 17

Circle this one twice. In red.

No, not because it's David Stern bobblebutthead night.

It's the first meeting* against the Spurs since last season's controversial Western Conference semifinals.

Can Brian Skinner match up with Tim Duncan? Pffft. Can anybody?

*Remember, viewers leaving the immediate vicinity of their recliner will be suspended.

Dec. 19

The Suns face the Mavericks in Dallas, where it's not just about hoops but subplots.

Say, don't you think they ought to include a shot of Mavericks owner Mark Cuban banging his head against a wall at the end of that Steve Nash Training Day commercial for Nike?

Just do it!

Dec. 25

How fitting that we get this one as a Christmas gift on Channel 15?

The Suns were humiliated in their home opener by the Lakers, and Lakers coach Phil Jackson rubbed it in with a double timeout.

Don't you just know Mike D'Antoni would love to "bust" the Lakers by re-gifting that blowout and giving it right back to the Lakers on their home court with a national television audience looking on?

[SwingMan]

(The latest from Paul Coro's blog)

LB's (http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/PaulCoro/12036)


Leandro Barbosa went from four points Tuesday to 35 Wednesday. Steve Nash called the outburst a "quiet roll." Each Suns player contributed Wednesday (Shawn Marion was playing sick so 14 rebounds is more than enough and Brian Skinner did not play the second half because Toronto went small).
But let's look back at Barbosa's greatest hits Wednesday:

* Not long after entering the game, Barbosa went with a crossover move and take to the rim. Just the fact that he finished was a good sign after seeing so many rattle out recently.

* Barbosa then had a fastbreak layup and a tip-in but in the meantime it actually looked like his long-range struggles would continue. He was 3 of 14 on three-pointers in the previous four games and missed his first three tries on Wednesday.

* The Suns should address a thank you card to Toronto's transition defense. Given space and time, Barbosa will queue up his radar again. He hit three three-pointers in a stretch of two minutes of the second quarter. It between, he had a beautiful scoop drive, again finishing well. "Coach always tells me to keep shooting the ball and I found my rhythm," Barbosa said.

* Now, the Raptors did not know whether to be on their heels or toes against Barbosa. He took Carlos Delfino off the dribble and got fouled and made another three-pointer to help Steve Nash rack up more assists. Barbosa had 22 at the half.

* Boris Diaw only had two assists Wednesday but Barbosa's final made three-pointer came on a Diaw beauty. At his best passing out of the low post, Diaw whipped an overhead pass across the court to an open Barbosa on the weak side.

* Barbosa finished with speed, getting three fourth-quarter layups and adding a couple mid-range jumpers to finish 14 of 23 from the field (5 of 14 on three-pointers) for his 35 points. "I didn't even know I had that many points," Barbosa said. "I knew I shot a lot." He had two steals too. That's another good sign, considering he had none in the prevous two games and should be getting his hands on more passes.

* Barbosa has now had the best two scoring games of his career in the past month. That Orlando road game on Nov. 10 was still a better all-around game with 39 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.

[SwingMan]

You folks wonder why Kidd didn't play last night? Check this :shock: :

(Link is RealGM lead to NY Post piece)

Trade Or Extend Me? Kidd Decides To Sit (http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/49567/20071206/trade_or_extend_me_kidd_decides_to_sit/)

December 6, 2007 - 2:27 am

New York Post -
Jason Kidd was "on strike," last night several team sources claimed, and he essentially called in sick, perhaps in an effort to force a trade from the Nets (http://nets.realgm.com/) or get a contract extension.

According to the New York (http://knicks.realgm.com/) Post, Coach Lawrence Frank said Kidd phoned him complaining of a migraine yesterday at about 2 p.m. Kidd never showed for last night's 100-93 defeat against the Knicks, also short-handed, in the Meadowlands.

Maybe it was the contract extension he sought and did not receive. Maybe it is the general state of the team. Maybe it is a desire for a trade. Whatever the reason, whatever the cause, Kidd chose a game against the division rival Knicks (http://knicks.realgm.com/) to state his case. And the Nets (http://nets.realgm.com/) certainly proved how much they need Kidd, losing to the 6-11 Knicks (http://knicks.realgm.com/) who were without Eddy Curry (http://www.realgm.com/src_playerfile/93/eddy_curry/) and Stephon Marbury (http://www.realgm.com/src_playerfile/252/stephon_marbury/).

