Suns @ Heat game thread

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by Krangthebrain
It's funny....reading that writeup, he doesn't sound like Stoudemire at all.

From what I've heard he's a lot closer to Kwame Brown than Amare Stoudemire.

Joe Mama

 

[PhiLLmattiC]

Originally posted by Billythekid
Man we suck. And I thought we win this one.

We currently play with no shooting gaurd and no power forward.

Penny Hardaway is a disgrace. To tease us with yesterdays performance then to put up 1-7 shooting numbers...

I hope they fire Frank mid flight then throw him out of the plane... and whilst doing it... someone can 'accidently' knock Penny and Googs out to. We'll just dangle JJ out to scare the sh$t out of him... and to warn him, he'll be next if he doesn't pull his thumb out of his ass.

It is a back to back. Maybe Penny was tired. He was also in foul trouble it seems.

 

[NDSunsfan]

Frank Johnson won't be flying back with the team. He'll be in a coach seat on a Southwest Airlines airplane.

My hope is that's the last time FJ will sit in a 'coach seat' whle affilliated with the Phoenix Suns.


I can't even watch the game. They're brutal. I'm spending $150 or whatever it is for NBA League Pass and I haven't watched 1/4 of the Suns action because they are so hard to watch without having a desire to throw a brick through the TV.

And DirecTV's feed for the past 2 seasons for Suns games has been the oppositions announcers 80% of the time which was bad because I really enjoyed Al McCoy. Now with Gary Bender, I've heard him 6 or 7 times already this year. He's as hard to listen to as the team is to watch.

Sorry to be a Suns fan,
Brad

 

[hcsilla]

Originally posted by Joe Mama
From what I've heard he's a lot closer to Kwame Brown than Amare Stoudemire.

Yes, I have read some reports too which said that.

As I think many of us I also started to think about this year's lottery.
I have read the scouting reports of some european scouts about Kosta Perovic who was described as a future defensive stopper C ala the healthy Theo Ratliff just few inches taller.
That would be what the the doctor ordered for the Suns plus Cabarkapa gets his countryman.

Right now the Suns play poorly enough to have a top8 pick.
Since I have the feeling that Okafor and one of the highschoolers will be a top3 pick (BTW, I'm not sure that Podkolzin will be a lottery pick) Suns can have a shot at Perovic.

After thinking of that I have checked nbadraft.net.
Based on the actual records Suns would have a #10 pick.
Not that it means anything but do you know who was picked by nbadraft.net at 1/10 for the Suns.?

Yes, Kosta Perovic.

 

[Billythekid]

Darrell Armstrong and Bo Outlaw.

Look at their former teams now. Orlando... a complete shadow of their former self... as we now are.

I think we miss Bo, as Orlando miss Armstrong more then all of you think. These guys energize the entire team especially when we lag. Has this subtle change brought about massive consequences ?

I remember when we lost Majerle and Ainge after the 94/95 season. We still were picked to challenge for the title, but we totally collapsed. We lost that energy and constant spark.

Bo was a livewire and his play was contagious. His effort translated into everyone's added desire to chase down that loose ball, or get up and pressure like mad... just as he did. I see Casey trying to do that but it just isn't enough.

In no way am I saying this the entire problem but i'm pretty sure if Bo Outlaw was stil playing for the Phoenix Suns we wouldn't be so pissed of right now.

We need a spark from somewhere... these players are losing that edge we had last season... how long till we settle for mediocrity?

 

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by Billythekid
Darrell Armstrong and Bo Outlaw.

Look at their former teams now. Orlando... a complete shadow of their former self... as we now are.

I think we miss Bo, as Orlando miss Armstrong more then all of you think. These guys energize the entire team especially when we lag. Has this subtle change brought about massive consequences ?

I remember when we lost Majerle and Ainge after the 94/95 season. We still were picked to challenge for the title, but we totally collapsed. We lost that energy and constant spark.

I think I disagree. Bo Outlaw would be nice to have right now because the Suns lack any frontcourt depth, but I don't think his absence is the problem. Arguably the Phoenix Suns biggest problem right now is their inability to solve a zone defense. I hardly think Outlaw is going to help there. On offense he is another player the defense does not need to take seriously.

Even with everyone healthy the Phoenix Suns are somewhat undersized. Now they've lost basically two thirds of their forward rotation leaving Shawn Marion, who is the most undersized himself.

