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Coach Porter says Robin Lopez not ready to play

Robin Lopez has not only under performed his twin in New Jersey, he's also not meeting his coach's expectations for a bench player.

After the Suns second day of practicing for over an hour-and-a-half, Terry Porter called Lopez out for not being ready to play ..

"He doesn't seem to have the focus. Missing balls. Missing assignments on the defensive end. Missing box outs. He doesn't  have the focus when he steps on the floor."

Robin, for his part agrees saying that despite the rotations seeming erratic that he has to be mentally prepared whenever his name is called.

Perhaps Robin would do well to spend some time in Iowa and the Suns could sign Courtney Sims to a 10 day contract and give him a shot. I believe in Robin but he needs to get his head on straight and some time with the Energy might help. I would also LOVE to see what kind of rebounding numbers Robin put up in the D league getting starters minutes. I am still not sure if he's got fundemental issues or if he's just not getting the time he needs. A few games in the D's should tell us.

 

Star-divide

Other notes from today's practice as provided by Sports 620 KTAR: 

  • Leandro Barbosa missed practice (personal reasons).
  • Louis Amundson missed the last half of practice after taking a Robin Lopez elbow just below the chin. He had to have stitches.
  • Speaking of Lopez...he has played in 24 of the Suns 31 games thus far---though in the last four games he has only seen the court for a total of 18 minutes, including a DNP vs. the Clippers
  • Lopez---who regularly spends extra time after practice with assistant Bill Cartwright---said he's "trying to stay ready" but admitted it has been tough when he doesn't know when his number will be called.
  • Porter added that many of Lopez's minutes have gone to Amundson as of late.
  • Kerr---who will undergo left knee surgery Tuesday (no joke)---said he is "not worried about either guy" making reference to the other Suns rookie, Goran Dragic.  He also said he knows how hard it is for a rookie on a good team.
  • The Suns, according to Kerr, have "settled down".  The Suns are 6-and-2 since the Richardson trade....8-and-3 over their last 11 games; and actually began Monday 5th in the Western Conference: two games back of the three-seed, a-game-and-a-half up (3 games up in the loss column) on the 9-seed Utah Jazz.
  • Kerr said he checks the standings "twice a day".  Porter said he doesn't pay attention until after the all-star break.
  • Kerr also said he is "very comfortable with the makeup of the team".  Teams today can begin signing players to 10-day contracts.  Kerr though said he has been pleased with the play---limited it has been---of Dee Brown.

More News on Jason Richardson's DUI

The Suns have released the following statement:

"We are aware of a situation with Jason.  As with all allegations of a legal nature, it is not appropriate for us to comment further at this time."
-Steve Kerr, President and GM

According to the Maricopa County Superior Court website....the civil court case information and case history link....
http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/docket/JusticeCourtCases/caseInfo.asp

Richardson has a court appearance on January 21st at West Mesa Justice Court in front of Judge Clayton Hamblen. The 21st is a day after his 28th birthday and the Suns are scheduled to play the New York Knicks that night; in fact, the Suns are out of town all that week.

0 recs  |  Comment 6 comments |

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I've been giving managment tons of credit for owning up to its mistakes.

It’s a good thing. It’s good to put the onus on the players and not protect the 2008 picks.

However, I wish we could have good news about these guys instead.

The Shaq is Back

by ZonaFlash on Jan 5, 2009 6:47 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Accountability

this is a good thing…how many rookies really do well their first year? And how many of those are on good teams?

I love that Porter is calling his guy out. He’s not throwing him under the bus. He’s not giving up on him. He’s trying to motivate him to improve and it’s not like we all haven’t noticed that Lopez isn’t playing well.

by Phoenix Stan on Jan 5, 2009 7:41 PM MST up reply actions   0 recs

Tell Richardson to stop hanging out with Barkley.

This is a crappy way to introduce oneself to a community.

The Shaq is Back

by ZonaFlash on Jan 5, 2009 6:48 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

robin lopez plays like a drunk driver

that guy sucks man. his brother is no good either. them kids are babies. brookie sat and cried when he didn’t get picked in the top 5 like a bitch.

let me explain it to you like this…. the knicks had this guy named charles smith. he was better than both lopez brothers combined. only when it came down to it, and you need one basket, charles smith is not determined to get the bucket. these guys are that type of player. better wash your hands of the “funny” one before he is suddenly the second coming of jaron collins.

even though he is already the second coming of jaron collins.

by stingy d on Jan 5, 2009 9:54 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Then Fropez fits right in

I agree with Stan. Porter knows Lopez’s character and understands that the kid will react positively to the constructive criticism. I don’t think it’s “fair” that he’s not getting minutes when he hustles and he needs the minutes to get better, but there can be no excuses. When it’s time to play, it’s time to step up.

And I don’t really think he’s not getting minutes because he’s playing that badly, but because Pony Boy is playing like a Stud.

Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.

by SunDolphin on Jan 5, 2009 10:03 PM MST up reply actions   0 recs

Good on Porter, What is with these guys anyways. Start busting your ass Robin and get in the rotation.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Jan 7, 2009 8:43 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

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