Vets get a day off

Suns are trying to build chemistry at the moment.
Guys are confused and turning the ball over... a lot.
They got torched in their home opener by a good team.
The Hornets are very similar to Phoenix at their D'Antoni peak.
They can be guarded and they will miss shots.
Plenty of usable stuff in the game film.

As for the Blazers, they are coming off an emotional win over the Spurs.
The back to back won't be fun for Portland.
I think Nash will make plays and the veterans will follow suit.
The kids will make the most of their minutes.
Once the cloud of season-opening hype and analysis passes, the Suns can continue the process of becoming who they'll be... with more focus.
Fewer people in their ears and a lot more time with the coaches.
Bill Cartwright and Steve Kerr both won 3 titles win Jordan.
Terry Porter saw Flip Saunders mistakes with the Detroit Pistons.

Coaches have a lot of interesting things to say.
On Amare Stoudemire: "He's not a great player," one member of Team USA's staff said in Beijing. "He makes great plays. There's a difference."
The process of this coaching staff getting these players' attention... to build a consistent ferocious effort around their strategy... to accept new roles... to fully commit to each other... is the most interesting aspect of this team to me.

Nash's assist to turnover ratio will an interesting stat to watch.
The barometer for losses last year was turnovers.
The Suns will need to be efficient because there will be fewer possessions in their new scheme.
Teams will try to outrun them... at their peril.
I hope Nash has an Isiah Thomas mode.

This team needs Alando Tucker to get healthy..
He's a bruiser who attacks the basket and draws fouls.
He's a winner and he'll find a way to give the Suns an advantage.

Looking forward to the matchup tonight.
The Blazers go deep on their bench, so we might see some interesting matchups.

Go Suns!

10/29 - Phoenix @ San Antonio

Suns 103, Spurs 98

I can't think of a single thing that could be more appropriate than starting the season off with a win against the Spurs. If I were to make a list of the stuff I wanted to happen tonight, "Suns winning." would be right at the top, just about "Amare gets 60 points and 30 rebounds." (That one didn't happen.)

What did we see in the first game of the regular season out of the Suns? Well, for one, a solid team defensive concept. This had been strangely lacking for the past... roughly four years, and it's refreshing. While the Suns aren't jam packed with solid individual defenders (or team defenders... or defenders...), they made the right rotations and you didn't see an awful lot of easy points out of the Spurs outside of the occasional defensive lapse. (Barbosa still sucks at off-ball defense and Shaq still hits people. The more things change, the more they stay the same.)

We got good nights out of quite a few players, chiefly Amare Stoudemire who absolutely carried the Suns down the stretch. He managed 22 points on just 11 shots (8/11 FG, 6/8 FT), plus he chippd in 8 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a block. He also made some good hustle plays down the stretch (tracked down a loose ball), made some very heady passes (didn't end up as assists, but they easily could have been), and most importantly imposed his will on the defense when it counted most.

Nash and Shaq both had excellent games as well, with Nash distributing the ball and controlling the pace the entire time he was in the game. He finished with 13 points (5/11 FG, 2/4 3PT, 1/2 FT), 13 assists and 2 rebounds... plus ... a block! (Gasp!) Nash also proved tonight that the Suns will still be running the floor and getting fast break points, and while the pace was slower, Nash will still be Nash with Terry Porter coaching. The Big Shaqtus also had a nice game tonight with 15 points (5/10 FG, 5/8 FT), 13 rebounds, an assist and 2 blocks in 30 minutes. Shaq seems to be in reasonably good shape and, while he is certainly still not very mobile, he is making the right rotations on defense and challenging shots once they get to the rim. (He's also fouling people at an alarming rate... might want to watch that.)

Our supplementary characters in this big book we call basketball came up big tonight also. Starring off the bench we had Leandro and Grant come up with big games, contributing majorly off the bench and coming up big during various stretches of the game. (They had 31 of our 42 bench points!) Leandro managed 18 points in 27 minutes (6/14 FG, 2/3 3PT, 4/5 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, a steal, and rather importantly, NO turnovers. He also had a big jumpshot down the stretch and clinched the game with two free throws at the end of the game. Grant, on the other hand, made his impact early on in the game, as his 13 points (6/8 FG, 1/1 3PT), 2 rebounds and 2 steals. When the 2nd unit came out, Grant did a good job attacking the basket an making the plays the Suns needed, when they needed.

Also of note, Matt Barnes managed 7 points (3/10 FG, 1/4 3PT), 7 rebounds, and an assist in 19 minutes during his starting role while playing excellent defense and generally being active. His shooting should improve as he syncs up with the team, but I liked what I saw out of him. Boris Diaw came out and actually shot a few times, looked good while he was in, and didn't once piss me off while he was out there. Usually he has at least one "WHAT THE HELL!" moment per game... but not this one!

On the rookie front, Goran Dragic and Robin Lopez both got some quality minutes during the game and, while not impressive, certainly showed potential. (I'm consoling myself, leave me be.) I liked what I saw out of Robin Lopez especially, (3 points, 2 rebounds and a block in 9 minutes) while I know that there will be a hell of a learning curve for Goran Dragic (0 points, 2 assists, 3 foul and a turnover in 14 minutes) and he looks like after he manages to adjust to the NBA game he could definitely be a rotation player and potentially even a starter.

First impressions on Terry Porter: YEAAAAAAAAAAH! WHAT? OKAY! I'm impressed thus far. Too early to tell, but that's why I prefaced it with "First impressions". I'm also hopelessly optimistic about everything Suns related.

Expectations for the season: I'm expecting an 82-0 record, Amare to be the MVP, Terry Porter to be the COY, Leandro to be the 6th Man of the Year again, Robin Lopez to be the ROY, and a quick 16 game playoff run that ends with a Suns championship.

Supplementary Info: Tony Parker and Tim Duncan killed us. Bad. In the head. Luckily, no one else did.

Die Hard: 2008-09 Phoenix Suns Season Preview

"I’m doing the game on TV for Euro Sport here and I hear someone is saying that they should’ve put Amare Stoudemire on this team instead of Tayshaun Prince. I mean, are you crazy? You want a prima donna instead of a team guy like Prince who only cares about winning? I mean, just shut up. You are out of your mind." Analyst Dan Peterson

Charles Barkley: "I love Steve Nash, but this is Chris Paul's and Deron Williams' league right now. I always say that Chris Paul is driving and Deron Williams is in the back seat."
Reggie Miller: "Where's Steve Nash?"
Barkley: "He's in the trunk."

"It's official. Shaquille O'Neal, he of the decaying body, decreased stamina, excess ego, and limited effectiveness, is not long for this league." Bethlehem Shoals

"Someone should clue in the Big Au Revoir, and others closer to sports dusk than dawn, that the old show-biz ethic -- Always leave 'em wanting more -- means after you're done, not while you're still on stage." Steve Aschburner

"Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time." Malcolm X

The last four years have been exciting and our team became a critical darling. However after a few crushing playoff defeats, the reviews have turned negative. We've turned from a Spielberg blockbuster into Leonard Part 6. The Suns are down in the polls. Sports writers are writing eulogies. In reality, the only thing that is dying is the hype. This team is building a new identity. The organization wants to move from winner to champion. This team's legacy is to rise from defeat. Reborn.

The universe revolves around the Sun. Like the planets and moons keeping orbit, the Suns' fortunes revolve around the big body in the middle.

Shaq. You've got more haters than George W. Bush. One request before you start to totally commit your mind to owning the Magic, wealth protection and a plush pad in Sun City. Think about what it would take for you to take a run at averaging 20 rebounds a game in a playoff series. Can you be satisfied with lobs, offensive rebounds and maybe 4 or 5 plays called for you? Could you be like 1972 Wilt? If the regular season is a long warmup for the playoffs, can you train to dominate?

Steve Nash. You know what would be fun? Running the break in the NBA Finals. The games would live forever on Tivo and iPhones. You'd be the Ron Jeremy of training tapes.

Amare. You have to capture the imagination of the youth. Yo Gabba Gabba is fun for toddlers but teenagers like championships and colorful shoes. Win the MVP of something beside the rookie/sophomore game. Play some defense. Don't be a star. Be Great.

As for the rest of the roster. This band of pirates, gamblers, politicians, intellectuals, carpenters and closeted Barry Manilow fans are ready for adventure. Magic 8-ball says: Raja Bell spends most the season auditioning for a role in Ocean's 14, replacing Bernie Mac. Leandro Barbosa reveals he speaks perfect english and appears in an E-Harmony commercial. Grant Hill travels everywhere by Segway- they make a deluxe model called the Grant. Alando Tucker forces his way in the rotation, Coach Porter starts calling him Tuck. Robin Lopez becomes the most 4th popular athlete in Phoenix, sponsors youth an AAU basketball team that wins a national championship. Goran Dragic, plays like Rondo... but lefthanded. Matt Barnes has a great season and earns a nice contract to stay in town for a while. Boris Diaw stars in tektonic dance video on youTube, rebounds better but still passes too much. Guys with long names get a few minutes, fans clamor they deserve more.

So what do we fans have to look forwardto this year? How about another year of enjoyable NBA basketball. I'll hold off on predictions and just really try to enjoy this season. I'm excited for the season to start. Rather than make excuses I've just listened to all the Spurs fans around me make them. I'd love for the Suns to win the title. I want to throw a sick championship party. I'd love for the Suns to be the first team to do a meet and great with President Obama, an avowed hoops fan.

Times are tough and we can find some inspiration in sports. While I hope the Suns can give us a season of excitement and fun, I think we as a fanbase can inspire our team. For you fortunate folks in the expensive seats at the US Airways Center, be louder than you've ever been. Yell for the sake of yelling and make it miserable for the road team. You should need a lozenge after the game. For you folks in upper ring, watch a few soccer matches and take notes. Be festive. Make our bench feel appreciated and loved. Give the Suns a tangible home-court advantage and enjoy yourselves. For distant Suns fans who have to travel to San Antonio, Milwaukee or Orlando to see the team, get booed at the arena. Wear your purple and orange with pride.

So my theme for this season is Die Hard. This season is for the Die Hard fans. The folks who'll keep rooting for the Suns through it all and who'll love it the most when we get that first ring. Hopefully the Suns will show some John McClane perseverance through all the challenges this season. Hopefully the Phoenix Suns will be the team that's the hardest to finish off. If they can do that, regardless of when the season ends- we'll be inspired.

Hans Gruber: You know my name but who are you? Just another American who saw too many movies as a child? Another orphan of a bankrupt culture who thinks he's John Wayne? Rambo? Marshal Dillon?
John McClane: Was always kinda partial to Roy Rogers actually. I really like those sequined shirts.
Hans Gruber: Do you really think you have a chance against us, Mr. Cowboy?
John McClane: Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker.

The Greatest Pre-Preseason Preview Ever!

It's that time again, and it's time for another preview to the upcoming season! Following the disappointing first round loss to the rather cantankerous set of Spurs that keep getting thrown at us, Suns fans have been less than optimistic about the upcoming season. I, however, will have to respectfully disagree, as I'm looking forward to the Suns next tear through the regular season leading to the inevitable raising of the 2009 NBA Champion banner in Phoenix. (I told you I was optimistic! Maybe a bit deluded, but optimistic all the same.)

We all know the Suns are putting themselves in position to make at least one more title run, the 08-09 season may be the last productive season we see out of Shaq, (Not relative to salary, mind you, but productive nonetheless...) and maybe 09-10 if Jesus loves us enough. (Not so sure on that one either.) That leaves us with a two year window for a championship run with the core we have right now and, realistically, this year is our last serious chance to put another ring on Shaq's finger, plus maybe get some rings for the rest of the guys too.

The Situation

Going into the preseason, coming out of training camp, we've been greeted with a plethora of interesting information. Some good, (We signed Dragic! Robin Lopez has been playing excellent!) some bad, (Amare hurt his ankle. Then his eye. He also might start wearing goggles, which is awful!) some that really might not matter an awful lot either way... (Amare was on a Nickelodeon show! Steve Nash and Baron Davis made a movie!) The most important part about this offseason, however, would definitely be the pieces we added (Both player and coaching) combined with the fact that the team will be together for training camp. The offseason addition of Matt Barnes should, by all accounts, be absolutely fantastic. He provides an active defender, someone who can handle the ball, make the right play on offense, shoot from deep, and has played in a fast paced team at a high level for multiple seasons now. The addition of Robin Lopez, on the other hand, will give us an ulta-active legit seven footer who can change the game inside with his shot blocking and activity, plus has apparently shown a fairly nice little interior offensive post game. The duo of rookie point guards (Sean Singletary and Goran Dragic.) should be battling to show what they can do, as both have demonstrated that they are legitimate pass first point guards who will work hard to improve their game. (Dragic is a bit more refined offensively while Singletary was a fairly good defender, especially at the point guard, while in college and should be able to translate that to the NBA.) Louis Amundson should fill our "Goofy white guy at the end of the bench" spot that we needed to fill quite well, also, and if he plays his cards right he may end up being roughly half as cool as Pat Burke. 

The Expectations

It's a bit odd to try to make a prediction having not seen any preseason basketball to this point, not knowing our new head coaches tendencies, (I have rather high expectations our of new head coach, Terry Porter looks to be an amazing coach on both ends of the floor...) or even knowing how much of a difference in player roles will be present... but let's have fun with this thing and try to get it right!

Depth Chart
Position	Starter	Backup	Reserves
PG	Steve Nash	Leandro Barbosa	Goran Dragic, Sean Singletary, Boris Diaw
SG	Raja Bell	Leandro Barbosa	Matt Barnes, Alando Tucker, Grant Hill
SF	Grant Hill	Matt Barnes, Boris Diaw	Alando Tucker
PF	Amare Stoudemire	Boris Diaw	Robin Lopez, Alando Tucker, Louis Amundson
C	Shaquille O'Neal	Robin Lopez	Amare Stoudemire, Boris Diaw, Louis Amundson

Projected Minutes
Position	Minutes
PG	Steve Nash (30), Leandro Barbosa (12), Sean Singletary/Goran Dragic (6)
SG	Raja Bell (26), Leandro Barbosa (14), Matt Barnes (8)
SF	Grant Hill (24), Matt Barnes (16), Boris Diaw (8)
PF	Amare Stoudemire (36), Boris Diaw (12)
C	Shaquille O'Neal (26), Robin Lopez (18), Boris Diaw (4)

These are somewhat optimistic. I'm assuming Terry Porter is resting the geriatric patients on our team, as the reports have stated, in hopes for the playoffs. I'm assuming Robin Lopez is getting significant minutes. (I sincerely hope he does, especially when Amare is in with him.) I'm assuming Raja and Boris will have reduced roles with the team, and possibly Leandro. (D'Antoni's pet players/projects.) Most of all, I'm assuming that I'm going to end up being wildly inaccurate after we have a big surprise from one of the players that are down a ways in the depth chart. (I'm hoping Alando Tucker...)

---

Well, that's what I expect. Feel free to share your thoughts on the subject, interesting updates, or just to tear ruthlessly into my writing, whatever strikes your fancy. First preseason game is on Wednesday, October 8th! I wish you a happy preseason, and a merry regular season for all!