The team is getting absolutely no consistency from the shooting guard position. Penny Hardaway had basically one good third of a game in Orlando, and JJ plagues may be one good half of basketball and looked absolutely lousy the rest of the time. Believe it or not Casey Jacobsen might have been the best defender on this road stretch, but he isn't bringing much on the offensive end either.

This double-teaming, scrambling defense sucks. It sucked before they lost most of their frontcourt, and it definitely sucks now that there is no one to intimidate down low. That is unless you count the 5 minutes per game White is playing because he's picking up a foul a minute.

I guess my biggest question at this point is who will be willing to take their head-coaching position if Frank Johnson is fired? D'Antoni and Iavaroni have both been candidates for other head-coaching positions. If I was one of the might not sure I would want to take over this sinking ship at least until the injured players return unless I was guaranteed more than the remainder of the season to make it work.

Joe Mama

 

[haverford]

Originally posted by NDSunsfan
My hope is that's the last time FJ will sit in a 'coach seat' whle affilliated with the Phoenix Suns.


I can't even watch the game. They're brutal. I'm spending $150 or whatever it is for NBA League Pass and I haven't watched 1/4 of the Suns action because they are so hard to watch without having a desire to throw a brick through the TV.

And DirecTV's feed for the past 2 seasons for Suns games has been the oppositions announcers 80% of the time which was bad because I really enjoyed Al McCoy. Now with Gary Bender, I've heard him 6 or 7 times already this year. He's as hard to listen to as the team is to watch.

Sorry to be a Suns fan,
Brad

I'm sorry to have to agree with this. I am finding it very hard to watch the Suns of late. Their lack of focus and energy, their addiction to avoidable errors, their tactical cluelessness, make for a very unappealing product. I sat second row at the Golden State game a few weeks ago, and GS was like a well-oiled machine by comparison. How sad.

To top it off, Tom Leander is dreadful. I sense EJ is a little embarrassed by him. Leander sounds like he should be broadcasting his local high shcool game over short-wave. Really unprofessional, with the voice of a post--pubescent. Colangeli: Give us Al, at least, if you're also going to give us these Suns!

 

[elindholm]

how long till we settle for mediocrity?

I think most of us would be thrilled with mediocrity right now. This current Suns team is nowhere near as good as mediocre.

 

[PhiLLmattiC]

The susn aren't taht bad. Its still early. Have faith guys! Imagine with a coaching change, they can make a strong run into the playoffs. I really think Googs has something left and with playing time he can probably give the team a boost. This team has the potential to really really good NOW. They showed it in the celtics game and he beginning of the magic game. They do well against the zone when they're hitting shots but once they miss a few shots everyone loses confidence.

 

[schutd]

I dont think I can effectively argue talent in the (healthy) starting 5. Im happy with the players, But these guys dont play well together. Marion scored and rebouded like a freaking stud the last three games. All without Amare, and all three losses. He hates playing the 4, but seems to excel there, stat wise, offensively. I dont get to watch a lot of the games, but this standing around **** has been going on for over three years now. Can the entire freaking staff, lose the organizational nepotism, and bring in someone from the outside.

We ARE THAT BAD. Maybe not from a talent perspective, but from a coaching one, and a use of resources one.

D'Antoni? Ive repeatedly said it, and want to know why no one responds with any type of opinion. I dont think he has the stones to be a head coach in this league. Does anyone see ANYTHING to opine otherwise? Id be OK with one of the other assistants on an ointerim role, as I dont think theres any outside of the org. star quality coaching talent available anyway, save for George Karl, and Im not sure what I think.

Thi is the first time Ive ever saod this, since I became a fan at 6 years old... This team is DANGEROUSLY close to losing me as a fan. My life is changing, I have family and other interests now, and this team just stinks WAY TOO HARD to sompete for what little social/entertainment time I have left. I dont want to spend that time frustrated and pissed off at a sports team.

DO SOMETHING NOW, Suns. PLEASE!

 

[Stronso]

Originally posted by schutd
I dont think I can effectively argue talent in the (healthy) starting 5. Im happy with the players, But these guys dont play well together. Marion scored and rebouded like a freaking stud the last three games. All without Amare, and all three losses. He hates playing the 4, but seems to excel there, stat wise, offensively. I dont get to watch a lot of the games, but this standing around **** has been going on for over three years now. Can the entire freaking staff, lose the organizational nepotism, and bring in someone from the outside.

