Kids playing point guard need to watch Nash

[FArting]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] Once in a blue moon, a sports radio topic gets me incensed. It happened to me this past Friday during my own afternoon drive show which I co-host with Mark Asher on Sports 620 KTAR. And it had to do with Steve Nash.

Ash and I had decided to create a topic out of a New York Times story the day before that had pointed out the lack of true point guards in college basketball. The story said that only two players in college basketball this year averaged 7 assists per game. In 2000, 11 players averaged that many assists. The article pointed out the Allen Iverson effect, that his crossover dribble and ability to score has many of today's kids wanting to score first

It made sense. Michael Jordan was said to have a negative effect on the mid-range jump shot as more and more high school and college players looked to fly through the air and dunk. That is part of the reason for the foreign invasion in the NBA today and the USA's lack of success in international tournaments. There just aren't as many good shooters today as there were 25 years ago.

The point guard talk took off as callers offered up their explanation as to what has happened to today's floor generals. Things were going as expected until I brought up what I thought would be the Nash Factor. That's right, the Nash rambler, as Al McCoy likes to call him, should be having a positive effect on today's youth and hopefully showing these kids that the "p" in point guard is for passing. What followed not only baffled me but actually ticked me off to no end.

Caller after caller, both Black and White, said that the inner-city kid doesn't follow Nash. That the Black kid growing up in the inner-city and playing point guard wants to be like Jason Kidd, Chris Paul and Allen Iverson. That he wouldn't wear a Nash jersey. That he can relate better to Iverson than to Nash. Needless to say I was baffled. What in the world could possibly be wrong with a Black kid wearing a Nash jersey or having him as his favorite player? Somehow I envisioned a kid on the playground making a behind-the-back pass to a cutter for an easy layup and walking back saying, "Just like Nash," or putting up that perfect alley-oop pass for a dunk and saying, "That's the way the two-time MVP does it." Sorry I just can't see the kid waking back after a great pass and saying, that's the way AI does it or that's the way "Starbury" does it. Or that's the way Kirk Hinrich does it. Maybe I'm ignorant. But sorry, I can't see Black and White here.

A little research revealed to me that Nash currently has the sixth best selling jersey in the NBA based on sales through the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue in New York and NBAStore.com through the end of 2006. Only Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Iverson and Carmelo Anthony have sold more jerseys. Nash is ahead of Tracy McGrady, Shaq, Vince Carter, Paul and many of the other stars in the league. I have to believe that his success and the way he plays the game has made him a fan of kids everywhere regardless of race.

One parent told me that his son plays in a Mesa league and that none of the kids ever imitate Nash. They want to be like Iverson. Not that there is anything wrong with aspiring to be Iverson, he is a great player. But think about how stupid some of these parents may be if they are not turning their kids on to Nash.

My daughter is a club soccer and softball player. When we go to the Arizona State games or watch games on television, I advise her to watch her position. In soccer she watches the stopper to see how the girl plays the position. In softball she watches the first-baseman to see how she handles the position. She learns from watching these girls play. It does her good to see a girl that is playing her position at a high level and excelling. When we watch televised games we are constantly rewinding the Tivo to see a good play over and over again. I truly believe that my daughter can get as much out of watching games as she can out of practicing them.

Wouldn't it make perfect sense for every father out there whose son plays basketball to sit him down and make him watch Nash? Who better to learn the position from? Nobody plays the position better than Nash. Forget practice for a second. Just think of how beneficial it would be for any boy, or for that matter girl, who plays point guard to watch 10 Phoenix Suns games. Not just kids in Arizona but throughout the country. God blessed me with three daughters, and none are basketball players. But if I did have a kid who played point guard, I couldn't find a better example of how to play the position the right way than Nash.

If the callers are right, then parents everywhere are missing the boat. Or they are off their rocker. Whether a kid is Black, White, Chinese, European, etc., there is an opportunity to learn in watching basketball. If a kid plays the small forward position there may be no better example to watch than Shawn Marion. If he is a shooting guard, then check out some Seattle games and watch Ray Allen. If he is a power forward/center, then buy the NBA package and watch San Antonio's Tim Duncan. There are so many great players in the game today and kids can pick up so much from watching the ones who play the game the right way.

And it shouldn't matter if the kid is from the inner-city or the suburbs. Basketball is basketball. Now if a kid doesn't want to wear a Nash jersey because purple or orange just isn't his color, then so be it. But if it's because he can't relate then that kid's parents need a reality check.

The numbers don't lie. There are more and more shooters at every level of basketball - and a lack of great playmakers. Nash should help turn tha

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t around. He is the best point guard in the world today, and he sets a great example of how to play the game the right way. Now it's time for parents and kids out there from all walks of life to get the message. Not everyone can be like Mike. Or in this case AI. Those that can't need to pass like Nash.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cheapseats/gambo/0326rant.html
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[Russ Smith]

Part of that is that scoring in general seems to be down in college basketball so fewer possessions equals fewer assists.

