Earl Clark Enjoying Suns Training Camp
by Phoenix Stan on Oct 2, 2009 7:42 PM MDT
in Suns News
51 comments
Listening to this interview with Suns rookie Earl Clark I am reminded of a certain former Phoenix player who also muttered a bit when he talked. Unlike that other guy who wore #31, Clark hasn't yet developed the humor and light-hearted nature to go along with his laid back persona.
Lets just hope he brings anywhere close to the same level of effort on the court as The Matrix.
Earl talked to the media after training camp today about how he's learning the Suns system which he says is pretty easy since he just takes open shots and how he understands that his defense is what's going to get him on the floor. He sounds like he's taking it all in and learning from the team's vets, especially Grant Hill.
Clark says that the mistakes that he's making on the court in practice are mostly coming from thinking too much.
The rookie is also feeling the effects of two-a-days as he talked about a missed open dunk, "You don't realize how heavy your legs is until you go up there...I got up fast but I also came down fast."
Then again, maybe Earl already is showing signs of being a funny guy.
Audio provided by Sports 620 KTAR
More training camp interviews after the jump
Earl Clark talking about his rookie hazing. Dressing up in a banana costume to go out to for a meal doesn't exactly strike me as particularly harsh. Now, if had to wash Lou's sweaty shorts that would be cruel
Taylor Griffin likes Grant Hill. Shocking, huh
Leandro Barbosa misses being back in Brasil for the big Olympic celebration with Rio being awarded the 2016 games. LB will be 33 years old for those games. It's kind of hard to imagine little LB as a grisly old vet...
Dragic thinks things will be much easier for him this season. He says he was "scared" last season but is looking forward to this season being much easier. As for playing with Steve Nash, Dragic is, "Going to try and use him."
Gentry talks about the team scrimmage scheduled for Saturday. Coach says that Clark will have to earn his minutes but so far he's been doing well and has had good focus which was a concern. Gentry said that Earl will, "Float a bit if you let him." The coaching staff will stay on him to try and build that consistency.
Coach singled out Jason Richardson for his effort and defense in camp so far and came in to camp in great shape.
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Anyone else think J-Rich could be the X-factor?
Here’s a guy with literally everything to prove. He’s a highly paid veteran who didn’t seem to live up to his contract last year. I don’t blame him entirely for this as the entire Suns squad never settled in at all. However, the entire Suns squad doesn’t have a ginormous contract, nor did they get embarrassing DUIs, nor did they end up blowing rotations with the frequency he did. And if they did, Roger Mason, Jr., wasn’t dropping game winners on them.
I don’t know much about Jason Richardson the person, but when he was brought in, his character was highly touted. And while he probably doesn’t hold any illusions about getting another contract that pays him $14M a year in this economic climate, he certainly is going to be looking to demonstrate that he’s worth something in that ballpark, and if he can make his mark on an overachieving Suns squad (and make no mistake, this club, if it wants to be anything other than first round cannon fodder for the Lakers or Spurs, is going to have to over achieve) even better.
I realize this isn’t a contract year for him, but I think he’s going to be looking to quell any notions that he’s anything other than a legitimate starter, if not full-blown superstar, this season.
Thoughts?
by Mike Lisboa on Oct 3, 2009 12:34 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
He said in the paper today that he does want to play good defense. I’m wondering if he means it. I’m guessing he does, because he isn’t always saying things he doesn’t necessarily mean, like Amare Stoudemire does.
by Species8472 on Oct 3, 2009 1:29 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope Stat and JRich do well this season. Here’s to the #1 & #2 scorers on the team!
by SunsFTW on Oct 5, 2009 11:30 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you sure? The number two scorer could be Barbosa.
by species8473 on Oct 5, 2009 12:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d say there are many X-factors for the suns this year. I do agree Rich is one of them. He had a lot going on off the court and making the transition to the Suns did not go smooth for him. He comes off as a very happy person now and I think a night in tent city will do that to someone.
