Game Day: SUNS vs. Clippers...

[MTSunsFan]

Beat (the other) L.A. again!!!

Dis∙cuss

[MTSunsFan]

Preview:


LA Clippers (9-18) at Phoenix (20-9)

Preview - Box Score - Recap

Game Info: 9:00 pm EST Fri Dec 28, 2007
TV: FSPT, FSAZ Add to Calendar
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By MIKE LIPKA, STATS Writer

The Los Angeles Clippers probably wished they wouldn't see the Phoenix Suns again for a while.

Instead, the teams meet less than 24 hours after the Suns blew out the Clippers, playing the back end of a home-and-home series at the US Airways Center in Phoenix on Friday.

The Pacific Division-leading Suns (20-9) rolled past the Clippers (9-18) 108-88 Thursday night at Staples Center, leading by as many as 36 points while handing Los Angeles its fifth straight loss. Phoenix shot 52.6 percent from the field while holding the Clippers to a dismal 37-percent clip.

Amare Stoudemire had 30 points and 15 rebounds in less than 27 minutes. He also had a big game in a 113-94 home win over the Clippers on Nov. 23, scoring 29 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in less than 30 minutes.

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"Obviously, he's so talented that it happens from time to time where he can dominate," said Suns guard Steve Nash, who had 12 assists and leads the NBA with 12.4 per game. "Tonight was one of those nights where he got going early, got to the line and was really a handful for them."

Perhaps more impressively, Stoudemire helped hold Clippers center Chris Kaman to a season-low nine points and just nine rebounds - his fewest in nearly a month. Kaman, who shot just 4-for-17 from the field, saw his string of 12 straight double-doubles snapped.

"That game just went too fast. I didn't play well," Kaman said. "I'm not going to play at that high level every night."

Stoudemire had struggled defensively in his previous game against the Los Angeles Lakers' Andrew Bynum, allowing him 28 points in a Christmas Day loss - also at Staples Center.

"I was more proud of my defense than my offense," Stoudemire said. "Scoring is easy for me, but defense is where we're tying to get better as a team."

The Suns have been inconsistent recently, alternating wins and losses in their last eight games while allowing an average of 112 points in the four defeats. They will try once again for their first consecutive wins since a five-game streak Nov. 30-Dec. 7.

This time, the odds may be in their favor. The Suns play five of their next six games at home, where they are 8-3 this season. Their next three games are all against teams at least five games under .500.

The Clippers are one of those struggling clubs, having fallen into last place in the Pacific Division while winning just three of their last 17 games, including their current five-game skid.

Los Angeles, still playing without Elton Brand (torn Achilles) and Shaun Livingston (knee surgery), hasn't scored more than 92 points in a game during the losing streak. The Clippers have also lost three straight on the road to fall to 5-9 there this season.

This home-and-home series is one of three this season for the Suns, as they swept Sacramento in November and play Denver on back-to-back nights March 31 and April 1. The Clippers have one other home-and-home this season, in March against Portland.


Updated on Friday, Dec 28, 2007 2:47 am, EST

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Team Comparison
Team Record Standings PF PA Road/Home Streak L10
LA Clippers 9-18 5th Pacific / 12th West 93.1 98.6 Road 5-9 Lost 5 3-7
Phoenix 20-9 1st Pacific / 2nd West 109.6 104.3 Home 8-3 Won 1 5-5

Phoenix Notes
Dec 28 The Suns have now won 12 of the last 15 meetings with the Clippers. ... The team has now alternated wins and losses for the eighth consecutive game. ... Tonight's game was the first of a homeand-home series between the squads. The Suns will host the Clippers on Friday. ... Phoenix currently has five players - Stoudemire ( 20.9), Nash (17.5), Barbosa (17.0), Marion (16.2) and Hill (15.9) averaging at least 15 points per game. At this rate, they will become only the eighth team in NBA history to accomplish that feat at season's end.

LA Clippers Notes
Dec 28 F Tim Thomas underwent an MRI on his left knee on Wednesday, which came back negative. Thomas, who was injured during the first quarter against San Antonio on December 22, is listed as day-to-day with a sore left knee. In 25 games, Thomas is averaging 12.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. ... The news was not as good for F Paul Davis, who suffered a torn ACL is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Davis was injured in the second quarter against Dallas on December 21. He had been averaging 2.5 points, 2.1 rebounds in 8.8 minutes per contest. ... Tonight's lineup was only the second time coach Dunleavy has utilized it. It is the 14th different lineup used this season. Only center Chris Kaman has started all 26 games so far.


st 12-28-07 2:12 et

[scosuns]

These back to back games against the same team is just weird in the regular season. Anyways, lets see another win. Come on 2 in a row!

[SunsFan4Life]

SUNS 111
CLIPS 102

Clips, if they have any Pride, will come out with energy after being humiliated at home last night.

Close throughout Suns pull away in the 4th.

[misteradiant]

i guarantee that at some point during the game i will fart. what i don't know is if it will be stinky.

[Amarvelous]

What did you have for lunch?

[misteradiant]

nachos and beer.

[EDC]

Well it must just be Amare isn't being aggressive out there. /sarcasm

Amare picked up his 2nd and he needs to be smarter then that. Notice this game they didnt throw it to him at the block he got the ball at the top of the key or off of screens. Apparently i was wrong about it taking one bad quarter from Amare for them to revert. It took him sitting out of the 4th last game.

[Velo]

"Sometimes you just get smacked in the face with injuries and you've just got to deal with it for three or four games and then hope your guys get back and get back on track,'' said Heat coach Pat Riley

sit raja for his own good. you're not helping the team if you go down in the playoffs... this is a marathon, not a sprint.

[EDC]

Wow.. can Barbosa just not make that pass? He totally just went away from Amare who had a little guy on him at the block. That was pathetic he passed it around the key then someone who had a much tougher angle ended up trying to make the pass.

[EDC]

They just passed around the key to make sure they got it into Boris at the post. *Sigh* :)

[BobbyDogg]

Well, the Suns revert back to shooting threes and giving up offensive rebounds. What happened to getting the ball to Amare and playing defense?

Thank god the shooting has been good for the Suns. The Clips look much better tonight and are shooting well.

Nice three to end the 1st half.

[cap]

Halftime.
Boris on floor: -7
Boris on bench: +11

[ShelC]

Thats crap. Boris was near perfect in the 1st half. He was actually getting looked off for like 3 plays before he came on with a monster dunk; well, it was "monster" for boris anyways. Hes had some real nice assists, 2 great ally-oops, shawn missing and then hitting amare with great pass for the thunder dunk down the lane. Hit Barbs for a 3 working out of the post....he played well offensively.

