Did Alivin Gentry save Amare's career?

[Bert]

This video was posted by Slin in the 'best dunks' thread but it is actually really interesting and it goes back to what I've been saying about Amare's resurgence. I think it revolves around 2 things, his health and his motivation.

The first half of this season, especially in December and January, Amare looked like a guy who was either in the decline of his career, or a guy who was just extremely bored/uninterested in what was happening on the court. Then about two months ago, something drastic happened and woke Amare up.

I think the first part is that he got healthy but not just that, he REALIZED that he's healthy. The biggest part of coming back from injuries is getting your confidence. If you watch the video you'll notice that all the dunks before the knee have so much more elevation and explosiveness it's scary. After he came back from the microfracture he's always looked like he's being careful or timid. The thing about that dunk the other night was that it looked like the old Amare. He's been playing incredible basketball the past couple of months and he really looks like he's back to 100% BAMF Stat for the first time in a long time.

Speculation has been wide and most people think that Amare is simply playing for a new contract or auditioning for his next team. I really dont think that is what's happening. The trade rumors might have been a catalyst for that change but I think it was something else.

I honestly and truly believe that it was sitting on the bench in that game against Dallas that woke the sleeping giant. Alvin Gentry saw how he was playing and finally had enough and then he had the STONES to put his ass on the bench. lol You cannot deny that if you watch the games before the benching and after, it's like he's a man possesed. How many times in Amare's life do you think he's been benched, ever? Amare had to have seen two futures for him at that moment.

1. this is the start of the decline of my Career, I can become the veteran thats just another role player and occasionally sits during crunch time.

2. I can say screw all that and start dominating again because I'm still in my prime.

Ofcourse that's just me speculating but if it is true, I'm glad he picked option 2 because it's been a treat to watch.

GO SUNS!

 

[dreamcastrocks]

No. His career was just fine.

 

[Covert Rain]

I don't get this either. Amare would have gone somewhere else, gotten max money and still been a force in the NBA. Yes, we have not liked his inconsistent rebounding and defense. However, with so many teams running carbon copy systems like ours, having a 20+ point scoring big man in the NBA is a commodity that someone would swallow up.

Gentry didn't save anything. If anything Gentry has helped Amare become a more well rounded player as of late.

Amare's career would be fine without Gentry or the Suns.

 

[Sunburn]

I think you may have a point with your pre and post injury idea. His explosiveness has finally been looking similar to what it was pre-knee injuries imo.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Speculation has been wide and most people think that Amare is simply playing for a new contract or auditioning for his next team.

Are you sure about the "most" part of your statement? There is some concern about his motivation but that's a far cry from your point. I certainly don't believe he is "simply" playing for a contract or auditioning. If it was that simple I suspect he would have started auditioning much sooner so there would have been sufficient interest as the deadline approached.

I honestly and truly believe that it was sitting on the bench in that game against Dallas that woke the sleeping giant. Alvin Gentry saw how he was playing and finally had enough and then he had the STONES to put his ass on the bench. lol You cannot deny that if you watch the games before the benching and after, it's like he's a man possesed.

I watched that game and I still don't see why people make this claim. IMO, he went to the bench for a rest and the "scrubs" turned the game around and Gentry was smart enough to leave them in. It happens all the time around the league. I'm sure there may have been a little message there but not the huge statement so many make it out to be.

And you only talk about his health but watch him play and it's not just his legs; he is clearly more comfortable from a vision standpoint. Early in the season he had trouble following rebounds and even more important was his inabiiity to handle anything less than a perfect pass (especially in traffic). That had to have played havoc with his confidence as it use to be one of his strengths. And then there's the fact that his strength appears to have finally returned. No longer are we seeing opponents rip the ball from his hands.

He wouldn't be human if he were not trying to maximize his next deal but there's more than money involved for this guy, IMO.

Steve

 

[Bert]

Jeez, harsh. Ok where do I begin? Well, I suppose I mispoke a little in my OP....

I mean I'm sure if Amare had went on to have a hum-drum or even the most average of seasons his reputation alone would have taken him to another team where he'll get a MAX contract regardless, I cant argue with that.

The point I was trying to make is that since the benching, this is the best Amare I have seen in years. I just think that his play before and after the Dallas game shows a totally different competitor behind the ability.

I guess the main point of my thread (which I consequently forgot to make) was that Amare looks like his old self and it's really good to see. Whether it was the coach or money or whatever that got him in line, something or someone clearly got through to Amare and the result has been spectacular!

 

[Sunburn]

j

 

[dodie53]

Amare will be fine without Gentry imo.

but idk if he will be fine without a good passing PG

 

[Sovereignz]

Amare will be fine without Gentry imo.

but idk if he will be fine without a good passing PG

He's assisted on 60% of his shots, that's right around the average for a scoring big man, and pretty low compared to a guy like Boozer who gets assisted on 75% of his. (82games.com)

Right now he's playing so well because he has been relentless at putting in work around the basket rather than lingering on the perimeter. Even though he has a great J, that should be a small supplement to him attacking in the paint the majority of the time, not vice versa.