Games within the game

[Stargazer]

It often seems like Nash is playing a "game within the game," meaning that instead of making the play that will have the greatest short term impact (like taking an open 3 when he has one), he tries to make plays that will pay off down the line (like passing up his own open shots to try to get somebody else going with an open look). I have some suggestions for some of the other players on the "game within the game" I'd like to see them play:

1. Amare -- go into the game with the resolve that, no matter what happens, you absolutely will not complain to the refs about any call. Treat the refs like a force of nature, just another obstacle that you have to overcome to achieve greatness.

2. Boris -- go into the game with the resolve that, no matter what happens, you will drive to the basket every chance that you get. Make up your mind now, and don't second guess in the game. Overdo it for a while. See what happens. The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work out, but just resolve to try it and see.

3. Coach D -- go into the game with the resolve that, no matter what happens, you won't play anyone more than 32 minutes. Decide it in advance, and stick with it. The bench players will have to pull it out, and if they don't, a loss isn't the end of the world anyway.

4. LB -- go into the game with the resolve that, no matter what happens, you will get the ball into Amare when you're running the show. Overdo it for now, pass up your own shots for now, just get Amare into the bag of tricks that you go to when you're running the point.

Others?

 

[elindholm]

I like the first one.

For the second one, driving to the basket isn't enough for Diaw -- he also has to take the shot once he gets there. He already drives to the basket fairly often, but then usually make a stupid kickout.

I basically like the third one, but I'd have different minutes for different players. I wouldn't have a problem with Marion playing 36, for example. And if Nash isn't going to play 34, he might as well not play any, because the Suns can't win if he's on the bench that much.

I don't like the fourth one. Right now Barbosa is as good an offensive option as Stoudemire, if not better. Furthermore, force-feeding Stoudemire is one of the main causes of the offense bogging down, even when Nash does it.

Here's one I'd offer:

5. Hill -- Tell D'Antoni to eff himself, and stop trying threes from the top of the circle. It's painfully obvious that your range doesn't go that far. You get a running start and lean in, and the ball still barely nicks the front rim. You're doing so much else well right now, you have the clout to ignore that coaching instruction.

 

[cly2tw]

4+++. Everyone should try to pass the ball to Amare. Let's try at least 5 min a game in which time span Amare plays with back to the basket, in particular when Nash rests. In the playoffs, his offense will often be the most reliable on the Suns.

 

[arwillan]

4+++. Everyone should try to pass the ball to Amare. Let's try at least 5 min a game in which time span Amare plays with back to the basket, in particular when Nash rests. In the playoffs, his offense will often be the most reliable on the Suns.

my thoughts exactly. amare is probably one of the 5 toughest players to guard in this league, and i feel sometimes we let him fade away in games by letting the guards do it all.


for amare:
go into the game with the mindset that everyone in that building is from some 3rd world country and has never ever seen you play let alone heard of you. They will only get to see you that one night, and never again. show them everything you're made of: the explosive dunks, the shot blocks, the range on your shot, the athletic and seemingly impossible and-1 plays. DEMAND the ball, because you need to show them all of your moves and will only have roughly 35 minutes to do so. give these people (who will only see you once) the show of their lives. know that you are as unstoppable as you want to be, and stay smart. stay out of foul trouble, these people want to see you all game long and get their money's worth.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

6. Suns Cheerleaders - Go into the game observing every time the camera shows the squad. Try your hardest to have a wardrobe malfunction with impeccable timing. Overdo it at first, even when the camera isn't showing you.

 

[azirish]

You guys are leaving out my main suggestion - Marion should not be shooting more than one three pointer per games.

 

[timmo]

6. Suns Cheerleaders - Go into the game observing every time the camera shows the squad. Try your hardest to have a wardrobe malfunction with impeccable timing. Overdo it at first, even when the camera isn't showing you.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

You guys are leaving out my main suggestion - Marion should not be shooting more than one three pointer per games.

I must admit, Im not cringing as much as I did last year every time he launches one up.

Although I think he was 0-4 last night.

 

[azirish]

I must admit, Im not cringing as much as I did last year every time he launches one up.

Although I think he was 0-4 last night.

I still cringe. He's still not passing the ball enough and really prefer him as a cutter.

 

[Errntknght]

He's 1 for 9 in the last two games

 

[Cheesewater]

Here's one I'd offer:

5. Hill -- Tell D'Antoni to eff himself, and stop trying threes from the top of the circle. It's painfully obvious that your range doesn't go that far. You get a running start and lean in, and the ball still barely nicks the front rim. You're doing so much else well right now, you have the clout to ignore that coaching instruction.

Here's one:

1. Fans -- go into every post with the resolve that you still know significantly less about basketball, both playing and coaching, than Mike D'Antoni and every player on the Suns roster.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

Fat chance!

p.s. Welcome, cheesebeef 2.0?

 

[arwillan]

I still cringe. He's still not passing the ball enough and really prefer him as a cutter.

i'd prefer him as a cutter too.

on the other hand, when he gets the ball on the perimeter i'd prefer he shoots the 3 rather than try and take someone off the dribble because his ball-handling is 10 times worse than his shot.

 

[azirish]

i'd prefer him as a cutter too.

on the other hand, when he gets the ball on the perimeter i'd prefer he shoots the 3 rather than try and take someone off the dribble because his ball-handling is 10 times worse than his shot.

I think that all the wings/guards need to go to the basket once in a while to give defenders something to worry about when the press the shooters close. Still, Marion simply lacks the handle to be going through traffic.

 

[arwillan]

I think that all the wings/guards need to go to the basket once in a while to give defenders something to worry about when the press the shooters close. Still, Marion simply lacks the handle to be going through traffic.

exactly. the only time i would want him to take someone off the dribble would be if he got a switch with a small guy on him like tony parker or something.

 

[azirish]

exactly. the only time i would want him to take someone off the dribble would be if he got a switch with a small guy on him like tony parker or something.

Shawn has shown the ability to hit hook shoots and leap through the roof in taking 5 foot jumpers, but seems reluctant to do it when he gets cut off going to the basket.

 

[arwillan]

Shawn has shown the ability to hit hook shoots and leap through the roof in taking 5 foot jumpers, but seems reluctant to do it when he gets cut off going to the basket.

i agree. i like it when he jumps up from just outside the paint and knocks down the little floater. he seems to be able to hit those kind of shots pretty well but i think he can do it a little bit more often. also when he does that, defenders sometimes leave amare wide open under the basket or open for a put back.