RealGM

After watching tonights game, anyone else think that Tucker and Barnes should be our starting sg and sf? Barnes at sf and Tucker at sg?

I know these were just two games but Hill is getting older and Barnes is like 10 years younger and brings a bit of everything, he can't replace Marion but he can do pretty close to what he did. Also Tucker, the way he's been playing in the summer league and pre-season he should start at sg over Bell even, he's way younger and plays just as good defense, also he should start over Barbosa considering he's been out so long and hasn't played in along time.

Lineup

C-Shaq
PF-Amare Stoudemire
SF-Matt Barnes
SG-Alando Tucker
PG-Steve Nash

What does everyone think?

I think it was a long time between polls...


And yes to Barnes, no to Tucker

Yes to Barnes. No to Tucker.

Tucker has looked good in the two preseason games so far but I don't think he's ready to start and I think most Suns fans would agree. Hard to say he plays as good defense as Bell (All-NBA defense) and while he's played great, I'd still give Bell's defense the nod over Tucker's production since our back court would be defenseless with Tucker and Nash starting.

However Barnes definitely should be starting. He's younger and more athletic than Hill and should take a lot of wear and tear off Hill if Barnes continues to start. Also Hill is one of those players who can be productive regardless if he's starting or not.

I would rather start Diaw at SF. Then Hill, Barnes, Barbosa, Tucker, Lopez and Drajic off the bench.

^^ Nah because both Barnes and Hill are a more versatile/efficient scoring machine than Doris.

I am almost ready to say bye-bye Raja and say start Tucker @ SG.

Jeez are you serious man!?

Tucker's scored what - 30 Summer league points and you guys are ready to hand him the starting job ahead of a guy 1 year removed from ALL NBA Defensive FIRST team?

yikes how quick we forget

Mr. Sun wrote:^^ Nah because both Barnes and Hill are a more versatile/efficient scoring machine than Doris.

Exactly the same reason why I wanted them to come off the bench. They dont need Nash to set up them. Nash, Bell, Diaw, Amare and Shaq are potent offensive and defensive starting line-up. Hill, Barnes and Tucker are capable of sustaining Suns offense without Nash on the floor.

TAST: You forget Bell has brief hot streaks with longggggg cold streaks. Tucker strikes me as more consistent (so far).

Regular Season >>>>>>>>> Pre-season and Summer League

Also, the team is going to be more fluid with Bell out there. It's automatic for him, he can practically read those guys' minds. Tucker has a long way to come before he gets to that point. Lest we forget, moving without the ball is just as, if not more, important than scoring with the ball.

Mr. Sun wrote:TAST: You forget Bell has brief hot streaks with longggggg cold streaks. Tucker strikes me as more consistent (so far).

Can't say Tucker is consistent when it has only been 2 games. I'd still take Bell over Tucker until he has shown he can play some solid D and some offensive consistency. Bell may have brief hot steaks with long cold streak, but even if he ain't hitting his shots, he still contribute significantly through his defense. This is one reason why Barbs comes off the bench, other than offense he is pretty much useless.

In any case, what the young guys are showing really makes me hopeful about the future. I really could care who starts right now, we all know which guys are going to finish, which is far more important.

If guys like Barnes, Dragic, Lopez and even Amundson keep getting even a little burn under Porter and keep developing accordingly, then in two years time when the big three paychecks come off the books I will feel much more comfortable with the following core:

PG Dragic
SG Barbosa
SF Barnes
PF Stoudemire
C Lopez

SG Tucker (the new Barbosa)
PF Amundson

With FA money to maybe strengthen PG/ C if need be.

^^ I doubt Barnes stays with us that long.

Get the feeling he's gonna go Tim Thomas on us at the end of the year

I would start Barnes over Hill. I think it would be wise to save his legs for the 2nd half of the season and playoffs. No way in hell to Doris at SF. I knew Tuck would be a solid pick if given the chance. I tihnk he is going to be a good backup SG. Thing is, what do you do with Barbs now? I think he will come back and take that spot back and Tuck will be back on the bench. Bell is the shooter we need, and he still plays D.

Now Matrix, naaah, don't see it.

Yes Barnes, no to Tucker. Not because I don't like Tucker but because I think he will have an opportunity to start at Sg when Bell leaves. Whereas Barnes has proven he can handle the load and it would wonderful to have Hill on the floor with that second Unit for leadership's sake.

Either way, I am pumped that the season is finally here

Bell plays SG and Barns at SF

Nostalgic bump

Alando just got waived by the T-Wolves to open up room for another move. Really terrible timing by them, basically lets him slip unforgotten by the time signings start for next season. I hope he can get a chance somewhere again, although getting waived by Minny, bleh. It's too bad, he's a good guy and I once thought he could go somewhere but I'm guessing his NBA career may be over.

Strawberry can't find work either. Terrible draft

Miklo wrote:Nostalgic bump

Alando just got waived by the T-Wolves to open up room for another move. Really terrible timing by them, basically lets him slip unforgotten by the time signings start for next season. I hope he can get a chance somewhere again, although getting waived by Minny, bleh. It's too bad, he's a good guy and I once thought he could go somewhere but I'm guessing his NBA career may be over.

Strawberry can't find work either. Terrible draft

Wow I forgot about this thread, my how things change

Your predictions are horrible Marry but we still love you.