Wow. Not sure what to say about the Suns right now. Looked like they were turning it around a week ago. That Detroit loss was awful and this game just stunk.
They look old, with less talent then they have had in a long time (certainly the Nash era). About half the guys on the floor at any time seem to know what to do and where to go. The rest just look dumbfounded. Most the game is Nash and Hill trying to generate offense in a two-man game for lack of anything better. Nash, Hill and 8 decent bench guys. Vince 'Half-Present' doesn't count (see below).
Yes, Philly has some really nice young talent. That's what stinking up the league for some really long, sad years and drafting well will get you (plus having Elton Brand back and Doug Collins as your coach). But that's not an excuse for a veteran West Conf team trying to make the playoffs.
The problem is more and more Suns opponents fall into one of two categories: quality veteran team that balances offense and defense well (Celtics, Lakers, Spurs, Magic, etc), or young, hyper athletic team full of tall gunners with long arms (Clippers, 76ers, etc). Suns are losing to both now regularly. That means they are both getting old and lack enough talent to match up night in and night out (as much as I dig some of the guys on the team).
Couple more thoughts:
- Vince Carter needs to be traded at the deadline. Forget playing out the season and letting him go. I'm done with this guy. I had some hope the Sun's culture (and Nash) would rub off on him...get the veteran juices going. I even dreamed of a new big three of cagey, now healthy vets between Vince, Nash and Hill gelling with the bench guys and making some noise.
Yeah right. The guy really has no heart. It's half-amazing, half-disgusting. He lights up the Knicks playing in MSG, and phones it in after that when his team desperately needs to win out the trip for seeding and confidence. He had some respectable hustle and defense in Detroit and Washington, so I figured his shot was just off. But he consistently avoided driving to the hoop or any offense creation when the Suns needed it in each game. And then he didn't show at all in the 76ers game. Nash, Hill, Dudley, etc are playing just as hard down 20 as up 10, but Carter is MIA entirely. Unacceptable. Then he's smiling and joking on the bench in the 4th, team still down 20. Forget it. Ship him. The guy is not a Sun.
One thing I have noticed? Nash and Hill ignore the guy on the sidelines and in transition to the huddle. That says a ton.
- I hope the team can move VC and some others for a PF at the deadline. Baring that, it's probably time to Free Nash. I hate to say it....kills me. But I'm not sure the Suns can get enough talent around him this summer to make it any better next year (if there is a next year).
Imagine Nash running a young, talented team like the 76ers? A team that can play D and score inside and out, but is clearly leaderless in tight games? He and a Doug Collins would have them 3rd in the East by the playoffs and put the fear into Miami and Boston.
Ah well. Here's hoping Babby has a genius pre-planned trade all ready for the deadline when Vince and MP become eligible to package with Lopez, etc. Steve Nash and Grant Hill certainly deserve that, to say nothing of the fans.
