Live Chat with Mike D'Antoni
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fordronken
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Well, I got a question in. Eric, I think you for one won't like the answer:
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good question ford....
PetryJr
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Apparently F-Dog will lose the Kurt Thomas bet.
fordronken
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I try to ask the tough ones. 
Actually, I'm surprised he answered it. I was bored this morning and had a little down time so I sent in a bunch of questions, most of which I was pretty sure he wouldn't answer. I always wonder if there's some executive there picking out the questions for him.
Actually, I'm surprised he answered it. I was bored this morning and had a little down time so I sent in a bunch of questions, most of which I was pretty sure he wouldn't answer. I always wonder if there's some executive there picking out the questions for him.
elindholm
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Eric, I think you for one won't like the answer:
Wait, why should I dislike the answer any more than most posters here? I think we all realize that small ball is unlikely to succeed in the playoffs, but we're resigned to D'Antoni's commitment to it. At this point, there's not much more to be said.
I do think it's telling, however, that almost all coaches (not just D'Antoni) try to establish their style or "system" irrespective of the talents of their roster. Doesn't that seem stupid? I would think that a smart coach would assess what the players on his squad can do, then come up with the system that best utilizes those talents. But it seems that almost no one does that, and certainly the "top" coaches aren't exceptions.
About the only top coach I can think of who adjusts his system to his players is George Karl, and even he doesn't do it much. Mike Dunleavy, maybe. But with everyone else, the approach is "Here's what I want to do, I hope that works for you guys." Especially given that most coaches last in their jobs for only a few years, that seems a really counterproductive way to try to build a team.
Wait, why should I dislike the answer any more than most posters here? I think we all realize that small ball is unlikely to succeed in the playoffs, but we're resigned to D'Antoni's commitment to it. At this point, there's not much more to be said.
I do think it's telling, however, that almost all coaches (not just D'Antoni) try to establish their style or "system" irrespective of the talents of their roster. Doesn't that seem stupid? I would think that a smart coach would assess what the players on his squad can do, then come up with the system that best utilizes those talents. But it seems that almost no one does that, and certainly the "top" coaches aren't exceptions.
About the only top coach I can think of who adjusts his system to his players is George Karl, and even he doesn't do it much. Mike Dunleavy, maybe. But with everyone else, the approach is "Here's what I want to do, I hope that works for you guys." Especially given that most coaches last in their jobs for only a few years, that seems a really counterproductive way to try to build a team.
scotsman13
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wait, your saying that this roster isnt build for the type of game that the suns have players for? i am sorry this is the prefect group of players for this style of play. and as far as small ball working in the playoffs i think it is important to remember the single most successful playoff team in history starting center was only 6'10" the same hieght as amare. centers like moses malone and bill russell win championships, heck even ben wallace is only 6'9" and he was the starting center for the pistons.
what has a group of 7'ers gotten the thimberwolves? did garrent and kandi lead their team into the playoffs this year? hieght isnt always the key. the ability to play the game and the willingness to never give up is much, much more important then anything else. i will state this right here the suns will win a championship well before yoa mings rockets do.
what has a group of 7'ers gotten the thimberwolves? did garrent and kandi lead their team into the playoffs this year? hieght isnt always the key. the ability to play the game and the willingness to never give up is much, much more important then anything else. i will state this right here the suns will win a championship well before yoa mings rockets do.
PetryJr
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scotsman13 said:
Actually, he didn't say anything remotely close to that. He said D'Antoni, like most coaches, doesn't really adjust his system to the type of players he has available. Obviously the Suns' players fit into his type of game - that's why they were so successful last season.
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fordronken
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elindholm said:
I just remember you being the most vocal about thinking that D'Antoni's time here is limited. Others countered by saying that he would adapt based on the players.
elindholm
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I just remember you being the most vocal about thinking that D'Antoni's time here is limited. Others countered by saying that he would adapt based on the players.
Ah, right. Well in that case, I should like the answer, because it indicates I'm more likely to be proved correct...
Ah, right. Well in that case, I should like the answer, because it indicates I'm more likely to be proved correct...
Dustbuster
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I got a question in, too. The first question in the chat regarding Briant Grant's condition is from me. Unfortunately D'Antoni just bunted the question and referenced Brian Grant's consummate professionalism - which wasn't really an answer at all.
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Dustbuster said:
Noticed that too. I fear the overly honest Mike of past seasons is getting bit cute now that he's noticed people are actually listening.
I also noticed he played down the backup PG issue, but he definitely seems intent on giving Raja Bell a shot at it along with the other guys.
Where in D'Antoni's reply did he say he is going to rely on small ball again this year? He said he loves that freewheeling, running style of play, but he hopes they play better defense this year. Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion will still be starters, and they will be the ones really pushing the ball. I doubt Bell will have any trouble with the running game, and we've seen that Jim Jackson can handle it well.
Joe Mama
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Errntknght
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Joe, "Where in D'Antoni's reply did he say he is going to rely on small ball again this year?"
He did make a reference to using small ball...
>>Eduardo Almanzán (Toluca, México): Mr. Dantonni, I love the combination Amare, Grant, Thomas, for the PF, C positions how are going to combine them for the games?
Safford, AZ: How well do you think the Suns now match up with the Spurs? Thanks, CJT
Mike D'Antoni: This will be determined during preseason, and don't forget Shawn Marion in that mix. We might stick with a small, quick team at times.<<
I don't think it's a worrisome thing because D'Antoni seems to have respect for what KT and Grant have done in their careers and hopes they can bring that to the team. With any luck at all he'll tap into their experience and use it to improve the team beyond what they directly contribute.
(I hope everyone will take note that I made a post about D'Antoni that wasn't negative...)
He did make a reference to using small ball...
>>Eduardo Almanzán (Toluca, México): Mr. Dantonni, I love the combination Amare, Grant, Thomas, for the PF, C positions how are going to combine them for the games?
Safford, AZ: How well do you think the Suns now match up with the Spurs? Thanks, CJT
Mike D'Antoni: This will be determined during preseason, and don't forget Shawn Marion in that mix. We might stick with a small, quick team at times.<<
I don't think it's a worrisome thing because D'Antoni seems to have respect for what KT and Grant have done in their careers and hopes they can bring that to the team. With any luck at all he'll tap into their experience and use it to improve the team beyond what they directly contribute.
(I hope everyone will take note that I made a post about D'Antoni that wasn't negative...)
George O'Brien
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Errntknght said:
