Phoenix Suns Delete the Grizzlies and Find a Rare Home Win 86-84
by Eutychus on Jan 28, 2012 10:20 PM MST
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PrintThe struggling Phoenix Suns (7-12) win against the struggling Memphis Grizzlies (10-9) 86-84 as both teams looked to break losing streaks. This win for the Phoenix Suns is only their 2nd quality win of the season meaning it's only their 2nd win against a team with a winning record.
The Suns came out of the gate and controlled the game after a slow start and by halftime the Suns were ahead by 16 points on 46.5% shooting while the Grizzlies were shooting a paltry 34.2% from the field. Memphis head coach Lionel Hollins said after their loss in L.A. against the Clippers, "Our perimeter people did not shoot the ball very well" and indeed tonight their was almost ZERO perimeter scoring for the Grizzlies - everything was inside, diving to the hoop or short to barely mid-range.
On the night - the Grizzlies only attempted 3 3-point attempts, one of which was the final game winning attempt hoisted by PG Mike Conley that fell well short. The game was ugly in that the same Gorilla on the Suns' back reared it's head again tonight (extended shooting/offensive droughts) as the Suns 16 point lead at the half was erased by a Memphis surge late in the 3rd quarter and into the 4th - but the game was exciting none-the-less as Phoenix made free-throws when it was critical and secured key rebounds and made defensive stops when it counted to win the game.
Tonight was a good night and there is no shame in feeling good about the win tonight - Alvin Gentry shook up the rotation and the starting line-up for the second time this season and the Suns responded in a very positive fashion after thoroughly "getting their head kicked in" as Nash would say last night in Portland. Phoenix looked like the team fresh and waiting for tonight's game - not the team that had been blown out by nearly 40 points the night before.
Hit the jump and we'll take a look at the changes Alvin Gentry made and how they panned out.
New Rotation and New Starting 5
Or is it the old starting 5?
Nash, Dudley, Hill, Frye and Gortat got the starting nod as Alvin Gentry went back to the original starting 5 that began the season. All but one of these starters came out with fire in their eyes and we'll talk about Channing Frye in a second. But it was another double-double for Marcin Gortat (though he shot poorly from the field going 6-17, 35%), a season high 20 points for Jared Dudley, a 21 and 6 night for Steve Nash and Grant Hill was the BAMF we have yearning to see with his legs back and kept Rudy Gay in check as he only poured in 18 (7-15) which is well short of his usual 25 points he lights up against the Suns on average. With the scoring of Zach Randolph missing that was just enough to give the Suns a victory.
As far as the rotation goes - Gentry used an 11 man rotation that held Brown and Lopez to the bench with DNP's. It is obvious that Lopez is in the doghouse - Gentry was visibly upset with Lopez after he was ejected in Tuesday's game against the Raptors, the camera focused in on Gentry it his lips read "Stupid S***" as Lopez retreated to the locker room. Then before the game when asked if Lopez would see time behind Gortat his body language and tone in responding "Yeah we'll see about his minutes" was not the kind that reads well for Lopez.
Here's how the rotation was shaken up.
First substitution - Telfair for Nash with 5 mins left in 1st. Many wondered if Nash was injured or why he was leaving the game so early - nope - this is one of the experiments of Gentry. The idea is to rest Nash earlier in the game so he can return early and share time with the 2nd unit in an attempt to bolster their offensive cohesion.
Morris substituted for Frye
In the 2nd quarter - it was a bench line-up of: Childress - Price - Telfair - Gortat - Morris then Warrick in for Gortat.
In the first half when Steve Nash left the game with 5 minutes remaining in the first quarter (about 5 minutes earlier than usual) the Suns were holding on to a 7 point lead. When he returned midway through the 2nd quarter the team still had their 7 point lead. As far as the rotation experiment in the first half, it was a smashing success.
But the 3rd quarter was a different story - Nash out with 4 minutes left in the 3rd - Suns up by 11 - Nash returns in the 4th with 10 minutes to go - Suns only up by 4 points. An experimental fail.
What happened was the all too familiar offensive drought we've seen become a habit with team. You couple that with the predictable "surge" that good teams (like the Grizzlies) will have and the lead evaporated. Luckily - Steve Nash returned in the 4th and right away hit a 3-point shot and began commanding the offense to be productive.
Something I found interesting: At the half - Suns shot 46.5% to the Grizzlies 34.2% but the most surprising number? Only 5 3-point shot attempts, lots of shots in the paint and moving to the basket. Buuuut - at the end of the game is was the Grizzlies who brought their percentage up over 40 to 43.4% while the Suns dropped theirs to a poopy 36.4%. A lot of that bad percentage had to do with Nash forcing the offense to Channing Frye in the 2nd half in an attempt to get his shooting our of the slump... again we'll visit Channing's night in a second.
The push or "surge" by the Grizzlies late in the 3rd prompted Alvin Gentry to put Michael Redd into the lineup in an attempt to find some offense. Redd came in and contributed 2 free throws with a minute to go in the 3rd after the Grizzlies made a run to cut the lead to 5 by using a temporary zone defense to freeze and stagnate the Suns 2nd unit offense.
A side note with this 2nd unit offense - Eddie Johnson brought up a good point during the 3rd period that the Suns aren't entering into their offense early enough in the shot-clock. They spend the majority of the time passing the ball around the perimeter until it is too late to run a play and find an open shot that isn't rushed. Is this a fail of play-call? Does the burden to start the offense solely depend on Telfair? I'm not exactly sure - but I'm slow to place the blame on Bassy given that each teammate seems content to pass around the perimeter and look peripherally for a teammate to pass to instead of looking straight ahead for a lane to the hoop.
Frye's Woes Continue -
Everyone in the starting line-up came in with energy and contributed in ways that helped the Suns jump out to a lead by the half and to close out the game in the final minutes. Channing Frye? Not so much. He put up and ugly breadstick (meaning a number 1) as he shot 1-9 from the field missing badly on most of his shots.
Channing hasn't made more than 3 FG's in a game since January 13 vs. New Jersey when he shot 6-10 and totaled 15 points. That's 8 games with only 1 or 2 made field goals. In his last 8 games he's shooting 21.8%.
It's pretty self-explanatory.
In conclusion
An exciting game to watch. I was very happy to see the team respond in such a positive manner with energy, hustle and focus after being embarrassed last night. Hopefully they can smell the sweetness of victory and seek to continue bathing in it. We'll see if this line-up Gentry used tonight sticks. I have a feeling we'll see more fluidity with regards to the rotation.
What say ye?
Next up - Bring on the Mavs. Again.
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We still suck so....
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
I went and saw your exchange student journey at SSR
“We win championships, thats why”
Sigh. Classic lakergirl. They really, really need to stop with that mindset. It’s not good for their health and it’s not making them any friends.
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
That's why they look pregnant after just one month into their relationships.
Without even doing the dirty.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
lol
I’ll pretend I understood those metaphors.
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
by WaveOcean on Jan 28, 2012 10:39 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, that hurt me.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
I don't know if I should be excited about the win
And begin to hope for the Playoffs again, or keep hoping for a Top 5 pick.
Joe Saunders: "They Giants played a really good game, so hats off to us"
We're 7-12
No playoff talk until we’re above .500 which is never
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
Just keep hoping for more wins.
You’re getting too far ahead. If after every win our loss our reaction is “Oh man we’re winning the Championship!” or “Oh man we won’t make it to the Finals!” – your roller-coaster of Phoenix-Fan Emotions will be so steep and inclined that it will make you vomit every night.
Don’t throw up man.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
I'm a Call of Duty Phenom, peep my YouTube.
Follow @LUDACLIPS
by Eutychus on Jan 28, 2012 10:26 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
There's a term for that.
Coked-up pregnant women.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
:(
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
It's a BSotS thing Wave.
I won’t even try to explain it other than saying it’s an Eric-inspired phrase.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
okay. all right. I can accept that. You should make a glossary like PtR did.
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
We have a BSotS vernacular fan post you need to read.
Check our most popular fan posts and you should find it.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
It was Eric-patented.
Get it together, man.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
I didn't see any (R) or TM by it.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
This isn't fair.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
Do you think I care?
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
About as much as Sebastian Telfair.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
And here I thought we were having a rhyming affair!
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
Care Bear Countdown, 4, 3, 2, 1
Who’s that comin’ from somewhere up in the sky?
Moving fast and bright as a firefly
Just when you think the trouble’s gonna pounce
Who’s gonna be there when it really counts?
Do the Care Bear Countdown
And send a wish out through the air
And you thought I couldn’t get weirder
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
Good point
Hopefully we get more consistent though. Winning one, losing one is just going to be a repeat of last year.
Joe Saunders: "They Giants played a really good game, so hats off to us"
With the number one pick, the Phoenix Suns select...
Twitter: @FredLegittt
by modernage13 on Jan 28, 2012 10:28 PM MST up reply actions
That's my prayer
I don’t think the suns have ever picked 1st (or even top 3) in the draft
@jatrex
is the Phoenix about to rise after burning or the ashes has been blown away
by jatrex4suns on Jan 28, 2012 11:35 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
We have
Neal Walk was #2, Armon Gilliam was #2
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
When we first joined the league
And lost the coin toss to the Bucks and drafted Neal Walk, guess who the Bucks drafted? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Joe Saunders: "They Giants played a really good game, so hats off to us"
Don't you mean Lew Alcindor?
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
Woah, I had no idea that was his original name
Joe Saunders: "They Giants played a really good game, so hats off to us"
It helps the players build confidence.
For me, it’s only exciting when it comes against a team like the Ticks.
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
The Ticks?
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
New York.
And I’m being nice. I could be a total douchebag and call them the Hicks, but I’m not that kind of person.
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
Speaking of nicknames.
Have you heard “LeBronchitis”?
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
I have not
That’s very clever
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
I thought you were talking about Boston
as in the Cel-Ticks. Although I would have no idea what that would mean, besides abbreviating the back half of the name…
nah
how about the Smelltics
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
I tghink the only thing you missed
Was the use of a Zone against Childress – Price – Telfair – Hak – Morris. That was a decisive decision, and one those guys just didn’t react well too. With our shooting woes, a zone is a pretty wise move.
I wonder if we’ll see that more?
I got you
The zone was used by the Mavericks last time we saw them and similarly we were lost.
Hopefully we can find some practice time and work on busting that trick.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
I'm a Call of Duty Phenom, peep my YouTube.
Follow @LUDACLIPS
what is the weakness of a zone defense? It seems to be so effective.
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
2 things (About an NBA zone)
1) It leaves shooters wide open – so if you can hit a three, you can get a LOT of them.
2) Makes it hard to rebound – you aren’t near your man, so offensive players can sneak in on the weakside easily.
The biggest strength is a zone’s rarity – as very few possessions feature it, and that means lineups can look inept against it.
by MMotherwell on Jan 28, 2012 10:36 PM MST up reply actions
What he said.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
the other weakness (I saw teams do this to the Suns a lot) is to flash a big to the top of the key, dead center, right outside the free throw line. then the big can pass from there to a cutter, or a guy who slips behind the zone to the basket. Just like with football, you have to find the soft spot and exploit it. The bigs need to act like receivers and flash to the open area (free throw line).
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
I wonder if the second unit isn't deliberately slow
Milk the clock, run it down, score in transition off good defence. Less possessions is less chances to fail.