I dont know about the sub patterns. Now we're playing stevie the entire 1st qtr and then putting him back in with 6 to go in the 2nd? And if Knight is giving Barbs and Nash problems, why not at least try Banks give give Knight a different look? I thought Skinner probably played too long a stretch in the 1st.

Shawn was in pogo-stick mode to start the game, slowed down a bit towards the end of the half. We need him to pick it back up.

Weird 1st half IMO...felt like it took forever, we were playing so well early but were only up like 11-12pts and they just chipped away even tho we were still playing well. Just cant sag off in the 2nd half. They came to play.

[SwingMan]

There's got to be a string section somewhere in the lower bowl - the damn team's waltzing yet again.....

[BobbyDogg]

This seems like the longest game ever.

Suns are 6 for 13 freethrow shooting so far and are getting out hustled and out rebounded. They look a little tired tonight.

Finally, after getting killed on the boards for awhile now, Mike decides it may be time to insert Skinner. Gee, ya think? It really peeves me that he refuses to change his lineup every now and then.

Tie game.

And Swingy, you're right. The crowd looks as if they've all died at the same time and just don't know it yet.

[EDC]

Last few minutes in the game and Nash waves off the Amare pick? ... ... ...

[BobbyDogg]

Last few minutes in the game and Nash waves off the Amare pick? ... ... ...

Yeah, I saw that too. Wierd.

I'm proud of the defense the Suns have played the last couple minutes and the fact that they are taking it to the basket instead of shooting from the perimeter is very refreshing to see.

Clutch 20 foot jumper by Amare!

[Ben_Dejo]

Dear Mike D,

Amare is your best player. Get it through your thick fucking head.
Thanks

BD

[SwingMan]

FUGLY.....

[EDC]

Was a good game by the Suns. The block party was definitely fun to watch. We are back to outside-in though. I was pretty shocked when Raja fouled out and they put up the 2pt stat. He passed up a few open 3pt shots that I saw. If he is hurting they need to rest him.

[frezix]

Block Party!

[frezix]

DJ Strawberry people!!:
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20071228/UTAABQ/boxscore.html
WHOOOOOO

[BobbyDogg]

Raja needs to come off the bench at least until he's healthy. He just doesn't seem to have the legs under him to get off the three which means he's still thinking about his ankles. Give him a rest and see how it goes.

Diaw had a good second half and had a nice block.

Ugly but still a win. Next.

[fixxxer]

They should've rested Bell for both Clippers games and given DJ some burn... um, if he wasn't going off for 40 against D-Leaguers, that is. Some veteran smarts aside, I don't see how DJ hurts us all that much more than a J-less Bell.

Knowing D'Antoni isn't going to give DJ any extended burn, (and possibly rightly so) why not rest Bell for a couple of games, start Barbosa and give Banks Bell's minutes? All we need is for whatever injury/injuries Bell's nursing to go chronic.

[CharlesV]

It is still December, and the win equals a greater number in the left column.

That is all I have to offer.

[darrkin]

Yeah, Bell needs to either be benched or at least not start for a bit until he is right. He cant hit shots anymore, and really hasnt been most of the season. Think we would be better with anyone in that position right now. DJ would be awesome, and give us much needed athleticism and speed

[sehan]

I don't know what goes on behind doors, but I smell something rotten in the state of Denmark. Maybe I am over reacting, but there is definitely something awry between Mike D, Nash, and Stat.

I just don't buy this Amare is taking the night off bull. He is not aggressive cause he is not getting the ball and they are purposefully leaving him out of the offense.

Something is not right with this team and its super stars.

[Phoenix219]

Banks is showing that he 1) has energy and 2) had a 3 point shot, so why not put him in for raja, who was what, 1-7, and 0-5 on 3s?

[Phoenix219]

What did u guys mean earlier about Nash waving off the Amare pick or something?

[CharlesV]

The Suns are 21 and 9 right now. There is nothing to trip about.

At the same point in their respective seasons, here are the records of the last several NBA champs...

2006-2007 Spurs: 22-8
2005-2006 Heat: 17-12
2004-2005: Spurs: 23-6
2003-2004: Pistons: 17-13
2002-2003: Lakers: 12-19
2001-2002: Lakers: 20-6
2000-2001: Lakers: 21:10
1999-2000: Spurs: 20-10

I am not trying to channel Baghdad Bob here, but there is nothing to worry about. Not right now at least.

Just glancing at the schedule, 7 of the next 11 games are at home...none of those games are against anyone who would be a point favorite in Vegas.

We will be just fine.

[JediSkywalker]

This seems like the longest game ever.

Suns are 6 for 13 freethrow shooting so far and are getting out hustled and out rebounded. They look a little tired tonight.

Finally, after getting killed on the boards for awhile now, Mike decides it may be time to insert Skinner. Gee, ya think? It really peeves me that he refuses to change his lineup every now and then.

Tie game.

And Swingy, you're right. The crowd looks as if they've all died at the same time and just don't know it yet.


After the game I heard the KTAR post-game analysts saying that the crowd was not making noise/not supporting the team, etc. I am not sure where all this is coming from. I was at the game and the crowd was pretty vocal, standing up, etc. Of course it's not going to be like playoff noisy, and certainly not against a team like the Clippers, but every time the Suns went to sleep on the court, the crowd was trying to wake them up (D-Fense, Let's go Suns, etc.). This is after all a regular season game, against the same team they beat last night. How excited can you get about it? (I hate this back to back same teams formula) I thought the crowd was pretty decent, and definitely very noisy toward the end.

BTW when the Clips tied the game, we were all in a shock for a few moments. May be that's what you meant by the crowd died at the same time? That's pretty funny.

[JediSkywalker]

The Suns are 21 and 9 right now. There is nothing to trip about.

At the same point in their respective seasons, here are the records of the last several NBA champs...

2006-2007 Spurs: 22-8
2005-2006 Heat: 17-12
2004-2005: Spurs: 23-6
2003-2004: Pistons: 17-13
2002-2003: Lakers: 12-19
2001-2002: Lakers: 20-6
2000-2001: Lakers: 21:10
1999-2000: Spurs: 20-10

I am not trying to channel Baghdad Bob here, but there is nothing to worry about. Not right now at least.

Just glancing at the schedule, 7 of the next 11 games are at home...none of those games are against anyone who would be a point favorite in Vegas.

We will be just fine.

The Suns schedule does get easier from this point on. Sixty percent of their remaining games are at home. They have a couple of really tough series with back to back games against top teams. If they don't take advantage of the home games, they have only themselves to blame. They have proven that they can beat anyone if they put their minds to it.

