Suns Basketball » 08-09 Preview http://www.sunsbasketball.net Following the Rising & Setting Suns Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:05:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 Suns preseason live chat with Paul Coro http://www.sunsbasketball.net/2009/09/suns-preseason-live-chat-with-paul-coro/ http://www.sunsbasketball.net/2009/09/suns-preseason-live-chat-with-paul-coro/#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:11:23 +0000 admin http://www.sunsbasketball.net/?p=697 10:03
Paul Coro:  That’s the Mercury. As for the Suns, I’ll be here at Shazam Center (aka Al McCoy Media Room) to answer questions for the next two hours. I’ll get to as many as I can until noon and then answer more in my next blog entry. The Suns are working out now in the arena in preparation for a six-day training camp that starts Tuesday at the University of San Diego. Fire away.
10:03 [Comment From Ben]
Why did we bring in Dan Dickau? Is he essentially trying out to take over for Dragic if his injury is more serious than what is being let on?
10:06
Paul Coro:  The Suns had planned on bringing in Zabian Dowdell, a summer league player for the Suns, but he is rehabilitating an injury and the Suns turned to Dickau, who had been considering Boston’s invite. It’s a pretty good get at this stage to get a guy who has played on six NBA teams to help give them a good look in scrimmages. There very well could be some insurance there too after Dragic missed the last five games of the European Championship because of a MCL sprain. However, the Suns are not interested in adding any more payroll or luxury tax burden so it’d take an injury for anyone to stick.
10:06 [Comment From SueB]
Paul, who do you expect to be the Suns’ starting five, at least to start the season?
10:07
Paul Coro:  Dee Brown, Courtney Sims … We kid … Nash, Richardson, Hill, Stoudemire and …. wait for it …
10:07
Paul Coro:  Channing Frye. It’s not set in stone but that’s what it looks like at this stage.
10:07 [Comment From Bunka]
Do you see Richardson playing a bigger role this year? It seems like he was lost in the shuffle last year and didn’t get a lot of opportunities.
10:11
Paul Coro:  Richardson felt like he was always trying to figure out how to fit in and not ruffle feathers last season instead of just being himself. He was leading the NBA in 3-point percentage shortly after arrrival and then plummeted. His most memorable moments, on and off the court, were regrettable ones (the Xmas game, the Indiana game, the 360-dunk try vs. Lebron, the driving arrests). He’s expecting a lot more from himself and feels like a return to the fun-and-gun will benefit him. He wants to look to get more fastbreak chances, off-dribble jumpers. He and the Suns expect him to defend better.
10:11 [Comment From Austin]
When are Barbosa and Dragic expected to hit the practice court with the rest of the Suns?
10:13
Paul Coro:  As early as today perhaps for Barbosa. Dragic was expected to be here Friday, although the Suns don’t play their volunatry pickup games on Fridays. Both will be here for reporting day Monday, when they also leave for San Diego. Before they leave, the Suns medical staff will check out Dragic’s knee more, although team doctor Tom Carter already has seen the MRI and agreed with the doctors overseas.
10:13 [Comment From Chewbacca]
How much has Robin Lopez improved from year one?
10:13 [Comment From SueB]
Is Lopez showing a significant improvement over last year at this time? Or over the end of last season?
10:17
Paul Coro:  His biggest improvement area seems to be his confidence. Although it can often be funny, Lopez’s staredowns of players he blocked is something he didn’t do last year. After the first game in summer league, it seemed like he had grown by leaps and bounds. He went after every baord, blocked shots, scored opportunistically. But then he had no impact in other games there and had a 10-foul game. He didn’t get as much experience as expected last season with Shaq staying healthy. He says the game has slowed for him. The Suns just need a consistent defensive presence from him with better rebounding.
10:19 [Comment From Doe]
What is Alando Tucker’s future with the club?
10:22
Paul Coro:  Tucker is in a tough spot where he really needs to prove himself this preseason but won’t get much of a chance when he is a two-guard behind Jason Richardson and Leandro Barbosa. The Suns have to make a call in about five weeks on whether to pick up a $2.9 million option on Tucker’s contract for the 2010-11 season. With all the flexibility they have created to go after free agents in 2010, it seems doubtful that they would do so on a player out of the rotation. And that rotation is arguably 11 deep right now. He’s had tough luck too and never felt like he recovered fully from the knee surgery.
10:22 [Comment From Matt]
How does Amare look so far? Is it safe to say that he will be playing harder in a contract year and put up much better numbers?
10:22 [Comment From Brandon]
How has Amar’e been looking in team scimmages? I think this team can exceed expectations if he has a big year.
10:22 [Comment From Guest]
How is Amare Stoudemire doing with his eye?
10:27
Paul Coro:  A strong Stoudemire return might be the most definite thing about the Suns. He feels like he is a max player and has a chance to be that next summer if plays wells and opts out of a $17.7 million salary for 10-11. Plus, Stoudemire has come back well from injuries (and significant rest time). He was first-team All-NBA after missing a year. He is saying the right things, as usual, about the areas he needs to improve but we’ll see on that stuff. His vision is 20/20 with contacts and the docs are happy with his recovery. He is in great shape and powerful in pickup games but it’s just pickup ball.
10:28 [Comment From Chad]
Which was the best off season move: resigning Hill, extending Nash, drafting Clark, signing Fry, or NOT extending Stat?
10:32
Paul Coro:  That’s a good one. I’ll throw that one at some Suns people too. To take a stab at it, I’d say Nash. The system is Nash. As long as they are recommitting themselves to play this way and have no other point guard ready, he is essential. That said, Hill is the only starter who brings defense and was arguably the MVP last season. They had to get some star potential for the future and took aim on that in drafting Clark, who also helps improve the D. Frye is going to be a steal at the biennial exception with how his shot will spread the floor and the need for a big. Amare had to prove his health.
10:34 [Comment From SunsFan]
Do you truly believe Robert Sarver and Suns management is committed to winning a championship in the immediate future or fielding a competitive team to appease fans and save money?
10:36
Paul Coro:  For this season, the aim was obviously the latter. They aren’t willing to strip it down and rebuild. Time and again, I’ve had people back up what Sarver has said about not being able to stomach a 20- or 30-some win team. This offseason’s choices were made to keep the team competitive now, especially without owning their first-round pick this year. That said, they aren’t old anymore. Hill and Nash are leaders to bridge into whatever the next era is. Otherwise, the team has young parts for that evolution. Next summer will be telling to see how much they are willing to spend to become contenders.
10:36 [Comment From SueB]
How’s Grant Hill looking? Was he really doing windmill slams in practice?
10:36 [Comment From MP]
Is Grant Hill rocking a high fade haircut this season?!?! Take me back to the 90′s!
10:42
Paul Coro:  Rollin’ with Kid N’ Play. Now everybody say… Sorry, flashback. I always wonder if guys will keep their dos by media day because those photos and intro video shoots last all season. Hill takes amazing care of himself in the offseason. He was back in town in early August and has played a lot of point guard with Nash, LB and Dragic away. It’ll help his ballhandling because he won’t get much chance once he’s playing with Nash again. His game is where it was and what the Suns need. Pass well, defend, hit mid-range shots, finish breaks. I didn’t see a windmill but he does the hand behind the head.
10:43 [Comment From Rob]
How deep do you expect Coach Gentry to go on a regular basis?
10:43 [Comment From dkbdog]
Some coaches have an ability to create synergy among the players – they accomplish much more as a team than the combination of the individuals’ efforts might suggest. Do you think Coach Gentry is one of those?
