Game 47: Phoenix(26-20)@Golden State(15-34)

[rsavaj]

All you guys that keep calling for Shaq's trade are freakin' delusional. Why haven't you been all over Nash's nutz about his near league leading turnovers? Or his matador defense? Shaq is averaging numbers equal to Yao, and you guys are blaming this mess on him. What about the fact that Amare won't put in the effort to do anything but score? What about the fact that Shaq is the only one that buys into the fact that they actually need to GUARD SOMEBODY to win a freakin' game? The last time I checked, the guys that keep padding their stats against the Suns are guards and forwards. So, you're blasting the only guy that buys into the team philosophy, the one that's averaging numbers on par with a prime Yao who most claim is 1a to Howard as the best center in the league, but you're fine with keeping an aging guard that can't guard a wall and prima donna that only wants to be on Sportcenter Dunkin' the ball? You see, I don't think Porter is a good coach, but I think his plan is right. Make the defense create opportunities for the offense, and when needed, slow the game down. He's trying to have a good mix of halfcourt ball and run and gun, but the players are pizzed because they have to give a little effort to make a stop to create the break. Instead of whining about the system and letting the wet dreams of Mike D hamper their game, why don't they at least buy into the system and see how that works? Can't do any worse!!! Bunch of whiny azz millionaires.

I think people are advocating keeping Nash over Shaq b/c building around Shaq is a hell of a lot more difficult than building around Nash/Amare. You'd have to revamp the ENTIRE roster; Barbosa, Nash, Amare, Barnes, and Rich would have to go. That's really not feasible...

[jaypo]

That is a good point. But the goal isn't to rebuild. The point is to improve on certain areas, and the main area is perimeter defense. Th second area is DESIRE. For years, Nash and Amare have been the heart and soul of the Suns. They bring Shaq in and trade noted malcontent, Matrix who was reportedly causing trouble in the locker room. Shaq improved their rebounding and toughness, and Amare thrived in the system. They went out in the playoffs, but didn't have enough time to gel. Mike D. leaves, so they went to a system that I outlined above. But the players won't buy into it because it doesn't let them do what they want, which is run and fire without having to play D. So they're pouting and rebelling, and now that Diaw and Bell are gone, Nash seems to not give a crap. He's carelessly turning the ball over constantly. I think he had 5 last night by himself and only played 3 quarters. He's supposed to be a master at running an offense, but it is the opposing offense that he's helping! I think if we got a guard that could protect the ball and play defense, we'd be better off, because we really don't need too much scoring from him. We have enough weapons. We need perimeter defense. And we need Amare to give some effort on help defense, because asking ANY 37 yr. old in the league to be a great defensive force is irrational, much less one that is 300 lb pounds and has 16 seasons on his knees, because if he has to come out to the perimeter, who protects the middle????

I think the real blame lies with the players' effort. The current team is more talented than any team in the league. They lack the desire to buy into a system if it isn't what they want to do.

[rsavaj]

That is a good point. But the goal isn't to rebuild. The point is to improve on certain areas, and the main area is perimeter defense. Th second area is DESIRE. For years, Nash and Amare have been the heart and soul of the Suns. They bring Shaq in and trade noted malcontent, Matrix who was reportedly causing trouble in the locker room. Shaq improved their rebounding and toughness, and Amare thrived in the system. They went out in the playoffs, but didn't have enough time to gel. Mike D. leaves, so they went to a system that I outlined above. But the players won't buy into it because it doesn't let them do what they want, which is run and fire without having to play D. So they're pouting and rebelling, and now that Diaw and Bell are gone, Nash seems to not give a crap. He's carelessly turning the ball over constantly. I think he had 5 last night by himself and only played 3 quarters. He's supposed to be a master at running an offense, but it is the opposing offense that he's helping! I think if we got a guard that could protect the ball and play defense, we'd be better off, because we really don't need too much scoring from him. We have enough weapons. We need perimeter defense. And we need Amare to give some effort on help defense, because asking ANY 37 yr. old in the league to be a great defensive force is irrational, much less one that is 300 lb pounds and has 16 seasons on his knees, because if he has to come out to the perimeter, who protects the middle????

I think the real blame lies with the players' effort. The current team is more talented than any team in the league. They lack the desire to buy into a system if it isn't what they want to do.

True, the main problem is defense, but Kerr hasn't helped things by trading away all of our defenders(Kurt Thomas, James Jones, Marion, Banks, Bell, Diaw) for players who can't play defense(dolla dolla bills, Shaq, and Rich). Also, if you read 'Seven Seconds or Less', I get the strong impression that Amare was the one who was causing issues, not Marion.

[jaypo]

I never read it. Now, I'm starting to agree with you. Amare comes across as a punk in everything I read about him. There is no reason that he shouldn't be the best PF in the league. He is probably the most physically gifted PF and has the skill set to do so. What he lacks is the desire. Defense is 90% effort. He has all of the physical attributes, speed, power, agility, to be the DPOY. But he refuses to capitalize. Rebounding is about effort. Being 6'10 and 250 with his jumping ability, he should average about 15 per game. He is pouting because now that Shaq is in the middle and he is averaging 17 and 9, Amare isn't the dominant low post alpha male anymore. It takes away his thunder. He is a punk!

[Frank Lee]

Jaypo with some haymakers




This team has struggled for an identity the entire yr. Blame Porter, the Players, and the Front Orfice. They are too F'd up to let one person gather all the grief.

Some say the team has given up on the coach....I think it's a two way street. And apparently, so does Kerr'veball to a certain extent.

[TASTIC]

Frank, it seems so weird now that I can put a face to the venting...

I pictured the old guy from Dennis the Menace or some redneck on the porch with a shotgun...haha

[rsavaj]

Frank, it seems so weird now that I can put a face to the venting...

I pictured the old guy from Dennis the Menace or some redneck on the porch with a shotgun...haha

You mean that's NOT what he looks like ?

[Frank Lee]

Frank, it seems so weird now that I can put a face to the venting...

I pictured the old guy from Dennis the Menace or some redneck on the porch with a shotgun...haha

I should have sworn you guys to secrecy and forbid cameras.....

[TASTIC]

hey no photos have been posted! I'll get your email off Dan or get him to send the pics to you

[TXSun]

I ain't got nothing to contribure here. Fire Porter is about the only $hit that makes any sense.

[TASTIC]

You HAVE to think Gentry or whoever would immediately go back to the more successful offence, which is P&R Nash/Amare for 90% of the time, and when Amare's out go to Diesel.

Can't BELIEVE how good then how poor this team can be on a nightly basis...