The Denver game will be a challenge (Jan. 7), and the Lakers are looking extremely dangerous. Other than that, the Suns are playing Sacramento (Rd), Seattle, Milwaukee, Minnesota, SA, LAL (again in LA), LAC (again in LA), Atlanta.

[JediSkywalker]

Raja needs to come off the bench at least until he's healthy. He just doesn't seem to have the legs under him to get off the three which means he's still thinking about his ankles. Give him a rest and see how it goes.

Diaw had a good second half and had a nice block.

Ugly but still a win. Next.

Raja had one of his worst games. I thought the refs were tough on him too. His status is day to day; he is suffering from back spasms. He did attempt a couple of 3 point shots but they did not go in. The team is not so desperate that an injured player must play/start. They have players that would love the opportunity to play. I don't think he should be benched. Rather he should be allowed complete rest, as long as he needs.

Nash had one of his worst games (and he still had a double- 10 pts, 10 assists, plus 6 rebounds). Incredibly, he missed 3 FTs tonight. The Suns were pathetic from the line. Even Grant Hill missed a couple of FTs. Couple years ago the Suns were the best FT shooting team in the league. Did they stop practising the FTs completely? They could have won a couple more games if they had just shot their FTs. Somehow they pulled off this win, by grinding it out in the 4th Q. The Clippers were pesky; they just would not go away. I feel sorry for them actually. Imagine the Suns playing without their two best players and one more starter? That's what the Clips are faced with this season. I am glad the Suns- no matter how tired they felt- won this one. They had not won two games in a row in a long time. They have an opportunity to string together a few more wins.

[scosuns]

It wasn't pretty, but we got the job done. Raja didn't look so hot tonight. Amare was awesome offensively again. Also, what's with Marion missing easy shots and layups this season? Has anyone else noticed that? Anyways, I am happy with where we are.

[JediSkywalker]

Dear Mike D,

Amare is your best player. Get it through your thick fucking head.
Thanks

BD

It's not all Dantoni's fault (though I tend to blame him for most of the Suns problems). Amare had been very inconsistent this season. Against the Lakers he was totally ineffective. After that game Steve Kerr publicly stated that Amare needs to rebound better for the team to win. After that, he put together two back to back good games. He has not played with the same intensity he did last season and I am glad that Kerr got on his case. It has paid dividends. Hopefully the intensity will stay. He has all the talent in the world and he needs the intensity (someone said "Garnett-like intensity") every time. Unfortunately it often gets him in foul trouble. Tonight he picked up the 5th foul with more than 3 minutes left, and that was a cause for concern. There has to be a happy medium.

The whole team seemed off tonight. Marion missed three easy shots (two of them layups). LB did not score that many points. Nash had just 6 assists after 3 quarters. The Suns just did not seem to focus for very long at any time. Still, those 16 blocks were great to watch.

[AlanS]

Some quick game comments:
• After basically losing the game at the foul line vs LAL, Suns miss 10 of 23 tonight. Why has the Suns' FT become inconsistent? You know things are bad when Nash is just 3/6 from the line. And Stat was just 4/8. Meanwhile the Clips were 21/25 from the line. It kept them in the game.

• Raja Bell, if not hurting, doesn't seem to be helping. 1/7 FG shooting and 0/5 3PTFG is downright ugly. Playing 3 games in 5 nights seems to have worn down his scoring and shooting. Maybe he does need to sit a game or two.

• Diaw was productive tonight. I can't believe it: 2 steals and 2 blks in one game from Boris? Along with 4/9 FGs... an almost 50% shooting night? Let's see if he can put up some decent numbers in the next game.

• Clips won the TO battle - Clips 9 TO, Suns 14. Clips won the offensive reb battle - Clips 16 off reb, Suns 6. Suns were just 25% from the arc - 5/20 3PTFG. Suns were just 13/23 from the foul line (56%).

And the Suns still won. If only they could play the Clippers every night.

==

At this point, Suns are tied with Orlando for 2nd fewest home games (12). Houston has played the fewest home games (11).

While the Suns have played 12 home games, the Spurs have 15 home wins - Spurs are 15-2 at home, Suns are 9-3.

Suns are tied with Houston for 2nd most road games (18). Utah and Orlando have played the most road games (19). As their home/away schedules even out, all four of those teams might benefit in the win column as road fatigue becomes less of a factor. Time will tell.

[JediSkywalker]

Diaw has shown improvement in every game, going back about 4 games now. He really picked up the slack tonight, when most others on the team were struggling. He had 8 points, 4 reb, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals. That is pretty good work, coming off the bench. The reason it does not appear that good is because of how much he is getting paid. For 9 million dollars a year, we expect a lot from him, and I think he is trying to get there, by improving a little each time. It will be great if he does by say, March 2008.

P.S. (edited to add)- With the win tonight, the Suns are 21-9. They are just a half game behind the Spurs (20-8), and 1.5 games ahead of the Lakers. It's crowded in the western conference, and the hottest team Portland (12 straight wins) is not even in the top 5.

I was looking at how many games different teams have played, and it seems the Boston Celtics have enjoyed the easiest schedule so far. They have played just 27 games, when other teams have played around 30 +/-1. They have not played against the elite teams from the western conference. Things may even out in the second half of the season.

[sehan]

Vash, nice recap of the crowd and the game, but got to disagree with you on Amare. In the lakers game he was ineffective cause they didn't go to him. That is what happens when the other big man are allowed to attack you and you don't attack back. But to attack back you need the ball.

I think everyone agrees that the 1st clippers game (of the back to back) where Amare got 1st 5 shots of the game to establish himself and put the fear of god in Kamen was great to see. It got couple of quick fouls on their bigs, which made them tentative and Amare aggressive on both ends.

I think pretty much every team in the league sees what happens when Amare has to sit due to foul problems; hence, their strategy is always going to be try and attack Amare early to make him seat. Only way to avoid that is to play tentative and not pick up fouls or feed him the ball so he can attack them before they do.

Lets get back to the golden days of 04 - 05 season. Feed him the ball!

And Mike D - check your ego. We pay to see the players play, not you.

[Nate]

Vash, nice recap of the crowd and the game, but got to disagree with you on Amare. In the lakers game he was ineffective cause they didn't go to him. That is what happens when the other big man are allowed to attack you and you don't attack back. But to attack back you need the ball.

I think everyone agrees that the 1st clippers game (of the back to back) where Amare got 1st 5 shots of the game to establish himself and put the fear of god in Kamen was great to see. It got couple of quick fouls on their bigs, which made them tentative and Amare aggressive on both ends.

