Be Optimistic

[sunskerr]

Hard to be optimistic right now. It will take a couple of days to get our collective heads back on straight and actually discuss moving forward with Tyson Chandler's contract and whether its good or bad. I think most of us like that we ditched Marcus Morris and also opened up time for Warren, Goodwin and Booker.

Its just tough to come in 2nd to the Spurs again, no matter if you respect them or not. God it's killing me.

[SUN]

Hard to be optimistic right now. It will take a couple of days to get our collective heads back on straight and actually discuss moving forward with Tyson Chandler's contract and whether its good or bad. I think most of us like that we ditched Marcus Morris and also opened up time for Warren, Goodwin and Booker.

Its just tough to come in 2nd to the Spurs again, no matter if you respect them or not. God it's killing me.

You never know. Timmy might actually get old, Tony might be bad (he wasn't great last year) and Kawhi might not be enough to pair with Aldridge.

[bwgood77]

I've seen OP post somewhere else that he's a Suns fan.

It was kind of a joke, but yes, in the "5 favorite Suns" thread he mentions Westphal and Davis and you're probably somewhat of a long term fan if those guys are listed in your top 5 Suns.

You got it. I was a Suns fan before I was a Raptor fan. Because of the way TV was back then, some years I didn't get to see them play even once.

So how do you like that Raptors start? And have you had a chance to watch the Suns at all? If so, how do you think the team looks and will look going forward?

[jeff2020]

Knight and Bledsoe really haven't had much of an opportunity to play together yet. If memory serves didn't knight only play 11 games last year with us? So that means they don't even have 20 games played together. If it's still like this 25 games in then yes time to panic but right now let's see if they can gel. Tyson looks like a really nice addition. If we are in the mix at the all star break we don't need a huge trade just a small one to bring in 3 point threat. This team is sorely lacking floor spacing right now

[bwgood77]

Knight and Bledsoe really haven't had much of an opportunity to play together yet. If memory serves didn't knight only play 11 games last year with us? So that means they don't even have 20 games played together. If it's still like this 25 games in then yes time to panic but right now let's see if they can gel. Tyson looks like a really nice addition. If we are in the mix at the all star break we don't need a huge trade just a small one to bring in 3 point threat. This team is sorely lacking floor spacing right now

Yes, hopefully we can start shooting better, but part of it is good ball movement and getting nice open looks instead of iso...and hopefully Booker starts to earn more minutes.

[DRK]

Hard to be optimistic when out coach has designed a game plan that works opposite to our player's strengths.

Hard to win games when you have a two Pg lineup and your first option is slowing the offence to a halt Iso- posting up Markieff 18 feet out, leaving everyone else standing around.... Completely negating the drive-attack-kick mentality which should be the 2Pg lineup.



Had to win games when your game plan revolves around spacing the floor, but your starting SF cant shoot and your best shooter is racking up DNPS.


Hard to be optimistic when your coach STILL runs 3PG lineups.


HOWEVER

Our defence and rebounding is stellar this season. Really impressive. Now we gotta fix the offensive side of the ball. (Ironic isnt it) hopefully starting by redrawing the playbook or getting a new coach.

[bwgood77]

Hard to be optimistic when out coach has designed a game plan that works opposite to our player's strengths.

Hard to win games when you have a two Pg lineup and your first option is slowing the offence to a halt Iso- posting up Markieff 18 feet out, leaving everyone else standing around.... Completely negating the drive-attack-kick mentality which should be the 2Pg lineup.

Had to win games when your game plan revolves around spacing the floor, but your starting SF cant shoot and your best shooter is racking up DNPS.


Hard to be optimistic when your coach STILL runs 3PG lineups.


HOWEVER

Our defence and rebounding is stellar this season. Really impressive. Now we gotta fix the offensive side of the ball. (Ironic isnt it) hopefully starting by redrawing the playbook or getting a new coach.

I agree with most of that, although I will say that I don't think Hornacek's game plan is iso. I think his game plan is what he drew up for the team two years ago, but our team now has added more players who are primarily, by nature, iso players.

If you want to see better ball movement and spacing (like I do), having better players to fit that is the only real answer, however that isn't easy. If you want a coach to fit these guys strengths, I suppose you get a coach who is an expert at coaching iso guys I guess. Otherwise you just kind of have to hope these guys finally learn Hornacek's system to move the ball better and cut out the iso crap.

I hadn't noticed a 3 pg lineup yet. I think part of the reason Price plays as much as he does and sometimes even with another pg IS to get someone in there smart enough to initiate team ball movement.

[Chuck Newhouse]

It was kind of a joke, but yes, in the "5 favorite Suns" thread he mentions Westphal and Davis and you're probably somewhat of a long term fan if those guys are listed in your top 5 Suns.

You got it. I was a Suns fan before I was a Raptor fan. Because of the way TV was back then, some years I didn't get to see them play even once.

So how do you like that Raptors start? And have you had a chance to watch the Suns at all? If so, how do you think the team looks and will look going forward?

