Amare's biggest problem is that without offense, he is not motivated enough to play defense. Some players just need to score to keep themselves in the game and Amare is definitely one of them. So if the opponent team takes Amare out offensively by double teaming, he loses his killer instinct to play defense. Nash, on the other hand, isn't built to play good defense at all. He is not even a dirty player who would commit hard-fouls that may lead to injuries. I can't recall the last time Nash slaps hard when Parker drives in. Other defenders have no problem hacking Nash left and right.
Sometimes it is even more rewarding when you block somebody or steal the ball which leads to offense. When I used to play basketball, my friends and I were very defense-oriented because we didn't have the size/skill to play good offense. Funny playing good defense gives us better confidence on offense, not the other way around. Playing defense doesn't require a lot of "Basketball AI". You just need to spend more energy/effort. I refuse to believe NBA players need somebody to teach them "defense". They are skillful enough that they should know what the other opponent would do. It's really a matter of efforts.
And about size difference. It is a problem if the opponent (like Dirk) keeps shooting jump shots/fade aways over you. There's really little you can do if you are 6'9 but letting the opponent in the paint or driving in easily has more to do with your willingness to fight for positions and not moving your feet (again, effort problem). Odom and Paul Gasol are taller but I don't think Amare has less strength than they do.
The talk about David Lee... he may turn into another "Amare" when he gets fed by Nash. As long as he can catch the ball and finish it. He may not finish as strong as Amare but Amare is just too one-dimensional.
I don't think Amare is worth the max. I don't think Nash is at max, is he?
PS: I haven't followed Suns much for 2 years. It's good to know that Suns swept Spurs. THAT IS SUNS' CHAMPIONSHIP right there!
Looks like Suns is just playing scared right now. With the intensity Suns had against Spurs, Suns can take two wins at home. Lakers had a lot more to prove at home than Suns in game 1 and 2. Grab game 3 and we'll see.
PS 2: I really like Jared Dudley. DO NOT let him go.