"He's on strike," one team source said.

Kidd's teammates were tight-lipped, though one claimed, "I can't picture Jason doing that. I would be disappointed if he did."

But another source said the Nets (http://nets.realgm.com/) were planning on - if not already - talking to Dallas (http://mavericks.realgm.com/), the Lakers (http://lakers.realgm.com/) and perhaps Cleveland (http://cavaliers.realgm.com/) about a trade. Kidd nearly was traded to the Lakers (http://lakers.realgm.com/) last February.

Kidd played 30 minutes Tuesday in Cleveland (http://cavaliers.realgm.com/) and chatting with LeBron James (http://www.realgm.com/src_playerfile/828/lebron_james/) afterward.

[sunsdotcom]

FU and move over, GS - There's something leaner!!!

We beat a team without Bosh and Bargnani, Hooray!

[SwingMan]

http://www.edgarkennedy.org/images/photos/001.jpg

[AmareIsGod]

We beat a team without Bosh and Bargnani, Hooray!

Do we have to win by 50 to make it count? A win is a win. And it was a damn impressive one too. I'm happy, even if you're not or you don't really care.

[LU]

Since you all like to argue about insane trades or marginal players who supposedly would be great in Phoenix (I still don't get why a player who rides the bench elsewhere would play in Phoenix... but, let's move on ;-) ), I'll give you another topic to discuss.
Tonight your unofficial phxsuns.net European scout (that would be me...sort of...)
will check out Olimpia Milano @ LeMans i.e. the challenge between the two best 19-year old players in Europe, Danilo Gallinari vs Nicolas Batum.
Check back later (around 4.30 pm EST) for my report

[misteradiant]

in the gameday thread a lot of people are pleased with boris' performance. man, our expectations of him have sure been watered down. he goes to the hoop strong twice and it's suddenly a great game. big deal. he only had 4 rebounds and 2 assists. it's great that he had 14 points, but wasn't that his average two seasons ago? i say big whoop-de-doo. doris had one decent game. is everybody ready to take his dress off? thought so. anybody in the league can put one decent game together every few weeks when given over 27 minutes a game to do it.

i'll give him props when he can put together a string of games like this. until then, he's still sucking cabbage-flavored sphincter wind.

and skinner did not get enough minutes. he should never get less than 10. according to yahoo, he got 5 last night.

but all in all, what a great game. some were concerned with leandro and shawn yesterday. 35 points for lb and 14 rebounds for shawn. i don't think there is much to be worried about for those guys.

thumbs up to grant for 9 rebounds and amare for no fouls. very impressive stats, both. and what can you say about steve that doesn't come off as obsequious? he simply rocks.

as a team, the passing was wonderful. some might think there should be better defense but i say who needs it when you're shooting 60%, assisting 38 times and scoring 136 points. that's like screwing scarlett johansson and bitching that her hair is messed up afterward.

[SpecialSauce]

Couple things, MR. Toronto went small in the second half after going down 20, that's why Skinner didn't play. Also, GH got 9 assists, 4 boards, not 9 rebounds :)

[misteradiant]

yeah, i missed the game. first all year. i still think brian is mobile enough that he can keep up with the small ball. but that means just 5 minutes in the first half. that's also pretty poopy.

doh! i meant assists. that's what i get for multi-tasking at work. thanks for the clarification SK.

[INFORMER]

1. What are you doing Jason Kidd?

2. The Raptors game was nice because the Suns put on a nice offensive display and "took care of business." But I'm glad someone finally pointed that the Suns beat a Bosh- and Bargnani-less Raptors team. It is nice to see the team play well, but let's keep things in perspective.

3. I was all for signing Skinner (I thought he could help) but I never thought he'd work out this well. And actually like how D'Antoni has been using him in moderation.

4.
Only taped, screened material would be used from coaches, who will do in-game interviews.

I hate when they do it in Baseball, and I'm sure I'll hate it when they do it in the NBA.

[sose]

This is where I go when I miss a game..

http://bt.davka.info/

[Velo]

Dear Tom Leander,

Please take "elevates and detonates" and "to the tenth floor" off your list of Leanderisms.

Love,
Velo

[Velo]

I seriously would rather just have the ambient arena sounds on my TV instead of Leander. Well, this is true for those idiots on ABC too.

[CNY_xplant]

2. The Raptors game was nice because the Suns put on a nice offensive display and "took care of business." But I'm glad someone finally pointed that the Suns beat a Bosh- and Bargnani-less Raptors team. It is nice to see the team play well, but let's keep things in perspective.


I realize that you were giving props for the game, but is it really necessary to lessen the value of the win? I think that we're all fully aware that the Raps didn't have Bosh and Bargnani last night. But, the team still "took care of business".

There were too many positives out of this game to worry about who played for the other team. What could be said about the game if those 2 did play and we still took care of them?

Let's face it. A win is a win, regardless of who is playing on the other end of the court. They won't all be offensive works of art, but as long as we're pulling out the W in the end, who cares. This team is starting to fire on all cylinders. They've had some ugly wins and some beautiful ones. There is no UW or BW win columns, just the W.

[CNY_xplant]

in the gameday thread a lot of people are pleased with boris' performance. man, our expectations of him have sure been watered down. he goes to the hoop strong twice and it's suddenly a great game. big deal. he only had 4 rebounds and 2 assists. it's great that he had 14 points, but wasn't that his average two seasons ago? i say big whoop-de-doo. doris had one decent game. is everybody ready to take his dress off? thought so. anybody in the league can put one decent game together every few weeks when given over 27 minutes a game to do it.

i'll give him props when he can put together a string of games like this. until then, he's still sucking cabbage-flavored sphincter wind.

and skinner did not get enough minutes. he should never get less than 10. according to yahoo, he got 5 last night.

but all in all, what a great game. some were concerned with leandro and shawn yesterday. 35 points for lb and 14 rebounds for shawn. i don't think there is much to be worried about for those guys.

thumbs up to grant for 9 rebounds and amare for no fouls. very impressive stats, both. and what can you say about steve that doesn't come off as obsequious? he simply rocks.

as a team, the passing was wonderful. some might think there should be better defense but i say who needs it when you're shooting 60%, assisting 38 times and scoring 136 points. that's like screwing scarlett johansson and bitching that her hair is messed up afterward.

I agree that Boris needs to show the consistency, but there was a glimmer of hope in last night's game that he can produce like he did 2 years ago. He obviously won't have good games every night, but if he can show the same level of effort routinely, I'd be very happy.

[Wormwood]

Sadly, "elevates and detonates" is the only Leanderism that I like. It actually describes what Amare used to do all the time.

1. Get the ball down low
2. Jump straight up with three guys hanging off of him, like he's some sort of freight elevator
3. Throw the ball down so hard that you'd guess the rim is bent, with very loud, metallic "BANG!"

He can take the rest of his stupid saying and STFU.

[WestCoastBias]

I like "elevates and detonates" too.

The 3 that I just cant stand are:

1) Tissue soft (although I havent heard that much this season)
2) Raja that!
3) Free for Three

The one reason I look forward to the off season each year is hoping to hear that he has been canned.

[SwingMan]

With all due respect folks, could you all please cut out the Leanderisms discussion? We all have to hear 'em enough during the damn games.....

[misteradiant]

and he hits rock bottom!

that one's for you, swing.

;)

[Velo]

well, we know Tom trolls the site, so i'm hoping he takes the hint.

and its "free throw" not "free toss"

[SwingMan]

and he hits rock bottom!

that one's for you, swing.

;)

Why thank you, MR.

Had to indulge in a little crust this afternoon - gotta work this evening & all..... :oops:

[INFORMER]

I realize that you were giving props for the game, but is it really necessary to lessen the value of the win? I think that we're all fully aware that the Raps didn't have Bosh and Bargnani last night. But, the team still "took care of business".

There were too many positives out of this game to worry about who played for the other team. What could be said about the game if those 2 did play and we still took care of them?

Let's face it. A win is a win, regardless of who is playing on the other end of the court. They won't all be offensive works of art, but as long as we're pulling out the W in the end, who cares. This team is starting to fire on all cylinders. They've had some ugly wins and some beautiful ones. There is no UW or BW win columns, just the W.


