Who is This Team?

February 23, 2008 by Daren Galindez

In the short time since acquiring Shaq this team is almost unrecognizable. If not for the continued success at fast break points I wouldn’t know who they are. It’s almost hard to believe that one such player can have an impact not only on the court but on the psyche of this team. It’s incredible. Amare anyone? Amare right now is playing like a NBA MVP. Amare is averaging over 30 points per game and over 10 rebounds since the trade. He has now moved up to being the 6th highest scorer in the NBA. In my opinion, it proves that Amare was being held back in his progress by playing out of position all this time.

In the past 2 games the Suns have out rebounded the Lakers 46 to 33 and the Celtics 50-32. That’s 96 to 65 in the past 2 games against great teams. When is the last time you have seen that from a Suns team? We have had 28 offensive rebounds in 2 games. That is 28 second chance opportunities for a team that is still an offensive force. If this keeps up, this might be the biggest rebounding turnaround in NBA history. From one of the worst to one of the best by seasons end.

This team was already one of the best shot blocking teams in the NBA. However, one thing that drove me nuts about this team is all the easy buckets by little guys in the paint. Things are not coming as easy now with Shaq in the middle. We still have some work to do on defense but things are getting physical down in the paint which is a good sign and anyone under 7 feet tall will think twice about driving to the hoop. 16 blocked shots in 2 games is nothing to sneeze at.

The offense is still running. Despite what many of the pundits have been saying, Shaq has not halted the Suns running and gunning. In fact, I would argue that Shaq has allowed other guys that normally wouldn’t be out on the break (Amare and Grant Hill) to get out on the break even more because now Shaq is grabbing those rebounds. Shaq said during his press conference that he would ignite the run. He has held true to his word.

Let talk about the half court set. First off it’s always been exaggerated by fans and media alike that the Suns don’t play half court basketball. However, when you look at the number of fast break points over and entire game you realize how unrealistic that view is. If even 25% of the team’s total points come in fast breaks, then the team is playing plenty of half court ball through the course of a game. The difference now is that the Suns used to rely on those fast break points to generate easy buckets. Anything the Suns did earn in the half court game never came easy and the Suns clearly were not very effective. Now all of the sudden with Shaq in there, half court sets become more effective and have already generated some easy points that the Suns were not used to.

Probably the most important impact Shaq has had on this team is his impact on the mental toughness of this team. We knew Shaq would be a body in the lane and knock some guys around. The part that amazes me the most is the impact his presence has had on other players. This team has had an edginess or nastiness to them that last 2 games that I have not seen since the Charles Barkley years. Is it confidence, motivation or excitement fueling this team’s personality the last few games? I don’t know what it is but I hope the Suns bottle it and pull out some for every game down the stretch. Then pull out some more during the playoffs.

I know we are only 2 games into the Shaq experiment but I find it hard to believe that these two games are an aberration. Provided Shaq stays healthy this should be a sign of things to come. The scariest thing of all is that everybody can clearly see that Shaq is a little lost out there right now and the other Suns players at times appear to be as well. Spacing has been horrible the last couple games and guys are still trying to figure out where to be with him out there. This team should get better and better which is really scary.

Let’s face it, the West is beyond stacked. However, I for one have a renewed sense of confidence against the Lakers, Spurs and the like in the West. I am confident that a dirty hip check wouldn’t derail this team come playoff time. I am confident that in a close game with the Lakers, a superb jump shot by Kobe couldn’t phase this team’s confidence down the stretch. Most of all, I am confident that when the Suns need a stop, a rebound or an easy hoop in a half court set at the end of the game they can actually get it. Not having to rely on a miracle three at the end of close games all of the sudden makes me feel much better then before about our title hopes.

Again, this is all early and we are only 2 games into the Shaq era. However, if these last 2 games are any indication of what the rest of the season and playoffs are going to be then strap in Suns fans. This is going to be one hell of a ride. So, if you find yourself asking “who is this team”?. I hope you have a smile on your face because I know I do.

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