Know Thy Enemy: Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns (54-28): 2nd in the Western Conference
Big Additions: Marcus Banks and Jumaine Jones (free agency). Amare Stoudemire with a (hopefully) healthy knee.
Big Subtractions: Other than Tim Thomas, unless you count letting Eddie House walk — which I don't — or trading Brian Grant — which I really don't — none significant.
Ah, the team that puts the "Enemy" in "Know Thy Enemy!" Last season's playoff series against Phoenix was originally billed as a seemingly innocuous showdown between two-time MVP Steve Nash and Kobe "scoring champ" Bryant. Then came enough skirmishes to make Enter the Dragon look candy ass. Thus, the Suns may have lapped the Kings, Spurs and Pistons as every Laker fan's favorite team to despise the crap out of. Between "Raja-Gate," "The Rebound," and that game 7 fiasco, pinpointing a #1 reason the Laker Nation now resents everything Phoenician might be impossible. But if focusing hatred on Steve Nash and Co. is the M.O., extreme concentration will be required, because it's hard giving the evil eye to a blur. Phoenix's game plan is equal parts Bruce Jenner and Colin Farrell. Lots of running. Lots of scoring. And this year, Coach Mike D'Antoni has apparently added another wrinkle. Defense. And between a couple new roster members and some other guys returning healthy, the concept may become more than just lip service. Which would spell trouble for the rest of the league.
Of course, we are talking Phoenix Suns, meaning it's always first and foremost about what happens with the ball in their hands. And that all begins with the guy typically holding the rock. Yes, Steve Nash's D can be summed up with "olé," but when you're able to do that much on the other side of the ball, a matador's style become easier to overlook. The perfect quarterback for D'Antoni's read/react system, Nash's creativity and skill while moving the pill is off the charts. He makes passes the NBA Live '07 version of himself would be like, "Dude, are you effing kidding me?" But with all the focus on Nash's dimes, people often forget he can shoot from anywhere and may hold the NBA record for "most physically impossible and off balance layups converted." He's also automatic from the stripe. Resent a defensive liability winning back to back MVP crowns all you want, but you can't deny his impact on a game or team.
Besides, his backcourt mates make up for the sieve characteristics (and/or accentuate his strengths). Shooting guard and hate magnet Raja Bell can't "lock down" Kobe, LeBron or Wade (nobody can, really), but he's plenty capable of making them all work. Whether you label his D "scrappy" or "dirty"- I'd go a little bit from column A, a little bit from column B- he's effective. In the meantime, he's improved considerably over the years in the scoring department, burying many a clutch shot during the playoffs. After D'Antoni realized the silly fast Leandro Barbosa was better off backing up Bell than Nash, the Brazilian's game flourished. Keeping up with him makes players feel Rocky Balboa chasing around that chicken. Nash is now spelled by new Sun Marcus Banks, who's basically "Bizarro-Stevie": He needs fine tuning as a play maker, but is an outstanding defender, especially on the ball. Banks' presence kills two birds with one stone, keeping Nash fresh and helping shore up perimeter protection.
The front court features some intriguing options and configurations, depending on how D'Antoni chooses to play his cards. Will he move Shawn Marion, a stat-line juggernaut and perhaps the most unheralded All-Star in recent memory, back to his natural small forward spot? Does Most Improved Player Boris Diaw, whose transformation from failed point guard to wickedly versatile center threw everyone but D'Antoni and best buddy Ronny Turiaf for a loop, come off the bench or remain a starter? Some answers will be dictated, of course, by the health of Amare Stoudemire, who's recovering from typically brutal microfracture surgery. Initial reports indicated slow progress (although many suspected that was more a mental issue than physical), but as of late, Amare's been describing himself as "100%." If his showing in Vegas means anything, the guy is on the road to regaining his explosiveness. Should that be the case, whether he plays center or power forward (with tough guy Kurt Thomas manning the middle), the man-child will be a decided handful. Throw in the Jones brothers (who may not actually be related) for some shooting/athleticism (James) and hustle (Jumaine) off the bench at the 3, and you've got a lot of guys capable of wreaking havoc at 100 mph.
