Kinda glad we didn't get James Harden

[Phrazbit]

Haha, thats funny stuff. He just said that tonight it looks like. What a topical thread this turned out to be.

 

[BC867]

you've seen that from BC... and pretty much no one else. I don't put much stock into what he says and I don't think you do either when it comes to this team.

I don't think I have ever called the 2013-14 Suns a "bad" team. That would be vague and meaningless.

I have talked about their obsession, now and over the years, with small-ball. Using small players at large positions, so to speak, and hoping to become a true contender. And, no, I have not been the only one.

If you don't put stock in that, it is your choice. I hope the Suns are using more than a debate tactic to take the next step.

Letting go of Bledsoe so players can man their natural positions and filling in the missing pieces will be a key.

 

[sunsfan88]

No need for discussion.

I didn't see it posted, so I will.

"I'm the best all-around basketball player in the NBA," said Harden.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/234668/Harden-Im-The-Best-All-Around-Player-In-The-NBA

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[Covert Rain]

During his last year in OKC I remember him doing a good job defensively against Kobe Bryant in the playoffs. I guess he has different priorities in Houston, but he's certainly capable of playing good D.

I was going to say the same thing. I watched him like a Hawk that year and that awesome run in the playoffs. He was freaking scrappy and looked like he was working hard.

It might be he was competing for time or simply the scheme and how they utilize him that might be a factor. It could be the coaches not emphasizing defense with him. Some of it appears to be laziness.

I would still loved to see him in a Suns uniform. I doubt Hornacek would let him be that lazy here.

I have talked about their obsession, now and over the years, with small-ball. Using small players at large positions, so to speak, and hoping to become a true contender. And, no, I have not been the only one.

This. I am with you 100% and there have been plenty on these very forums complaining about small ball over the years. The Suns have become the kings of playing guys out of position. Although I agree with some of the posters above that some of those teams were good teams you can't be a legit contender playing like that IMO.

 

[Mainstreet]

The thing is, to play a big lineup (and win) the Suns need the talent upfront. The Suns have not been adverse to going big when they have the talent like when they had Amare and Gortat. They even tried to play Robin Lopez until they gave up on him. The Suns now have Plumlee, Markieff and Len as their primary bigs. If they play well, they will be on the court as much as possible. The Suns will go small when it affords them the best opportunity to win when players like Plumlee and Len are not effective. Needless to say, the Suns have not been a team blessed with talented bigs.

 

[AZBALLER]

I'm not glad that we missed out on Harden. He's been in the league for a while, but he's still only 24 years old. He's shown that he's a capable defender in past seasons. If anything, he needs to simply figure out when and where to expand his energy on the court. My guess is that he does figure it out, and probably rather quickly. He probably won't turn into an all-nba defender, but his game hasn't peaked yet. I don't think he's best suited as a number 1 on a title contender, but I do think he could be a great number 2 on a contender.

 

[SO91]

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Saw this today and remembered this thread

 

[Shaggy]

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Saw this today and remembered this thread

He seems to forget that he is not a fan watching the game, his in it. Notice how he gets upset that the guy made the 3? Wonder who he blames for that.

 

[AZBALLER]

He lead the Pac10 in steals during his frosh and soph years, while playing against other all world guards, just saying...Give me a leader like him 7 days a week over a Bledsoe.

 

[sunsfan88]

He lead the Pac10 in steals during his frosh and soph years, while playing against other all world guards, just saying...Give me a leader like him 7 days a week over a Bledsoe.

Wtf since when is James Harden a leader?

 

[Ronin]

Wtf since when is James Harden a leader?

Maybe since Jerry Colangelo called him one.

 

[devilalum]

He lead the Pac10 in steals during his frosh and soph years, while playing against other all world guards, just saying...Give me a leader like him 7 days a week over a Bledsoe.

And in OKC :enigma:

I'd still take him for Bledsoe. Not my first choice though. Thing is the Suns aren't going to get KD for Bledsoe. If, BIG IF, they get anybody at all its gonna be a player with some warts.

 

[AzStevenCal]

And in OKC :enigma:

I'd still take him for Bledsoe. Not my first choice though. Thing is the Suns aren't going to get KD for Bledsoe. If, BIG IF, they get anybody at all its gonna be a player with some warts.

If I had the choice between watching Eric play 82 games for us or Harden to do the same, I'd choose Bledsoe and it wouldn't be that close. But if you're talking trade, as much as I'd hate to see it happen, you'd have to jump on a deal like that. You have the chance to try and convince an offensive superstar that there are two ends to each game of basketball and failing that, he'll likely always have trade value equal to or greater than Bledsoe.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

Leaving defense out of the equation Harden would be an excellent compliment to play beside Dragic. Harden has SG height but has PG skills. He fits the Suns concept of playing two PGs or ballhandlers. Unless I hear something encouraging from Bledsoe's camp, it would be coup if the Suns could somehow get him.

Also the Suns could have Herb Sendek come over and mentor him.

 

[SO91]

Leaving defense out of the equation Harden would be an excellent compliment to play beside Dragic. Harden has SG height but has PG skills. He fits the Suns concept of playing two PGs or ballhandlers. Unless I hear something encouraging from Bledsoe's camp, it would be coup if the Suns could somehow get him.

Also the Suns could have Herb Sendek come over and mentor him.

Not if they actually want to play in the postseason.

 

[Mainstreet]

Not if they actually want to play in the postseason.

I knew there was a reason UA fans love him.

He is a good coach though if he could ever recruit some major talent.

 

[Phrazbit]

As a UofA fan I do love Herb, I hope ASU holds onto him forever!

 

[Mainstreet]

As a UofA fan I do love Herb, I hope ASU holds onto him forever!

You get your wish as Herb Sendek has agreed to a three year extension.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...xtensions-with-sendek-turner-thorne/14945243/

 

[Phrazbit]

You get your wish as Herb Sendek has agreed to a three year extension.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...xtensions-with-sendek-turner-thorne/14945243/

HA! I'm amazed. That guy is tuuurrible. His longevity at ASU is baffling. They're going to be awful next year, super awful... to the max.

 

[Mainstreet]

HA! I'm amazed. That guy is tuuurrible. His longevity at ASU is baffling. They're going to be awful next year, super awful... to the max.

Interesting for sure but the new ASU A.D. (Ray Anderson) may have a long term plan in place. I've even heard they may upgrade the ASU basketball facility at some point in time. Who knows. I think Anderson is trying to turn ASU into an athletic power.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I don't do Twitter, would someone bring the picture from Ty Lawson that's relevant to this thread. Thought it was pretty funny.

Steve

 

[SO91]

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[Iceman]

Oh man! Way too funny. At first I really didn't understand it when I saw it yesterday in my Facebook feed, but now I am busting up!

 

[AzStevenCal]

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Thanks for posting it. Classic.

Steve

 

[Ronin]

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