I agree with all your points. While yes, by what I said, I may have lessened the value of the win, that was not why I said it. Many fans in general never hesitate to point out that they're missing key players or playing through injuries to excuse a loss or poor play. I just feel it should work both ways. The Suns played great, and they deserve credit, and we should all be happy with their performance. IMHO, though, I think it is only fair to acknowledge the Suns were playing an undermanned Raptors team. Shoot, I could be wrong, I could out of line. I just think it is something that shouldn't be overlooked.

[misteradiant]

IMHO, though...


wouldn't the acronym for that be IMHOT?

why informer, i never! (fans face with sports page)

[CNY_xplant]

I agree with all your points. While yes, by what I said, I may have lessened the value of the win, that was not why I said it. Many fans in general never hesitate to point out that they're missing key players or playing through injuries to excuse a loss or poor play. I just feel it should work both ways. The Suns played great, and they deserve credit, and we should all be happy with their performance. IMHO, though, I think it is only fair to acknowledge the Suns were playing an undermanned Raptors team. Shoot, I could be wrong, I could out of line. I just think it is something that shouldn't be overlooked.

I don't disagree with you. After all of the negativity around here this season, I'd love to see some homerism after one of these great wins. :wink:

[INFORMER]

Good point.

[misteradiant]

awww! group hug!

the site is so nice today. we should blow teams out more often. if it wasn't for my avatar of johnny cash saying howdy, you'd think we always get along.

frankly, i find this boring. here's to losing tomorrow!

[MTSunsFan]

Getting along, eh MR. Well why don't you go log in & log out a few more times ya whiner...

[misteradiant]

ha! not anymore! sose fixed it! i've been logged in all afternoon!

MWAH HA HA HA HAAAAA!

(makes moose antlers with hands and sticks out tongue)

[SwingMan]

Just to set the record straight, my thread header is based on this question:

What was GS doing until last night?

[WestCoastBias]

I dont know if anybody here looks through dirtyscottsdale.com, but look what I found.

http://www.dirtyscottsdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/l_97703b5t0fe1b48b01327d1c5cdf135875-copy.jpg

So many questions:

1) Does Boris have legitimate bitch tits?
2) Why doesnt he have a shirt on?
3) Hes a pro player, I have seen the groupies, and this is what he is going after?
4) Are these girls all 6' tall or is Boris not quite as tall as we thought?

For all the talk of him being in shape, he clearly is anything but in shape....

[misteradiant]

boris likes 'em like bill clinton does. they should exchange little black books for a weekend. and how did you get your avatar that big? i offer this in exchange for that info:

http://trentreker.com/images/phxsuns-alt.gif

[MTSunsFan]

Cool graphic, MR. And one of those girls in that pic of Boris looks like Jordin Sparks -- the gal from American Idol (please don't ask me how I know)...

[misteradiant]

Just to set the record straight, my thread header is based on this question:

What was GS doing until last night?


GS? great splat? ginormous stapler? google sucks? gamble stupid? what is this GS you write of?

just kidding. bored. um. what were they doing? winning a lot of games last i heard. is there a point i'm missing? seriously. grappling saliva? grape stain? gastrointestinal sponge?

:)

[LU]