We ARE THAT BAD. Maybe not from a talent perspective, but from a coaching one, and a use of resources one.

D'Antoni? Ive repeatedly said it, and want to know why no one responds with any type of opinion. I dont think he has the stones to be a head coach in this league. Does anyone see ANYTHING to opine otherwise? Id be OK with one of the other assistants on an ointerim role, as I dont think theres any outside of the org. star quality coaching talent available anyway, save for George Karl, and Im not sure what I think.

Thi is the first time Ive ever saod this, since I became a fan at 6 years old... This team is DANGEROUSLY close to losing me as a fan. My life is changing, I have family and other interests now, and this team just stinks WAY TOO HARD to sompete for what little social/entertainment time I have left. I dont want to spend that time frustrated and pissed off at a sports team.

DO SOMETHING NOW, Suns. PLEASE!

Yo schutd,

How did you come to be a Suns/Phoenix sports fan living in the BK-NYC?

 

[Stronso]

Originally posted by elindholm
how long till we settle for mediocrity?

I think most of us would be thrilled with mediocrity right now. This current Suns team is nowhere near as good as mediocre.

I gotta tell you - I would be ecstatic if the Suns and Cards were mediocre. The Yotes are medicore - recordwise - and I am in bliss.

Just wait until the D-Bax come back - we will have a full year of mediocrity or worse for Arizona sports

 

[schutd]

Originally posted by Stronso
Yo schutd,

How did you come to be a Suns/Phoenix sports fan living in the BK-NYC?

Raised in Phoenix, 1970-1988, Lived in Tucson 88-95, back to Phoenix, 95-97, Denver 98-2002, NYC May 2002 to present.

Rooting for NY sports teams is like rooting for the soc's to beat the greasers in the Outsiders, Its like rooting for the Frat boys to beat the Cutters in Breaking Away, it just doesnt make sense. I LOVE wathching over paid players eat **** in NYC and reading the roasting.

Cant get over my AZ teams. Im closer to giving up on the SUns right now than I am the Cards. The Cards are a bumbling franchise from day one, and you can hope for something. The SUns have long been a class org in the NBA and I dont think I can stomach a decent into hell with them. I dont doubt the effort the C's are putting forth, but I cant take the nepotism anymore.

Im in NYC for a purpose, not casue I love it here, but I like it a lot. Ill be moving back to Denver in a couple years. I love the Broncos and the Avs and the Nugs are loveable, but I have no conncetion to them. They sucked too damn bad when I lived there, to find anything to root for as an outsider moving there. But it will always be the AZ teams first in my book.

 

[Chaplin]

I could never give up on the Suns--it goes back to the subjective definition of what a "real fan" is. I've never been a fan of the Cardinals, so it's not hard to dislike them.

But I will say, that this team, the way it's playing now, looks like one of the worst Suns team I've ever seen. Maybe even more than the 0-13 Suns a while back. We've always been a team that plays below our talent level, and this year is no exception. In fact, I would say that we have a ton of talent, and the disparity between that level of talent and the quality of play is absolutely dismal--it's like the grand canyon.

 

[schutd]

Originally posted by Chaplin
I could never give up on the Suns--it goes back to the subjective definition of what a "real fan" is. I've never been a fan of the Cardinals, so it's not hard to dislike them.

But I will say, that this team, the way it's playing now, looks like one of the worst Suns team I've ever seen. Maybe even more than the 0-13 Suns a while back. We've always been a team that plays below our talent level, and this year is no exception. In fact, I would say that we have a ton of talent, and the disparity between that level of talent and the quality of play is absolutely dismal--it's like the grand canyon.

I was worried about the whole "real fan" contention being brought up. I take exception to the assertation that me giving up calls into question my fandom. Maybe I'm not a real fan. Just a realist fan. I dont know how you aregue with 27 years of fandom, but I guess people can take poffense to me wanting to split town on the SUns. Obviously I havent yet. Im still here and Im still pissed, and I still care. Why dont we wait to bring up the name calling till the door hits me in the ass on the way out, K?

 

[jbeecham]

Post Games Quotes:

Suns Head Coach Frank Johnson

On the game:
"Out of all the shots we missed, we only came up with four offensive rebounds and (Shawn) Marion had three of them. Joe Johnson came in and played better tonight. Right now we are just not getting output from four, five, or six guys. We are only getting output from one, two, or three guys."