The coaching staff is not very good at diagramming half-court sets. It’s almost always the pick and roll.
I look at the San Antonio Spurs and their offensive system. And they have guys like Danny Green scoring in bunches because they learned the system. Anyone can be plugged in there and contribute.
I can’t believe the Cavs could never find a use for Danny Green. He was on the UNC 2009 Championship team, for God’s sake!
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
I don't even know who Danny Green is.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
……………………
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
Is that suprising, because I basically know who every player in the league is.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
The Cavs drafted him in 2009 and did absolutely nothing with him.
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
I know, I just read his wikipedia page.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
Same here.
Danny was a good player at UNC. He had very good size and could really knock down the 3-pointer. I thought he was a good pick-up for the Cavs.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
Phoenix is 4-1 when Dudley scores 15 or more points.
by SteveNash, QuantumPhysicist on Jan 28, 2012 10:52 PM MST reply actions
Just like we we're undefeated when JRich scored over 20 or something.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
Like I have been saying....
we are going to live and die by the play of Dudley and Frye..Period end of story…tell me how many points they get and I will likely be able to determine whether we win or lose.
Hill, nash and Gortat are generally going to be fairly solid scoring the ball, but in order to really be effective we need at least a couple of guys hitting 3’s and with only one of those 3 being a 3 point shooter (nash) it is pretty much all on those 2 guys to create the additional offence needed to make us competitive and watchable, because the effect of having those 2 hit creates a snowball through the team that results in a lot better offensive flow, and a much more coherent team.
Couple of other observations…1) we actually miss Lopez a little. Without Frye as well and with warrick soaking up a bunch of those minutes its a really scary on the second unit defensively.
2) in an almost unbearable season, predictably with Nash, Hill and Dudley hitting fairly well, it was essential that Gortat have a pretty awful shooting night missing an absolute ton of close in shots to insure that offence still managed to be extremely luke warm and prone to extensive periods with almost no scoring.
sooo, when you say
..Period end of story…
shouldn’t that be enough for your comment? Why the story after that?
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
by Alex Laugan on Jan 29, 2012 6:37 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
LOL
Blogging Suns basketball for Bright Side of the Sun from California wine country.
Twitter: @EastBayRaymundo
by East Bay Ray on Jan 29, 2012 9:39 AM MST up reply actions
So, I only got to see the last 2 minutes, and we were lucky to come away with that win. Steve really struggled down the stretch to create a shot.
We’re also starting to see why the Gortat-as-franchise-cornerstone was a little premature. He played really well for a stretch, but now that teams are focusing on him he is struggling to finish. Unfortunately, we need him to finish or we’re screwed. Hopefully he can start to figure it out.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
He more just missed shots
I don’t think anyone really keyed on him to make that happen – he just… missed. That and we haven’t really used him in the post much. Maybe it was because Gasol is a LOT bigger, so the coaches thought it was a bad matchup, but I’d like to see more Gortat in the post – especially when he plays with the 2nd unit.
Lets see what we have here, because he looks like he can score in the post, but lets prove it one way or the other, and see if he is a situational postup guy, or a goto postup player.
by MMotherwell on Jan 28, 2012 11:10 PM MST up reply actions
Chance is what Gortat needs
Not developing.
yeah, I’m not a fan of Bill Cartwright’s results as a big-man developer.
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
to be fair
teams are relizing hes our only consistent guy on offense. of course hes struggling because him and nash are doing it all
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
Let's just trade Lopez, Frye, Dudley, Hill, Price, Brown, Childress, Gortat, Telfair, Morris, Redd and Warrick + 2012 First and Second + 2013 first and second
for Dwight Howard. Then we would have pulled a Melo-Knicks trade.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
Denver seriously won that trade
It made them a better team. Knicks however…
Twitter: @FredLegittt
by modernage13 on Jan 28, 2012 11:08 PM MST up reply actions
nothing says NBA like a 1 man team
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
I think Carmelo would really love having Mike Brown as his coach.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
Eh, Brown actually wants his guys to play defense though.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
Mike Brown as the offensive coordinator then.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
hahahahahahaha
Mike Brown as OC… That’s funny. That would be like Mike D as a DC.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
like a fox guarding a henhouse
The WNBA is all about the game of basketball. No overblown hype, no despicable personalities, no outrageous amounts of money, no mugging halftime analysts, and no poisonous animosities. Just the finesse and effort of basketball. If that isn't interesting to people, then people just aren't interested in basketball.
Speaking of Mike + Mike...
Is that still on ESPN?
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
And ESPN Radio.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
This just made me chuckle.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
I traded the whole team except Nash.
So Nash and Howard vs the World.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
FA
We can offer him 22 million, and then offer 12 to Gerald Wallace, and get Nash on a Veteran’s one year deal.
Nash
Dudley
Wallace
Gortat
D12
Frye
Morris
Price
by MMotherwell on Jan 28, 2012 11:12 PM MST up reply actions
If we can get Eric Gordon and Gerald Wallace, I'd already be so happy.
In your scenario, we’d probably trade Gortat to get an Eric Gordon or some other talented shooting guard. Gortat will not want to be backing up Dwight Howard again. It’d be a huge slap in the face for him.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
The giant brained kitties did their job today
Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
Leading the NFL in swagtangibles
I can't figure this team out.
We get smashed by Portland the day before but manage to come out with enough left in the tank to get over the line against the Grizzlies.
The only thing i know is that Gortat and Nash have to drop double doubles for us to have any chance to win. Morris plays his best off the bench. The rest of the team is a complete mystery to me.
Wait wait wait.
I sit in a game thread and we lose horribly. I miss it and we win? I’m starting to see a trend. You’re welcome Suns
So
Thoughts on Brown not playing tonight? How did you all feel about that? I was shocked to see Chilly get some play time tonight (it really shows how desperate we are to find something that works IMO).
