Would you trade Stoudemire for Garnett now?

During the offseason talks of the past Summer most of us discussed about a possible trade bringing Kevin Garnett to Phoenix.

Before KG being dealt to Boston on July 31st for a bunch of more or less promising young players - and a lifetime beer supply from Danny Ainge to old pal Kevin McHale - the Suns made a real attempt to bring him to the Valley.

More or less, from what we know now, the Suns were offering, in a three-team deal, Shawn Marion and some draft picks for Garnett while Minnesota was asking for Stoudemire.

Steve Kerr basically refused to include one of the best young center in the League, STAT, in any talk with the Timberwolves. Most of us, included myself on this same blog, agreed with Kerr's point of view.

Now, after two months of the season I am not so sure anymore.

Kevin Garnett (6-11, 31-year-old) 18.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, +26.56 EFF

KG has changed the face of the Celtics. Garnett plays all-out every night, he's shooting well (.545) and playing the best defense in the league. NBA MVP so far this season.

Amaré Stoudemire (6-10, 25-year-old) 21.5 PPG, 8.70 RPG, 1.2 APG, +24.89 EFF

STAT is playing one of the best, if not the best, season of his career on offense (shooting .584) while showing all his well-known limits on defense.

It all come down to this I believe: STAT means future (5-7 more years at this level) and offense while KG means present and a better overall game. Since Steve Nash is 33, Grant Hill is 35 , Shawn Marion is 29, the best chance the Suns have to win it all is NOW (this and possibly next season).

If I had a choice now I would trade STAT for KG. I feel Steve Kerr would do the same....now. But that's just speculation.

Go Suns !

Merry Christmas to the Suns Nation !

Dear Santa,

all I am asking you for Christmas is a nice win on Chirstmas Day on National TV (Abc, 3 PM) against Kobe and the Lakers.

Thanks


Yours truly, Steve Fan

Believers or Doubters

Five Reasons to Believe

1. The Suns are 19-8 (11-4 on the road) and have the second best record in the West.
2. Grant Hill is actually better than everyone thought (16 ppg and 4.6 rpg), looks young and has started all 27 games.
3. Amaré is shooting .567, a career high so far.
4. Nash is leading the league with 12.4 assists per game (another career high so far).
5. Brian Skinner can play (12 minutes per game, .560 shooting).

Five Reasons to Doubt

1. The Suns have been inconsistent (especially on defense) often. During the same game we've seen good spans and awful periods. They are 3-4 over the last two weeks.
2. The Suns have been outrebounded badly the whole season: totals so far 1,261 for the opponents - 1,099 for Phoenix.
3. The Suns lost everytime they failed to score 100 points. Suns defense is not gonna win games anytime soon.
4. Amaré looks bad on defense too often, how many times have you seen Stoudemire defending with his arms down or being late in rotations?
5. Players development. D.J. has appeared in six games, Tucker in three and both too often failed to appear in games, even with the Suns up by 20 while Marcus Banks is not the needed back up to Steve Nash, at least that's what the coaching staff believes. His positive performance during the pre-season is long forgotten.

Go Suns!

What's going on in Dallas?

At 17-7, writing after the loss in New Orleans, the Suns now head to Texas to face the two best team in the West (not calling Arizona home): San Antonio (18-5) and Dallas (16-9).

While the Spurs are playing well, despite Tim Duncan missing a few games (he's back...don't worry), one of the toughest question in the NBA right now is what's going on in Dallas?

It's such an interesting issue (check the excellent Mavsblog on the Dallas Morning News), even for non-Mavs fans, because it's a perfect example of the thin equilibrium NBA teams are living on, day in and day out, as the key is both technical and psychological.

The Mavs are very good at home (10-2) not so good on the road (6-7) but look like a team in search of its soul on most nights.

Compare it to what they have in San Antonio. The Spurs know where they are, trust their skills, know what to do, who should get the ball when it matters; a classic case of winners' confidence.