I thought both teams had underrated off seasons. I've seen all the games so far except last night (I'll watch that this afternoon).

Raptors offensive issues are starting to show. Coaching still looks like a major problem. I'm starting to see some major weaknesses in Horny's coaching too. I think it could be an issue. Both teams have a lot in common talent and depth wise. I think they will both get better as the season goes along. I was a bring fan of the Leuer pick up in the off season. I think he's one of the most underrated guy in the league. He has looked great.

Very similar teams over all.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I like to be optimistic and think it's annoying when people go overboard here with the bitching and crying. But one reason I really haven't posted much recently is as much as I want to I really don't enjoy the 2015-16 suns. I actively dislike Keif and it annoys me every time I see him on the court. I don't have anything personal against Tucker, Mirza, or Weems but so far they are pretty much a waste of time being on the court. I never liked trading that Lakers pick for Knight and while I really hope he does well his game is offputting to watch. Even though I think Chandler has been good there's a part of me that wishes they would have just said f-it and not signed him, traded away the vets and just lost this season with Warren, Len, and Booker playing 30 mins a night. I would have had more fun watching that than watching this current squad lose to good teams because they suck at offense and win a rock fight or two with bad teams and finish with a pointless 40 wins.

[Christine-In-AZ]

...I'm not advocating, but I have a hunch the Suns may be headed for this eventually.

Hungry? Or queasy? By the thought of.

[bwgood77]

I like to be optimistic and think it's annoying when people go overboard here with the bitching and crying. But one reason I really haven't posted much recently is as much as I want to I really don't enjoy the 2015-16 suns. I actively dislike Keif and it annoys me every time I see him on the court. I don't have anything personal against Tucker, Mirza, or Weems but so far they are pretty much a waste of time being on the court. I never liked trading that Lakers pick for Knight and while I really hope he does well his game is offputting to watch. Even though I think Chandler has been good there's a part of me that wishes they would have just said f-it and not signed him, traded away the vets and just lost this season with Warren, Len, and Booker playing 30 mins a night. I would have had more fun watching that than watching this current squad lose to good teams because they suck at offense and win a rock fight or two with bad teams and finish with a pointless 40 wins.

I agree with a lot of that. I'm ready to move on from Kieff, Tucker and let Mirza and Weems sit on the bench, but I hope Weems improves because we will need another reasonably good swing man off the bench to back up Tucker at the 3. I suppose Booker could play the 3 though if needed and since so many teams go small perhaps those guys could be fine backup up Warren.

I really like the Chandler signing though. Especially with Len being injury prone, no center depth, and just no leadership. As ugly as this team has looked it would look REALLY ugly and more dysfunctional without Chandler.

[bwgood77]

...I'm not advocating, but I have a hunch the Suns may be headed for this eventually.

Hungry? Or queasy? By the thought of.

That would be interesting. With Chandler in the middle we could be missing what those teams missed. Interior defense. Not sure how he'd like our point guards though, but even Raymond Felton had by far his best stats playing under D'Antoni...never averaged more than about 6 assists, but under D'Antoni he was averaging 9 per game along with a career high 17 ppg.

[RaisingArizona]

Pringles? Maybe as an assistant.

[Revived]

I like to be optimistic and think it's annoying when people go overboard here with the bitching and crying. But one reason I really haven't posted much recently is as much as I want to I really don't enjoy the 2015-16 suns. I actively dislike Keif and it annoys me every time I see him on the court. I don't have anything personal against Tucker, Mirza, or Weems but so far they are pretty much a waste of time being on the court. I never liked trading that Lakers pick for Knight and while I really hope he does well his game is offputting to watch. Even though I think Chandler has been good there's a part of me that wishes they would have just said f-it and not signed him, traded away the vets and just lost this season with Warren, Len, and Booker playing 30 mins a night. I would have had more fun watching that than watching this current squad lose to good teams because they suck at offense and win a rock fight or two with bad teams and finish with a pointless 40 wins.

I think that's the main reason many folks don't post here much anymore.

[JMac1]

Hard to be optimistic when out coach has designed a game plan that works opposite to our player's strengths.

Hard to win games when you have a two Pg lineup and your first option is slowing the offence to a halt Iso- posting up Markieff 18 feet out, leaving everyone else standing around.... Completely negating the drive-attack-kick mentality which should be the 2Pg lineup.



Had to win games when your game plan revolves around spacing the floor, but your starting SF cant shoot and your best shooter is racking up DNPS.


Hard to be optimistic when your coach STILL runs 3PG lineups.


HOWEVER

Our defence and rebounding is stellar this season. Really impressive. Now we gotta fix the offensive side of the ball. (Ironic isnt it) hopefully starting by redrawing the playbook or getting a new coach.

[JMac1]

Hard to be optimistic when out coach has designed a game plan that works opposite to our player's strengths.

Hard to win games when you have a two Pg lineup and your first option is slowing the offence to a halt Iso- posting up Markieff 18 feet out, leaving everyone else standing around.... Completely negating the drive-attack-kick mentality which should be the 2Pg lineup.