As promised, my scouting report on Europe's rising stars

I hate scouting. To watch Batum, I had to watch an awful game instead of a much more interesting Panathinaikos vs Real Madrid.
At least two NBA scouts (Celtics and Blazers) attending.
Both players started at the 3 spot. Gallinari played approx. 32/33 mins, Batum 20 mins. Both played the whole 4th qtr. Gallinari (6’9”ish) is at least 2 inches taller and 10 pounds heavier. My report on Gallinari is obviously longer because I watch him play at least once a week
NICOLAS BATUM
5 pts, 2/5 (1/3 3pts), no FT. 1 Ast, 1 TO, 4 fouls
Unfortunately for him, his coach made him guard Gallinari and he spent 3 fouls on him in 7 first-half minutes.
Offense: smooth pull up jumper, 3 pt shooting range. Can catch and shoot though he’d rather use the dribble to find his balance. He tried (and aborted) only a couple of drives , but when he does, he can find the open man on the perimeter. The pace of the game was probably too slow for him to stand out and show his physical ability
Defense: he can’t guard penetrators: doesn’t move his feet and when his opponent drives past him, he tries to reach and fouls. 4 fouls on Gallinari’s drives or cuts. Can’t guard bigger players because he’s too light but has long arms so he does bother perimeter shooters. In 20 minutes I never saw him close to a rebound.
Personality: hard to say, too few data. Looks quiet and not very assertive, though he attempted 2 3-pointers (both missed) in the final minute (but mostly out of desperation)
DANILO GALLINARI
15 pts, 4/10 (0/1 3pts), 7/9 FTs, 7 rebs (2 off) 1 Ast, 3 stls, 2 TOs, 1 B
Offense: not his best night offensively, only 5 pts in the first half. He took only one 3 pointer (below average), but he’s smart and when he doesn’t feel his outside shot, he drives hard to the basket. He was fouled 12 times!! He is great at drawing fouls, because he isn’t afraid to use his body. His first step is amazing and can blow by smaller players. Tonight he tried to post up his smaller defenders twice (which is something he rarely does), but didn’t finish well. Weakness: sometimes he stops the ball movement when he hasn’t decided what to do or his teammates doesn’t move the way he would like.
Defense: he’s good at defending smaller players because he can stay in front of them when they drive and changes their shots with his size and long arms. When he guards big men he often fouls, though he isn’t afraid to play physically. He is very committed, though he may make mistakes when he is on the week side. Outstanding rebounder (especially considering that he plays mostly on the perimeter).
Personality: looks calm, but he's fiery, gets vocal with his teammates (even if he’s the youngest) and when he feels he doesn’t get the ball enough he gets it early in the play and plays the point. He wants the ball at clutch time.

Overall, Gallinari is more mature, doesn’t play like a 19-year old. Batum is smooth, elegant, with a great body, but still raw. I’m pretty sure Batum will declare for this draft, it isn’t so sure about Gallinari. Milan is in turmoil, the team is on sale and the current owner is getting rid of the largest contracts. The next few weeks will be revealing: if Gallinari stays in Milan, it means he chose to showcase himself (having plenty of playing time and being by far the most talented player on the team) and declare for the draft, if he is traded to another European powerhouse, his new team will probably want a guarantee that he’s staying in Europe next year too.
By the way, D’Antoni declared to an Italian newspaper: “Gallinari? This year I haven’t had time to watch him yet, but I’ve talked to his father…” D’Antoni and Gallinari sr played together for 10+ years…

[Superbone]

I seriously would rather just have the ambient arena sounds on my TV instead of Leander. Well, this is true for those idiots on ABC too.

I don't think I've gotten Leander once this year on League Pass. Happy day!

[SpecialSauce]

Damn MR nice graphic

[v9]

Thanks for the report LU. Still having difficulty thinking about the draft after last year's disappointment, though.

[Nate]

Thanks for the updates, LU.

Gallinaris stats look great if you take his 12 drawn fouls into account. Cant say that for Batum who ended up with a negative efficency rating for the game. Unfortunately, I havent seen them play yet, just looking up the stats.

Have you seen Ricky Rubio. Saw him twice this year in person when I spent some time in Valencia and in Barcelona visiting friends. In one of the games he totally outshined his teammate Rudy Fernandez, in the other one Rudy was injured and Jan Jagla of all players picked up the slack but Ricky was terrorizing the opposing guards. With his quickness and his ability to dominate even without scoring and his playmaking skills he will become a great player if he isnt one already one at age 17.

One more question: How did Sam Clancy look tonight for Le Mans?

[desertcoast]

... that's like screwing scarlett johansson and bitching that her hair is messed up afterward.

I haven't comprehended a single word after reading that line

[SwingMan]

GS? great splat? ginormous stapler? google sucks? gamble stupid? what is this GS you write of?

just kidding. bored. um. what were they doing? winning a lot of games last i heard. is there a point i'm missing? seriously. grappling saliva? grape stain? gastrointestinal sponge?

:)

Nope.

GS is indeed Golden State - and they were leading the league in scoring, until last night when the Suns took the lead on the season at 110.5 ppg.

Sorry - just ain't in a snappy humor mood today.....

[Wormwood]

Thanks for filling us in LU. Previous reports on Batum compared him with Diaw. What do you think?

[jkalldaway]

I have never seen Bois in a pic on dirtyscottsdale.com where he was wearing a shirt.