I think pretty much every team in the league sees what happens when Amare has to sit due to foul problems; hence, their strategy is always going to be try and attack Amare early to make him seat. Only way to avoid that is to play tentative and not pick up fouls or feed him the ball so he can attack them before they do.

Lets get back to the golden days of 04 - 05 season. Feed him the ball!

And Mike D - check your ego. We pay to see the players play, not you.

The coach bashing is getting more ridiculous by the minute. See, coach lets his players play, more than almost any other coach in the league. If anything, D'Antoni is the coach who has brought back the "lets let the players play"-philosophy to the NBA instead of calling every play from the sideline and yanking anybody for a move that he doesnt like. The only other guy in the league who has constantly done that for the last 15 years (but to a lesser degree) is a guy over there in LA with far too many championchip rings around his fingers. (note: I didnt put coach D on the same level with that damn Lakers coach, I just compared the two in the aspect you picked out).

To the point of Nash disregarding Amare and waving him off once: You guys realize that the deciding jumpers of Amare and Nash both resulted from Amare and Nash pick'n rolls and that they used it regularly in the last minutes, with the Clippers trying to keep the ball out of Amares hands. The Suns still used it to decide the game. Nash actually passed Amare the ball. Believe it:mrgreen:.

[Vladimir_Taltos]

Bull...Phil benefited from one of the finest startegic minds in the game...with one of the most sophisticated systems in the game, a little thing called the Triangle...with some of the most dominant players to play the game...you know, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe with Shaq...so even trying to make those comparisons shows you're forgetting a whole shit load of history.

Next, D'A doesn't have ANY structure, other than 'Go Play!"...and Nash of course. Our lack of structure and a plan at certain points in games to fall back on when player creativity, free balling it falling a part in stretches is a significant part of why the Spurs win and we don't. They can go structured or flat out...we can only play one style.

Having a structure to revert to, with set plays, when the game is stalling HELPS keep the momentum for a team...or to at least pull out of a stall...so again, BULL...

VT

[Nate]

Bull...Phil benefited from one of the finest startegic minds in the game...with one of the most sophisticated systems in the game, a little thing called the Triangle...with some of the most dominant players to play the game...you know, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe with Shaq...so even trying to make those comparisons shows you're forgetting a whole shit load of history.

Vlad, you have reading difficulties. MY post explicitly stated that it was not meant to compare or evaluate the overall coaching capabilities of our coach and that it concentrated only on the alleged big ego of our coach who doesnt let his players play. Paraphrased I wrote that this statement was bull because he is the coach who brought back that more freeflowing style. I mentioned Phil Jackson because he is the only other coach who consistently refuses to yank certain players after botched plays, refuses to cater too much to the opponent and basically lets his players play after they have learned the principles of Mr Winters offense.

Vlad, let me quote myself:

(note: I didnt put coach D on the same level with that damn Lakers coach, I just compared the two in the aspect you picked out).

So if you want to go on a rant over what I wrote or what frustration coach D levels on you, feel free to go on, but please dont put sth in my mouth what I havent even come close to saying and even explicitly explained. Otherwise, just keep up the "bull"-shitting.

[Nate]

Having a structure to revert to, with set plays, when the game is stalling HELPS keep the momentum for a team...or to at least pull out of a stall...

So obviously true!


D'A doesn't have ANY structure, other than 'Go Play!"...and Nash of course.

To say it in your words: Bull...

D'Antoni may not be the greatest X'n O guy in the league or even among his own staff, but you are severely underrating the guys knowledge and winning history. Granted, he had one of the worst teams NBA teams of all-time in that shortened lockout season without any preparation time. But whereever and whenever he coached in Italy, he was successful. He won several national and continental titles, sth which certainly doesnt happen if he says sth like "go out and play".

I know, I know, I know, Europe doesnt count. I hope you realize what record American coaches have going against some of the premier European coaches over the last decade, against whom D'Antoni competed (Messina, Obradovic, Pesic, to name a few for the different competitions.).

[Vladimir_Taltos]

Perhaps I focused on the wrong point, but are putting up how wonderful a coach he is...and I think he's part of the problem at this point. He has a demonstrated inability to create structured, half court offensive sets as seen anytime we've played the Spurs in the past for certain. I could also drag out the laundry list of his other shortfalls...substitution patterns, time out concerns, depth of play, lack of player development, inability to adjust in real time situations. Sorry, I think he's severely lacking and I think part of what's missing is Ivaroni over on the bench...the one bright spot we had on staff in some time. I won't blame Sarver on this, as he inherited the Colangelo's misguided historical prejudice against big body vs. small ball style of play, ie guard centric...Skiles, Westphal, Ainge, Johnson, D'A...but this is a legacy problem that addressing might make a significant difference in what's going on in the game.

VT

[Vladimir_Taltos]

...and another point, Phild did not bring back a free-wheeling style. He runs one of the most structred schemes possible, albeit very complex...the Triangle...remember that...along WITH a free-style he allows to run AT TIMES through a truly gifted player...namely a little fella' named Jordan with the Bulls and Kobe with the Flakers. But the structured elements of the game ARE there and run alongside of the showboating room he gives his chief All Star in stretches. He, as the Spurs, is able to go both ways.

VT

[JediSkywalker]

Vash, nice recap of the crowd and the game, but got to disagree with you on Amare. In the lakers game he was ineffective cause they didn't go to him. That is what happens when the other big man are allowed to attack you and you don't attack back. But to attack back you need the ball.
I think everyone agrees that the 1st clippers game (of the back to back) where Amare got 1st 5 shots of the game to establish himself and put the fear of god in Kamen was great to see. It got couple of quick fouls on their bigs, which made them tentative and Amare aggressive on both ends.

I think pretty much every team in the league sees what happens when Amare has to sit due to foul problems; hence, their strategy is always going to be try and attack Amare early to make him seat. Only way to avoid that is to play tentative and not pick up fouls or feed him the ball so he can attack them before they do.

Lets get back to the golden days of 04 - 05 season. Feed him the ball!

And Mike D - check your ego. We pay to see the players play, not you.

It was not me that singled out Amare for lack of defensive effort. It was Steve Kerr who did that. I believe that public humiliation was what got Amare fired up in the games against the Clips, particularly the first one. Amare once again got in foul trouble (5 fouls with 3 minutes left). Against better teams the Suns would not have escaped with a win.

Amare not being given the ball is simply an excuse used whenever he has a poor game and he has had several of those this season. It can't be due to the surgery because in some games he was able to play very well. I am hoping that Kerr addressing him publicly will keep him fired up for a long time.