The Mavs have possibly the best roster in the NBA and for sure some of the game's most talented players: Nowitzki, Howard, Terry, Harris plus some very good players off bench in Stackhouse, Bass, Diop, Barea. Only the Suns' top six players could match the Mavs talent wise.

They have an excellent coaching staff too, led by one the game's brightest young coach, and an Owner ready to pay what's needed to win.

Yet, despite this they are still looking for certainties. I believe it all comes down to Confidence and Collective Intelligence.

On a basketball court it means that you're expecting the best (a win) in every game because you know the TEAM can find solutions that a single player wouldn't be able to create (unless he's MJ...but that's a different story). It means that a team can actually perform better than the sum of its single players.

Good attitude and good coaching can create some form of collective intelligence and the Mavs have both (like the Suns) but only winning can actually generate optimism and self-confidence and I believe Dallas has not recovered yet from last year's awful loss to the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs and - above all - the terrible loss (up 2-0 in the series with game three in control) to the Heat in the NBA Finals the year before. It won't be easy to get over those.

Imagine how the Mavs will feel when they start the playoffs next spring. The whole season will be a process of self-confidence building and I think Avery Johnson is primarily working on this side of his team. He needs a self-confident Nowitzki, above all.

While the Suns haven't experienced a "dramatic" loss, the way a first round exit is when you're supposed to win it all, Phoenix will somewhat experience the same kind of mental pressure in the Playoffs.

The next couple of games in San Antonio and Dallas should be very interesting.

Go Suns !

Are the Suns actually playing good defense?

The 5-game Eastern road trip ended with an unpredictable loss to the Timberwolves but still remained a success with Phoenix winning four (of five) and scoring at least 115 in each of those games. The Suns actually put 122 on the Wizards, 136 on the Raptors, 121 on the Pacers and only 115 on the Knicks. With last night exception against the T-Wolves the Suns have been the better team on the court every game.

Phoenix is 16-4, third highest total in the League behind the Spurs and the Celtics, and is basically winning games because the Suns are outplaying their opponents: Nash & Co. are running faster, passing the ball around and shooting better....sounds easy eh!?

The Suns are shooting an excellent .497 from the field (.373 from 3-point and .786 on FT), their opponents just .462 .361 .708.
The Suns are dishing an amazing 27.9 assists per game, seven more than their foes, not to mention more steals (8.2 vs 7.1), less turnovers (14.1 vs 15.8) and more blocked shots (5.5 vs 3.8) per game.

Are the Suns just better than their challengers or is there a case for the Suns defense as well? Not sure, when the Suns are able to impose their high-speed rhythm to the games they become effective in chasing the ball, getting deflections (a big key in Coach D'Antoni's system) and thus generating fastbreaks and points off turnovers: that's the key to the Suns defense.

The only apparent weakness being the rebounds as the Suns have been out-STATed 45.8 to 41.9. But that deficit on the boards has actually been the results of a few bad games:

• 54-34 vs LA Lakers
• 56-40 vs Atlanta
• 47-34 vs Houston
• 55-33 vs Minnesota

The Suns lost every time they scored less then 100 points this season (0-4) and on three of those they have been outrebounded badly.

The next few games should be very interesting to check where the Suns are now. After playing Miami (4-15) on Monday Phoenix has the biggest challenge of the season so far with games in New Orleans (13-7), San Antonio (17-3) and Dallas (13-8). Those two games in Texas should be very interesting to watch.

One quick note. I hadn't realized how much Steve Nash had improved his shooting over the years until I read this great (as usual) post on The Painted Area.

Finally, before leaving, remember to Ask Raja on YouTube !

Go Suns!

PG-SG Combo Power Ranking

Last night's game against the Magic showed how great Steve Nash and Raja Bell are as a PG-SG combination. So while I was watching the game I thought about where would I rank them in a ideal PG-SG (power) ranking.
I have tried to rank the ten best starting PG-SG combination right now. Starting (right now) means no Parker-Ginobili as long as Manu comes off the bench and no Gilbert Arenas or Mike Bibby as only active players have been taken into consideration. I have indeed included LeBron as he's just day-to-day.

