http://msn.foxsports.com/story/2610926
New faces in new places, Part II
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Charley Rosen / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 2 hours ago
Besides the Shaq and T-Mac blockbusters, there have been several other significant trades and free-agent signings so far this summer. In this second of a three-part series (check out part one), let's take a close look at the other deals that have landed new faces in new places.
Steve Nash: Phoenix Suns
This guy is the jewel of the free agent signings. Like (gasp!) Larry Bird, Nash has the ability/instinct for seeing (and moving into) open spaces before they actually open, for being able to play the game a heartbeat ahead of everybody else. If Nash's defense is barely adequate, he can shoot, create for himself (mostly by driving left then spinning right, or simply by pulling up and shooting) and his teammates. He can pass, run, and he always plays hard. Maybe even too hard, given his slight physique. When Nash is off the ball, look for him to set moving picks a la John Stockton. Opponents try to wear Nash down by running him into perpetual screens, while his self-protective response is to flop at every opportunity. Restricting his on-court time to the 33.5 minutes per game that he averaged last year will help Nash maintain his aggressive, savvy, and inspirational play well into the postseason.
Quentin Richardson: Phoenix Suns
Young, strong and athletic, Richardson has a varied arsenal with the ball in his hands: He can post and spin, or else turn his right shoulder for a jumper. When facing up, Q can drive the middle and the baseline with equal quickness, bounce, and effectiveness. He's also very active on the boards and loves to fly. But Q is strictly a one-on-one player who passes only under duress and forces too many 3-balls. A highly skilled and entertaining performer, Q is also too self-involved to be given significant responsibilities on any team that hopes to contend for a championship.
New faces in new places, Part II
Story Tools: Print Email
Charley Rosen / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 2 hours ago
Besides the Shaq and T-Mac blockbusters, there have been several other significant trades and free-agent signings so far this summer. In this second of a three-part series (check out part one), let's take a close look at the other deals that have landed new faces in new places.
Steve Nash: Phoenix Suns
This guy is the jewel of the free agent signings. Like (gasp!) Larry Bird, Nash has the ability/instinct for seeing (and moving into) open spaces before they actually open, for being able to play the game a heartbeat ahead of everybody else. If Nash's defense is barely adequate, he can shoot, create for himself (mostly by driving left then spinning right, or simply by pulling up and shooting) and his teammates. He can pass, run, and he always plays hard. Maybe even too hard, given his slight physique. When Nash is off the ball, look for him to set moving picks a la John Stockton. Opponents try to wear Nash down by running him into perpetual screens, while his self-protective response is to flop at every opportunity. Restricting his on-court time to the 33.5 minutes per game that he averaged last year will help Nash maintain his aggressive, savvy, and inspirational play well into the postseason.
Quentin Richardson: Phoenix Suns
Young, strong and athletic, Richardson has a varied arsenal with the ball in his hands: He can post and spin, or else turn his right shoulder for a jumper. When facing up, Q can drive the middle and the baseline with equal quickness, bounce, and effectiveness. He's also very active on the boards and loves to fly. But Q is strictly a one-on-one player who passes only under duress and forces too many 3-balls. A highly skilled and entertaining performer, Q is also too self-involved to be given significant responsibilities on any team that hopes to contend for a championship.
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