[CNY_xplant]

Getting along, eh MR. Well why don't you go log in & log out a few more times ya whiner...

:lol:

[Andy_S]

Leander had a another great line last night, and I can't remember it. Someone must have caught it...it was like "hitting rock bottom" where he's saying it as a good thing, but the expression itself already has negative connotations. Help me out, people.

[sose]

Leander had a another great line last night, and I can't remember it. Someone must have caught it...it was like "hitting rock bottom" where he's saying it as a good thing, but the expression itself already has negative connotations. Help me out, people.

Oh he drops that gem all of the time.. Usually when Bell drains a three.... Oh, I am mean when Raja is straight and sweet for 3.

[triplethreat06]

Hew Swing I don't know how to post the news articles all pretty and stuff, so I'll just give you the link to this cool article I found on Forbes about the Suns.

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2007/1224/050.html

The Suns are estimated to be worth $449 million...and that's only 8th in the league. My oh my how this game has turned into a bloated business machine.

[triplethreat06]

I should include this blurb in the mean time:

"Despite these investments and a payroll that went from $45 million in 2004 to $71 million this year, Sarver is perceived as a parsimonious banker in the Suns' blogosphere and among diehard fans. They point to his selling draft picks for $3 million a pop to the Portland Trail Blazers the past two years (no one ever accused Portland owner Paul Allen of being cheap). Next was a trade of forward Kurt Thomas and his $8 million salary to Seattle--widely seen as a salary dump that hurt the Suns' roster. Sarver defends himself: "We're knocking at the door of winning a title, and a draft pick is not going to help us win a title."

Congrats guys! FINALLY someone listened to our bitching and moaning!!

[ShelC]

"We're knocking at the door of winning a title, and a draft pick is not going to help us win a title."

Spoken like a true business man.

LU, thanks again for that recap and scouting report. Batum is certainly a physical specimen, but he may have some Diaw-itis it seems if he isnt as aggressive as he should be. Dont know too much about Danilo yet but that will change soon. How about Angelo Gigli? He was regarded as a top italian prospect about 2-3 years ago and has fallen off the radar.

[DrSublime]

"We're knocking at the door of winning a title, and a draft pick is not going to help us win a title."


i disagree...
dont you think LUOL DENG/ANDRE IGUODALA.. or maybe NATE ROBINSON, RAJON RONDO, SERGIO RODRIGUEZ coule be helping the suns out right now.

i think Rondo/Robinson would be much better then Banks.
and Deng or Igudala? how much better would they be then PIKE!

[DrSublime]

in all honesty.
if there is one move that might have doomed the Suns' title hopes its was the lose of Joe Johnson (for Diaw and 3 1st round picks that we've GIVEN 2 away) and then giving away Luol Deng for nothing. couldnt have had a better replacement for JJ then eith Deng (of Iguodala if they had drafted him)

that move pisses me off so bad to this day still.....

[Immortal]

Hew Swing I don't know how to post the news articles all pretty and stuff, so I'll just give you the link to this cool article I found on Forbes about the Suns.

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2007/1224/050.html

The Suns are estimated to be worth $449 million...and that's only 8th in the league. My oh my how this game has turned into a bloated business machine.

I just read the article, I had no idea Jenny Craig was part of the investment group. Someone get her to talk to Boris ASAP!

[AmareIsGod]

http://www.dirtyscottsdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/diaw-again-copy.jpg

I wonder if Doris has heard of a push up or bench press... He has pecks the same size as mine when I was in 8th grade.

[sunsdotcom]

Do we have to win by 50 to make it count? A win is a win. And it was a damn impressive one too. I'm happy, even if you're not or you don't really care.

I was responding to the title of the thread. A little gloating is not bad, but GS just recently beat us. And we beat an undermanned team without bosh, bargnani and garbajosa.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore;_ylt=Aufa274af.fhBe6ZBKX6FDK8vLYF?gid=200 7120509

[AmareIsGod]

Oh, and he makes "Ashy Larry" look like someone who actually applies lotion. Pick up a bottle of Lubriderm sometime Boris. Looks like you just rolled around in a sandlot with your shirt off.

[UOducks4life]

http://www.dirtyscottsdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/diaw-again-copy.jpg

I wonder if Doris has heard of a push up or bench press... He has pecks the same size as mine when I was in 8th grade.

