Kerr announces Barbosa is the backup PG. Player to sign will not play

[Chris_Sanders]

Steve Kerr was on his weekly radio show this morning. He said that while they worked out several players, the signing is meaningless because they will not crack the rotation.

"It doesn't matter whom we sign, they aren't going to take Leandro's minutes."

When asked what about Dragic's minutes?

"He won't take his minutes either. This is a 13th man signing that we are only signing because the NBA requires us to do so."

Discuss...

 

[Chris_Sanders]

He also reiterated that the decision had not been made as of yet. Damon Stoudemire, Troy Hudson, Dee Brown, Eddie Gill, and some D-League kid were all mentioned. He really hammered though that none of these guys would play and if the NBA didn't require them to sign a 13th player they wouldn't.

 

[Mainstreet]

Here are a couple of quotes from The Arizona Republic which are just slightly more nuanced.

Part of the quandary facing the Suns is whether to pick the player who could be insurance for Steve Nash or pick a player who could have an immediate impact. The danger with the latter is affecting the playing time of Leandro Barbosa, who splits time at off-guard and backup point because the Suns are stacked at wing.

"There probably won't be many minutes for him right now," coach Terry Porter said of a newcomer. "We'll just have to wait and see how that plays out. If I had to predict right now, I'd say there's not many minutes for him just because LB (Barbosa) has been going really well and other things have been good."

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2008/12/22/20081222sunsguards1223.html

By Paul Coro dated 12-22-08

 

[Andrew]

I kinda agree, while we need a good solid backup PG, this time in the season with a new player being the sole backup, that is hard on the team. They need time to gel, that is why I understand them just going out and signing someone because they need a 13th player. Plus at this point, Barbosa is better handling the point for this offense than anyone we could find and then have to gel with.

 

[Mainstreet]

I hope Kerr is just giving LB a huge confidence boost by making him the man although LB played PG well the last couple of games. However, in preseason Kerr made it known he wanted two backup PGs to make sure Nash got some rest... even some games off during the season.

So Kerr taking so much time to find a player that will be just glued to the bench makes me wonder. I think Kerr wants this PG to be able to actually play if necessary.

Reading Hoopshype, it seems Pargo and Lue may be out there for the taking. I still really like Pargo.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

Dee Brown has been signed, yet Kerr is saying a decision hasnt been made yet?

 

[atikiN]

Lets all hope LB continues to step up his game. I'm satisfied with him being the backup PG with the improvements he's demonstrated recently and just hope he continues to grow. Congrats LB, your minutes were in danger and you stepped up to keep them. I hope the fans who are able to go to the games show him some love and appreciation for what he's done so far.

 

[Mainstreet]

Dee Brown has been signed, yet Kerr is saying a decision hasnt been made yet?

Do you have a link?

I think the physical was supposed to be completed today and the signing tomorrow.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

KTAR text message
AZ Central article (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2008/12/23/20081223spt-suns.html)
and "sources within the suns organization"


He was the choice on Sunday, not sure what the point of denying their decision is...

Kerr lacks integrity when he talks to the public.

 

[Mainstreet]

KTAR text message
AZ Central article (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2008/12/23/20081223spt-suns.html)
and "sources within the suns organization"


He was the choice on Sunday, not sure what the point of denying their decision is...

Kerr lacks integrity when he talks to the public.

Thanks for the information.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

Dee Brown has been signed, yet Kerr is saying a decision hasnt been made yet?

I am guessing he isn't signed. Kerr was very specific in that no one had been signed and the decision wasn't made yet.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Why does Steve Kerr deserve a weekly radio show?

Discuss.....

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

I am guessing he isn't signed. Kerr was very specific in that no one had been signed and the decision wasn't made yet.

well theyve selected him. When he signs is just a detail. Kerr is hiding behind his words only to be outed less than an hour later by AZCentral.

Hell, Kerr even gave the article on Dee a quote!

"We like his intensity, his quickness," Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said. "He's got some NBA experience and playoff experience with Utah. He's also played at a high level, being in a championship game at Illinois (in 2005). He won't be overwhelmed out on the court if he gets the chance. He's a young guy so he's got a chance to make a mark and improve."

 

[Chris_Sanders]

well theyve selected him. When he signs is just a detail. Kerr is hiding behind his words only to be outed less than an hour later by AZCentral.

Hell, Kerr even gave the article on Dee a quote!

That's funny! Why be so evasive on your radio show then? Maybe the physical hasn't gone well?

 

[Bufalay]

I think Nash would be a good backup for LB.

 

[LV-Suns]

That's funny! Why be so evasive on your radio show then? Maybe the physical hasn't gone well?

Brown must pass a physical in Phoenix today before he can sign Wednesday, the final day the Suns have to return to the 13-player roster minimum.

azcentral

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

that doesnt really answer anything...

 

[Kolo]

Steve Kerr was on his weekly radio show this morning. He said that while they worked out several players, the signing is meaningless because they will not crack the rotation.

"It doesn't matter whom we sign, they aren't going to take Leandro's minutes."

When asked what about Dragic's minutes?

"He won't take his minutes either. This is a 13th man signing that we are only signing because the NBA requires us to do so."

Discuss...

I usually watch just about every game every year, but haven't been able to much this season. I've read that LB is playing pg at least pretty well over the past few games. For people who have watched, does he seem to be an ok point guard now, somehow? Is LB running the D'Antoni sets that he couldn't grasp and that Porter is bringing back? or is finally breaking people down off the dribble and making the right play in the lane? or am I wrong about LB playing well?

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

He isnt trying to be Nash, but Leandro can pass the ball down to Shaq or slash to the basket, and I think that is all we asked of him, so yeah, he is doing well at PG.

 

[Mainstreet]

I usually watch just about every game every year, but haven't been able to much this season. I've read that LB is playing pg at least pretty well over the past few games. For people who have watched, does he seem to be an ok point guard now, somehow? Is LB running the D'Antoni sets that he couldn't grasp and that Porter is bringing back? or is finally breaking people down off the dribble and making the right play in the lane? or am I wrong about LB playing well?

To give the short version, the LB of late has not been driving the ball where he gets trapped with no outlets. This is where he previously made many of his turnovers. Also LB now seems to be accepting what the defense gives him and not forcing the ball.

I hope this behavior pattern becomes permanent. LB still needs to work on his defense.

 

[Andrew]

IF Brown has signed, was he signed today?

 

[Mainstreet]

IF Brown has signed, was he signed today?

Yes, but he's going to sign tomorrow.

 

[Hayduke]

Nash should have some back spasms and let LB start a game. I'd like to see how that pans out.

 

[cly2tw]

To give the short version, the LB of late has not been driving the ball where he gets trapped with no outlets. This is where he previously made many of his turnovers. Also LB now seems to be accepting what the defense gives him and not forcing the ball.

I hope this behavior pattern becomes permanent. LB still needs to work on his defense.

In a nutshell, LB is doing a lot more by doing a lot less on offense.

Our players seem to have been instructed to drive ONLY as some kind of last resort if the easier post-feeding passes or pick and screen variations failed. LB and even Nash in the Denver game are heeding to that quite well, with less turnovers from them as a result.

Also, LB no longer lets opponents drive by him as easily. His main defensive weakness remains in area of PnR defense.

 

[Irish]

It feels like adding J-Rich has made a difference in that Leandro always has somebody to pass to.

Dee Brown is supposed to be a good on the ball defender. He might have helped against Blake.