It is ridiculous to even remotely suggest that Nash does not give him the ball. Nash is perhaps the most selfless, the most team oriented NBA player today in the whole league. He would like nothing better than seeing the team win, regardless of who makes the plays. If Amare is at the right place, he WILL get the ball.


Dantoni's ego is no bigger than that of Phil Jackson or Popovich or any other coach of top teams. His ego/behavior on the court do not bother me; it's his way of managing the game and the team. Sometimes his decisions do bother me.

[JediSkywalker]

I am not sure that I agree about a structure being necessary for winning the championship. The Suns could have won it last year. I would not get locked into one particular style of coaching, as long as the results are there. I don't like a lot of things Dantoni does- not developing backup players, not using the bench, not making adjustments during the game, etc. However, some of the things he has done- light practices, leaving the decision making to the players, etc.- have worked for the Suns. All the Suns need is a little luck on their side during the playoffs and a big man who can play strong defense (alongside Amare).

Phil Jackson and Popovich are both excellent coaches but they both benefitted from having great players on their teams. There are different coaching styles and there is not just one that works.

[Wormwood]

Solid post Nashfan. We do tend to forget some of the things D'Antoni has done right.

Keep in mind too, that's it's a lot harder to prepare for our offense than most. Go back and read :07 Seconds where they describe discovering other coaches notes and how trying to prepare for our offense drives most coaches nuts. Also remember, lots of people have tried to make the triangle work, but only PJ has actually made it happen, and then again, he's needed a loaded roster with the greatest basketball players of their era to make it work. Until Bynum developed, even with Odom and Bryant the Lakers were a one and done team in the palyoffs.

[JustWinBaby]

The things that bother me about this season so far.

1. Amare seems to get most of the blame whenever things go wrong.
2. We do need another big that will play and can rebound.
3. The 2nd unit needs to pick it up and at least hold their own so Nash can get some rest.
4. Our three point shooters need to make shots.
5. Marion while playing well and hard for the most part seems disconnected, like he has one foot out the door.
6. Almost all of our rebounding and defensive problems are put on Amare, that is just not true. Everyone has to find the ball. Just like Amare has to find the ball on offense.
7. If anyone does not play with energy - they should sit - no exceptions.
8. I really would like to see Banks get some consistent playing time.

The bottom line is as usual though. When we rebound we are extremely tough to beat. When we get killed on the boards we are at everyones mercy.

Thursday's blow out we out rebound the Clips by 4 = easy win
Friday's close game we get outrebounded by 11 = nail biter.

[Nate]

Perhaps I focused on the wrong point, but are putting up how wonderful a coach he is...and I think he's part of the problem at this point.

If there is a problem, and we seem to have one, our coach is definitely part of the problem. Thats in the nature of his job description.



He has a demonstrated inability to create structured, half court offensive sets as seen anytime we've played the Spurs in the past for certain.

Which team doesnt?



I could also drag out the laundry list of his other shortfalls...substitution patterns, time out concerns, depth of play, lack of player development, inability to adjust in real time situations.

I would agree with you regarding lack of player development and the - lets say - upgradeable ability to adjust in real time situations. But player development at this level from the perspective of a coach is always a luxury as long as you dont have total longterm job security or you have the clear assignment from management to concentrate on it. Otherwise, by the nature of the job, you have to take care of winning first.

In an ideal situation, you assign your assistants for things you are weak at in order to help you out. For developing Barbosa and caring especially for the younger players, D'Antoni suggested and then assigned his own brother. How it works out with this years rookies, lets revisit it in another year or so. There are quite a few players taken before Tucker who dont see any meaningful minutes either, and they are playing on less talented squads.



Sorry, I think he's severely lacking and I think part of what's missing is Ivaroni over on the bench...I the one bright spot we had on staff in some time. I won't blame Sarver on this, as he inherited the Colangelo's misguided historical prejudice against big body vs. small ball style of play, ie guard centric...Skiles, Westphal, Ainge, Johnson, D'A...but this is a legacy problem that addressing might make a significant difference in what's going on in the game.

If youre missing Iavaroni, I think Sarver and Kerr are the correct recipients here, since they hired our new assistant Dan Humphries. Additionally, it makes no sense to talk about Colangelos misguided historical prejudice and count our guard coaches and then give Sarver and Kerr a freebie for it when the Colangelos hired Iavaroni while Kerr hired Humphries. By the way, I would have liked to see a more defensive minded assistant here. Thibodeau would have been great, and according to some AZ central articles he was a candidate. Shit.

To give you a perspective where I stand with D'Antoni: When we hired him basically the whole board with a few exceptions didnt believe in the guy. Quite a lot of my few posts here even result from back then when I defended D'Antoni and pleaded with a few others that we should give him a chance instead of axing him after his first 60 games. Most complained that he was totally unproven, me countering that he has his credentials and that he has led different teams to victory in several Italian national and European competitions.

I was pleasantly surprised with the result the first years, and I dont have as much fun to watch this years team either. But I still think that there is no other option available at this moment for this team (trade rules as they are) which would fit them better than D'Antoni. It wouldnt help the team to break em up now, either, so at least give them another shot this season.

[ShelC]

Amare got into foul trouble last night, but they were "good" fouls that came in the flow of the game and werent those dumb reaching in fouls (well maybe a couple were). But Amare still played with 5 the rest of the way and had a huge defensive stand against Kaman where Kaman posted up, banged Amare hard a few times, Amare stepped out a bit and let Kaman keep moving backwards until he was under the basket....i actually thought Amare was out of the play for a second cuz he was pretty far away from Kaman and looked to be avoiding getting his 6th, but out of nowhere came back and blocked Kaman on his layup attempt. It was a real heady, crafty defensive play. Hopefully there are a lot more like it.

At lets keep in mind that while Amare has had foul problems, a lot of times the refs give him the early ones and maybe more importantly, he has no one except for Skinner and maybe Boris to take some slack off of him. Hes going to get fouls cuz hes banging with the bigs everynight for extended periods of time. Our big man rotation consists of 3 guys and one of them is inconsistent and normally wouldnt be considered a "big".

[Wormwood]

ShelC,

Actually, it looked to me like Amare was pulling the old trick where you body up on D, let your man lean into you, then suddenly jump backwards unexpectedly and let the guy you were guarding fall over backwards and pick up a traveling call. Barkley used to do it all the time, and it worked often enough that it discouraged teams from posting him up all the time.

I've never seen stoudemire do it before, but I wouldn't mind if he tried. Right now the book on him is you can force your way into the paint on him because he can't hold his ground. When teams really lean in on you, that's when this move works.