The primary reason that PG's look to score more is related to the absence of good bigmen in college until they changed the early entry rule. All the good bigs jumped straight to the NBA so teams became more guard oriented.

There are still pass first guys, look at Conley at Ohio State for example.

Where I'd agree is with respect to shooting, Nash is every bit as good a ballhandler as Iverson in fact he's better, but what makes him special is he's such a good shooter you must honor his shot fakes. Iverson still has other worldly quicks and hops, if he was half the shooter Nash was he'd be literally unguardable.

I remember when Nash was at Santa Clara some friends and I went to see a game and we were watching him in warmups, he made something like 26-28 on jumpshots all from 22 feet or more. He was throwing the ball out in front of him with backspin on it, when it bounced back to him he'd catch it, plant and shoot. Nobody was guarding him of course but it was pretty stunning to see a kid shoot that well and we're talking most of these shots touched no rim at all.

 

[D-Dogg]

Conley is going to be a sick PG...I love that guy.


With that said, I disagree with the article in two areas. One, I coach little 6 and 7 year olds in basketball, and there are Nash's out there. One kid patterns his game just like Nash, and I even call him Avery Nash from time to time. Other kids out there like to pass and get as pumped at dishing the ball as shooting it.

2. Ray Allen would be the last player I'd want to have a kid emulate at SG...I would have them emulate his jumper, which is arguably the best and most pure, perfect shot in the game, but he is entirely one dimensional. There are a lot more complete players at the 2 spot than Ray Allen.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Nice premise and all, but many teams at all levels need their PGs to score in order to win. Since when did point guards have to be pass-first to be effective or worthy of praise, any point guard who runs an offense efficiently is a good point guard no matter what their scoring and assist totals are.

I also think using Chris Paul and Jason Kidd as counter-examples to Steve Nash when it comes to styles is also an idiotic point but that's to be expected when Gambo tries to sound smart.

 

[Russ Smith]

2. Ray Allen would be the last player I'd want to have a kid emulate at SG...I would have them emulate his jumper, which is arguably the best and most pure, perfect shot in the game, but he is entirely one dimensional. There are a lot more complete players at the 2 spot than Ray Allen.

Well but Allen is a much better defensive player than Nash is so if you're going to talk about Ray being a one dimensional shooter, you'd have to factor in defense too.

Nash is so good on offense it doesn't matter, but he's not a good defensive player. But when you can do what he can do on offense he's the rare guy where you live with the defense because he produces more than he gives up.

 

[D-Dogg]

Well but Allen is a much better defensive player than Nash is so if you're going to talk about Ray being a one dimensional shooter, you'd have to factor in defense too.

Nash is so good on offense it doesn't matter, but he's not a good defensive player. But when you can do what he can do on offense he's the rare guy where you live with the defense because he produces more than he gives up.

Hmm...this is true. I would come back with the idea that I'm much more concerned with my defense with the 2, 3 and 4 spot than the 1 but you are right.

There still aren't a lot of PGs in the league I'd look at and tell my kids...that's how you do it. We have Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Nash...who else? There are several 2 guards (and actually, the 2 and 3 position has really morphed into one position these days) that I can point to.

 

[abomb]

There still aren't a lot of PGs in the league I'd look at and tell my kids...that's how you do it. We have Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Nash...who else?

Derron Williams. I love the way that guy plays. Jarrett Jack is another if you are going that deep.

 

[DeAnna]

With that said, I disagree with the article in two areas. One, I coach little 6 and 7 year olds in basketball, and there are Nash's out there. One kid patterns his game just like Nash, and I even call him Avery Nash from time to time. Other kids out there like to pass and get as pumped at dishing the ball as shooting it.

I think his point was 'inner city kids' who are the most motivated to make basketball a career choice.

I still think it has to do race; not too many inner-city kids want to emulate a goofy white guy - no matter how spectacular his play is.

 

[Suns_fan69]

Derron Williams. I love the way that guy plays. Jarrett Jack is another if you are going that deep.

I'd add Luke Ridnour to that list.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I'd add Luke Ridnour to that list.

Ridnour when from being good to garbage in less than a year. I don't know if it is a confidence thing or what, but wow.

 

[Skumbag]

i dont think i've ever seen a black person wearing a nash jersey. i think there's a law against this somewhere.

 

[joshstmarie]

i dont think i've ever seen a black person wearing a nash jersey. i think there's a law against this somewhere.

pretty sure greg anthony passed that one.

 

[Mainstreet]

Ridnour when from being good to garbage in less than a year. I don't know if it is a confidence thing or what, but wow.

The Suns would thrive with this piece of garbage. I wish they could somehow get him to play behind Nash. LB would be an excellent tweener PG/ SG.

 

[Muggum]

I've been told that young PGs *shouldn't* watch Nash, because he breaks so many of the fundamental rules of the position. He's so talented that he can get away with doing things that other's can't... like jumping up in the air before he's made a decision about what to do with the ball.

D'Antoni often points out that Suns PGs (Barbosa, Banks) never improve by watching Nash in practice. In fact, they get worse when they use him as their model.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

The Suns would thrive with this piece of garbage. I wish they could somehow get him to play behind Nash. LB would be an excellent tweener PG/ SG.