10:45
Paul Coro:  This team will play harder for Gentry because they like what he’s preaching more than what Terry Porter was doing last year. Some Suns felt belittled by Porter during camp last year and his attempt to put in Pistons offense lost many of them. Nobody argued about an emphasis on defending better. It was the rest of the stuff. Gentry is charged with improving a D without getting any roster help, beyond rookies, to do so. Gentry is a people person. He talks to players more than his predecessors. He is not afraid to light into them either. He has the benefit of a team wanting to prove itself too.
10:45 [Comment From Austin (SunsFTW)]
How’s Sweet Loooouuuuu doing? Do you think he has improved his game this offseason? Could he be in the running for MIP?
10:49
Paul Coro:  Amundson worked a ton on his shot this summer. The Suns hooked him up with a shooting coach, Dave Love, who learned the trade from Spurs assistant Chip Engelland. The change is strikingly obvious. Amundson’s form is different — tighter and more consistent. He regularly hits more than 80 out of 100 free throws now. If that translates to 70 in games, that’s huge to capitalize on his hustle work. He’s got a great role, if he sticks with it and doesn’t go crazy with the shot. He still has to battle for time, though, with Stoudemire, Frye, Lopez and maybe Clark and Dudley at the 4 and 5 sometimes.
10:50 [Comment From Bryce]
What kind of minutes do you anticipate Earl Clark getting initially?
10:50 [Comment From lasun]
What kind of role do you thing Earl Clark with have this year?
10:50 [Comment From Binkar]
What have you seen out of Earl Clark in the pick-up games?
10:53
Paul Coro:  Out of the gate, the Suns said Clark would have a hard time getting playing time and that they didn’t expect him to play in the rotation initially. Riiiiiiiiiiight. Well, it’s better than getting people too excited about a new player (see Goran Dragic) and making it hard on him to live up to expectations. But Clark can help the Suns right away. He’s skilled. He’s long. He defends. He competes. He looks like he’s got a lot of rookie mistakes and 2-for-7 nights on the way but it’s hard to see him not playing unless he’s different with the lights on. He’s more competitive than his sleepy look.
10:54 [Comment From Ben]
I see 55 wins for this team looking at it with the glass half full for a variety of reasons. I love the Channing Frye pickup and think that he will be much more than a serviceable center and will be able to stretch the D with his shooting touch. Also, Amare will be coming out playing better than he has recently in a conctract year and hopefully wearing the goggles the whole season. I love how Dragic has improved and as long as he recovers from his injury he should be a solid backup at the 1. The depth is the best we have seen in years and I am expecting a big rookie season out of Earl Clark. I love the intangibles guys in Dudley and Amundson and I think they could be 2 of the most valuable players off the bench. I am looking forward to a Sun-tastic year! How many wins do you project?
10:54 [Comment From Chris]
Paul, Where do you see the Suns finishing this year? I feel it’s imperative they make the playoffs, considering they will not have a first rounder.
10:59
Paul Coro:  I think the Suns are a 50-win team with a chance at more if all the key parts stay healthy. With all that was awry last year, they won 46 and were an inbound to Nash away from being in the playoffs. Only eight games separated second and ninth place in the West. Houston and New Orleans are sliding. That should make the Suns a playoff team but it’s hard to project seeding if everyone is so tight again. It seems to be safe to say they could be the 7 or 8 but it’s hard to not give them a shot at more. Are they that far away from Utah, Portland, Dallas or Denver? LA &   SA are the class of the West.
11:00 [Comment From Noah]
Isn’t it time for Barbosa to be a starter in this league? If the Suns could move Richardson for a qualified big, they’d have to do it right? What about going after a guy like Dalembert?
11:00 [Comment From Eric]
Will Barbosa ever be a starter?
11:03
Paul Coro:  The biggest flaw there is benching or trading Richardson. There’s is not a lot of interest out there in his contract, which pays him $13.3 million this year and $14.4 million next year. Bringing him off the bench is risky given that he has always been a starter (in fact, a go-to player) in his career and you don’t know how he’d react to it. You know how Barbosa handles it – about as well as anyone with his ability. So why rock the boat? Not that J-Rich was all that on D but do you really want Barbosa and Nash guarding starting backcourts in the NBA? LB is a great change of pace off the bench.