[tbrkingofthesouth]

Vash, nice recap of the crowd and the game, but got to disagree with you on Amare. In the lakers game he was ineffective cause they didn't go to him. That is what happens when the other big man are allowed to attack you and you don't attack back. But to attack back you need the ball.

I think everyone agrees that the 1st clippers game (of the back to back) where Amare got 1st 5 shots of the game to establish himself and put the fear of god in Kamen was great to see. It got couple of quick fouls on their bigs, which made them tentative and Amare aggressive on both ends.

I think pretty much every team in the league sees what happens when Amare has to sit due to foul problems; hence, their strategy is always going to be try and attack Amare early to make him seat. Only way to avoid that is to play tentative and not pick up fouls or feed him the ball so he can attack them before they do.

Lets get back to the golden days of 04 - 05 season. Feed him the ball!

And Mike D - check your ego. We pay to see the players play, not you.

good post

[JediSkywalker]

The things that bother me about this season so far.

1. Amare seems to get most of the blame whenever things go wrong.
2. We do need another big that will play and can rebound.
3. The 2nd unit needs to pick it up and at least hold their own so Nash can get some rest.
4. Our three point shooters need to make shots.
5. Marion while playing well and hard for the most part seems disconnected, like he has one foot out the door.
6. Almost all of our rebounding and defensive problems are put on Amare, that is just not true. Everyone has to find the ball. Just like Amare has to find the ball on offense.
7. If anyone does not play with energy - they should sit - no exceptions.
8. I really would like to see Banks get some consistent playing time.

The bottom line is as usual though. When we rebound we are extremely tough to beat. When we get killed on the boards we are at everyones mercy.

Thursday's blow out we out rebound the Clips by 4 = easy win
Friday's close game we get outrebounded by 11 = nail biter.

Nice list. Here is my take on it.

1.Comes with the territory.

2.Agree, and I add that the other big has to be starter level material (if it is possible to get one of course, and right now I don't see it).

3.Agree. LB has not played at the same level he did last year. He was our main contributor off the bench last year.

4."Absolutely"

5.Agree with this too. Marion has shown great energy at times but he somehow seems distracted/unfocused on the game he is playing.

6.Somewhat agree. Everyone needs to contribute defensively, like in the Spurs game and in the LAC game last night. However, because of the nature of the position (C) Amare is playing, he gets a lot of the blame. Doesn't seem fair, but that's the way it is, like in a football game the quarterback gets the credit or the blame for the wins/losses.

7.I agree, but in that case we may have to see Skinner/Marks, Pike, Banks, Tucker, Strawberry play at a time. I don't think the Suns could win many games that way. However, in one game last year (at GS) Dantoni did replace all the starters with the bench players, and it worked, though the Suns narrowly lost the game. This year in one game (I can't remember which one, but it may have been the Dallas game in the 1st Q) he benched the top 3 when they were not playing with energy. The bench reduced the opponent's lead by 6 and made the game more manageable.

8.I would also like to see Banks play more because it will give our starters more rest (Nash/Bell) and if he plays really well, it may be possible to trade him. Unless the game is extremely close (1st or 3rd Q may be a good time to do it; if it does not work, the team has enough time to recover).

[ShelC]

Amare definitely tried to pull the chair out from under Kaman, but when a defensive player does that hes hoping the offensive player travels or falls down completely. If that doesnt happen and the offensive player can keep his balance they usually get a lay-up (unless the help is there). But the fact that amare was able to recover for that block was what impressed me.

[JediSkywalker]

After the game last night someone said on TV (can't remember who it was, or in what context) that Amare needs to develop Garnett-like intensity. It is KG's intensity that has really lifted the Celtics this year. What if Amare started watching some tapes of how KG approaches the game each time? Better still, a personal coach for Amare (a defensive specialist) might do wonders, like Dan Dantoni did for LB.

[LazarusLong]

Give STAT a large running mate at the other post position, and he'll do wonders. Duncan without the Admiral, Oberto, Elson, Horry and others (all 6-10 or taller) would have fewer rings, if any ...

[ShelC]

Trying to emulate KGs intensity isnt easy. It might not even be possible. I dont think people really understand just how much of a beast KG is, especially mentally. I mean, hes in kill-mode for 48 minutes. He will rip someones head of in the heat of battle. But more than that, its focused intensity along with an extremely high bball IQ. I dont know that you can learn that or imitate it. Guys like Artest and SheedWallace have the competitive fire and IQ, but have trouble keeping their emotions in check. Amare has the competitive drive, but not the focus, intensity or IQ of any of those guys. The focus will hopefully come with more maturity and being battle tested. The intensity seems to come and go depending on the game, the opponent, the situation at that time. The IQ may only be able to go so high.

[desertcoast]

Trying to emulate KGs intensity isnt easy. It might not even be possible. I dont think people really understand just how much of a beast KG is, especially mentally. I mean, hes in kill-mode for 48 minutes. He will rip someones head of in the heat of battle. But more than that, its focused intensity along with an extremely high bball IQ. I dont know that you can learn that or imitate it. Guys like Artest and SheedWallace have the competitive fire and IQ, but have trouble keeping their emotions in check. Amare has the competitive drive, but not the focus, intensity or IQ of any of those guys. The focus will hopefully come with more maturity and being battle tested. The intensity seems to come and go depending on the game, the opponent, the situation at that time. The IQ may only be able to go so high.

I can't imagine a better mentor for Amare than KG.
Past or present.

f*ckin' Marion (grumble grumble :wink:)

[tbrkingofthesouth]

KG is a beast too (jumpshooter)...The guy hates losing...He was crying about it on TNT..My friends called KG a bit*h for crying about it..Amare is not the cry cry type, but he is more talented than KG..Amare can easily average 30ppg and 10rpg 2.5BPG..I looked at Amare's stats and he is blocking more shots this year than he ever has. Obviously more than KG

[ShelC]

but he is more talented than KG.

No way, no how.

[desertcoast]

The Potential Amare as seen through pre-surgery eyes?

I would have been all-in on Amare passing KG in every way.
But I wouldn't make that leap now.

However...I'll never count Amare out, so anything's possible.

[ShelC]

Amare doesnt have KGs fundamentals or instincts for the game. You cant get a late start on fundamentals. He can work on his skills, but KG is just a natural basketball player. Amare is an incredible athlete still learning how to play basketball. Even pre-surgery Amare wouldnt have surpassed KG skills-wise or IQ-wise.