It's because he's 6'8" and you're 5'10". Put his pecks in you and you'd be a c-cup.

[UOducks4life]

Did anyone see JJ just hit the game winner against Minny? I admit, I was happy for him.

[Superbone]

Did anyone see JJ just hit the game winner against Minny? I admit, I was happy for him.

Think of the draft pick, man!

[triplethreat06]

These pics are classic. I wanna see Boris and Amare side by side. I read somewhere Amare is so ripped that they don't let him lift weights otherwise he'd bulk up a la Dwight Howard.

I'm just waiting for a popped collar pic...that'd be the cherry on top of this bitch pie

[SpecialSauce]

This board has hit an all time low. Next we'll see a pic of boris's 8 incher and you guys will be complaining that it's not 10. Fine, complain.....but when it comes down to it you're still staring at another man's shit

[sunsdotcom]

Hi LU, are you watching any of the ULEB cup games too?

btw, batum has dropped to the 12th spot on nbadraft.net

http://www.nbadraft.net/


Previous reports on Batum compared him with Diaw.

not physically. but in temperament and personality.


How about Angelo Gigli?

i'll be watching him today when benetton plays ASK Riva. (ULEB)

[Andy_S]

Oh he drops that gem all of the time.. Usually when Bell drains a three.... Oh, I am mean when Raja is straight and sweet for 3.

Sorry, what I meant was it was a DIFFERENT one, but along the same lines. Hitting rock bottom is an old Leanderism...he was branching out this time, and it was just as inappropriate.

[Andy_S]

This board has hit an all time low. Next we'll see a pic of boris's 8 incher and you guys will be complaining that it's not 10. Fine, complain.....but when it comes down to it you're still staring at another man's shit

I only saw a picture of three cute girls, Saucy. What picture were you looking at?

[cap]

http://www.dirtyscottsdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/l_97703b5t0fe1b48b01327d1c5cdf135875-copy.jpg

Great. A picture of Boris at a party with his shirt off groping a drunk girl’s breast. I’m sure that’s exactly the image the Suns organization wants its players portraying in public.

Somebody ought to have a talk with him.

BTW, Boris has a girlfriend, and that’s not her.

Any indication when this picture was taken?

[cap]

Did anyone see JJ just hit the game winner against Minny? I admit, I was happy for him.

In other news, the Nuggets took care of the Mavs, who dropped to 12-8.

As underwhelmed as I am by the Suns’ start, I keep it in perspective. It could be worse. I could be a Mavs fan.

And weren’t the Bulls supposed to win the East?

[DrSublime]

" I read somewhere Amare is so ripped that they don't let him lift weights otherwise he'd bulk up a la Dwight Howard."

that might not be so terrible.

[jkalldaway]

Great. A picture of Boris at a party with his shirt off groping a drunk girl’s breast. I’m sure that’s exactly the image the Suns organization wants its players portraying in public.

Somebody ought to have a talk with him.

BTW, Boris has a girlfriend, and that’s not her.

Any indication when this picture was taken?


You don't think almost every player has done this? I have heard stories about Nash and he has a wife. Settle down. I've seen his gf though, she is unreal so I only hope for him that this was taken before he started with her.

[jkalldaway]

" I read somewhere Amare is so ripped that they don't let him lift weights otherwise he'd bulk up a la Dwight Howard."

that might not be so terrible.

Paul Shirley said that on a podcast. Amare does lift weights but it seems to be more for definition than for bulk, probably so that there is less stress on his knees.

[Nate]

" I read somewhere Amare is so ripped that they don't let him lift weights otherwise he'd bulk up a la Dwight Howard."

that might not be so terrible.



Paul Shirley said that on a podcast. Amare does lift weights but it seems to be more for definition than for bulk, probably so that there is less stress on his knees.

Exactly, additional weight could be a killer for his knees.

[RDM2]

Great. A picture of Boris at a party with his shirt off groping a drunk girl’s breast. I’m sure that’s exactly the image the Suns organization wants its players portraying in public.

Somebody ought to have a talk with him.

BTW, Boris has a girlfriend, and that’s not her.

Any indication when this picture was taken?