While some points allowed by the Suns are simply a result of breakneck pace, the naysayers will always- and rightfully- point out the D as an Achilles heel. But even last season, there were signs that the clamps were tightening. Before Thomas went down, the Suns were ranked 10th in FG% defense and allowing an acceptable (for their output) 100.2 ppg. With Thomas out (and Amare already shelved), the castle was easily stormed. This season, however, begins with both healthy. Thomas excels at dirty work and Stoudemire may not be Ben Wallace, but his presence alone demands notice. In the meantime, Marion and Bell were always terrific defenders who simply couldn't guard everyone at once (and Diaw does a solid job holding down the fort). With Banks now in the fold and Thomas healthy, Phoenix can suddenly put a pretty good defensive unit on the floor. They already gotten by pretty well playing the "trading baskets" game. If they can make it even reasonably difficult for opponents to score, the prospect of outscoring them becomes a tough day at the rodeo. And teams that get outscored rarely, if ever, win.
Bottom Line: I think they'll be better than the Lakers, but if it's any consolation, I also think they may end up better than everyone. Yes, Amare's effectiveness remains a question mark, but last season proved they're pretty good when he's donning Armani. And if he's good to go (which seems to be the case), I think we all know how the story goes. Some are questioning how he'll do sharing the interior with Diaw. My guess is "just fine." The Suns have also addressed some shortcomings and D'Antoni adjusts as well as any coach in the league. They've been within spitting distance, but never quite got over the hump. I think that ends this season and I'm picking Phoenix to win it all in 2007.
I'm also picking myself to now get screamed at, but oh well. It was bound to happen sometime today, anyway. haha
AK
First post! Ha Ha!
Posted by: RespectMyAuthoritah | October 18, 2006 at 02:48 PM
Tim Thomas isn't significant?
Posted by: McGarnagle | October 18, 2006 at 03:01 PM
AK-
great stuff. that's all too real. you will probably be bashed for the rest of the day. your point of saying that if phoenix can make it even slightly difficult for the opposing team to score will definitely spell doom for any squad.
but just as any red blooded die hard LAKER fan, i think with a healthy roster this coming season, if we met these Suns of Beeatches in the playoffs...they will not walk all over the PURPLE AND THE GOLD!
GO LAKERS!!!! GO SASHA!!! GO RONNY!!!
Posted by: sixonezero | October 18, 2006 at 03:02 PM
McGaranagle,
I stand corrected. I forgot about Thomas because he wasn't with them very long (and frankly, I think they can overcome his absence pretty easily), but he should- and is now- noted. Nice catch.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 18, 2006 at 03:03 PM
MCGARNAGLE.....UHHHHH TIM THOMAS IS WITH THE CLIPPERS NOW. =/
Posted by: sixonezero | October 18, 2006 at 03:03 PM
Tim Thomas, in a "Playing For A New Contract" year, is significant...post PFANC year, not so significant. Nice pick up, Clips.
-ehomp
Posted by: E Homp | October 18, 2006 at 03:05 PM
Six,
McGarnagle meant that I left Thomas out of the "Significant losses" category. Which was an oversight on my part.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 18, 2006 at 03:06 PM
you know I don't hate the Suns, they are quite fun to watch. I do hate Raja and his dirty play is worse then Bowen who is scrappy. And one playoff series isn't enough to make them most hated...remember when Doug Christie and Rick Fox came to blows in the preseason, now that was heat and this has potential to be something. If we can continue to play them hard in the playoffs year after year then I might just start hating on the suns, even though I have always like Nash...
Zach Z.
Posted by: Zach Z. | October 18, 2006 at 03:08 PM
Sixonzero,
And Tim Thomos has lots of money locked up for years to come which means it is back to slacker Thomas, not playing for paycheck Thomas...so don't worry about him on the clips.
Zach Z.
Posted by: Zach Z. | October 18, 2006 at 03:10 PM
The Suns are a scary team. I would not begrudge anyone picking them to win it all. Of course, the thought of that is so infuriating that I would rather not think it. Instead, I predict Raja will get his neck broken, Nash will collapse from being too old/tired, and the Suns will fall in the second round (preferably to the P&G).
Posted by: McGarnagle | October 18, 2006 at 03:11 PM
McGarnagle,
Well, thank you. I hope everyone can remember your kindness towards me upon that pick. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 18, 2006 at 03:14 PM
I think the Suns with their unorthodox style of play will easily be top dogs in the regular season, but the kind of ball they play really isn't postseason material. Coaches don't have time to prepare for one wacky game against one wacky team when the other 28 teams play normal basketball. But in the postseason it's very different. The success the Lakers had last year is proof. The Clippers and Mavs were also very good against the Suns. I don't think it's possible for this team to win it all. Needless to say, they're still a regular season powerhouse.
Posted by: Rubin | October 18, 2006 at 03:22 PM
AK,
I won't concede that Phx is better than the Lakers. For one thing the Lakers now have more continuity than last year because they have more experience in the triangle. Secondly, the Lakers have upgraded their talent-level significantly. Evans can now guard Bell when Kobe is called for those awfull fouls. Turiaf will now be fully entrenched in the rotation, and we now have Farmar to help defend Nash's quickness. Last year when they obtained Tim Thomas it made them into a much deeper more talented team against the Lakers. And by them having Diaw at the 5 it was tough for the Lakers to match-up. Stoudemire is a great player, however the Lakers have 3 centers and Turiaf. That's 24 fouls to use against that guy. Kwame was all the Lakers had in the playoffs.Bynum could not match-up with Diaw.
The suns are not as deep or talented as they were and the Lakers are deeper and more talented, therefore, the gap has decreased. I don't know what the season record will be but I would like to see a rematch in the playoffs maybe in the finals. Either way in a rematch during the playoffs, the Lakers will have a good chance to win.
Posted by: Ken | October 18, 2006 at 03:23 PM
AK,
I picked Dallas to win it all, but this Suns team is scary. It's unfortunate that I'm required to hate them as a Laker fan, because they are the most exciting team in the league to watch.
I do hope that Amare comes back 100%, it would be bad for the league to lose a talent like that.
What's the over under on "comments" before LakerTom mentions "Farmar can slow down Steve Nash"?
Posted by: Andrew Z | October 18, 2006 at 03:26 PM
Ken,
"The suns are not as deep or talented as they were "
Are you kidding? They are absolutely deeper, not to mention healthier and probably more cohesive since they've had a year together. AK just wrote an entire piece highlighting this.
Posted by: Andrew Z | October 18, 2006 at 03:29 PM
Andrew Z,
Oh, the Suns are ridiculously entertaining to watch. They're having a blast and it's rather infectious. Granted, it's much less fun when they're scoring against the Lakers. But objectively speaking, they're pretty cool to see. Especially live.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 18, 2006 at 03:31 PM
If I had to pick teams to win it all I would say,
1)Miami - The easiest road to the Finals out of contenders. Because Dwyane Wade (and Shaq can still play when he needs too).
2)Dallas - They're a really good basketball team without any key changes and Josh Howard is no longer a lanky SF with no shot, he is very good on offense.
3)Houston - If everyone is healthy, this is easily one of the best teams in the league. Yao being doubled gives T-Mac so much room to operate.
4)San Antonio - This pick is purely on the coaching of Greg Popovich and Tim Duncan's talent.
5)Los Angeles - The purple and gold Los Angeles. After the All-Star break we were one of the best teams, plus no key changes means everything should flow well. Not to mention the X-Factors, Phil's coaching and Kobe!!!
Posted by: Rubin | October 18, 2006 at 03:35 PM
Great analysis. However, games are not played on paper. So until the last game of the season I will cheer loudly and proudly for the Lakers!!!!
Posted by: go lakers! | October 18, 2006 at 03:42 PM
AK,
Speaking of noticing those guys "having a blast", have you noticed any chemistry like that with this year's Laker squad? I know much has been made of Kobe's relationship with teammates, past and present, but I've noticed those comments dying down and more positive surfacing in interviews. Just curious. I'm a firm believer in that attitude being important to a team's success (unless of course you have the two best players in the league a la Shaq-Kobe, then they can hate each other and still win).
i just wonder if anything is noticable from one who is around the team. Thanks.
Posted by: Andrew Z | October 18, 2006 at 03:44 PM
I want the suns to be really good, I want every team in the west to be really good, so that when the lakers beat them all we can feel good and know we are the best because we are beating the best.
I know nash is not that good because I forgot his name the other day. I had to sing that nelly furtado song to remember it. The NBA makes nash look good becase they don't call anything on him. He gets a free pass at everything.
Posted by: bob | October 18, 2006 at 03:45 PM
Phoenix would be my call to win it all. Like Nash, like Amare, really like D'Antoni and his laugh at life attitude. Even without Amare I think they would have taken Miami last year. I'll never forgive Dallas for that.
I hate having to admit to probable 3rd in the Pacific Division. Remember the good ol' days when the Pacific was a given? Got to get this team back to the elite in the standings, and not just on the blog.
One of the problems we have with Phoenix is that we don't make Nash guard anyone. The ball goes back to Kobe and Bell, who's rested on offense by just hanging at the 3 line.