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
well seeing as chilly does everything brown doesnt
What could it hurt. i say give the a 15 minutes maybe in the 2nd qtr and see what he cant do once he gets in a flow.
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
Maybe situational?
They have a defensive starting SG, and our backups hardly played.
You speaking about Chilly playing?
Because if so that is what I was thinking.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Kinda both
I think Price, JChill, Brown, Telfair and Hak are all much of a muchness. None are especially good, so maybe they all play as and when it makes sense.
I was shocked as well.
I can’t remember how he played cause everyone was horrible last night. I wasn’t surprise Lopez didn’t play. I think Gentry wanted to teach him a lesson but the whole Brown thing surprised me.
Twitter: @FredLegittt
Brown surprised me too. Not sure what’s going on there.
by BringBackBarkley17 on Jan 29, 2012 12:25 PM MST up reply actions
Could you imagine if one of these were our lineups?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9whLC7Tgfk
I noticed Steve passed it to Dirk more than Amare haha.
Twitter: @FredLegittt
Was that the All-Star game in Dallas?
Steve was feeding Dirk because he was playing in front of the home fans.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
Yeah it was in Dallas.
And thanks for beating me to it, Jacob. I’m always so slow on the uptake.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
Don't let Knicks fans see this video.
Or they’ll start creaming their pants in their lust of Steve Nash going to NY to feed Carmelo, Amare, and Chandler.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
Crap I forgot those two were playing together.
Only because one only shows up to the game.
Twitter: @FredLegittt
yea they have it all figured out tha hes going to new york
fuck them. how do you have 3 allstars and still suck
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
A few observations...
Dudley was great tonight…I really hope to see more of this Dudley rather than the one we’ve been seeing in the majority of the games this season. When he’s hustling and scrapping for rebounds and loose balls he really helps this team.
Speaking of hustling for rebounds, how about J-Chill? He looked good again tonight after a surprisingly effective showing in the Portland debacle. Chilly hustled for offensive rebounds tonight and helped the team while he was in…His stats may not be very impressive, but I thought he contributed nicely in his limited minutes tonight. I hope he starts to see more time.
Morris was back. Sure he still made some rookie mistakes and failed to capitalize on some loose balls that he somehow fumbled away, but I liked his energy and his defense tonight. His ability to rebound in traffic is one of his best attributes in my opinion, and he helped us tonight. I think he’s better off the bench for now as he continues to learn and develop, but the absence of a productive power forward in our starting unit is really hurting us.
Which brings me to Frye…WTF? Bringing Dudley back into the starting unit worked well but with Frye, not so much. I wonder if Gentry will experiment with using Warrick in the starting lineup soon (who didn’t have a great game either but was still better than Frye). His defense is terrible (like Frye’s), but at least he gives us points in the paint and another PnR option for Nash.
I also thought it was telling that Lopez was held out tonight. Sure, experimenting with the lineups probably had something to do with it, but I think Robin’s definitely in Gentry’s doghouse and probably in Babby’s and Blanks’s as well. I do think the Suns will explore, or are in the process of exploring various trade scenarios, and I would bet my bottom dollar that Lopez will be dealt before the trade deadline, and probably soon.
by 7footer on Jan 29, 2012 1:08 AM MST via mobile reply actions
Don't want to see them lose Lopez that it now seems inevitable..
as he was starting to show some signs of better play. Just thing we aren’t likely to see, players coming back of equal skill.
Also do not want to see Warrick replace Frye. I generally agree with your commentary 7 Footer, but Warrick is A MUCH WORSE defender than Frye, from my viewpoint. We are doomed to be a 20 win team with Warrick as a starter.
I think, unless they are interested in intentionally tanking, that we need to just live and die with Frye for now. No mid season trade that is foreseeable can save this season, as mid season trades don’t work in that season, and no one on the bench can provide what Frye has the potential to provide…game changing 3’s that create a virtuous circle of better flow, more open shots, and a surge in confidence throughout the team, than Frye.
This doesn’t mean that when Frye is 1-9 Gentry needs to stick with him, just that overall, we have to cross our fingers and hope he returns to something like the averages of the last two years over these last 47 games, or else this is going to be a 20 win season at best. Same is true to an extent for Dudley, though I feel a bit better over the last week or so, that his game is starting to coming back.
I really don't want to see Warrick replace Frye in the starting unit either
I was only making an observation about how neither Morris or Frye is getting it done right now…and how Warrick could at least provide us with scoring of nothing else.
But yeah, we really don’t have a good option at the 4 right now in the starting unit. I think Morris could eventually be that guy, but he’s not ready yet.
by 7footer on Jan 29, 2012 9:35 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
I was kind of surprised to see Warrick at all. If Frye and Morris play anywhere close to expectations, he won’t play. But Frye sure hasn’t. Morris did well though.
by BringBackBarkley17 on Jan 29, 2012 12:28 PM MST up reply actions
Yet Warrick scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds last night
His defense is atrocious, but his offense is almost always there and his rebounding is better than he usually gets credit for. Warrick only went 2-7 from the field, which is low for him, but he still made a difference because of something he does that Frye simply won’t…by driving to the rim and being aggressive.
Morris has played well off the bench and ideally, Warrick is best used off the bench as a 3. But since we are struggling so much to find any production from the 4 in our starting unit, I wouldn’t be surprised if Gentry at least tries using Warrick as a PF in our starting line-up to see how he does.
by 7footer on Jan 29, 2012 12:39 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
That wasn't very clear...
I meant that Warrick was able to score 8 points despite his poor shooting from the field because he drove to the rim and drew contact. He went 4-7 from the line which still isn’t great, but the key is that he got to the line 4 times in 18 minutes because of his aggressive play.
