So far Kerr has not made any major blunders. Considering all the land mines involved in unloading Jones before having Hill being confired, he's either lucky or "cheated" with some back door contact. The deal with the Bobcats was trumped by a bizzare move by the Warrriors. And only time will tell if Tucker is the guy the Suns should have taken, but he seems like a reasonable choice.
Other than being committed to give a roster slot to Marks who seems more like an assistant coach than a player, there is not much to complain about. Sure he could have traded Amare for KG, but that would not have been a particularly popular move nor necessarily a good one.
So other than looking for a banger to replace Burke, Kerr's remaining tasks may be more focused on getting D'Antoni to make some changes. Many people believe D'Antoni is so stubborn that he just refuses to do what is necessary to win the championship. IMHO those charges are unfair, but it still may take some nudging by Kerr.
1. Devloping Depth: D'Antoni has an extremely quick hook, so if guys don't do something the instant they hit the floor they get yanked. However, with a Hill being older and having a history of injuries, D'Antoni needs to give Tucker the minutes so he can be ready. Tucker is mature guy for a rookie and can play defense, so he should not a big liability. But Kerr may have to remind D'Antoni that every game is not a playoff game.
2. Increase the Diversity of the Offense: One of the big atrractions to getting Hill will be to diversify the offense so it is not just Nash making plays. The Spurs showed how limited that can be if the refs allow them to mug Nash. Adding alternative tactics is important so they will be harder to defense. This may include so isolaiton plays, using Diaw at the high post, designing two man games with Amare at the low post, etc.. But in any case, Kerr needs to remind D'Antoni that the season is just preparation for the real season.
3. Develop a Big Ball Lineup: It was not a great idea to wait until the playoffs to play a big like KT with Amare. The Suns don't need to this against most opponents, but when it is needed they must be ready.
4. Increase the Emphasis on Defense: The Suns have not yet hired a replacement for Iaveroni and should focus on getting a defense guru. D'Antoni needs to buy into the need to play defense the entire game and not just in spurts. Kerr is hardly the ideal preacher of defense, but someone has to keep it at the top of the priority list.
I know there are many people who think D'Antoni will simply refuse to change, but he is no fool. Kerr's job will be to nudge him in the right direction.
Other than being committed to give a roster slot to Marks who seems more like an assistant coach than a player, there is not much to complain about. Sure he could have traded Amare for KG, but that would not have been a particularly popular move nor necessarily a good one.
So other than looking for a banger to replace Burke, Kerr's remaining tasks may be more focused on getting D'Antoni to make some changes. Many people believe D'Antoni is so stubborn that he just refuses to do what is necessary to win the championship. IMHO those charges are unfair, but it still may take some nudging by Kerr.
1. Devloping Depth: D'Antoni has an extremely quick hook, so if guys don't do something the instant they hit the floor they get yanked. However, with a Hill being older and having a history of injuries, D'Antoni needs to give Tucker the minutes so he can be ready. Tucker is mature guy for a rookie and can play defense, so he should not a big liability. But Kerr may have to remind D'Antoni that every game is not a playoff game.
2. Increase the Diversity of the Offense: One of the big atrractions to getting Hill will be to diversify the offense so it is not just Nash making plays. The Spurs showed how limited that can be if the refs allow them to mug Nash. Adding alternative tactics is important so they will be harder to defense. This may include so isolaiton plays, using Diaw at the high post, designing two man games with Amare at the low post, etc.. But in any case, Kerr needs to remind D'Antoni that the season is just preparation for the real season.
3. Develop a Big Ball Lineup: It was not a great idea to wait until the playoffs to play a big like KT with Amare. The Suns don't need to this against most opponents, but when it is needed they must be ready.
4. Increase the Emphasis on Defense: The Suns have not yet hired a replacement for Iaveroni and should focus on getting a defense guru. D'Antoni needs to buy into the need to play defense the entire game and not just in spurts. Kerr is hardly the ideal preacher of defense, but someone has to keep it at the top of the priority list.
I know there are many people who think D'Antoni will simply refuse to change, but he is no fool. Kerr's job will be to nudge him in the right direction.
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