At media day the first thing he mentioned was playing more D than last season. He then followed that up by stating he feels much more comfortable this year with the rest of the guys and the Suns offensive system-and why not it encourages him to shoot when he’s open? If he can stay consistent behind the arc and keep his defenders off balance by posting up more, he will do a lot for this team.
by Wil Cantrell on Oct 3, 2009 7:54 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
And now that I think about it, I really like how flexible this team is….You have bigs who can shoot midrange and deeper, you’ve got wings that can slash and shoot, and we have some quality role players, not to mention Earl Clark, who in my opinion could end up being our defensive stopper this season, and of course, a PG who quarterbacks it all deftly.
Now if the Suns can just make some stops, pick up some rebounds, you know play a little D.
by Wil Cantrell on Oct 3, 2009 7:58 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Richardson
has never lived up to the hype coming out of MSU. Why should he do so now?
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Oct 3, 2009 8:19 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's sort of relative
He did a lot of good for GSW. He was also probably forced to play beyond his game too early in his pro career.
Another argument against the lottery. The crappy teams ruin promising young players.
Mmmmm ... Guinness
by JSun on Oct 3, 2009 9:59 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
What hype? He’s averaged 18 ppg for his career. Not every average NBA player does that. Sure he’s plateaued as a complete player, but he’s not paid to play lock down d.
by Wil Cantrell on Oct 3, 2009 11:41 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least the Suns this camp
are talking about defense. I am not comparing last year but to the D’Antoni years. As I recall, whenever he was asked about defense he would bristle and say something about the point of the game being to score more points…
Listen to the audio interview w/ Gentry above talking about Jason’s defense.
This team can be better then they were and I think they’ve got realistic expectations and if they stick to the plan and maintain some focus on that end and hold each other accountable for assignments they will be in the middle of the pack
Blogging Suns Basketball . twitter: @phoenixstan
by Phoenix Stan on Oct 3, 2009 11:49 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say Coach D’Antoni was wrong. The point of the game is to win. More so if it’s a playoff game.
by Species8472 on Oct 3, 2009 11:51 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
the only way to win a basketball game is to score more points than the other team.
by definition. it is impossible to win a basketball game by scoring fewer points than the opposition.
"True glory consists of doing what deserves to be written, and writing what deserves to be read".
by Pliny the Elder on Oct 4, 2009 4:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but it helps to prevent the other team from scoring.
by species8473 on Oct 4, 2009 5:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember him
being touted as the second coming as a Spartan. I also remember the hated Wildcats making him look like crap in the NCAA tournament. He is just another talented no fundamentals dunker and chucker. If you were paying close attention whem he was in college, he WAS overhyped.
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Oct 4, 2009 6:12 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well, I, personally, have decided to hold further criticism of Jason Richardson. I had no idea whether to take seriously his claim that he will play better defense this season, but I read that Coach Gentry is impressed with his defense in camp.
by species8473 on Oct 4, 2009 5:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think J-Rich could be the X-Factor
I KNOW that he IS the X-Factor. Ofcourse barring injuries, the Suns have a 100% chance of making the playoffs if he scores 20+ ppg. That’s just how I feel. A super high powered SG duo of J-Rich and Leandro is just too much for teams to handle. We can attack in some many ways..I’m so excited
by BJabs on Oct 3, 2009 5:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
to jrich's credit, he feels he has little to prove
one of the positive’s of jrich’s season last year was his willingness not to demand much on the offensive end.
I 110% respect that and hope it continues.
I’m scared when players feel they have something to prove, b/c that typically means forcing shots. It’s hard for players to prove themselves defensively, although I hope jrich will try.
This season will be even better as long as I'm drinking while watching!
by ZonaFlash on Oct 3, 2009 9:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Completely out of left field but I love how espn already have their power rankings up when the season hasn’t even started. And not surprisingly the lakers are at the top. I’m trying to refrain from gagging but it’s not working.
Thank God for making us Yankees.
by noonoo on Oct 3, 2009 2:00 AM MDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
The Lakers are the only team I've ever hated
What they represents disgusts me.
by Species8472 on Oct 3, 2009 11:52 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
so who the hell do you think should be #1?
by BJabs on Oct 3, 2009 5:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, how can you not put the Lakers at #1?
