"Last year, we got kind of sidetracked in trying to play a different style and I don't think we...

"Last year, we got kind of sidetracked in trying to play a different style and I don't think we necessarily announced it. Through practice, we started becoming something that none of us were really aware or comfortable with in terms of the direction we were going. I think having a clear vision of how we're going to play is important. I think (playing up-tempo) has always been (general manager) Steve's (Kerr) vision for the club. Fans really enjoy it and it's entertaining."
—Suns guard Steve Nash.

over 2 years ago ZonaFlash 6 comments 1 recs |

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I think (playing up-tempo) has always been (general manager Steve’s (kerr) vision for the club.

HM, I don’t buy it. Not at all.

Even us fans knew that there was supposed to be a huge emphasis placed on defense. Further, once Porter was hired and Shaq responded to playing as many minutes as he did, they went to the “toss it in to the big man” game. That’s not really up-tempo. Of course once the players got pissed, the team was hovering around .500 they made it public they were reverting back to the run and gun style. Confusing quote. Or maybe I am confused.

by Wil Cantrell on Oct 23, 2009 1:41 PM MDT reply actions

thats what makes the quote so interesting - is it revisionist history?

Then there’s the whole subtext that if you can’t be a winner, at least be entertaining. Works for Golden State I guess.

Wondering what to drink to during suns games...

by ZonaFlash on Oct 23, 2009 1:54 PM MDT up reply actions

I think it’s difficult for these athletes to answer questions poignantly and stay on topic. We’re all listening to every word and judging. It’s entirely possible that a lot of what is said isn’t really meant (Amare anyone?)

Also….It’s difficult to recall what the source was or if it was even legit, but I do recall hearing that Kerr was out to make the Suns into the Spurs image (this was about the time Porter was hired). Whether that just meant more defensive oriented or changing our offensive approach altogether is anyone’s guess….Spose it doesn’t much matter anymore.

by Wil Cantrell on Oct 23, 2009 2:18 PM MDT up reply actions

By the way, nice photoshop job or whatever it was. That would make a good t-shirt

by Wil Cantrell on Oct 23, 2009 2:20 PM MDT up reply actions

ty!

Wondering what to drink to during suns games...

by ZonaFlash on Oct 24, 2009 2:55 AM MDT up reply actions

I just picked a convenient quote

there’s a wealth of subtext that a particular sun was unhappy with the Shaqperiment. I’m sometimes surprised how willful Nash can be underneath the humble veneer.

As for making the Suns in the Spurs image, everyone got that sense, and last year’s style was so well known it had a name – 7 seconds or shaq.

Wondering what to drink to during suns games...

by ZonaFlash on Oct 24, 2009 2:53 AM MDT up reply actions