When Frye isn’t hitting his shots he still continues to stay out on the perimeter and chuck brick after brick trying to turn it around. If he would learn how to use a head fake and drive to the rim he would help the team so much more. Warrick does this and it’s the main reason he can turn a bad shooting performance into a fairly efficient game overall.
by 7footer on Jan 29, 2012 12:46 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Hak is fine as a backup 4 against stretch 4s
But he rebounds poorly on teh defensive end – he is just too light to anchor and boxout.
In major I agree with you 7f.
Morris back- true but he must play in second unit. Dudz played like he promised ,with passion and heart. Frye still failed What’s wrong with him? Gortat played well only first half. In third he open a bit more space around him and Gasol utilized this. His jump shot missing.I hope that it happend only last two games. But I also think that other teams start to better defense him. He need add something more. First , back to good jump shot. Second, he played 44 min and at the end of the game he was focused only on defense.I don’t know why Gentry didn’t allow to play Lopez.It seems that something wrong inside.
Suns still need a guy who can shot 3 pts to open arc and give more chance to score our bigs.
Frye is bad on D
Hak is WOEFUL as a 4. It is a real shame that Dudley and Hill play 4, and so does JChill, because Hak isn’t quite so bad as a 3 on D. But as a four – he just can’t rebound.
As odd as it sounds, we need another 4/5 – someone who can rebound and play D. Frye is fine when his shot falls, but when it doesn’t, he is barely above a D Leaguer.
One last fun fact...
once again we had a horrendous shooting % in the second half hitting around 26% for the half. I mean how does essentially the same team (we have the same starters that ended the season and have replaced Pietrus, Brooks and Carter with guys of equal effectivess in Price, Brown, and Telfair and have seemingly added some thing to the front line with Morris and the improved though very spotty play of Lopez) have a drop in scoring of 15 points per game, from one season to the next??? its pretty unbelievable to me.
What I did note in looking at the box score is that the reason we won despite another horrible night of shooting (36%) was that we got 18 Offensive rebs, (compared to like 2 last night?) and therefore had 11 more shots wiping out the 7% difference in shooting % compared to Memphis.
I saw that
We haven’t had that many O rebounds in a while it seems. And I think part of the poor shooting percentage is the lockout because the league is down in scoring across the board. That still doesn’t explain how we can’t score in a nutshell but it is part of the equation for sure.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
That and 3s
We got a few extra points there.
The difference is 3FG% – pretty much. It opens up everything, but more importantly, it is extra points. If we hit at last year’s percentage on 3s, we’d have hit 16.4 more, which is 50 points (lets use round numbers) which is 2.5 points per game. On top of that, we have probably passed up a bunch of threes that last year Hill, Dudley and Frye would have taken.
If we get can get Dudley and Hill hitting at a better rate, everything on offense will improve.
The other issue is the bench, and the stat we score less points than anyone else second quarter is telling. The change of Nash’s minutes, to play less in the first and more in the second and 4th quarters – HOPEFULLY that works out for us.
I'm glad Gentry went back to the original starting line up.
These five guys give us the best chance to win, period.
Grant has finally gotten his legs back under him and Dudley has found his shooting stroke. Channing had a brief stretch this season where he played well but I think the whole demotion thing really sent him into a funk. I didn’t like the fact that we were almost forcing him into the offensive game plan tonight, either. Of course it’s a good idea to get Channing involved but the execution was poor. The only way Channing is going to wake up from his offensive woes is from shooting the ball so we need to continue to start him and continue to let him shoot. If he’s on, keep him in the game. If he’s off, let Warrick or Morris play. I liked that Morris saw some playing time at center. I’ve been wanting Gentry to do that all season long.
I was a little confused by the benching of Brown. He played well against Dallas and against Toronto he didn’t play awesome but he certainly didn’t negatively impact us in anyway. The four turnover game against Portland was horrible but the whole team played horrible in that game.
So, does anyone know what is going on with Michael Redd? What is the reason behind him not playing? Does it have to do with something physically like his knee not being full strength or his endurance not being quite there yet or is it because he has gotten the system down? I doubt it’s our system though since Redd is a smart guy and it’s not very intricate. Maybe Gentry just doesn’t feel he is ready yet since I have to believe with how bad we’ve been playing prior to tonight that if Redd was ready Gentry would give him a go.
Dear Bill,
Fuck You.
-Charles
Letter that Charles Barkley sent to Bill Lambieer through a ballboy during the 89-90 season....Moments later, Barkley and Lambieer got into a fist fight.
Well
I am not sure of his health at this point (Redd) but it has to say something that Gentry isn’t really playing him when he is supposed to be one of our better shooters on the team, and better scorers. He must not be moving well or something because he would be seeing the court over Chilly I would think if the coaching staff was confident in his role on the team and what he could bring in each game.
I am confused on the Brown benching as well. He has taken less moronic shots and hasn’t been handling the ball as much (which is definitely a very good thing). Maybe this was just one night to switch up the roster, we will have to find out. I am thinking Chilly might have been in for match ups since we played small a for some of the game with Morris at the 5 and just for a better match up.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Well, Redd is shooting POORLY so far – VERY poorly.
So, does anyone know what is going on with Michael Redd? What is the reason behind him not playing?
maybe because he was signed to make jump shots and misses every one he takes? The guy is such a zero at everything but shooting, you can’t play him if he’s not scoring.
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
I don't envy Alvin
Guys are so inconsistent. So many missed layups and missed opportunities to get steals and loose balls. It’s bizarre to watch our Suns swing from looking pretty decent, playing defence, hustling and getting the loose balls, then ten minutes later looking hopelessly lost and letting the opposition waltz into the lane for layups. Just totally utterly inconsistent.
