Everyone has their own ideas, what you would do if you were coaching the Suns to get ready for the playoffs.
This year it is so even that, all rounds are going to be tough. The winner in the west will be the one who can still win despite adversity. All teams will attack the weaknesses of the opponent in each series, so even if they win there will be a cumulative effect.
So, if I was coaching the Suns, I see two weaknesses
Playing without Nash and fouls on Amare and Shaq. So the best way to make us unbeatable would be to:
1) Make sure I have a tested backup plan for Nash, ready for the playoffs just in case. If he twists an ankle and is out half a game or more I dont want to lose the whole season. I mean I want to see a combination of Boris, Hill or DJ running point for a whole quarter without Nash. Can we do it or are we only able to play effectively with Nash? I think we can do it without him for a short while if we have to, but only if we prepare for it. We have time to do it.
When we play a weak team, I want to see the regulars in there without Nash.(like if he wasn't able to play) ---We are sunk if he is out for a couple of playoff games now, and we dont have to be sunk if we are already prepared for that scenario.
All teams know, without Nash, we suck. So they are going to throw everything at him. Physical play, full court pressure, run his man through endless screens, anything to wear him down. (remember last year, head butt-accidental but we lost that close game because of it, knee to groin, hip check into the table, Bowen hacking and leg humping all game..., all that stuff was done with one purpose, to get Nash worn out and out of the game. It will continue this year.
Let's use the games left to get ready. I would not play Hill with just the bench anymore during a blowout. What does this do? We will never play this way when it matters, so blend the bench with the starters when the opportunity is there-like when we are up 14 or more.
2) Play Skinner more minutes with the regulars because other teams are going to attack Amare and Shaq in the playoffs, and they will be in foul trouble. Skinner must be used to playing either position with our regular guys and they must be used to playing with him.
Come on D'antoni, Shaq even said this is the best team 1 though 12 that he has ever played on. So get them used to playing with each other. Blended 10 deep would be unbeatable. 8 deep and we are one injury from wearing down in a tough series.
I know you know this but, they are all going to be tough this year. We need to be ready 10 deep.
also why not start Guiricek against the Rockets instead of Barbosa. We dont want T-Mac getting on a roll. If Hill gets switched off who will guard him- Barbosa or Nash- I dont think so.
What do you guys think?
This year it is so even that, all rounds are going to be tough. The winner in the west will be the one who can still win despite adversity. All teams will attack the weaknesses of the opponent in each series, so even if they win there will be a cumulative effect.
So, if I was coaching the Suns, I see two weaknesses
Playing without Nash and fouls on Amare and Shaq. So the best way to make us unbeatable would be to:
1) Make sure I have a tested backup plan for Nash, ready for the playoffs just in case. If he twists an ankle and is out half a game or more I dont want to lose the whole season. I mean I want to see a combination of Boris, Hill or DJ running point for a whole quarter without Nash. Can we do it or are we only able to play effectively with Nash? I think we can do it without him for a short while if we have to, but only if we prepare for it. We have time to do it.
When we play a weak team, I want to see the regulars in there without Nash.(like if he wasn't able to play) ---We are sunk if he is out for a couple of playoff games now, and we dont have to be sunk if we are already prepared for that scenario.
All teams know, without Nash, we suck. So they are going to throw everything at him. Physical play, full court pressure, run his man through endless screens, anything to wear him down. (remember last year, head butt-accidental but we lost that close game because of it, knee to groin, hip check into the table, Bowen hacking and leg humping all game..., all that stuff was done with one purpose, to get Nash worn out and out of the game. It will continue this year.
Let's use the games left to get ready. I would not play Hill with just the bench anymore during a blowout. What does this do? We will never play this way when it matters, so blend the bench with the starters when the opportunity is there-like when we are up 14 or more.
2) Play Skinner more minutes with the regulars because other teams are going to attack Amare and Shaq in the playoffs, and they will be in foul trouble. Skinner must be used to playing either position with our regular guys and they must be used to playing with him.
Come on D'antoni, Shaq even said this is the best team 1 though 12 that he has ever played on. So get them used to playing with each other. Blended 10 deep would be unbeatable. 8 deep and we are one injury from wearing down in a tough series.
I know you know this but, they are all going to be tough this year. We need to be ready 10 deep.
also why not start Guiricek against the Rockets instead of Barbosa. We dont want T-Mac getting on a roll. If Hill gets switched off who will guard him- Barbosa or Nash- I dont think so.
What do you guys think?
Last edited:
