One of my main teams that I'm rooting for is the Suns (cuz of Shaq). The other being Portland (cuz of Oden). I tend to have an affinity for centers and post play.
Anyway... I think the Suns will be as good this year as they've been in previous seasons, which is more credit than most are giving them. I'm not delusional. I don't think they'll win the championship or anything, but they'll still end the season playoff bound and one of the top teams in the West. Maybe last 1-2 rounds before exiting.
The early season will be rough as they integrate their new defense/plays/rotations. But they'll get through it and be better for it. Remember after the Shaq trade, they were 3-6 as they worked him into their sets. After 9 games, the Suns clicked and they went on a 10-2 streak to finish the season 13-8 (.619). I say give the Suns 10-15 games then judge.
Early returns so far, I like the new rotations for the Suns. Bench players are actually playing. Production is erratic, but they're playing and learning. This will pay dividends later in the season. There was a point in the Hornets/Suns game on Thursday that rookie Robin Lopez picked up 3 quick fouls in less than 2 minutes. Under the old D'A coaching, Amare would be running down the sidelines. But instead, Porter sends in Louis Amundson (I know, who? LOL). He's also played streches with all 5 guys off the bench and no starters on the court. That's unheard of in the D'A system.
Set play wise, I'm not noticing that much except that the offense looks a LOT more like a traditionally Shaq led offense in the early going. Lots of post ups for Shaq on either side of the block with entry passes coming in from the corner or lower elbows (vs. from the top that always got picked off). It's kind of working. But even as a huge Shaq fan and Amare critic, I have to admit that maybe there should be more touches for Amare in the early going. It almost seems that Amare is only getting points early on off offensive boards and broken plays. Plays don't start getting called for him until the 4th. Maybe play either Shaq or Amare with the 2nd unit more and balance out our firepower.
Anyhoo, let me end this post with some Youtube goodies. New vitamin water commerical campagin featuring Steve Nash as "The Spokesman".
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Bahaha @ Nash. Hilarious. ;)
Suns: Agree overall still work in process. IMO good/bad from first 3 Suns games:
Playing 10 deep (good), but Nash still averaging 34 mins (bad) and when Nash sits, Suns still can't score/loses leads (bad). Going to the post more (good), Shaq seems to be playing/moving really well (good). Dragic’s not making an impression/impact (bad), Barnes playing/fitting in well, esp tonight (good).
Not really sure if the O changed that much? I see the post dish more and they are a little bit slower (not peddle to the metal) but... ? (neutral) Same on D, I see a bit more aggressiveness overall and using the zone consistently is different, but much improved? (dunno/neutral)
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