I agree with you that he would be a pretty good fit. We also drafted a PG that would have been a good fit too. (Rodriguez)

 

[D-Dogg]

I've been told that young PGs *shouldn't* watch Nash, because he breaks so many of the fundamental rules of the position. He's so talented that he can get away with doing things that other's can't... like jumping up in the air before he's made a decision about what to do with the ball.

D'Antoni often points out that Suns PGs (Barbosa, Banks) never improve by watching Nash in practice. In fact, they get worse when they use him as their model.

He is unique...driving through the lane and dribbling back out is odd. Sometimes he will just dribble down to the rim and back out to the outside..it's weird. That's what little Avery Nash does sometimes and I tell him he has to make a decision down there to shoot or pass because the defense has collapsed.

I can see what you are saying.

 

[Mainstreet]

.

D'Antoni often points out that Suns PGs (Barbosa, Banks) never improve by watching Nash in practice. In fact, they get worse when they use him as their model.

I observed on several occasions against Memphis that Barbosa appeared to be learning not to pick up his dribble. This is definitely a Steve Nash trait. Also Barbosa has improved his passing and PG decision making. I can't help but think Nash is a positive influence in this regard. I think LB is a sponge and absorbing as much as he can from playing with and observing Nash. Obviously Banks has not learned much from watching Nash this year, but then he has not played much either.

 

[SO91]

I'm not trying to defend Banks here, but LB has been playing with Nash for nearly 3 years now.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm not trying to defend Banks here, but LB has been playing with Nash for nearly 3 years now.

Valid point. And I tried to point out Banks too has not received much playing time this year. However, I always thought LB was something special and he only needed time to polish his game. IMO, he has not neared reaching his ceiling. Like others, I do not know what to make of the Banks signing. It's almost like D'Antonni did not examine his game before his arrival. Wearing three hats (Suns GM/ Coach and an Olympic Coach) still does not make it right.

 

[msdundee]

Valid point. And I tried to point out Banks too has not received much playing time this year. However, I always thought LB was something special and he only needed time to polish his game. IMO, he has not neared reaching his ceiling. Like others, I do not know what to make of the Banks signing. It's almost like D'Antonni did not examine his game before his arrival. Wearing three hats (Suns GM/ Coach and an Olympic Coach) still does not make it right.

Hindsight makes Banks seem like a big mistake but Mike shouldn't get all the blame. Player evaluations -- including draft picks, FAs, other acquisitions -- are David Griffin's job, and he has support staff. No doubt D'Antoni has to okay taking anybody on, but he also has to put some faith in his helpers. Just like Santa.

 

[Mainstreet]

Hindsight makes Banks seem like a big mistake but Mike shouldn't get all the blame. Player evaluations -- including draft picks, FAs, other acquisitions -- are David Griffin's job, and he has support staff. No doubt D'Antoni has to okay taking anybody on, but he also has to put some faith in his helpers. Just like Santa.

Maybe Santa needs a new helper.

Seriously, I think D'Antonni has too much on his plate. I'm even beginning to worry what the Suns will do with their other two first round picks if they do not get the Atlanta pick this year. I fear they may use them to move contracts or whatever. I'm concerned that the Suns are preoccupied with polished players and they do not scout players much in the late first round and second round.

 

[SO91]

I always liked LB, but didn't know he would turn out to be the player he is today, and neither did the organization. They almost traded him for a second round pick (or so I read).

 

[TheHopToad]

Seriously, I think D'Antonni has too much on his plate.

I'd be willing to bet that D'Antoni's role as GM is more in title than actual responsibility. He seems like more of a figurehead while Griffin and Mark West do most of the work and make the decisions behind the scenes. I'm sure Coach is consulted on everything for his input on how a potential deal may fit with the team chemistry or style of play, but I really doubt he scouts potential draft picks or gets on the phone with other GMs in the league to talk trades.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'd be willing to bet that D'Antoni's role as GM is more in title than actual responsibility. He seems like more of a figurehead while Griffin and Mark West do most of the work and make the decisions behind the scenes. I'm sure Coach is consulted on everything for his input on how a potential deal may fit with the team chemistry or style of play, but I really doubt he scouts potential draft picks or gets on the phone with other GMs in the league to talk trades.

This is what worries me the most. Guess I'm not sure about the new GM situation since BC left. I also have questions about the Suns scouting or lack thereof. It seems the importance of draft picks is becoming like tissue paper. One thing stands out to me, D'Antonni likes players that are near ready to to play now. This is what makes be worry if the Suns do not get the Atlanta pick. Are the other two first round picks going to be dismissed because they are not NBA ready?

I want to see the Suns again drafting players like Barbosa, Larry Nance, Ced Ceballos and Jeff Hornacek.

 

[elindholm]

I want to see the Suns again drafting players like Barbosa, Larry Nance, Ced Ceballos and Jeff Hornacek.

Except for Barbosa, I think those players are far too old to help the Suns at this point.