Had to win games when your game plan revolves around spacing the floor, but your starting SF cant shoot and your best shooter is racking up DNPS.


Hard to be optimistic when your coach STILL runs 3PG lineups.


HOWEVER

Our defence and rebounding is stellar this season. Really impressive. Now we gotta fix the offensive side of the ball. (Ironic isnt it) hopefully starting by redrawing the playbook or getting a new coach.

I agree with most of that, although I will say that I don't think Hornacek's game plan is iso. I think his game plan is what he drew up for the team two years ago, but our team now has added more players who are primarily, by nature, iso players.

If you want to see better ball movement and spacing (like I do), having better players to fit that is the only real answer, however that isn't easy. If you want a coach to fit these guys strengths, I suppose you get a coach who is an expert at coaching iso guys I guess. Otherwise you just kind of have to hope these guys finally learn Hornacek's system to move the ball better and cut out the iso crap.

I hadn't noticed a 3 pg lineup yet. I think part of the reason Price plays as much as he does and sometimes even with another pg IS to get someone in there smart enough to initiate team ball movement.

If they are not doing what the coach wants.....its the coaches fault!! Maybe that is Hornacek's system.

[DRK]

Hard to be optimistic when out coach has designed a game plan that works opposite to our player's strengths.

Hard to win games when you have a two Pg lineup and your first option is slowing the offence to a halt Iso- posting up Markieff 18 feet out, leaving everyone else standing around.... Completely negating the drive-attack-kick mentality which should be the 2Pg lineup.

Had to win games when your game plan revolves around spacing the floor, but your starting SF cant shoot and your best shooter is racking up DNPS.


Hard to be optimistic when your coach STILL runs 3PG lineups.


HOWEVER

Our defence and rebounding is stellar this season. Really impressive. Now we gotta fix the offensive side of the ball. (Ironic isnt it) hopefully starting by redrawing the playbook or getting a new coach.

I agree with most of that, although I will say that I don't think Hornacek's game plan is iso. I think his game plan is what he drew up for the team two years ago, but our team now has added more players who are primarily, by nature, iso players.

If you want to see better ball movement and spacing (like I do), having better players to fit that is the only real answer, however that isn't easy. If you want a coach to fit these guys strengths, I suppose you get a coach who is an expert at coaching iso guys I guess. Otherwise you just kind of have to hope these guys finally learn Hornacek's system to move the ball better and cut out the iso crap.

I hadn't noticed a 3 pg lineup yet. I think part of the reason Price plays as much as he does and sometimes even with another pg IS to get someone in there smart enough to initiate team ball movement.

The problem with this team is that we're much too predictable. Horny only seems to have a few set plays. Theres hardly and off-ball movement, and move the ball at much too slow a pace in the half court.

Look at the Warrior's game. They play simple effective basketball. Nothing in the video below is plays a high school team couldnt run. But they play with cohesion, and get to the right place at the right time, and make quick, simple passes.

PLUS everyone knows their role. If I have to see PJ Tucker try and run another pick and roll, I might just pry out my eyeballs with chopsticks

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tejm473uGcU[/youtube]

[bwgood77]

If they are not doing what the coach wants.....its the coaches fault!! Maybe that is Hornacek's system.

That's easy to argue, but if you coach a bunch of knuckleheads, then it makes it tough for any coach...plus, we have such an ever changing roster that it makes it even tougher to create chemistry.

[JMac1]

I like to be optimistic and think it's annoying when people go overboard here with the bitching and crying. But one reason I really haven't posted much recently is as much as I want to I really don't enjoy the 2015-16 suns. I actively dislike Keif and it annoys me every time I see him on the court. I don't have anything personal against Tucker, Mirza, or Weems but so far they are pretty much a waste of time being on the court. I never liked trading that Lakers pick for Knight and while I really hope he does well his game is offputting to watch. Even though I think Chandler has been good there's a part of me that wishes they would have just said f-it and not signed him, traded away the vets and just lost this season with Warren, Len, and Booker playing 30 mins a night. I would have had more fun watching that than watching this current squad lose to good teams because they suck at offense and win a rock fight or two with bad teams and finish with a pointless 40 wins.

Why do we as fans understand this, but not the organization.......and they wonder why the fan support at home games stink. I would never ever pay a dime to see this current train wreck. The Suns are just so discombobulated it is a shame; yuck, the offense is horrible.

[JMac1]

If they are not doing what the coach wants.....its the coaches fault!! Maybe that is Hornacek's system.

That's easy to argue, but if you coach a bunch of knuckleheads, then it makes it tough for any coach...plus, we have such an ever changing roster that it makes it even tougher to create chemistry.

If the team fails, it is the coaches fault; always has been always will be, period. Don't sign knuckleheads and don't play knuckleheads and sign players that fit, see Spurs and Patriots. If your coach isn't strong enough to get a Moss type player to listen, get rid of said coach for allowing Moss to be on the team or get rid of Moss.

You do a lot of taking up for Hornacek. I am all about getting the job done, not making excuses. Hornacek is pathetic in my book; I have seen enough.