I don’t see Redd offering much. I like the way Price plays and think he should stay in heavy rotation. I think we need to run more nice set ups for post players, a few screens across the key or high-low type of play between big men. We never do this stuff, always really really high pick and rolls for Steve, but it’s just way too predictable now. And if no one’s draining threes, this offense of ours starts to fizzle pretty quickly.
Ah well. Just give me a few Warrick dunks, Dudley hustle plays, Morris rebounds, Gortat turnarounds, BAMF swats and Nash magic assists and I’ll make it through the season a Suns fan.
No more messin' around - time to rise from the ashes!
by Frye (of Victoria, Canada) on Jan 29, 2012 2:23 AM MST reply actions
I never expected anything out of the Redd signing
We will see, I guess, but at this point it is not exactly solving any of our problems.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Channing Frye
He has just been so terrible this season. One thing I can never understand about him is why can he never step a few feet inside the 3 point line and try a 2? If he keeps clanking all these 3s why not try to move in closer and see if he can hit a few more shots for at least a little more confidence. I know he sucks at attacking the mismatch generally but I would have to think he could sink an open 2……
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
I always say that.
Especially when they’re wide open…if you haven’t been making your shots and you’re wide open, run closer and shoot it. I can see the frustration on his face though when he sits on the bench. He hasn’t smiled at all sitting on the bench this whole season and I don’t blame him.
Twitter: @FredLegittt
I don't blame him
I would be pissed off too. He knows he is playing terrible haha. He has always been someone to let his offensive game affect his all around game.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
I wonder if he practiced in the lockout.
All I know was that he spent the whole time in Portland and coached basketball.
Twitter: @FredLegittt
More like Ice Cold Mother Clanger.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
That's a pretty inefficient shot
.400 on threes is .600 on twos. .430 on long twos is a terrible result.
I was going to say this.
The worst shot in basketball is right inside the 3-pt line.
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
It may be inefficient
But maybe he can hit one for some confidence. He relies on it so much… He is just clanking every 3 he puts up anyways.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Dudley returned to the starting lineup on Saturday as Gentry went back to the starting five with which he began the season.
“Guys responded to it,” Dudley said. “I don’t know if I felt better, though I think I played better. I just want to know what my role is. I’m more comfortable with starting because I was expecting to start this year.”
What is your thoughts on that quote from Dudley? There have been lots of instances this year where Dudley drops hints about how much he wants to be starting. I don’t know if it is a good thing that he is feeling more comfortable just because he expected to start and is the starter again. He kind of says it without saying it and making a “big deal”.
I guess I don’t really have a problem with it since our team is well… not very good. Hopefully Dudley has perspective and knows he should only be starting if he is the best at his position. I THINK he does (because he talked about this about a week ago on the radio).
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Also I would like to know who the "guys" are that responded to the starting 5 change
Because Frye looked just as awful. Methinks he was speaking about just himself haha.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Morris responded
He played well tonight – really added something.
Well
I kind of thought he was speaking of the starters but maybe he meant as a team. If so then yes, that is another example.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
“I’m more comfortable with starting because I was expecting to start this year.”
So why did he play so terrible as a starter then? It was obvious to anyone who watched the game that the “old” Dudley showed up last night for the first time all season. If he had played all season like he did last night, he’d have never been benched.
Blogging Suns Basketball at Bright Side of the Sun
Exactly....
The job was his to begin with…His poor play as a starter is what forced Gentry to make a change. Let’s hope he’s found his way after last night and can continue to play with the tenacity and hustle that made Dudley such a valuable player for us in the past.
by 7footer on Jan 29, 2012 9:52 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
That was an ugly win
Suns still have a lot to prove. As we all now we lack of consistency, most players need time to develop any, I get it from guys like Hak and Morris, but Frye and Gortat need to provide their fuel everynight, because when they don’t the other team is, and only by having a unexpected horrible night from guys like Gasol, Mayo and playing ZBOless, winning by 2 is pretty much a lucky card.
Also I lie having Chilly at 3 trying to attack the rim, and not shooting 3s, he provided some energy we still need that but Shannon Brown is capable of doing that and giving us some scoring and defense, they both are good at Offensive Rebounds, however Chilly is just not the answer and it’s clear that he is not making a difference, so playing him instead of Brown was a mistake, or a useless experiment as you rather call it. And what the heck NO LOPEZ? That is not going to help such a head case like him…Gentry has no freaking clue how to develop players. Dudley starting is what he wants, and when he did, he played great but at this point I wonder how our record would be if we had Milsap instead of Frye…
roses are red violets are blue, Michael Redd is coming for you!
by Lino Canaan on Jan 29, 2012 7:47 AM MST via mobile reply actions
An ugly win and an ugly game to watch, to be honest.
Even so, it was worth it to see the old Dudley for a game and to see Markieff just keep on keeping on. Morris is going to be fun to watch for a number of years now.
Crashing the [message] boards from the swamps of Louisiana, and blogging Phoenix Suns!
Still trying to get used to a world in which the Suns average only 91 PPG
And are 23rd in offensive efficiency. That’s a 14PPG and 14 spot drop in ORtg from last season’s mediocre squad.
Over the last 3 weeks, the Suns have scored less than 80 as many times as they’ve scored over 100 (twice), and only scored 100 four times all season through 19 games.
Blogging Suns basketball for Bright Side of the Sun from California wine country.
Twitter: @EastBayRaymundo
It's actually 91.2 PPG,
when it gets that microscopic counting past the decimal point gains added importance. That’s importance, not impotence, which the Suns offense has.
It’s been trending towards worse, too. The Suns have only scored 100 once in the last 11 games, that was 103 in a losing effort to the Nets without Nash. The Suns are averaging 88.5 PPG over that 11 game stretch and have scored 87 or less on 5 occasions.