V
Posted by: Vman | October 18, 2006 at 03:45 PM
wow, dime magazine put out the top ten players in the world
1. Dwyane Wade
2. LeBron James
3. Kobe Bryant
Mine:
1. Kobe Bryant(obviously)
2. LeBron James
3. Dwyane Wade
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6049954
Posted by: greek dude | October 18, 2006 at 03:45 PM
Andrew Z,
They traded Tim Thomas and Eddie House, for Banks and Piatkowski. Thats what I mean. They are not as good. Yes, Stoudemire is back now if you want to count him but I meant without him in the equation.
Posted by: Ken | October 18, 2006 at 03:54 PM
AK,
I must be the only person in the world who doesn't like to watch the Suns. The only thing I really like is how they share the ball, but they're a little to trigger happy for me.
On the other hand I think the Triangle is the perfect basketball offense. Watching it being executed well like in Phil's championships and last year's series with the Suns is a lot more exciting to me.
Posted by: Rubin | October 18, 2006 at 04:02 PM
Andrew Z,
Granted, I'm not around the team 24/7 (we don't travel), but from what I've seen early on, the vibe is nice. Relaxed. Nothing that raises red flags, at least not at the moment.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 18, 2006 at 04:03 PM
It's going to be an interesting battle in the west. There are three teams with almost identical claims of winning it: Dallas (won last year), San Antonio (the previous year) and Phoenix for obvious reasons. The Clips are a dark horse along with the Lakers if they play as we all hope they will (sonny belfast, steven, and andrew z excepted). (You can't mention the Rockets in this conversation, coming off a 34-win season, I don't care who they acquired in the off-season.)
Posted by: McGarnagle | October 18, 2006 at 04:04 PM
I think Rubin hit it right. The Suns are the anti-Heat. They're built to run roughshod over others during the season, but not for the post season. Playoffs always come down to studying your opponent, grinding it out in the halfcourt, and D-D-D-Defense. The Heat are built for that with Riles and Shaq. We won't win the season series from the Suns, but if we're 100% healthy and Farmar and Bynum start to play to their potential, I like our chances against them in the playoffs.
Posted by: Jay Jay | October 18, 2006 at 04:04 PM
I like D Wade over LeBronze. Once he can play D, I'll change my mind.
Posted by: Rubin | October 18, 2006 at 04:05 PM
Vman,
That's funny, I was thinking the same thing. As much as I hate the Suns, all they really did was play well, whereas the Mavs underachieved and in doing so handed a championship to a totally undeserving team, and a despised one at that. I will root for anyone against the lame Mavs this year.
Posted by: McGarnagle | October 18, 2006 at 04:08 PM
Greek dude,
Don't kid yourself. We all know yours is
1) Spanoulis
2) Kobe
3) Lebron
Posted by: McGarnagle | October 18, 2006 at 04:09 PM
The Lakers will end up with a better record than the Suns. The Spurs and Mavs will also post better records in my opinion. Here is my prediction, which I still stand by:
Playoff Teams by order of seeding:
01 – San Antonio Spurs (60-22 vs 63-19) Down 3
02 – Dallas Mavericks (58-24 vs 60-22) Down 2
03 – Los Angeles Lakers (55-27 vs 45-37) Up 10
04 – Denver Nuggets (46-36 vs 44-38) Up 2
05 – Phoenix Suns (52-30 vs 54-28) Down 2
06 – Los Angeles Clippers (45-37 vs 47-35) Down 2
07 – Sacramento Kings (46-36 vs 44-38) Up 2
08 – Utah Jazz (42-40 vs 41-41) Up 1
Posted by: LakerTom | October 18, 2006 at 04:11 PM
Thanks AK.
I would love to see a Suns-Heat series, could you imagine Shaq having to run that much? The guy might get 12 minutes a game. Talk about a ego beat down.
Of course I rather see Lakers-Heat, but you catch my drift.
Posted by: Andrew Z | October 18, 2006 at 04:11 PM
AK,
You have seen Phx play in person and you think they are entertaining? What about all the pushing and grabbing that Nash and Amare does? Or the flopping by Bell? You should be able to see all of that from the game and I don't find them to be very "entertaining" at all. I think if the Lakers stopping letting these guys push and grab them, they will win easily. Andrew Z will probably say that they are "crafty".
Posted by: Ken | October 18, 2006 at 04:11 PM
Am I the only one sick of hearing how great D Wade is? The one good thing about how Kobe is perceived by the media is that he is not shoved down everyone's throat to the point that makes you want to gag.
Posted by: go lakers! | October 18, 2006 at 04:12 PM
"Marcus Banks, who's basically "Bizarro-Stevie""
So absolutely awesome.
AK, you're a dork, and I salute you for that.
By the way, Raja Bell is having his ankle broken this year. I had a dream about it.
I hate the Suns.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | October 18, 2006 at 04:14 PM
Ken,
The pushing, grabbing and flopping happens during every NBA game, regardless of who's on the court. And that goes for the Lakers, too.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 18, 2006 at 04:15 PM
By the way, Kobe Bryant is the greatest player in the world.
It sucks that Dime Magazine is such a crap wiping rag that they don't acknowledge that.
Kobe Bryant is, by far, the best player in the world.
I despise the fact that his image problem keep so-called "experts" from recognizing that fact.
People suck.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | October 18, 2006 at 04:16 PM
In my opinion Kobe's the best player in professional basketball and has been for a couple of years, but I think Wade is the 4th best guard. Only behind T-Mac and Paul Pierce. If he had a good outside shot he would be second. I didn't like him as much for a while because he is overrated and it makes you sick of hearing it.
Posted by: Rubin | October 18, 2006 at 04:18 PM
I concur with Rubin. The Suns are good, but their style doesn't win championships. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there really hasn't been a championship team modeled in the way the Suns of today are.
Unless they pick up their defense immensely, not just marginally, they won't win a championship. DEFENSE wins championships. It always has and always will.
Posted by: flight12 | October 18, 2006 at 04:24 PM
I hate "hyped" up players who are defined to be good befor they are. Even if they end up proving their worth, let them earn it first. Media hype has got to tone down.
Posted by: flight12 | October 18, 2006 at 04:26 PM
AK,
Yes there is a lot of clutching, but Nash in particular takes it to an art form. They really get away with a lot and they only way to beat Phx is to beat them at their own game. That's why they didn't look like the same team against Dallas. I think some of the Miami guys would have put a fist in their face for some of their ways.
Posted by: Ken | October 18, 2006 at 04:31 PM
AK,
Don't sell the little kings short, we still love to hate them as much as anyone over the course of the season. It is just the sun burn from Phoenix is still smarting.
T-Woody
Club 55
24/7
Posted by: T-Woody | October 18, 2006 at 04:43 PM
You know it's funny, the Suns would have had a really good chance on the Heat cause they don't foul much. When you don't play D you can't foul as much. Wade wouldn't have been able to free throw his way to a finals MVP.
Posted by: Rubin | October 18, 2006 at 04:46 PM
Raja Bell is the only guy on that team I really dislike. I want to dislike steve nash, but have given up. Screw it. He's a good guy and ball player.
Posted by: Mannie Jenkins | October 18, 2006 at 04:49 PM
I've got to agree with you on this entry AK. I've also got the Suns winning the championship if Amare is healthy, although I am concerned about how smoothyly he'll fit in to everything. Despite still being a high scoring offensive machine the way the Suns ran their offense last season was vastly different from how it was run 2 years ago.
Posted by: Xodus | October 18, 2006 at 04:58 PM
man i used to hate nash, but now that he cut his hair, i see that he's a half decent player afterall...i cant stand bell though
Go Lakers
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | October 18, 2006 at 04:58 PM
lakertom
seeing that you have come up with all sorts of predictionary data, where would you have the lakers playing a whole season without kobe?? i have them in the 35-42 win region
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | October 18, 2006 at 05:03 PM
Give me your thoughts on who should be cut, Green or Pinnock or trade ( Cook, Smush, ) or does it even matter?
Does anybody else thing Farmer will be starter by all-star break? Who cares if he is 19, wasnt magic 19 when he took us to the top. Farmer has those kind of skills you cant teach, another Kidd or Magic. What a steal by Cupcake and the Turiaf pick, oh my god, I love it, Cupcake you are alright, maybe you will get some love after all.
Posted by: bd | October 18, 2006 at 05:03 PM
If the Lakers are anything as good as the special effects in the last 5 minutes of this great film set in medieval Japan, they'll be pretty darn good.
"Throne of Blood":
http://imdb.com/title/tt0050613/
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 18, 2006 at 05:08 PM
The Dime article is ridiculous. How do you proclaim wade to the be the greatest when he can't shoot and plays no D? He even said he wanted to work with kobe during the offseason to work on his D. Wade is a great player. He has an unmatched first step. But to compare him to kobe (or even lebron for that matter) is a no brainer.
The list should be:
1) KB24, mr. 81, real mvp, G.O.A.T.
2) Lebron, King James
3) Weak-D-Wade
Posted by: two0one7 | October 18, 2006 at 05:13 PM