Game 2: Phoenix Suns @ Utah Jazz

[lilfishi22]

And Amare is about 25x stronger than Warrick and has better instincts around the hoop, and can shoot mid-range jumpers like they're nothing.

mid-range shooting isn't required in screen and rolls. The stronger argument is weak. Quickness and leaping ability is most important. Amare had the leaping ability but wasn't always quick to the rim.

I thought you were being sarcastic but apparently not. Amare is a much better PnR'er than Warrick will ever be. He's stronger, quick enough to blast by defense and has the ability to finish around the rim if he can't get the dunk. Amare also had the ability to adjust to the defense on the roll which is something a lot of big man can't do on the fly.

[Sun Scorched]

Great game.

Liked what I saw from Warrick as well. I think people that are down on him or unimpressed need to remember that we are paying him $4m per year for that production as opposed to Amare's $17m. I don't care if he's not the second coming of the Nash/Amare PNR, for $4m he would be out-performing my expectations by a long stretch if he made up any reasonable amount on that end.

And I'll reiterate that Hedo will end up being a very important part of this team's equation. The amount of open looks Hedo was getting against a Sloan-led team last night was encouraging. That, and I don't think the guy is a cancer.

I miss Bell.

[A roc 23]

I knew Warrick would be an awesome pick up! The guy is too athletic to not put up good numbers with Nash in the game. He is so damn quick getting to the rim. It's insane. If only he had Amar'e handle, strength, spin moves and midrange shot, he'd be just as good . He also sets pretty weak picks and often rolls too soon. When he sets a pick it's clear he wants the ball because he's certainly not freeing Nash up at all with his weak picks.

Hedo is just an all around bad defender. He's a poor perimetre defender as well so it's really no excuse. Trust me, I watched all 82 Raptor games last season (with the help of PVR). I'm confused as to why they bother having Hedo out there if they are going to make him a spot of shooter. He can dribble and is an awesome creater, but clearly they don't want him doing that. He just holds the ball and waits for Nash to come to the ball. Why the hell doesn't he pick up his dribble and try to create? On time last night he got the ball at the top of the three point line and stood their for 8 FULL seconds without picking up his dribble, while Nash came to the ball. Put the ball down and create damnit! I thought the one positive of acquiring him would be less work for Nash creating, but Nash has to work harder then ever!

Childress also disappeared last night. He played solid defense but got beat a few times for being a step too slow and he was no where to be seen on offense. I thought he should've gotten more time last night too, if for no other reason than to limit Hill's minutes. I don't understand why they kept Grant in so long and put him back in when they were up 12. I guess they wanted the veterans to close the game out, but it's a back-to-back and they should be resting Hill and Nash as much as possible.

[JohnVancouver]

Kirilinko looks like Tom Chambers on Meth.

Yes!

[Sun Scorched]

Kirilinko looks like Tom Chambers on Meth.

Yes!

Hahahaha. Can't believe I missed this. So true.

Well played Kerrsed. Well played.

[JohnVancouver]

Great game.

Liked what I saw from Warrick as well. I think people that are down on him or unimpressed need to remember that we are paying him $4m per year for that production as opposed to Amare's $17m. I don't care if he's not the second coming of the Nash/Amare PNR, for $4m he would be out-performing my expectations by a long stretch if he made up any reasonable amount on that end.

And I'll reiterate that Hedo will end up being a very important part of this team's equation. The amount of open looks Hedo was getting against a Sloan-led team last night was encouraging. That, and I don't think the guy is a cancer.

I miss Bell.

Real good point, SS - Warrick is looking like a bargain. We sign him for four years or five? Either way, let's hop we have a few more seasons where he plays like this

Amare v Hakim? I'm really digging hakim right now but Amar'e is ... Amar'e, a monster of a player, the kind of guy who comes along once in a decade, maybe. We all wished he would take that one more step and become one of the all-time great ones but even with his deficiencies he's still one of the very best in the game. I've been watching the New York games and he's really stepping up in his new role as team leader.

Otherwise, what a nice game. We may not be contending but I think we're going to be very exciting and fun to watch most nights. And I miss Raja, too. Good to see him back on the court

[TXSun]

Kirilinko looks like Tom Chambers on Meth.

Yes!

hahaha this is f-ing great! great post Kerrsed.

[Fo-Real]

I love Warrick, and thought it was a great signing from the start. The only thing is since we have him for a few years, i think he should work on his balance and making moves and finishing moves on balence. It would help him strenght wise and improve his shot post moves and overall game. I like the way he is getting it. It being.... when Nash Dragic or Hedo are going tward the basket, dive with them. Even if it dosent seem open, they have ways of finding you. Get to the cup and BE AVAILABLE!!!! Easy baskets follow.

[RocPHX]

I feel like a smart cookie saying warrick should be our starter a few weeks ago..lol We get so much more with Warrick and nash playing together. I still firmly believe hedo and nash shouldn't really be on the court at the same time too much.