The Suns record over that stretch is 3-8.
The lockout has undeniably affected scoring league wide, but this has been an embarrassing insult to the sport of basketball a a little tough for fans to digest.
If the Suns can play great defense, I can get behind that. This is not what is happening. In 2006-07 The Spurs led the league in points allowed with 90.1 (great defense), they also scored 98.5 (14th in the league). Fast forward to today and San Antonio is still averaging 98.5 PPG, except now it’s good for 5th. This season there are 4 teams below 90.1 and 4 more within a point.
This is ugly and damn near unwatchable. If it wasn’t for my inveterate rooting interest in this franchise, I can’t imagine jumping on as a newbie and being gung-ho about investing my time in this crap product.
It appears this season should bring some clarity to the “Steve can make any collection of players into an offensive dynamo” discussion. It certainly appears he cannot, and watching it has been offensive.
I have watched a lot of Suns basketball and this ranks near the top of the list in terms of ineffectuality.
It was only called the mildly irritated house on McDowell until I showed up.
by Jim Coughenour on Jan 29, 2012 11:30 AM MST up reply actions
Then again...
Nash is still leading the league in assists with one of the least talented supporting casts in the league. While he might not be able to make mediocre players into stars, he certainly knows how to maximize the offensive skills of every player on the floor with him.
by 7footer on Jan 29, 2012 11:48 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
I don't know that I agree with that.
Nash can certainly still set players up to score, but I don’t know about maximizing their offensive skills.
The raw data of total points, field goal percentage, etc. suggest that Nash isn’t maximizing their offensive skills. Like I mentioned above, there is also the quirk that shows that the Suns scored 103 in the game that Nash didn’t play.
How many points is Nash worth to the team, or is it possible that the team could even score more without him (they can’t score a whole lot less)?
I think that just like Nash can create easy opportunities for players, Nash needs certain types of players surrounding him to make him most effective…
Think of this as an example (obviously an imperfect one). Since leaving Phoenix, Amare has still averaged over his career average for points per game (I think he’s at about 23.9), but his FG% has only been about 48%. This year Nash is averaging 9.9 APG, his second lowest total since coming back to Phoenix, but how many extra passes is he making to get those assists (due to poor shooting), and how much more dependent is the offense on his creation?
The Suns used to get easy points and had players that could score without depending on an assist from Nash. When is the last time you can remember the Suns having a game where they scored a bunch of easy buckets?
I’m not tyring to besmirch Nash’s ability, I’m just saying that not even he can turn this colleciton of pyrite into perfection.
It was only called the mildly irritated house on McDowell until I showed up.
by Jim Coughenour on Jan 29, 2012 12:21 PM MST up reply actions
I just feel like
People are just missing too many open shots. I think the only drop-off in Nash’s play is that he doesn’t look to score as much as he used to. We are not getting as many fast break points as we used to get though and that is how we got so many easy buckets in the past.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
You know your team sucks when....
Jared Dudley/Channing Frye/ or Markieff Morris/Ronnie Price are your starters.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
Yea
We have the leagues largest bench
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"
by phxpurple on Jan 29, 2012 11:52 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
That's a nice way of putting it...
by 7footer on Jan 29, 2012 11:58 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
The Suns have two quality starters (high quality)
and up to 6 bench players depending on your opinion.
Brown has shot the ball horribly and has terrible decision making ability.
Frye is having the worst year of his entire career.
Warrick can score but can’t defend.
Morris is only averaging 7 and 5, and has been mostly unspectacular with the exception of a few good showings. It’s good since he’s a rookie, but if he was a 5 year vet it would be nondescript.
Dudley could probably be a 6th or 7th man on most teams.
Grant still plays good defense, but he would probably be better coming off the bench as a specialist than starting at this point.
The other 5 guys are basically a steaming pile of fetid garbage.
All the Suns need is a starting sg, sf, and pf (at least one of which is an all-star) and they can march right back into contention.
Where I was mistaken (at least to this point) was that I thought that Nash was good enough that he could make players like Dudley and Frye look like real NBA starters. That has not been the case this year.
It was only called the mildly irritated house on McDowell until I showed up.
by Jim Coughenour on Jan 29, 2012 12:39 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think you were mistaken with Nash...
I was going to reply to your response above but it fits well here…
Nash has done everything in his power to set up Dudley and Frye with the perfect, spoon fed assists yet they have still struggled to find the hole.
I can’t count how many times Nash has penetrated into the lane to draw in the defense and made an awesome pass that lands right into Frye’s or Dudley’s shooting pocket so that all they had to do was rise up and fire, yet they still couldn’t seal the deal.
Maximizing the skills of the players around him still can’t make them hit shots, it only gives them the best possible opportunity. In my opinion Nash has definitely done this, but once the ball is in their hands there’s nothing more he can do.
Still, even with the horrendous shooting of the players he’s surrounding with he leads the league in assists which is a testament to his remarkable ability as a facilitator.
by 7footer on Jan 29, 2012 1:01 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Exactly how I feel
It is no fluke that Nash is still leading the league in a assists. I think I am pretty confident in saying nobody, or at least 98% of the league, could not do what Nash is doing now with this team.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Mostly just a semantical difference...
You’re contention is that Nash is still setting them up just as well and they’re not holding up their part of the bargain
Nash can certainly still set players up to score,
Which is what I said here. The main difference is when I say this
but I don’t know about maximizing their offensive skills.
I’m equating it with results whereas you don’t seem to be.
That’s all. So if Frye went from 40% to 30% on threes I say his offensive skill is no longer being maximized because he isn’t producing maximum results. This in no way delves into assigning the blame.
