D'Antoni stands by small-ball lineup

[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by Errntknght
"Since we have not seen Lampe in a competative situation, I'm not sure we know if his playing would help."

The reason to play Lampe is to speed his development and to allow the team to more accurately assess his future value and type of game plans that he fits into. It will also help keep his enthusiasm for the game up when he's working his fanny of next summer. I don't see anything that is even a close second to those things in importance to the Suns. Now, if we saw something resembling a well designed offense or defense under construction that would qualify.

I understand where D'Antoni is coming from (everyone keeps pointing to his record rather than the quality of play), but I think you are right. Lampe needs trial by fire if only to learn what it is he needs to work on.

My concern it that he practices againt the other Suns players rather than high level NBA big men. He needs to know how tough it is as long as he doesn't get overwhelmed. Losing a few more games because of his mistakes are not going to make any difference in the long run.

 

[Wally]

Originally posted by George O'Brien
I understand where D'Antoni is coming from (everyone keeps pointing to his record rather than the quality of play), but I think you are right. Lampe needs trial by fire if only to learn what it is he needs to work on.

My concern it that he practices againt the other Suns players rather than high level NBA big men. He needs to know how tough it is as long as he doesn't get overwhelmed. Losing a few more games because of his mistakes are not going to make any difference in the long run.

Actually, loosing a few more games may make the difference in getting the player of choice in the draft. I'm not saying we should tank, but I am saying, if Lampe has a future with the team, NOW is a good time to find out.

Since playing Lampe appears to be obvious to our group of arm-chair coaches on this board either:

1. D'Anotni is not as smart as us.... or
2. He believes it would hinder Lampe's developement in some way
...or
3. They don't think he will be any good and plan to trade him and if they played him his value may decrease..... or
4. BC, not D'Antoni, is in controll and doesn't know how to work "Big" so stays within his comfort zone - "Small-ball"

I realy dispise a constant diet of small-ball, and I don't believe there is any way in hell even a good small-ball team would ever get past the first round in the playoffs. It's like playing high school teams against college, or college teams against the pros.... come to think about it .... oh, what the hell, it's not worth it, let me know when it's over