I'd say somewhere just after the trip to his favorite Krispy Kreme joint for his daily stuffing, where he also happened to meet all 3 of those chicks.

[LU]

Thanks for filling us in LU. Previous reports on Batum compared him with Diaw. What do you think?
The only thing they have in common is they're both French. Batum is smaller, way lighter, shoots much better with a super quick release, seems to have a good court vision though he doesn't have the ball in his hands that often. He's a 3, maybe even a tall 2 in the future. I don't see him playing the post or the elbows.
Maybe he drew that comparison for his attitude, but I'm not ready to give an opinion on that yet. He plays so effortlessly that his attitude may be misunderstood.

Re: Clancy. Decent game, lot of effort, but LeMans is such a poor team that it's difficult to stand out. Milan sucks, plays with 6 men and isn't a big team, yet they took more than 20 offensive rebounds vs LeMans

Re: Gigli. A good player, but not NBA caliber. He was probably the best Italian player at the European championship this summer but he's now lost in the mess that is this year's Benetton Treviso. He lacks personality, switches on and off even during a single game; everytime you think he has clicked, makes unexplicable mistakes. His shooting range is suspect. I like him beter when he doesn't take many 3-pointers and he often goes short. He's much better from mid range. Not a fighter under the defensive board, yet he does grab some offensive rebounds thanks to his atheticism.

[SwingMan]

I was responding to the title of the thread. A little gloating is not bad, but GS just recently beat us. And we beat an undermanned team without bosh, bargnani and garbajosa.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore;_ylt=Aufa274af.fhBe6ZBKX6FDK8vLYF?gid=200 7120509

You know, what the fuck ever, sdc.

I explained the point of the thread header to you and others before this, yet with the above statement, it was clearly ignored - you guys need to chill, as it's obvious you're reading WAY too much into it.

We lead the league in scoring once again: Fact, period, end of story. What's wrong with cheering about being #1 at SOMETHING?????

I get this bullshit, yet you soapbox surfers are allowed to debate the size of Diaw's chest? :roll:

Have at it, just don't tread on my right to cheer in the same breath.....

[AlanS]

I saw a bit of the Heat/Blazers game last night. From the broadcast:
•Barkley said that Riley deserved some of the blame for the Heat's bad start, because the team doesn't have enough talent to surround Shaq and Wade.
• The game announcers mentioned that the Heat had to let several players go - including Kopono and Posey, who are on the leaderboard for best 3PT% - because of luxury tax concerns.

Just making the point... there is some thinking that Sarver is "uniquely" cheap for making moves to stay at or under the tax limit. But as the announcers mentioned, many (most?) teams make decisions based on tax considerations. Basically, making moves based on tax issues is now standard business in the NBA... for better or worse.

(And you may insert your "well, I don't care about the heat or other teams" or "I don't care about the tax, I want to win a title" comment or other such standard response here:
"________________________")

[sunsdotcom]

You know, what the fuck ever, sdc.

I explained the point of the thread header to you and others before this, yet with the above statement, it was clearly ignored - you guys need to chill, as it's obvious you're reading WAY too much into it.

I saw your later reply on page2 swing and I didn't have much to add to your response.

and the comment you quoted above was directed at AIG.

[SwingMan]

I saw your later reply on page2 swing and I didn't have much to add to your response.

and the comment you quoted above was directed at AIG.

So, you didn't type this smart-assed response (http://demo.phxsuns.net/showpost.php?p=6143&postcount=6) from jump street then, right? :roll:

BTW, my explaination is here on page 3 (http://demo.phxsuns.net/showpost.php?p=6207&postcount=32), not page 2.....

[sunsdotcom]

So, you didn't type this smart-assed response from jump street then, right?

it was written prior to your explanation. and i was just teasing.


BTW, my explaination is here on page 3, not page 2.....

my board settings are 30 posts per page.

[SwingMan]

Ok, maybe I need to lighten up a bit - been in a bit of a funk this week & I guess it's eating away at my funny bone.....

[sunsdotcom]

it's okay swing. i thought your original reaction (http://demo.phxsuns.net/showpost.php?p=6145&postcount=7) was the appropriate one.

[misteradiant]

http://trentandbond.com/images/softsoap.jpg

[JackArse]

ok.. umm. yeah, i'm officially creeped out now