On inside play:
"We've become a jump shooting team and when they're going in it's great, but when they're not, you can't just throw down and go inside."

On rebounding margin:
"A lot of time we had jump shots with no board coverage. For a while there our lineup was working and then we fell behind early in the third period. When we went to the small lineup it just didn't happen the way it happened before in the past."

"I think it has to do with them (Miami), the way they are playing, the way they are pushing the ball. Sometimes we would get back on defense, and all of a sudden they (Miami) would just get past us. Our defense is getting really, really poor. Individual defense and team defense needs to get better. Sometime later we may have to go to a one on one defense and not worry about the scrambling and moving."

Suns Forward Shawn Marion

On the game:
"We needed to hit some shots. Every game we are missing somebody. But we need to just keep working at it. There is a long way to go."

Suns Forward Tom Gugliotta

On his play:
"We didn't execute the way we need to. We had spurts of it, six to eight minutes each quarter, but when we need a hoop we try to put it in one guys hands. Defenses can defend that, especially Miami's defense. They are aggressive and will take away the first option and sometimes the second option. We did not execute to get to any easy buckets. When you are not executing, you are not taking good shots and you are taking bad shots with the clock running down. That leads to fast breaks going the other way. This is what happens to teams when you don't execute properly, you see it every game. We were playing hard, but we were just not executing."

He finally realizes that his defensive scheme is hurting the Suns and making them out of position and then he says that sometime later they might change it...........FJ you don't have sometime.......you're lucky if you have 1 game left so you better change it now.

 

[slinslin]

Isn't it funny how the Suns are moving on defense and standing on offense?

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by schutd
I was worried about the whole "real fan" contention being brought up. I take exception to the assertation that me giving up calls into question my fandom. Maybe I'm not a real fan. Just a realist fan. I dont know how you aregue with 27 years of fandom, but I guess people can take poffense to me wanting to split town on the SUns. Obviously I havent yet. Im still here and Im still pissed, and I still care. Why dont we wait to bring up the name calling till the door hits me in the ass on the way out, K?

Stop your crying. I never said you weren't a real fan. Don't be such a damn baby. It's getting old. I said it goes back to the "real fan" thing. I never said it's what I believe in or that I don't think you are or whatever.

I didn't call you any names AT ALL.

 

[schutd]

Originally posted by Chaplin
Stop your crying. I never said you weren't a real fan. Don't be such a damn baby. It's getting old. I said it goes back to the "real fan" thing. I never said it's what I believe in or that I don't think you are or whatever.

I didn't call you any names AT ALL.

Dude, remove the tampon. Youre suffering from TSS. Me crying? Me a baby? Its getting old? Eat a sack of nuts, Chap. I didnt fire off any hatred or name calling, I simply stated that the implication of your post was that someone (I didnt even make my response personal) who is calling into question the amount of time they spend rooting for a team shouldnt have the whole tired (speaking of tired!) ass "real fan" crap thrown out.

Ever jump down my throat again, I'm cashing in some miles flying to L.A and beating the crap out of you. Cool?

 

[haverford]

Chap v. Schutd=Iraq v. Iran Have at it boys!!



Seriously, no need to overreact. We're all fans enough to care. End of it.

 

[SUTTILL]

Boy, we start losing some games and you guys start going at eachother. Hey, what did Rodney King say, "Why can't we all just get along....


Peace, Love, and Understanding and all that good stuff, what do ya say ...

 

[schutd]

Chaplin and I are secretly in love. Thats why we fight all the time.

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by schutd
Chaplin and I are secretly in love. Thats why we fight all the time.

Sshh, don't give away our secret!

Oh, and long distance relationships SUCK. lol

 

[elindholm]

Sshh, don't give away our secret!

Oh, and long distance relationships SUCK. lol

Chaplin, I do genuinely admire your quick ability to "forgive and forget." I think it is truly commendable.

 

[schutd]

Originally posted by elindholm
Sshh, don't give away our secret!

Oh, and long distance relationships SUCK. lol

Chaplin, I do genuinely admire your quick ability to "forgive and forget." I think it is truly commendable.

Elindholm, are you still mad at me for the rat bastard comment? I was kidding you know!