I don’t think the players are getting the exact same looks either. Spacing and timing are different. Most of the three point shooters are gone. The team lacks overall speed and can’t get easy buckets. Nash doesn’t throw alley-oops anymore.
Sh** has changed…
It was only called the mildly irritated house on McDowell until I showed up.
by Jim Coughenour on Jan 29, 2012 1:34 PM MST up reply actions
"Your" not "you're", Jim :)
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
Right. I fully understand the difference
between the possessive your (as in your Phoenix Suns) and the contraction you’re (as in you’re (you are) an idiot Jim). If you need practice in pointing out people’s shortcomings you should try meeting me in person some time… ;)
I’m glad that was the most salient part of my comment above in your (see, I did it right there) estimation. You’re (damn I’m getting good at this) a strict but fair critic.
It was only called the mildly irritated house on McDowell until I showed up.
by Jim Coughenour on Jan 29, 2012 2:25 PM MST up reply actions
Well...
Hold up. I need to grab my pocket dictionary.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
These days that's called a
smart phone.
It was only called the mildly irritated house on McDowell until I showed up.
by Jim Coughenour on Jan 29, 2012 3:07 PM MST up reply actions
Too smart for me apparently.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
Hey... I'm still playing Snake on my dad's old black Nokia.
I will have none of this Angry Bird nonsense.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
Gotcha...
Then it looks like we agree either way. Hopefully Frye will start knocking down his shots soon like Dudley has finally started doing. I just wish Frye would become more than just a one trick pony on offense and learn how to contribute in other ways when his shot isn’t there. At least he’s been rebounding fairly well, but his offense is extremely limited and his defense is at a near Warrick level this season.
by 7footer on Jan 29, 2012 1:58 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
That sounds about right.
Where I was mistaken (at least to this point) was that I thought that Nash was good enough that he could make players like Dudley and Frye look like real NBA starters
Well, he tried…
Dudley and Frye are to blame for this one since they haven’t stepped up. They miss a lot of their open 3s and haven’t been finding other ways to contribute on either ends of the floor. We need the fat Dudley who hustled night in and night out and knocked down his 3s. I’ll settle for the Frye we saw in 09-10 who was poor on defense but still shot 3 pointers really well.
And I actually would like Telfair as a third string point guard on this team if we could find a decent Nash backup. The kid hustles…
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
Off-Topic rosterbation, but
I think GS will go for this
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=758lm85
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
I know people hate Monta, but we need that go to scorer
plus we get a prospect in Udoh.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
There is no freaking way they would take that!
Peddle it over at Golden State of Mind, and see how that goes.
Blogging Suns basketball for Bright Side of the Sun from California wine country.
Twitter: @EastBayRaymundo
by East Bay Ray on Jan 29, 2012 1:54 PM MST up reply actions
They said they would trade Ellis, Wright, Udoh and their 1st
for an injured not guaranteed to re-sign Gordon and a broken down Kaman!!! I think they might if we add pick.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
Okay this maybe
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=732zvwf
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
I think they'd do that
If we threw in a 1st it’d probably be a done deal. Just not next years pick.
I think Gortat is a better player than a healthy Beans.
Ellis plus Gortat I think could attract some good free agents here.
We just end up with a very thin frontcourt in this trade. That’s the only problem. Warrick would have to play the 4 again. However, it’s only for the rest of this season.
I do like Ellis. He’s like a much, much, much, much, much, much better version of Araon Brooks. The dude would be the perfect stopgap point guard until we replace Nash. He’s fun to watch and he’s talented. He’s not on a long-term deal either. We replaced Jason Kidd with Marbury and traded Marbury when Nash and Kobe were available in free agency. We can repeat that process. Ellis will be our Marbury until we get the next Nash.
Don't trade Dudley!
I would not give up on Morris yet
"Steve Nash is more valuable for the Suns than Kobe for the Lakers" - Jared Dudley
I don't think Morris is going to ever be more than a role player
or in a Frye like role, if a good deal comes along I say we trade.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
So, the Suns are a poor shooting team this year
Making only 44% of their overall FGs and 33% of their 3s. We agree that’s one of the team’s major problems, right? The solution you propose is to pick up a player who takes 19 FGAs a game and is shooting 41% from the field and making 24% of his 3s this season. Brilliant!
Blogging Suns basketball for Bright Side of the Sun from California wine country.
Twitter: @EastBayRaymundo
by East Bay Ray on Jan 29, 2012 3:46 PM MST up reply actions
Better than Channing Frye
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
Yep, I'm not trying to make the playoffs
I’m trying to find an entertaining PG and star caliber player to run this team in place of Nash when he goes this summer. He won’t get the job done like Nash, but he’s talented and young enough to attract some free agents and provide us with a good stop gap replacement until we find our next franchise player.
Don't trade Dudley!
EEK
So our entire frontcourt for Monta? He’s terrible.
He's a good player in the right situation
which is to say playing next to an oversize PG (Andre Miller, Steve Blake, LeBron)
Voted most likely to say "I told you so"
I think jc's calling them fat.
Just because Steve Nash has that "dirty hipster" look doesn't mean he's in need of a shower. Steve Nash bathes in the tears of his victims on a nightly basis.
Mark of a Beast, baby. Mark of a Beast.
He;s just not productive
He’s a small gunner who doesn’t shot well enough to be a gunner and has no real other skills. We can do better.
by MMotherwell on Jan 30, 2012 12:47 AM MST up reply actions
Our entire frontcourt is terrible.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
Gortat is terrible?
Someone has to play 4 and 5 outside MG.
Besides, Monta is an unproductive gunner.
by MMotherwell on Jan 30, 2012 12:46 AM MST up reply actions
I didn't include Gortat in the trade
but you said everyone I traded was “our entire froncourt”.
"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley
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