11:03 [Comment From Rob]
How is Goran Dragic’s English? Does he still need an interpreter? Did he gain any confidence in the off season?
11:04 [Comment From Tom]
Minus the injury, do you see Dragic being an NBA level PG this year? His play in Vegas left a lot to be desired and last year his plus/minus was -5.9 playing garbage time minutes. Or do you see him being a worthy backup this year?
11:07
Paul Coro:  Dragic’s English is very good. So is his Slovenian, Serbian and Spanish. He never needed an interpreter. When he first started, some teammates could have used one to understand his accent but that’s no longer the case. It looked like his confidence could take a hit with the way he started NBA Summer League but he finished better. He was up and down at the Euro Championship as well but had two great games, including one against Spain and all its NBA-level guards. He’ll be thrown into that role again and we’ll see if he still turns his back at ball pressure. He does look physically stronger.
11:07 [Comment From Austin (SunsFTW)]
Who’s in the arena training right now?
11:10
Paul Coro:  I can’t see the practice court from where I am but I’d expect all the Suns except for Barbosa and Dragic, although Barbosa might have arrived today. Also, Eddie House has still been around playing before he leaves for Boston. Greg Ostertag has popped in a couple times. Camp invitee Carlos Powell has been around for a couple weeks and another camp invitee, Dan Dickau, joined them yesterday. Shammond Williams also has joined them. He’s trying to get in some runs while he sorts out a contract situation in Spain.
11:10 [Comment From JAMES`]
If Amare looks healthy and playing great at mid season do u expect the suns to make an offer to extend him and keep him out of free agency?
11:10 [Comment From Eric]
What do the Suns do if they don’t feel Amare is worth a max contract? Some team will offer him the Max…..do we then trade him or let him off the books and sign someone in 2010?
11:11 [Comment From Brett Solesky]
Any chance the Suns will finally do the right thing and trade away Amare Stoudemire?
11:11 [Comment From H]
Will Amare be traded?
11:11 [Comment From Chuck]
Amare is the key to this team. How are the Suns going to keep him happy?
11:15
Paul Coro:  If he’s thriving and the Suns were to make an offer, I don’t think it would be a max one. A lot might be predicated on where the team stands at that point. If they’re outside the playoff race or barely in it, they probably feel out his trade value once again. Golden State will still be interested and maybe there’ll be more teams than a year ago if he’s tearing it up and showing he’s healthy. Amare’s going to be happy because the offense will go through him more and there’s no Shaq to clog the paint. The possiblity of letting Amare walk and getting back that $17.7M to spend elsewhere is real.
11:16 [Comment From Guest]
Do we call him “STAT” or “Sun Tzu” this season?
11:18 [Comment From Michael]
To chuck…..They traded SHAQ to open the floor….thats a start to making him happy
11:19
Paul Coro:  Amare works for me. His teammates still say STAT no matter how much he pushes Sun Tzu. I’m still trying to figure out who “they” is when he says “they call me Sun Tzu.” But like our columnist, Paola Boivin, pointed out in this column:http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2009/08/27/20090827spt-boivin.html – adhering to the words of Sun Tzu would be good for him and the Suns.
11:20 [Comment From Eark Monroe]
How has Frye looked?
11:22
Paul Coro:  Frye has looked really good offensively. I knew he could shoot. I’ve seen that touch since he was in high school at St. Mary’s. But I didn’t realize how well he could shoot it. No joke here, he must be making about 75 percent of his perimeter shots in pickup games. And he is hitting 3s regularly despite never doing so in his career. He will get that chance with Phoenix. Some will roll their eyes at that but just think what it did for Nash and Stoudemire when Tim Thomas was out there as the other big. Frye is well-built but still gets pushed around on the block. His D is at least active.