Here's my PG-SG Combo Power Ranking. Each player is followed by his current avg. in points, rebounds and assists. (PPG, RPG, APG - NO DECIMALS). Stats as of Sunday, December 2nd, 2007.

1. Detroit - C. Billups (16, 2, 7), R. Hamilton (16, 3, 4)

2. Dallas - D. Harris (15, 3, 5), J. Terry (17, 2, 3)

3. Milwaukee - M. Williams (14, 3, 7), M. Redd (23, 5, 3)

4. Chicago - K. Heinrich (10, 2, 5), B. Gordon (19, 4, 2)

5. New Jersey - J. Kidd (11, 8, 10), V. Carter (18, 5, 4)

6. LA Lakers - K. Bryant (27, 6, 4), D. Fisher (11, 2, 3)

7. Golden State - M. Ellis (16, 3, 2) B. Davis (23, 5, 8)

8. Cleveland - D. Gibson (12, 2, 3), L. James (30, 7, 8)

9. Phoenix - S. Nash (18, 3, 11), R. Bell (10, 3, 2). Great Combination of defense, playmaking and shooting...if you could combine the offensive side of Nash with the defensive side of Bell you would make the greatest guard to ever play the game

10. Miami - J. Williams (9, 2, 5), D. Wade (19, 3, 4)

11. Charlotte - J. Richardson (17, 5, 2), R. Felton (16, 3, 7)
12. Houston - T. McGrady (25, 5, 5), R. Alston (8, 3, 4)

13. New York - S. Marbury (14, 2, 5), J. Crawford (16, 2, 4)
14. Denver - A. Iverson (23, 3, 7), A. Carter (7, 3, 5)

15. Utah - R. Brewer (13, 2, 2), D. Williams (19, 3, 8)

16. San Antonio - T. Parker (20, 3, 7), M. Finley (7, 2, 1). With Manu Ginobili (19, 4, 4) starting the Spurs' duo would be in the top five.

17. Indiana - M. Dunleavy (16, 5, 2), J. Tinsley (14, 4, 8)

18. New Orleans - C. Paul (19, 4, 10), M. Peterson (9, 3, 1)

19. Boston - R. Rondo (8, 3, 5), R. Allen (20, 4, 3)

20. Toronto - J. Calderon (9, 2, 7) or TJ Ford (13, 2, 7) and A. Parker (11, 4, 1)

21. Seattle - K. Durant (19, 4, 2), D West (7, 2, 3) or Watson (7, 2, 6).
22. Memphis - D. Staudamire (7, 2, 4), M. Miller (14, 7, 3)

23. LA Clippers - C. Maggette (20, 6, 2), B. Knight (4, 1, 4). Not much better if you count S. Cassell (13, 2, 4) at PG

24. Atlanta - A. Johnson (4, 2, 3), J. Johnson (22, 3, 5)

25. Philadelphia - A. Miller (14, 4, 4), W. Green (11, 3, 2)

26. Orlando - J. Nelson (12, 4, 5), K. Bogans (9, 4, 1)

27. Portland - S. Blake (5, 2, 5), B. Roy (16, 3, 4)

28. Sacramento - B. Udrich (14, 3, 4) K. Martin (24, 5, 2)

29. Minnesota - S. Telfair (9, 2, 4), C. Brewer (4, 2, 1). Not much better with Marko Jaric in the line-up.

30. Washington - A. Daniels (7, 3, 4), D. Stevenson (7, 3, 2).They're missing G. Arenas (22, 4, 5) a lot.

Go Suns !

Sorry Marbury! You're not welcome anymore

A Sons of Steve Nash internet poll confirmed that Suns fans have had enough of Coney Island's Finest.