Just be happy Stein has a man-crush on Nash and put the Suns at 10.
by hcblankscreen on Oct 3, 2009 5:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Word
And as much as I “hate” the Lakers, when you go to Staples Center and see the banners, it’s hard not to be in a bit of awe… and hear a trombone in the background going “Waa waaaaaaa” in pity for a Suns fan.
by Mike Lisboa on Oct 3, 2009 9:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ehh. I am only as impressed by the Lakers’ banners as I’m impressed by other teams’ banners, thank you. Especially the Celtics, who as a franchise have earned more banners without such practiced arrogance.
by species8473 on Oct 4, 2009 5:18 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, not arrogant?
This is a team that featured Larry Bird once shooting half a game left-handed simply to prove he could. KG was caught on camera calling opposing fans “f***ing f***ots” two seasons ago. Red Auerbach routinely dismissed Phil Jackson’s coaching record as a product of his players despite fielding a roster that at one point included TWELVE hall-of-famers. It’s not that the Celts aren’t practiced at arrogance. It’s just that up until 2008, it had been 20 years since they’d had any reason to let their ego flags fly.
by Mike Lisboa on Oct 4, 2009 11:18 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
:) Twenty years is enough for me, sir, especially since I wasn’t following the NBA twenty years ago (to my great regret). I still don’t hate anyone but the Fakers.
As for Kevin Garnett calling fans “f*****g f***ots,” I hadn’t heard of it, and it somewhat bolsters my tentative belief that Kevin Garnett is a winner but also a loudmouthed bully, a good-guy version of Rasheed Wallace.
And I hadn’t heard of Larry Bird’s left-handed shooting bit either, but frankly, I appreciate it. If he succeeded—you didn’t say—I’ll appreciate it even more.
by species8473 on Oct 5, 2009 12:24 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm guessing if he told you Kobe went an entire game shooting lefty
you would have a different reaction.
by hcblankscreen on Oct 5, 2009 12:31 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah. I already know, from the distant vantage point of someone who doesn’t know Bryant and wouldn’t want to, about Bryant’s rotten personality; so I couldn’t be made to dislike him more.
by species8473 on Oct 5, 2009 12:52 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ridiculous.
Everything you just said has little merit to it. Do you know Kobe? Do you hang out with him on a regular basis?
Likely not. So how on earth can you really know anything about his personality? In comparison to Garnett, Kobe is
a saint. Kobe doesn’t cuss out his competitors or their fans. Kobe doesn’t take cheap shots at other players
when he is frustrated (a la – Raja Bell, Jason Terry, etc). You may not like the Lakers because of some kind of
historical bias towards them and thats fine. To say you dislike a team because you have always disliked them is
problematic, but ok with me. But to make up fictional reasons to hate one player and not another who does the
same is ridiculous.
Go read a book!
by N8lol on Oct 5, 2009 8:46 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but
he rapes helpless women. Which is worse?
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Oct 5, 2009 10:58 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought Bryant was *not* a rapist
Well, I would just like to point out that I didn’t say, and wasn’t going to say, that Bryant is a rapist. As far as I understand, he committed adultery with some gold-digging girl, who refused to even testify.
What I will say is that the bogus rape trial was a classic case of two wrongs making a right. I’m sorry that Mrs. Bryant was cheated on and I’m sorry Bryant was (probably) falsely accused, but it did serve to make Bryant’s personal reputation (as a somewhat nice fellow—even a “shy” one, I once heard!) more realistic. Because of the bogus rape trial, I am less likely to see this asshole appear on my television screen saying, “If ah were a security guard or an architect or a farmer, instead of a famous basketball player, would you care what ah drank?” (I didn’t care what he drank as it was.)
by species8473 on Oct 5, 2009 12:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
your first sentance reminded me of ace ventura
“do you know him? does he call you at home? DO YOU HAVE A DORSAL FIN??”
HAHAHA
by SunsFTW on Oct 5, 2009 11:37 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
and after reading your post
Kobe throws Elbows all the time in games out of frustration. See Ron Artest in last year’s playoffs. Oh yeah, and he’s a rapist… definitely a saint among men…
by SunsFTW on Oct 5, 2009 11:39 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t know Bryant did that, but after he clotheslined Bryant, Raja Bell claimed that Bryant hit him in the face during that game (or a previous game, I forget which).
by species8473 on Oct 5, 2009 12:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Celtics
with Rasheed and Garnett
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Oct 4, 2009 6:14 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree
The Celts not only added Rasheed they added Marquis Daniels and Sheldon Williams, not stars just solid role players that fit. The Celts will be the team to beat in the East.
by Grockcubs on Oct 4, 2009 7:34 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Daniels
has the ability to be a poor man’s Jerry Stackhouse – he had a great stretch at the end of one year and got a big contract. Since then, he gets hurt all the time and doesn’t seem to be into it. Also, I think he was a member of Josh Howard’s ’Ganjja Gang" if you know what I mean. Great talent, though.
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Oct 4, 2009 9:17 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed, and I’ve always admired the Celtics. If I weren’t a Suns fan, I would be a Celtics fan.
by species8473 on Oct 4, 2009 5:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
grizzly or grizzled old vet
not grisly. Grisly is reserver for autopsies and slasher movies.
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Oct 4, 2009 6:09 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Coro's camp report
Did you see the results of the latest intrasquad game? Lou scored 21 and had 10 boards against Stoudemire. I don’t know if I like that or not. On the one hand, nice to see Lou scoring, but it seems Amare is rather listless on defense.
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Oct 4, 2009 7:13 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah id say if amare is having trouble with lou then we should all be very nervous.
still, we don’t know exactly how things in that scrimmage went, we weren’t there.
by Wil Cantrell on Oct 4, 2009 10:42 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The same report
said Lopez blocked one of Amare’s shots
April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?
by Hawk42 on Oct 4, 2009 10:55 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I won’t make excuses for the guy. Is he getting back to game speed? JK
It’s pretty simple with AS, play and get paid. I won’t be worried about him until the regular season
by Wil Cantrell on Oct 4, 2009 3:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess. On one hand, Stoudemire could be rusty. On the other hand…dammit! I love Amundson, but he should not be embarrassing Stoudemire.
by species8473 on Oct 4, 2009 5:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Training camp scrimmage that none of us saw, lets not get too carried away.
by hcblankscreen on Oct 4, 2009 11:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amundson deserves to start
As for the report on what Amundson is doing: I won’t say he has any chance of starting, but for working his butt off all the time, Amundson deserves to start.
by species8473 on Oct 4, 2009 5:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Deserves to… but not enough talent to merit starting IMHO. If he had a jumper like Amare, and could drive like Amare, then start him, but as of now, he’s a solid role player off the bench whom I love to watch on a nightly basis!
by SunsFTW on Oct 5, 2009 11:42 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Deserves to Start
This always gets me thinking…And mostly because of this LB/Richardson thing that got going this offseason.
So what does it mean to “deserve to start?”
Keep in mind Amundson played against second unit guys mostly last season. He played well as a role player off the bench. So how does that translate to him getting a chance to start? And really, why is starting so important?
Obviously you want to match up best with the team you are playing. There will be some automatics. Nash, Hill, Stat, and Rich SHOULD start games. Nash because he runs the offense and should be on the floor with Stat. Hill because he warms up and then gets cold if he just goes and sits down after pre game. J-Rich because most 2’s are big and he provides the best matchup. I could see starting LB if the lineup dictates, but LB is much more versatile than J-Rich and is used to coming off the bench, RIch isn’t…OK enough of the LB/Rich thing.
My point is that we are most likely going to see 4 guys consistently start for this squad. I got the indication from Gentry’s comments that the 5th spot may be somewhat fluid, matchup may dictate, etc. Bottom line was, Frye was slated starting 5 going into training camp, but Gentry made it a point to state that was the status NOW, not opening tip of the regular season. Now with Lopez gone, I think the 5 spot is all but settled.
by Wil Cantrell on Oct 5, 2009 4:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just mean that Amundson deserves the honor of a starting spot, because of how hard he works. As the starting center or power forward, he wouldn’t score like Frye or Stoudemire, but would probably play more defense.
by species8473 on Oct 5, 2009 7:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
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