11:22 [Comment From NEJay the Magnificent]
Letting Amar’e walk just for savings would be a mistake. I just don’t see any marquee free agent coming to Phoenix knowing they wouldn’t even offer max money to an All-Star starter . . . They need to trade him before the deadline if they have no intention of re-signing him for picks and young players or the Suns will struggle for the foreseeable future.
11:23 [Comment From Josh Serna]
How is Dudley doing? I always hear positive things about him. Do you believe he can get the MIP award this year?
11:25
Paul Coro:  Gentry might have blown Dudley’s chance at Most Improved by playing him so much after he took over at the end of last season. Otherwise, Dudley would have gone from non-rotation player under Porter to key reserve for Gentry. Dudley is a coach’s dream. He hustles his tail off. He has tremendous court smarts. He defends. He gets his role. He’s always positive. He’s a great talker on and off the floor to build chemistry. He has toned and trimmed up his body a good bit since arriving in December. His 3-point shot continues to improve too. It’s not just a corner shot any longer.
11:26 [Comment From Rob]
Do you think all that trade talk on draft night (Amare for Curry) was just that, talk? Was there any true to those rumors?
11:30
Paul Coro:  Point the finger at me if you think it was just a rumor, although the Bay Area media and ESPN also reported that a Stoudemire-to-GS deal was in the works. I wouldn’t have reported it if it was not from a solid source with direct knowledge. By the end of trade night, I started to get indications out of Oakland that they wouldn’t part with Curry and indications locally that it was no deal with no Curry. But even the next day, there was hope it would get done. Maybe Curry falls out of favor with Nellie and the talks resurface. But now Stoudemire publicly has said he doesn’t want to go to GS.
11:31 [Comment From Eutychus]
With how close the Suns were to making the playoffs last year, and despite the fact that our team has improved it’s talent and depth – No one (in the mainstream media) mentions the Suns when they talk about the west anymore!! Why is that? Do the Suns take exception to that?
11:35
Paul Coro:  They will take exception to it the more they hear about it from us. The Suns aren’t everyone’s second favorite team any more. They once were original and must-see TV for hoop junkies. Now, people consider them old news and no viable threat. But nationally, people tend to talk about teams that could win the West and the Suns can’t be in that conversation coming off what they did last season and with big questions still about their abilities to defend and rebound. Their national TV exposure is down but they still are on a lot. Some crazy scores to start the year vs. GS & LAC might get attention.
11:37 [Comment From Rob]
I think getting Clark was a steal. Watching him play in college he always reminded me of a young Kevin Garnett. I just hope he doesnt fall in love with the 3-point line *unless he is making them of course* But it will be interesting to see how coach divides the minutes of his bench.
11:37 [Comment From MaryvalesFinest]
Even though the Suns extended Nash do you think they would consider trading him during the season if their not in the playoff picture?
11:39
Paul Coro:  Good point. It’d be hard to do that after selling him as the face of the franchise so hard. But to hear Nash talk glowingly about the possibility of playing in Toronto or New York someday, it makes you wonder if Nash wouldn’t seek a trade if the team continued underachieving, if his role changed or if some other dynamic pops up. The deferred money in the deal makes it seem like the Suns plan to have him around when the extension starts. And he’s going to have a more enjoyable year with Shaq gone and Hill back. A posititive working environment is a big deal for him and that’ll probably show.
11:39 [Comment From Panza]
Isn’t it a little concerning for a team when the leading rebounder in the starting 5 is going to be Grant Hill? Both Frye and Amar’e don’t rebound. The best rebounder is coming off the bench in Sweet Lou. Won’t they have the same issue before the Shaq trade with getting killed on the inside?
11:39 [Comment From Dave]
How concerned are they about rebounding Paul? This isn’t the smallest SSOL team, but by the numbers it projects to be the worst on the boards which has always been an antidote to their strong shooting.