[JediSkywalker]

KG is a beast too (jumpshooter)...The guy hates losing...He was crying about it on TNT..My friends called KG a bit*h for crying about it..Amare is not the cry cry type, but he is more talented than KG..Amare can easily average 30ppg and 10rpg 2.5BPG..I looked at Amare's stats and he is blocking more shots this year than he ever has. Obviously more than KG

Got to disagree with that one.

[Nate]

Next, D'A doesn't have ANY structure, other than 'Go Play!"...and Nash of course. Our lack of structure and a plan at certain points in games to fall back on when player creativity, free balling it falling a part in stretches is a significant part of why the Spurs win and we don't. They can go structured or flat out...we can only play one style.
VT

For anyone interested, here you can find a breakdown of two typical Suns plays. Might be especially interesting for all the ones who believe that D'Antoni has neither clue nor structure and every championship he has won was only his players doing while every loss is strictly in his responsibility.

http://coachingbetterbball.blogspot.com/2007/12/suns-backdoor-flex-cut-early-offense.html
and
http://coachingbetterbball.blogspot.com/2007/12/suns-flex-to-handoff-to-3-pointer.html

[k_kwan]

KG is a beast too (jumpshooter)...The guy hates losing...He was crying about it on TNT..My friends called KG a bit*h for crying about it..Amare is not the cry cry type, but he is more talented than KG..Amare can easily average 30ppg and 10rpg 2.5BPG..I looked at Amare's stats and he is blocking more shots this year than he ever has. Obviously more than KG

Got to disagree with that one.

On the whole topic of whose better KG or Amare its like comparing apples to oranges. Two very different types of games are played by those two.

KG has things over Amare as Amare has things over KG.

Personally I would never compare the two. For the sake of argument (which this forum has in spades.) Amare's comparable counterpart is more Dwight Howard than any other player and as for KG that would be Tim Duncan.

[JustWinBaby]

KG is a beast too (jumpshooter)...The guy hates losing...He was crying about it on TNT..My friends called KG a bit*h for crying about it..Amare is not the cry cry type, but he is more talented than KG..Amare can easily average 30ppg and 10rpg 2.5BPG..I looked at Amare's stats and he is blocking more shots this year than he ever has. Obviously more than KG

Got to disagree with that one.

On the whole topic of whose better KG or Amare its like comparing apples to oranges. Two very different types of games are played by those two.

KG has things over Amare as Amare has things over KG.

Personally I would never compare the two. For the sake of argument (which this forum has in spades.) Amare's comparable counterpart is more Dwight Howard than any other player and as for KG that would be Tim Duncan.

KG and Duncan both are 4's that have the privilege of playing while someone else does the dirty work at the five. The other real advantage both have over STAT is that they have been injury free. That is a big one, but as far as who I would rather have on my team, I will stay with STAT all the way.

I tend to agree that the best comparison would be STAT and Dwight Howard both are in similar circumstances. However I think STAT would make the best 4 and Dwight the best 5.

Talk about meaningless discussions. The constant comparison of STAT versus KG is old real old. We should be thankfull we have STAT.

[sehan]

Agreed its pointless discussion, but what the hack it's a slow news day.

When comparing the two, it is amazing how we all seem to forget Stat is only 25. Garnet is good, but this is as good as he is going to get. On the other hand, micro fracture or not, Stat seems to have this need (almost an insecurity) to become great and become one of the best if not the best. Give Stat another 10 years and he will be out defending, out rebounding, and out shooting and out everything KG and even Duncan.

Stat just seems to have that grit about him - that its world against me mentality constantly driving him, which means he will improve every season and every off season. You just don't bet against people like that.

Side note, but a lot of great men in history (conquers, scientists, business men etc) don't look like Brad Pitt with grade A blue blood upbringing. In fact, a lot of them are usually short and social outcasts with insecurities that drove them to work harder than anyone else. I see similar insecurities in Amare. My bet is on Amare.

Lastly, someone mentioned lack of injuries to KG. That is cause KG is and always will be a perimeter player. KG is not an inside banger that will consistently get to the line or dunk on people's face or push people out of the way. KG is just not built for that..... Good thing he has that turn around J, which Amare too will develop soon enough.

[jed]

Keep in mind, kids. KG looks pretty good right now with a brand new emerald fire burning under his backside. But a year ago, there weren't a whole lot of people impressed.

[JustWinBaby]

Keep in mind, kids. KG looks pretty good right now with a brand new emerald fire burning under his backside. But a year ago, there weren't a whole lot of people impressed.

Boston's revival is as much about Pierce and Allen as it is about KG.

Any team would love to have any of those guys.

How would we look with Allen as the starting 2 guard over Bell?

Would we be better with Pierce rather than Hill at the three?

Of course we could not afford it but Amare, Marion, Pierce, Allen and Nash would be a very interesting combination.

Kudos to Ainge for pulling the trigger, has to win EOY.

[jed]

Keep in mind, kids. KG looks pretty good right now with a brand new emerald fire burning under his backside. But a year ago, there weren't a whole lot of people impressed.

Boston's revival is as much about Pierce and Allen as it is about KG.

Any team would love to have any of those guys.

How would we look with Allen as the starting 2 guard over Bell?

Would we be better with Pierce rather than Hill at the three?

Of course we could not afford it but Amare, Marion, Pierce, Allen and Nash would be a very interesting combination.

Kudos to Ainge for pulling the trigger, has to win EOY.

Yeah -- and it was smart for Danny to falter for years before finally getting it right. Makes it all so much more dramatic.

[JustWinBaby]

Keep in mind, kids. KG looks pretty good right now with a brand new emerald fire burning under his backside. But a year ago, there weren't a whole lot of people impressed.

Boston's revival is as much about Pierce and Allen as it is about KG.

Any team would love to have any of those guys.

How would we look with Allen as the starting 2 guard over Bell?

Would we be better with Pierce rather than Hill at the three?

Of course we could not afford it but Amare, Marion, Pierce, Allen and Nash would be a very interesting combination.

Kudos to Ainge for pulling the trigger, has to win EOY.

Yeah -- and it was smart for Danny to falter for years before finally getting it right. Makes it all so much more dramatic.

He surely made some questionable moves prior to this off season but he was magical in getting rid of numerous horrible contracts and ending up with a few very good ones. Maybe two of his best moves were to draft Perkins and stick with him. He is providing great play along KG and allows KG to do KG things. Also the deal he made with us on draft day to get Rondo is looking more and more like a huge boner on our part. He would look real nice on our roster rather than Banks - Ouch! Pollard has surprised and played very well, House and Posey have been solid.

Everything he has touched recently has turned to gold.

It can be done.

