Preseason: Jazz @ Suns

[sunsfan88]

I'm not Hornacek's biggest fan but I don't think we should care that much about his pre season rotations. He's just trying to play as much players in different combinations to figure out the best combinations for the season.

I mean, Bledsoe didn't even play at all today, does that mean Bledsoe won't be playing in any regular season games where's healthy? Absolutely not. Goodwin started today after barely playing the first game.

Its all just mix and match. I doubt it continues to the regular season, if it does then yes we may be in trouble.

 

[Hoop Head]

I guess I could put this in the "bold prediction" thread but I don't think it's that bold based on Hornacek's past as HC. I don't think we'll see a solid regular rotation from him through the first 2 months of the season. I think he'll juggle it around too much. I get that it's preseason but he hasn't had regular rotations that last decent stretches in the regular season in his last 2 years really. I know the first year injuries played a part in that but it continued throughout last season as well, before the trade deadline and after.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Rotations based on match ups are the way basketball is played in the nba. The idea of having a regular set rotation that everyone else has to match up with is DAntonis style, not everyone else's.

 

[BC867]

Rotations based on match ups are the way basketball is played in the nba. The idea of having a regular set rotation that everyone else has to match up with is DAntonis style, not everyone else's.

Are you saying that every coach other than D'Antoni has matched their rotation to the other team? That is mathematically impossible.

Flexibility from a set rotation is fine. But no set rotation is chaotic and does not lead to chemistry on the court which, more than any other sport, is crucial.

 

[95pro]

I'm afraid Coach won't know who to sub in at times. I expect an irregular substation pattern this year, once again messing with player development and team chemistry. This is one of his biggest faults it seems like.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Are you saying that every coach other than D'Antoni has matched their rotation to the other team? That is mathematically impossible.

Flexibility from a set rotation is fine. But no set rotation is chaotic and does not lead to chemistry on the court which, more than any other sport, is crucial.

Do you even watch basketball. There are starting rotations and then substitution patterns based upon personnel you are opposing. Then the other coach adjusts etc.

good grief. Why do I even have to say this? Its like arguing 2+2 is 4.

 

[elindholm]

Brandon Knight has not impressed me running the Suns thus far.

I'm just saying the offense did not run well with Knight in the game nothing more. The kinks will likely get worked out.

1. Knight will be a disappointment as it becomes evident that his skill set is not a good fit for the role the Suns are asking him to play.

 

[JCSunsfan]

21, 6, and 3 from Len in 22 minutes is impressive. Even more his +20. Maybe this is his breakout year. Chandler's presence might have finally put him over the top. I would not be bothered at all to see him start over Chandler at some point in this season.

 

[Phrazbit]

Game 2 of the preseason and people are making proclamations about rotations being inconsistent...

I might have to follow AZsteve in avoiding this board to keep my sanity.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Game 2 of the preseason and people are making proclamations about rotations being inconsistent...

I might have to follow AZsteve in avoiding this board to keep my sanity.

Is that where he went? Wish he would come back.

 

[Mainstreet]

AzStevenCal is certainly missed.

 

[sunsfan88]

Certainly wish there weren't any empty threats.

 

[sunsfan88]

Is that where he went? Wish he would come back.

Not quite, I believe BC is the one that keeps in touch with him outside of the forums and said he just has not kept up with basketball or even sports much in general. I do believe he lurks around here on occasion though.

 

[Mainstreet]

Quote:
Originally Posted by elindholm View Post
1. Knight will be a disappointment as it becomes evident that his skill set is not a good fit for the role the Suns are asking him to play.

Elindholm, perhaps you are right that Brandon Knight may not be a good fit for the Suns. I truthfully don't know. I question the two PG system the Suns are running at times. Actually I think if Knight were the primary playmaker, he would do quite well as he would adapt to this role. Maybe the same with Bledsoe. I guess it is Bledsoe and Knight together at the 1/2 that gives me pause. It's not so much the players but the system. I'm just hoping it all works out. Sometimes I think Hornacek is trying to replicate the Kevin Johnson and Jeff Hornacek backcourt of old. Maybe it will work. Sometimes it just can't be done.

The thing that I feel very good about the Suns is that Ryan McDonough has done a very nice job of assembling the best available talent. I think the Suns have more quality depth this season than I can remember. I feel very good about what he has done as the Suns GM. I'm really hoping it all comes together and the Suns make the playoffs. Only time will tell but I am liking the chemistry on the team thus far.

 

[Phrazbit]

Yes, it is where he went. I spoke to him a while back and he feels he enjoys the games more when not dealing with the over the top negativity of the board.

 

[elindholm]

I spoke to him a while back and he feels he enjoys the games more when not dealing with the over the top negativity of the board.

There seem to be conflicting stories about him. Enigmatic guy, by his choice, I would assume.

 

[95pro]

Elindholm, perhaps you are right that Brandon Knight may not be a good fit for the Suns. I truthfully don't know. I question the two PG system the Suns are running at times. Actually I think if Knight were the primary playmaker, he would do quite well as he would adapt to this role. Maybe the same with Bledsoe. I guess it is Bledsoe and Knight together at the 1/2 that gives me pause. It's not so much the players but the system. I'm just hoping it all works out. Sometimes I think Hornacek is trying to replicate the Kevin Johnson and Jeff Hornacek backcourt of old. Maybe it will work. Sometimes it just can't be done.

The thing that I feel very good about the Suns is that Ryan McDonough has done a very nice job of assembling the best available talent. I think the Suns have more quality depth this season than I can remember. I feel very good about what he has done as the Suns GM. I'm really hoping it all comes together and the Suns make the playoffs. Only time will tell but I am liking the chemistry on the team thus far.

Having two players with the same skill set/purpose on the court at the same time is always trouble. It's just human nature that there would be some indecision on who gets the ball on the next possession and so on.

It's like two hot dogs into one bun, it just isn't right.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Yes, it is where he went. I spoke to him a while back and he feels he enjoys the games more when not dealing with the over the top negativity of the board.

This is true although like most things in life, it's never quite that simple. I wasn't enjoying the games as much as a result of my participation here but the negativity was also causing other problems for me. I live with chronic pain and stress, even very mild stress, can bring on an episode. So it was in my best interest to take a break from message boards - something I've had to do several times over the past two decades.

Steve

 

[JCSunsfan]

Miss ya. Stop in from time to time. After wins, during win streaks etc.

 

[Phrazbit]

This is true although like most things in life, it's never quite that simple. I wasn't enjoying the games as much as a result of my participation here but the negativity was also causing other problems for me. I live with chronic pain and stress, even very mild stress, can bring on an episode. So it was in my best interest to take a break from message boards - something I've had to do several times over the past two decades.

Steve

And boom, a beacon from the darkness. Steve appears.

Hope you're feeling better. And hopefully the team does not suck, which would (probably) elevate the level of discourse here. Which... hopefully, would lead to you being here more.

 

[Mainstreet]

Having two players with the same skill set/purpose on the court at the same time is always trouble. It's just human nature that there would be some indecision on who gets the ball on the next possession and so on.

It's like two hot dogs into one bun, it just isn't right.

I'm more than willing to give the two PG system a chance this season because I believe Hornacek and McDonough have a vision of how it should work. Brandon Knight played in only 11 games for the Suns last season after the trade because of injury. Maybe it will work well... maybe not. Only time will tell. There is plenty of time to critique it if it doesn't work.

Actually two hot dogs on a bun just might work if the bun is the right size.

 

[SirStefan32]

And this is the argument we've been having for a while now. From my perspective, the problem is that the Suns don't have two point guards. They have two combo guards and no point guards. We've given this system a chance already.

I hope I am wrong, but I just don't see how you can win with two combo guards. Knight needs the ball in his hands, as does Bledsoe. They'll be better off than they were last year, but not good enough to make playoffs in the West.

 

[Chaz]

And this is the argument we've been having for a while now. From my perspective, the problem is that the Suns don't have two point guards. They have two combo guards and no point guards. We've given this system a chance already.



I hope I am wrong, but I just don't see how you can win with two combo guards. Knight needs the ball in his hands, as does Bledsoe. They'll be better off than they were last year, but not good enough to make playoffs in the West.

They have played together for 11 games. Could you give them a month with this roster before you declare them a failure?

If the system fits the players and you have good players who cares how many point guards you have?
I like to have a lot of players that can score the ball and play defense. That would be my system. You don't need the stereotype 1-2-3-4-5 position players to make the playoffs.

 

[Phrazbit]

I think you guys that are stressing out about the "combo guard" vs "point guard" label need to look around the league's rosters and make an honest assessment of how many actual starting caliber true "point guards" exist. Its a very... very... short list.

 

[sunsfan88]

They have played together for 11 games. Could you give them a month with this roster before you declare them a failure?

If the system fits the players and you have good players who cares how many point guards you have?
I like to have a lot of players that can score the ball and play defense. That would be my system. You don't need the stereotype 1-2-3-4-5 position players to make the playoffs.

Yet almost all the contenders in the NBA have stereotypical 1-2 type players.

The biggest issue in this isn't their PGs or not, its that does the player playing SG know how to play without the ball?

Is Bledsoe or Knight effective without the ball in their hands and without being the primary ball handler? Last season even though it was a limited 11 games like you said, Knight or Bledsoe would just stand in the corner or wing bored while the other dribbles and does everything.

Same problem with Dragic and IT before they were traded.

If Knight and Bledsoe can learn to move around without the ball and learn to contribute offensively even when ball is not in their hands then there would be no issue. I don't want to put words in his mouth and he can stop me if he feels so but I think that is the concern of SirStefan as well.