11:39 [Comment From Noah]
How bad is the rebounding going to be this season?
11:45
Paul Coro:  Absolutely. If defense is concern No. 1, then rebounding has to be 1A. Stoudemire has to step up. Frye does not have much of a rep there, although his numbers at starting center two years ago (6.1 boards in 24.5 minutes per game) suggest he could grab about 8 as a 30-minute starter. Stoudemire has had Shaq and Kurt Thomas to lean on as primary rebounders in the past. Now, he knows it’s on him so that may change his mentality. When he’s been called out on it publicly, he’s responded with rebound tears. There’ll be plenty of possessions so giving up too many second-chances could be lethal.
11:45 [Comment From NEJay]
To Maryvale’s finest:
11:45 [Comment From NEJay]
You wish ;)
11:46 [Comment From NEJay]
Grant Hill won’t lead the team in rebounding . . . Stoudemire’s career average is higher than any Hill rebounding season since 1996-97.
11:46 [Comment From NEJay]
Of course if the 1996-97 Grant Hill is playing for the Suns this season they might as well dust off that trophy and hand it to the Suns right now =)
11:46 [Comment From Jonathan Patterson]
Was there any truth to Marion coming back this offseason or was it just a thought? How do you think the Mavs will do with him there?
11:49
Paul Coro:  Never an ounce of truth to it. Even if there was interest, Marion has a lot of disdain for the franchise for how his departure went and the preceding summer when he made a trade request. Just look what kind of money he got in Dallas anyway. The Suns weren’t dishing out that this summer. Marion will probably get back to some of his old numbers with a point guard like Kidd and a small lineup that will keep him running and rebounding. You just wonder how long he can keep those hops. He’s 31. The knees will say no someday. Hope it goes well for him. An amiable guy.
11:49
[Comment From Smovas]
Don’t you forget about Marion when it comes to rebounding, Paul. :)
11:50
[Comment From Matt in Mesa]
Do you think the team is lacking self-awareness without Paul Shirley? They haven’t been good since he left.
11:50
[Comment From Chris]
Hypothetical, Amare is not back next year, who do they bring in? Bosh? What do you see?
11:50
[Comment From Kurt]
What free agents do you think the Suns will go after in the off season?
11:51
[Comment From Cesar]
How appealing is Phx for upcoming free agents? Yes, there is the weather. I think our best shot at a “star” next summer is Bosh since he’s very good friends with Nash. But would he ever choose Phx over a party town like Miami?
11:51
[Comment From Rob]
With so many leaning towards getting rid of STAT, who would be an ideal free agent for the Suns to go after in 2010?
11:58
Paul Coro:  Why not LeBron? … Kidding. There is probably a secret file somewhere in this building that has that hypothetical list but I’m not privy to it and have a hard time even guessing. You would imagine a big would be involved so Bosh certainly makes sense if he opts out. Of course, Nowitzki is Nash’s friend and could opt out too. The Suns like Tyson Chandler and he can opt out. Or they could just bring Joe Johnson, Quentin Richardson and Raja Bell back. Let’s see who actually ends up being available too. Truth is, stars are more likely to stay put because their teams can offer them more money.
11:58
[Comment From Smovas]
Thanks, Paul, for putting up with the fandom. I know it can be difficult (especially from me).
11:58
[Comment From Noah]
If I set the over/under for the Suns at 110 points per game, what would you take?
11:59
Paul Coro:  Over. Might be over 130 for the first couple games.
11:59
[Comment From Noah]
What lineup will close games?
11:59
Paul Coro:  Nash, Barbosa, Hill, Stoudemire, Frye.
11:59
[Comment From Anthony]
Has Tucson been abandoned for any future spring trainings?
12:00
Paul Coro:  (prior one addition)   … Actually, it’d be really hard for Gentry to sit Richardson. Let’s say Barbosa when he’s hot.
