Nuggets at Suns 3-10

[Mainstreet]

Did you notice how porous our defense was that game? It's all speculation (especially at my end) but I believe sitting Warrick for that game would have resulted in an easier win for us. He was pretty good on offense, he was horrendous on defense and again, it's not just his individual defense - it's his impact on our team defense that hurts us so. I know it sounds like hyperbole (and I have exaggerated a time or two to make my point) but IMO, Warrick is THE worst team defender I've ever seen.

Steve

Your point is taken about Warrick's defense. However, I can't believe you think the Suns had the weapons to beat Houston without Warrick. Carter and Warrick had to play exceptionally well for the Suns to win that game. Warrick is going to help the Suns win some games and he is going to contribute to the Suns losing some games. As the Suns roster looks right now, I think he will help the Suns win more games by playing than if he sat on the bench. Sadly Warrick is a spot player that is being forced to be a starter. I do not see the answer on the Suns bench.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Your point is taken about Warrick's defense. However, I can't believe you think the Suns had the weapons to beat Houston without Warrick. Carter and Warrick had to play exceptionally well for the Suns to win that game. Warrick is going to help the Suns win some games and he is going to contribute to the Suns losing some games. As the Suns roster looks right now, I think he will help the Suns win more games by playing than if he sat on the bench. Sadly Warrick is a spot player that is being forced to be a starter. I do not see the answer on the Suns bench.

Well, my comment was just about Warrick's impact on that game. Obviously, with or without Warrick, we don't win that game unless Carter plays at that level. I agree about our roster but I don't see any gain from playing Warrick. I'd take a power forward from the NBDL over him. In December, he was a spectator forced to play spot minutes and playing him starter minutes now is justified only if you are in search of a lottery spot, IMO.

Steve

 

[desertdawg]

If you think Gentry is the primary reason the Suns are losing, you should study the Suns roster and the injury situation. The Suns were borderline to make the playoffs when the season begin and this was not factoring in the injuries. Gentry is the only reason the Suns are flirting with the 8th spot. The reality is that other teams have more talent than the Suns.

Gentry has the tools on this team. Nash is still banged up because Gentry kept playing him for the entire first quarter while hurt. Frye has only been killing it for a month or so, so it's not like we've always needed Frye to win.

We just disagree on this big time amigo , Gentry doesn't start his best players, leaves guys in too long, doesn't make adjustments (like other coaches do) to the different teams we are playing (all teams are different but Gentry plays them all the same).
His coaching is not "unique." It's bad.

We have a squad that can make it to the playoffs with or with out Frye. But not with Gentry coaching. If Gortat didn't come over in that trade, we'd still be watching Gentry struggle nightly. Marcin is the biggest reason we turned it around, not Gentry, we win in spite of him. I don't care if Gortat starts anymore...doesn't matter until we have a coach.

 

[Mainstreet]

Well, my comment was just about Warrick's impact on that game. Obviously, with or without Warrick, we don't win that game unless Carter plays at that level. I agree about our roster but I don't see any gain from playing Warrick. I'd take a power forward from the NBDL over him. In December, he was a spectator forced to play spot minutes and playing him starter minutes now is justified only if you are in search of a lottery spot, IMO.

Steve

It's likely the Suns are headed for the lottery with or without Warrick. If Nash and Frye were healthy the Suns would only be a borderline playoff team. The Suns essentially are playing without a true PF. I don't think Warrick is that much of a factor one way or the other.

 

[Mainstreet]

We have a squad that can make it to the playoffs with or with out Frye. But not with Gentry coaching. If Gortat didn't come over in that trade, we'd still be watching Gentry struggle nightly. Marcin is the biggest reason we turned it around, not Gentry, we win in spite of him. I don't care if Gortat starts anymore...doesn't matter until we have a coach.

I think you are overestimating the Suns talent even when healthy. Gortat is about all the Suns have upfront now except for Grant Hill who is a SF. Gentry has done well to get this team above .500. If the Suns were deep with talent, you might have an argument.

 

[AzStevenCal]

It's likely the Suns are headed for the lottery with or without Warrick. If Nash and Frye were healthy the Suns would only be a borderline playoff team. The Suns essentially are playing without a true PF. I don't think Warrick is that much of a factor one way or the other.

I think we're headed to the lottery. However, this team was really starting to gel and IMO had grown into one of the 8 best in the NBA until the Frye and Nash injuries. Even with our recent troubles we have one of the best records in the NBA over the past 10 to 12 weeks. The loss of Frye hurts even more because we are so weak behind him and the injury to Nash just kills us because even at his age he is still such a dominating force. But now, sharpen up the forks, we are done. Fortunately, Gortat is entertaining enough to keep me in front of the TV set.

Steve

 

[chickenhead]

Gortat is definitely entertaining, and is emerging as a team leader to build around. I was not in favor of the Suns tanking, and I'll cheer for a win every single game, but it does look like they are headed to the lottery at the moment. Brooks should get more minutes with Nash out, so at least we'll start to see more of what he has to offer.

 

[jagu]

I'm with you Steve. Frye out, Nash hurt, Warrick absolutely destroying any type of cohesive defense. It was a good run for a while and I was happy to watch games but unfortunately our luck never gets any better. Whether its referees screwing us, injuries, we are on of the best teams ever to never win. I'm glad we have Gortat though, there's something we can build around. We definitely need another star player who is young in Phoenix. I'll still watch to see Thortat hammer opponents for rebounds and do everything right on the court. Can't believe he was riding the pine for a basketball team. Best pickup of the year hands down!!

 

[chickenhead]

Honestly, having Gortat is such an interesting situation as a Suns fan. I'm hardwired to be on the lookout for the next great Suns PG, but this is a real opportunity to do something different. The piece the Suns have always been missing is in place. Can they surround him with the kinds of players they've always ben able to get?

I'm not trying to overvalue Gortat or anything. But it's hard not to when that position has always been a glaring weakness in Phoenix.

 

[jagu]

I think adding another big man should be something the Suns should look at. Gortat will be even better next to a legit PF because he won't have as much pressure on him.

 

[Chaplin]

I think adding another big man should be something the Suns should look at. Gortat will be even better next to a legit PF because he won't have as much pressure on him.

...and there it is. So much for your truce with bashing Frye. He has been great this season. But I guess to you he isn't "legit". What a crock.

 

[Covert Rain]

...and there it is. So much for your truce with bashing Frye. He has been great this season. But I guess to you he isn't "legit". What a crock.

In all fairness Frye has been playing much better this season but he is a 12 and 6 guy and not a star. It's not like he constantly rebounds or bangs like a true PF.

If I was the Suns it would be difficult decision. Your choices are see if Frye can continue to improve or get a proven PF in this league with a good post presence. I wouldn't blame the Suns for going and getting that guy.

 

[sunsfan88]

...and there it is. So much for your truce with bashing Frye. He has been great this season. But I guess to you he isn't "legit". What a crock.

Frye has improved his game but he still isnt a legit or elite PF. He still plays like a small forward.

Legit PF= 20-10 or close to it

 

[ninous26]

I wish amare could average dwight howard type numbers for rebounds.. We would have kept him for sure.

 

[BC867]

I wish amare could average dwight howard type numbers for rebounds.. We would have kept him for sure.

But we would have still needed a Gortat to play alongside him at Center.

Being the only big man on the court affected Amar'e's defense, health and playing time (foul trouble, injury problems).

Dwight Howard is a legitimate Center. Amar'e is a legitimate Power Forward, as were the best such as Elgin Baylor, Karl Malone, Tim Duncan, etc.

Remember, during the glory years of the Bulls -- Michael, Scottie and Rodman -- they rotated three role playing Centers in the lineup at all times.