The Lakers are looking up as well which helps the league overall. When is Stern going to force the Knicks to get their act together? It is hard to believe that Dolan can really be in Isaih's corner, Wow.

[Billyjoejimbob]

The Lakers are looking up as well which helps the league overall. When is Stern going to force the Knicks to get their act together? It is hard to believe that Dolan can really be in Isaih's corner, Wow.

Isiah is predicting a championship.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2008/01/03/2008-01-03_isiah_thomas_predicts_a_title-2.html




Isiah Thomas predicts a title
BY FRANK ISOLA
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Thursday, January 3rd 2008


Isiah Thomas watches the Knicks lose again on Wednesday night. They are now 8-22.
Although Isiah Thomas has not won a single playoff game since coming to New York, the Knicks' embattled president and coach predicted on Wednesday night that the franchise will win an NBA championship.

With Thomas in charge.

Seriously.

Sounding delusional, Thomas appeared to be talking to Garden chairman James Dolan through the media by saying he believes the Knicks will win a title and by reiterating that he has no plans to resign.

"My belief and what I see and where I believe we can go as a team and an organization, I believe one day that we will win a championship here and I believe a couple of these guys will be a part of that," Thomas said before the Knicks were walloped at the Garden by the depleted Sacramento Kings, 107-97. "I believe I'll be a part of that."

Thomas admitted that his comments, which border on the absurd, leave him open for ridicule.

"As I sit here and I say it today, I know people will laugh even more at me, but I'm hell-bent on getting this accomplished and making sure that we get it done. And I'm not leaving until we get it done."

With Walt Frazier sitting 10 feet away, Thomas even went a step further by stating that his goal is to leave a "legacy" that future Knicks team will live by.

"I don't necessarily want to win a championship," Thomas added. "I want to leave something that's going to stand for a long time. I want to leave a legacy. I want to leave a tradition. I want to leave an imprint, a blueprint in terms of how people play and how they coach and how they respond when they put on a Knick uniform.

"I want to leave what I left in Detroit. Every person who walks through that door as a Piston, when they put on that uniform, there's a certain pride that they carry. I want to put that here and I want to leave that here in New York. I want to leave a championship legacy."

Of course, Thomas' legacy after four years is a losing record, bad trades, poor free agent signings, a bloated payroll and a sexual harassment lawsuit won by a former female employee.

"This is a dark time for us, but I know there's a light at the end of this tunnel and I'm going to keep digging and I'm going to keep pushing and I'm not going to quit. I'm going to do it here," he said.

Asked if he believed that Dolan will give him time to accomplish those goals, Thomas, who fired Lenny Wilkens after 81 games and Larry Brown after 80 games, said: "As long as I'm sitting on that bench and as long as I'm in my office, that's what I'm committed to doing and that's what I'm working on doing. If someone turns the lights out, that's where I am."

Thomas made his comments after being asked him why he is ruling out making any trades before the February trading deadline. The Knicks are now 8-22. The franchise has yet to win a playoff game since 2001 and its record with Thomas as coach is 41-71.

Also, many of his player transactions have backfired, especially deals for Eddy Curry and Stephon Marbury. Coincidentally, when Thomas talked about the team's strong nucleus he failed to include Marbury and David Lee.

"I believe we're on the right path and I believe we have the right players," he said. "Our record doesn't show that, but I'm not ready to give up on these players.

"We have good talent. We have good players. We have young players ... and we have a good nucleus. We just need to get them to play well together. It's not about breaking them up or tearing them down, it's about getting them to play better as a team because individually I believe they're pretty good."

[jed]

I've never seen a horrible team so relevant and newsworthy. Kudos to Isiah for making them a train wreck for our entertainment.

[MTSunsFan]

Isiah is nothing short of delusional...

[JustWinBaby]

The only mistake we made when we traded Marbury and Penny to the Knicks was not acquiring their 2008 1st round draft pick - or even 2007 - or even 2006.

The JC rumor to New York that was going on a while ago should become fact for the good of the league and the good of JC. JC would love the challenge and he would be adored in New York, I doubt this is JMO.

[Billyjoejimbob]

I'm sure JC would love the challenge, but I'm not sure New York would adore JC, at least not until he was able to make that team competetive.

[Shabazz]

I really hate it when Isiah uses his background and competitiveness as a player to explain how he's going to turn the knicks around. He's always saying things like "I'm from the mean streets of Chicago so I've seen worse than this." "I hated to lose when I was a player." What an idiot. What does one have to do with the other? Just because I hate being bad at my old job doesn't mean I can all of a sudden fly a 747 well. I'm not going to suddenly solve the mortgage crisis because I had a rough childhood and toughed it out. I can only imagine what the Knicks message boards are like these days. They probably double as suicide hotlines.

On a related note, in an effort to stay under the luxury tax and remain fiscally responsible the Suns have sort of become the Knicks-west. Not in terms of futility, but more in terms of helping other teams become competitive with crappy trades. We've given Portland Sergio, Rudy Fernandez and James Jones for nothing more than cash. We gave Rondo to Boston for the same. Seattle is going to look really good in a few years, thanks to KT's expiring deal and 2 more first round picks for which we were lucky enough to collect a conditional 2nd rounder. And Chicago got Luol Deng for IINM what amounted to Jackson Vroman. Ugh.

[JustWinBaby]

All of those guys we have let go to other teams were for the purpose of retaining out Top players.

If it turns into a Championship this year, everyone wins.

If it doesn't management still wins on the bottom line and we as fans have had a very entertaining team to root for.

However there are a couple of contracts that I would bet most in the FO office wish they would not have signed.

[Shabazz]

I'm not arguing that point. We have a great team that I love watching. I'm just pointing out how we've helped some other teams become competitive over the years a la the knicks.

But at the same time, other than KT, everyone else on that list was on a rookie contract, including Rondo and Sergio. Drafting either those guys as our backup PG wouldn't have affected our bottom line nearly as much as getting $3M and signing Banks did.

Oh well. Coulda, shoulda, woulda....... I don't want to beat a dead horse.

[Velo]

I think we should pick up Andre Iguodala with our #7 this year... ...what? is it 2008?

[ShelC]

I've never seen a horrible team so relevant and newsworthy. Kudos to Isiah for making them a train wreck for our entertainment.

Thats NYC, the media capital of the world.

That article is just the tip of the iceberg and nothing compared to whats written daily. Its actually comical now, with his press conferences and quotes, his excuses and reasoning, his "logic" and anecdotes. If you want, check out the articles about people selling "Fire Isiah" hats and T-Shirts, signing pinkslips and holding protests outside of MSG.