12:00
Paul Coro:  Re: Tucson … No, this trip to San Diego is probably a one-time deal and then the Suns will be back in Tucson.
12:01
[Comment From Joe Johnson]
Do you think I can come back once I am a free agent? Will the fans forgive me?
12:03
Paul Coro:  There was really nothing to be forgiven from this point of view. However, the boos have disappeared on recent visits. I guess the more All-Star Games and playoffs you make, the more Suns fans understand what went down. Even Sarver has admitted his biggest mistake was not giving you that six-year, $45 million contract you wanted. But you probably wouldn’t take that to come back, would you? Nash misses you.
12:04
[Comment From Cesar]
JJ would never forgive the organization.
12:04
[Comment From Austin (SunsFTW)]
I’ll forgive you Joe… but we already have 2 great 2 guards… Unless we unload JRich’s contract, I don’t think we’ll go after you :(
12:04
[Comment From McGruber]
Phoenix Mercury > Phoenix Suns
12:04
[Comment From Eutychus]
Thanks for chatting Paul! I enjoy all of your Suns reporting! Keep up the good work!
12:05
Paul Coro:  Check that, Joe wanted $50 million and got offered $45 million. But what’s $5 million?
12:05
[Comment From SueB]
It’s been such a long off-season. I’m so happy training camp is finally starting.
12:07
[Comment From Austin (SunsFTW)]
Thanks for chatting Paul! I enjoy MOST of your Suns reporting! Keep up the slightly above average work! ;-)
12:07
[Comment From Austin (SunsFTW)]
Same here Sue! I can’t wait! First preseason game is 2 Tuesdays from today! you know I’ll be there!
12:07
[Comment From Michael]
Thanks Paul for Chatting with us……It must be weird to have the Cardinals go to the super bowl. must have taken some of the limelight away from the team woes…..I still say if the SUNS go to the FINALS this place will get its true colors back PURPLE AND ORANGE!!! R YOU ORNG?
12:08
[Comment From JP]
I have no idea whick direction this team will go. They could be pretty good or they could wind up winning 20 games. I do know they are not Championship calibar!
12:08
[Comment From DonBuse]
Coro, don’t listen to Austin. You have been the man from Day One. We rely on you! Thanks for your reporting.
12:08
Paul Coro:  Thanks to everyone who joined in and didn’t make fun of my photo. I’m going to run off to catch the end of the last day of voluntary pickup games. I’ll answer more of the questions sent today in my blog soon. Have a good one.
]]> http://www.sunsbasketball.net/2009/09/suns-preseason-live-chat-with-paul-coro/feed/ 0 The Greatest Pre-Preseason Preview Ever! http://phoenixsunsrising.blogspot.com/2008/10/greatest-pre-preseason-preview-ever.html http://phoenixsunsrising.blogspot.com/2008/10/greatest-pre-preseason-preview-ever.html#comments Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:49:00 +0000 Zei_Zao_LS
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
PositionStarterBackupReserves
PGSteve NashLeandro BarbosaGoran Dragic, Sean Singletary, Boris Diaw
SGRaja BellLeandro BarbosaMatt Barnes, Alando Tucker, Grant Hill
SFGrant HillMatt Barnes, Boris DiawAlando Tucker
PFAmare StoudemireBoris DiawRobin Lopez, Alando Tucker, Louis Amundson
CShaquille O'NealRobin LopezAmare Stoudemire, Boris Diaw, Louis Amundson

Projected Minutes
PositionMinutes
PGSteve Nash (30), Leandro Barbosa (12), Sean Singletary/Goran Dragic (6)
SGRaja Bell (26), Leandro Barbosa (14), Matt Barnes (8)
SFGrant Hill (24), Matt Barnes (16), Boris Diaw (8)
PFAmare Stoudemire (36), Boris Diaw (12)
CShaquille 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!
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