So, this very democratic blog won't lobby to bring Stephon back to Arizona.

Of the 17 total votes received 6 of you (a huge 35%) chose "No thanks enough already" while only 3 expressed their favour for a return. The second-most voted option was "Please get serious !"

Thanks a lot for voting !

Go Suns !

I just don't agree with the move.

Phoenix assigns Alando Tucker to Albuquerque of the D-League. NBA transactions from Thursday Nov. 29th.

I just don't agree with the move.

Alando played four years in college, he's not gonna get any better in Albuquerque where the level of the game is not that high. He needs to play in the NBA to improve. Give Alando and Strawberry five-six minutes a game, not during garbage time, give them a chance to play, only a few minutes...but a chance, to play with two or three starters still in the game. Tucker will become much better playing with Marion and Nash 3 minutes a night than playing 35 minutes in the D-League.

Despite the fact that we know - and was quite clear to everyone before the draft - that Tucker is not a shooter and never will be, Suns Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin said in the Arizona Republic: "What we've asked them to do with Alando is focus on his two (shooting guard) and three (small forward) game, his outside shooting".

Why draft an athletic (but underside) non-shooting small forward when the Suns were looking for a shooter? Because he was possibly the best player available...so give him a real chance to improve, put him in games...NBA games.

Go Doe ! Go Suns !

It'll be either the Suns, the Spurs or the Mavs...

Former Sun Jalen Rose, now an ESPN Analyst, makes a bold prediction on the Western Conference: you wouldn't believe he's picking either the Suns, the Mavs or the Spurs to win the West...even following a Monday loss by each one of them. Other than the easy pick, Jalen is actually making some interesting comments on those three teams, from a guy who used to play with those same guys he's now watching; the best: "Phoenix, the team I finished my playing career with last season, is one whose style can make an opponent look its worst on a given night".

Don't forget to read the best recent portrait of Steve Nash, it's "Not to Get Too Mystical About It" on NY Times Play Magazine. What can you say about the man anymore...

Go Suns !

Have a Suns Thanksgiving !

On this occasion there are a few things I would like to be grateful:

I am thankful for the pure pleasure of watching Steve Nash run the floor and getting ready to dish yet another magical pass for an open dunk.

I am thankful for Leandrinho being so fast. He's so fast you sometimes forget he does all of it while actually handling the ball.

I am thankful for Raja because he cares and never quits!

I am thankful for Shawn Marion never feeling appreciated by the Suns' front office and still giving 110 percent every night.

I am thankful for Grant Hill in a Suns uniform.

I am thankful for STAT. Just keep jumping !

I am thankful for the Suns scoring 47 points in one single quarter.

I am thankful for Coach D'Antoni because as a kid I hated him as a player (he used to kill my favourite team every time) and now I wouldn't change him for any other coach in the World.

I am thankful because this season will be a journey we'll never forget, whatever happens.

I am thankful...just for being a Suns' Fan. And you should too.

Go Suns !

Why Rankings are better than Standings

I really love rankings, they don't count since it's not the NCAA but they're so much more enjoyable than checking the standings: 8-2 is great, we all know the Suns are great and getting better with each game, but how great? are they better than the Mavs (7-2) or the Spurs (8-2)? Are the Magic (10-2) better than the Celtics (8-1)?
That's what rankings are all about...they do the same we, the fans, do all the time, guess!
Experts, Analysts, Fans: everyone can rank NBA teams, and almost everyone can make a point or two to support his decision. That's why I love them. Here's a round-up of my favourite five:

NBA.com Power Ranking has the Suns 2nd while the Celtics lost to the Magic and got back to no. 1.
ESPN.com John Hollinger Ranking has the Celtics and the Magic at one and two while the Suns are in 7th place !!! (behind the Lakers and the Nuggets...oh please!)
ESPN.com Mark Stein Power Ranking has the Suns on top of the list ahead of the Mavs and the Spurs. Magic an Celtics following.
CBS Sportsline Power Ranking has the Suns on top as well, followed by Boston and Dallas.
Sports Illustrated Power Ranking has the Suns on second, with Boston leading the way.

I am looking forward to next week's rankings as I expect the Suns to lead all of them. In the meantime, could someone please explain the difference between a Ranking and a Power Ranking?

Go Suns!

Eight games played already ! Suns at 6-2

After eight games already played, not many but still almost one-tenth of the NBA season, the Suns are 6-2, including 4-1 on the road and the usual domination of the Eastern Conference so far. Some of the doubts about the Suns' attitude have been answered over the last few games, especially during the recent Southeast road trip when our guys came out ready to fight more often than not.

The Usual Suspects on the Suns' roster have performed well overall: Stoudemire, Hill, Nash, Marion and Barbosa have played well so far with Leandrinho being the most impressive over the last couple of games.
Grant Hill have been all we had hoped so far, even if he tends to take more 3-point shots than he actually should. Amaré is recovering well from knee surgery and other than the Miami game, when he got ejected early in the second half, has been excellent. Marion has probably been the most consistent Sun so far: scoring, playing solid defense and rebounding very well. Raja Bell is having trouble with his ankle, he should sit out until completely healed, but he'll be fine.

Point-center Diaw has been the biggest question mark so far. Boris has played a couple of good games (vs Cleveland and at Charlotte), even filling in for STAT at center, not to mention guarding Shaq for half a game.He is always hustling and playing hard but sometimes it seems like he's still looking for his place on the court. He's very versatile on a basketball court but possibly because he is often asked to play so many different positions he looks a bit tentative at times and never really comfortable.

Checking the rest of the Suns' roster there's not much to report really. Coach D'Antoni should use his bench more especially so early in the year. It will make a difference in May, when the best players will have something left in the tank for the Playoffs.
Skinner, Banks, Marks, Tucker and Strawberry are good player. Of course they're not as good as the starters...that's why they're on the bench ! Banks will never be Steve Nash nor Tucker will become better than Marion anytime soon, but they could contribute right now.
Of course D'Antoni sees those guys on a daily basis and knows, much better than anyone else, what they can do on a basketball court, but I hate to see the starters (or just 6-7 Suns), playing 35 minutes each even with comfortable leads late in games. Nash is averaging 34 minutes a night, Marion 37, Hill and Raja 35 while Banks and Skinner only 11 while Tucker made only one appearance. Check the Suns' stats if you're interested.

Over the next few days the Suns will play the Bulls, the Clippers and the Kings (twice on consecutive nights) but the game I'll be looking at with great attention is next Saturday's vs the Rockets in Houston, first game against one of Texas' big three.

Go Suns !

It's never too early to analyse things

It's too early to panic but it's never to early to analyse things, even after only a few games in the new season. I am writing these notes before Friday Night game in Miami and since it's early in the year things could change quickly.

The Suns don't look like last year's perfect machine, maybe just not yet, and on most nights have been outplayed especially on the boards and running the floor. There are a lot of potential explanations for the slow start: Amaré's injury, Barbosa and Bell playing on sore ankles, Diaw having spent most of the games at center and so on. If it's just a physical problem, it'll be solved in a few weeks. The Suns could be back in shape in time for December, a month that is possibly the toughest of the entire season with 10 of 14 games on the road including trips to Dallas, San Antonio and the Christmas' date with the Lakers.

There's only one thing that really could sound a bit alarming: the hypotheis that the Suns are not finding the "correct" motivations for regular season games, those needed to compete on any of those 82 nights. The basketball world has been talking that these Suns are "built to win the championship", talking about the "window of opportunity closing quickly" and how the season will depend on the playoffs on a rematch with the Spurs and so on.
Mike D'Antoni was probably already bit worried about it during training camp as on a couple of occasions he told the Suns needed to enjoy the journey and not focus on the Conference Finals in November.

Go Suns !