Suns at Celtics 3-2-11 (5:30 game)

[desertdawg]

No it showed our lack of personnel against certain teams. We don't have a true PF or a starter level SG.

Against alot of teams we can mask that fact against others not so much

We had the personnel to win this game, some were left on the bench too long while others were left on the court too long. But I aint getting into it with you Evil Ash.

 

[AzStevenCal]

We had the personnel to win this game, some were left on the bench too long while others were left on the court too long. But I aint getting into it with you Evil Ash.

We were on the road against the team that has the 2nd best record in the NBA. WE do NOT have the 2nd best record. As a matter of fact, we are a long ways away from having the 2nd best record. At some point you just have to realize that you are what you are. We are a slightly above average team and we do not have the personnel to beat the 2nd best team in the NBA without a lot of help from the 2nd best team in the NBA, not to mention a little help from the refs.

Steve

 

[desertdawg]

We were on the road against the team that has the 2nd best record in the NBA. WE do NOT have the 2nd best record. As a matter of fact, we are a long ways away from having the 2nd best record. At some point you just have to realize that you are what you are. We are a slightly above average team and we do not have the personnel to beat the 2nd best team in the NBA without a lot of help from the 2nd best team in the NBA, not to mention a little help from the refs.

Steve

I disagree and it's all good. I think if we had this squad from the get with a more traditional coach we would be up in the tops. I still think there is time to get our **** together and make a run. We have size and talent, and a better style that can succeed in the playoffs. Team has done it's job, they play hard and can play with anybody. It's on Gentry from here on out, we got the tools.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I disagree and it's all good. I think if we had this squad from the get with a more traditional coach we would be up in the tops. I still think there is time to get our **** together and make a run. We have size and talent, and a better style that can succeed in the playoffs. Team has done it's job, they play hard and can play with anybody. It's on Gentry from here on out, we got the tools.

What's this based on? I look at our roster and I don't see the Celtics, Heat, Lakers, Spurs, Mavericks or Thunder. I see a roster that could contend for a lower tier playoff spot. Our hole at the 2 guard is huge. If you look at the 2 and the 3 combined, we are really lacking offensively and below average defensively. Then, take a look at the 4, Frye has come a long way but he's no better than average at the best. At the 5 spot we have the 68th best center in the league and a borderline top 10 center backing him up. We are strong at the 1 spot and the bench.

Those numbers do not add up to a good team, more like decent. Now, keep them from aging and let them play together for a few years and maybe they move near the elite group but they don't get there on talent alone. Not unless they can figure out how to turn back the years on Carter.

Steve

 

[Zbigniew]

We don't have a true PF or a starter level SG.

Against alot of teams we can mask that fact against others not so much

Should we maybe try Gortat as starting PF against such teams. He played from time to time with Howard in Magic.

 

[Mainstreet]

Should we maybe try Gortat as starting PF against such teams. He played from time to time with Howard in Magic.

It's a thought but it makes the Suns second unit smaller. I'm not opposed to giving it a try against certain teams but the Suns will likely have to play small ball off the bench some of the time.

 

[AfroSuns]

Should we maybe try Gortat as starting PF against such teams. He played from time to time with Howard in Magic.

imo that is actually a better proposition than the replace Lopez idea.
The only problem apart from the size like mainstreet pointed out, is that we dont have a reliable 2 guard. Carter is inconsistent If JRich were here with his 3point threat, i believe that lineup will be better on both ends of the floor.

 

[elindholm]

The Magic tried to play Gortat alongside Howard, partly because their normal PF rotation wasn't getting it done and partly to get more value out of Gortat. It didn't work. Gortat's inability to play PF is what made him available to the Suns. There is no need for the Suns' to retry the Magic's failed experiment.

 

[dziki]

It was when Gortat plays in totally different team with totally different organization of playing etc. etc. I think that he can play on PF, maybe not as good as on center position (cuz he looks like a natural-born center) but he can - in some situations it can be possitive for this team.

 

[desertdawg]

The Magic tried to play Gortat alongside Howard, partly because their normal PF rotation wasn't getting it done and partly to get more value out of Gortat. It didn't work. Gortat's inability to play PF is what made him available to the Suns. There is no need for the Suns' to retry the Magic's failed experiment.

I would only run Gortat and Lopez against the Lakers. The Magic didn't have Nash running the show with the bigs on the court but that's beside the point.. Our starting line up and the crazy minutes that get distributed between them and the bench makes us a weaker team. We won't stand a chance in the playoffs with Gentry at the helm with this new look Suns.

 

[jagu]

Changing the starting lineup now is stupid, its too late to tinker with what is working and experimenting. Leave everything as is and play Brooks more to give Nash rest. Just because of one loss against the Celtics, things shouldn't change, it was an off night. They hit every shot early and sealed the game while our players did nothing. It happens sometimes. Rolo barely plays folks, who cares who starts. Usually the Suns start out well anyway. I think the starters look a little tired. Frye looked pretty slow yesterday than usual and did not show the same energy as past games. Giving these guys rest will make them better.

 

[desertdawg]

Changing the starting lineup now is stupid, its too late to tinker with what is working and experimenting. Leave everything as is and play Brooks more to give Nash rest. Just because of one loss against the Celtics, things shouldn't change, it was an off night. They hit every shot early and sealed the game while our players did nothing. It happens sometimes. Rolo barely plays folks, who cares who starts. Usually the Suns start out well anyway. I think the starters look a little tired. Frye looked pretty slow yesterday than usual and did not show the same energy as past games. Giving these guys rest will make them better.

The start and the finish are the most important parts of the game IMO. Why keep starting Lopez? Because it works? It's too late to change? Because it doesn't matter who starts or is tired at the crucial points of the game. Might as well tank, it's basically what were doing when you leave your best big on the bench so Nash can bust his ass without a lead to show for it. Then when Gortat comes in, Nash has about 3-4 minutes with him before he (Nash) is tired. Seriously, we don't stand a chance against the better clubs with Lopez starting, we do with Gortat in there. Let Lopez be the back up scrub he is, this whole thing is nuts to me. Gortat is familiar with the team now.

 

[jagu]

I don't see why Nash has to play the entire first quarter. Why not let Brooks in for some time, then switch Nash back in? It's like Gentry takes everything quarter to quarter. I think playing Nash in spurts of minutes might be more effective than letting him wear himself out for one whole quarter then come in at the half way point of the second quarter. Brooks can handle running with the starters and he clearly has a knack of using the pick and roll to his advantage so why not?

 

[desertdawg]

I don't see why Nash has to play the entire first quarter. Why not let Brooks in for some time, then switch Nash back in? It's like Gentry takes everything quarter to quarter. I think playing Nash in spurts of minutes might be more effective than letting him wear himself out for one whole quarter then come in at the half way point of the second quarter. Brooks can handle running with the starters and he clearly has a knack of using the pick and roll to his advantage so why not?

I totally agree! Nash is in there way too long at times. I think he stays in so late in the first because when Gortat comes in, the team picks it up and then Gentry doesn't want to yank Nash. Thus, we start Nash and Gortat, and pull them out with a good four minutes left in the first quarter and keep them poppin fresh.. I knew you would see it my way!