Suns need a new identity
Prior to tip off of the Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns game, all the hoopla surrounded Shaq, and how he said that this was the best team he has ever played on. Well, I hope he does not plan to use Sunday’s performance as a reference point.
The Pistons beat the the Suns 116 to 86. For those of you with rusty math skills, that is a 30 point difference. With Shaq in the middle, these Suns looked nothing like the run and gun experts from the West that NBA fans are so used to seeing. Yes it was only one game, however, it does not take a biblical prophet to see that the acquisiiton of the Diesel could cause problems. Even in an undersized NBA, the center position is crucial to a teams success. It is certainly no secret that Shaq is well, slow, really slow, Chris Webber slow in fact. For the Phoenix Suns to think they could maintain a lightning quick style of play, and have Shaq be a vocal point in the offense, is foolish. When the team traded Shawn Marion for Shaquile Oneal, they also acquired a halfcourt offense, like it or not. This is not to say Phoenix cannot run at all, but Steve Nash must learn to slow things down significantly. With the lack of shooters on the Sun’s roster, a slower tempo could be an issue. However, this is a risk the team had to take. The payoff? Improved rebounding, defense, and hopefully, a reinvigorated Shaquile Oneal leading them to the NBA Finals. Also, now Amare Stoudamire can finally play power forward, his natural position. Their are risks involved, however Steve Nash certainly has the ability to change the tempo enough to take advantage of a much improved front line. Shaq’s best team?
We will see come June.
Good thoughts here Gary. The only thing I’d change is you last line,
“we’ll see in June,” to “we’ll see in April.” They better figure it our quick or there won’t be a May let alone a June. They had to make this move though as it it allows them the “potential” for a half court game. As you are well aware the playoff, and certianly the championship series, is about two three things 1)Defense 2)More defense 3)Half court offense.
The Sun had none. The only questions is did they make this move too late. Is a motivated Shaq going to get in shape in a month and a half and can the Sun transition to playing 24 mins a game of half court offense? Also, you have rightly pointed out a potential problem with all this in their limited ability o shoot. Should be interesting.
Comment by bob — February 27, 2008 @ 8:59 am