Speed

[George O'Brien]

One of the questions that will be answered during training camp will be how the Suns rotation will work. For example, there is some concern that Amare and Boris both play best at the top of the circle. I'm not concerned, but it may be at least one reason to start KT. However, I think there is a better reason - a speed lineup.

For the most part, NBA teams are able to run with the Suns for no more than 9 or 10 minutes before their big men need a break (often earlier). At that point, the Suns might bring in Barbosa, Banks, and Diaw for Nash, Stoudemire, and KT. The resulting lineup would be:

C - Diaw
PF - Marion
SF - Bell
PG - Banks
SG - Barbosa

This is a small lineup, but unbelievably fast. Any team that tries to leave their starting bigs in are going to get run out of the gym and even the wings are going to face a huge step up in pace. Barbosa is the weak link, but I think this lineup could press all over the court against what will generally be less talented backups.

Obviously this lineup would only be on the court for about five or six minutes if Bell and Marion are to get any rest, but I can't remember a lineup with this sort of pure speed. Until Amare is 100%, Boris is the ideal guy for this lineup.

 

[playstation]

i used to think diaw would start, but i've flipped over now. only because KT is old and once he's warm its better to use him. i'd think Diaw would be brought in after 4 minutes or so anyways and close the game out so it doesn't matter.

to have diaw, barbosa, and banks all on the bench waiting is a bit ridiculous if you ask me.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Diaw will start alot of games this year, if not the regular starter, then as a replacement for 1 of at least 3 positions where players might be injure.

 

[HooverDam]

I like starting KT, and then bringing Diaw in, because Diaw is the ultimate 6th man, he can replace just about whichever starter needs a break. Plus w/ KTs rebounding and defense, he's a good guy to get a board, throw and outlet pass, and come down the court as a trailer.

 

[mathbzh]

Why do I like Diaw?

Because he can score? Rebound, Pass? Defend? Dunk?
Mmmm of course but the main reason his for he is a nice smart unselfish guy.

How many MIP playing near the all-star level would accept not to be a starter?

I don't kow the answer, but I know Boris is in.

 

[mribnik]

Starting lineups only matter to the players. I could care less who starts. How many minutes each player gets, and who finishes the game is what really matters.

 

[Errntknght]

I think who starts does matter to D'Antoni - up till now he has started his best five players and it seems to me he has stated that was his plan. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he has not decided yet who will start next year and plans to work that out during training camp.

I do think its possible he will change that overall strategy and alter his starting lineup depending on the opponent as he did seem to do that somewhat in the playoffs. Not likely but possible.

One question he faces is whether to take advantage of Boris' flexibility and use him as a sixth man or not - which many on here seem to be sure it is a given he will. IMO, that is very unlikely - at least as far as using Boris as a wing player, which is what all of our other SFs are. With a line up of KT, Amare and Boris in the frontcourt I think its more likely that Amare will be on the wing with Boris setting up at the left high post. As far as Boris backing up SG or PG, I'd say the evidence is that D'Antoni is not thinking along that line at all. He got Banks to strengthen the PG position and tried to get Salmons to shore up SG.

Essentially then Boris is only backing up PF and C and Kurt can do that as well as he can so what is the advantage of bringing Boris off the bench? To me Boris' 'flexibility' is better used to play him at the high post (left elbow) whenever he's on the floor. If you want to have him run the P&R with Amare or Shawn he simply steps out and does it - no need to juggle the line up to have him be the PG.

 

[George O'Brien]

D'Antoni has always started his best five guys, but he's also focused a lot on combinations and rotation cycles.

Is Boris better than KT? It depends on the criteria. Boris is a vastly better offensive player and is quicker. KT is a vastly better defender and rebounder.

Kurt Thomas
Phoenix Suns
Position: C
Height: 6-9 Weight: 235
College : Texas Christian
Player file | Team stats

2005-06 Statistics
PPG 8.6
RPG 7.8
APG 1.1
SPG .43
BPG 1.02
FG% .486
FT% .815
3P% .000
MPG 26.6

Boris Diaw
Phoenix Suns
Position: F
Height: 6-8 Weight: 215
From : France
Player file | Team stats

2005-06 Statistics
PPG 13.3
RPG 6.9
APG 6.2
SPG .72
BPG 1.05
FG% .526
FT% .731
3P% .267
MPG 35.5

When Amare is on the bench, I like having Boris on the court to make up for the lost offense. When Amare is on the court, I like having KT take the primary defensive assignment to keep Amare out of foul trouble.

I expect that Boris and Amare will finish out halves, but I think KT will be most effective starting.

 

[mathbzh]

When Amare is on the bench, I like having Boris on the court to make up for the lost offense. When Amare is on the court, I like having KT take the primary defensive assignment to keep Amare out of foul trouble.

Hey!!!
I want to see Boris/Amare Alley-oop

I think it can be an amazing duet

 

[George O'Brien]

Boris and Amare will be on the court at least part of the time. Right now I expect the minutes to work out to something like:

Diaw 37
Stoudemire 33
Thomas 28

That means at least 20 minutes of Diaw and Stoudemire on the court at the same time.