Suns need Thomas
Mike D’Antoni is extremely close to a crossroads concerning how to deal with Tim Duncan and who will play the pivotal role in doing it. The answer has to be Kurt Thomas. Although he might slow down the Suns fast-paced attitude, Kurt Thomas gives them the antidote to solving the Spurs ability to slow down the game.
The Suns must face facts and realize the only way they will speed up the game is to get a lead playing at the Spurs pace first. And the only way that will happen is on the defensive end, because the Spurs will run their offense through Duncan every time when he is on the floor.
The reason why the Suns play James Jones and Boris Diaw is that they want to play fast. Well, if those players only produce 7 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 34 minutes combined in Game 1 the argument could be made that Kurt Thomas should have gotten a bulk of those 34 minutes, instead of only 13. Maybe he could have held Tim Duncan to 25 points and helped negate the 14 offensive rebounds the Spurs had in that game. But most importantly, he could have defended him one-on-one, thus taking away key three-point shots made by Robert Horry and Michael Finley – who by the way cannot and will not put the ball on the floor to create anything. So those two players only contribute if the Suns do help out on Duncan and give them open standstill shots. Also, it will allow Amare Stoudamire, who had 18 rebounds, to dominate the weak-side glass and stay out of foul trouble.
Key for the Suns if they are too win this series… Make Duncan score 50 and don’t allow Finley, Horry and Brent Barry to have an impact on the game. The Suns have too many offensive weapons to allow Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to beat them alone. Phoenix will win this series in six games if Thomas is allowed to be a factor.
tung Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 10:35 am
yeah, i dont understand it, why dont they give kurt thomas more time? and whats up with diaw? its like he never solidified a real role throughout the season..hope the suns take it all!
icewater21 Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 11:01 am
“Phoenix will win this series in six games if Thomas is allowed to be a factor.”
Yeah sure, and EJ just kept on dreaming
Matt Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 11:19 am
Even considering a position change this late in the season could be a disaster for the suns. I agree we need to see more Kurt Thomas out there, but in reality Amare Stoudamire is the key to this series and the suns future.
Gerard Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 11:41 am
Since the Mavericks are out i guess Nash should take it all even if he has a gash on his nose. This Thomas theory might work but I agree that Amare should be the key. If he can be as explosive as he was before while maybe guarding Duncan, with Marion and of course Nash giving him the help he needs there’s no reason for them not to advance. D’Antoni should keep his starters intact till the first half of game 2 if their still struggling he should have a contingency plan to pull in Thomas and for him to get the bulk of the minutes that diaw is getting, to do his job, silly as it may sound it just might work.
ron Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
Post defense is the key to stopping the Spurs….Thomas should play more and the Suns should bury DIAW he gives them nothing!!!
icewater21 Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
Isn’t it the theory of a loser?
I mean the Suns have been playing run and gun for a couple of years now with pretty decent results in the playoffs and pretty good results during the regular season.They’ve been saying that they want to score a lot of points, that they need to score more than 100 ppg vs the Spurs to stand a chance. And now after losing one game, they want to play a more halfcourt slow-it-down game? Isn’t that what the Spurs want?
Ok, maybe Thomas can play Duncan one on one, but won’t that be for more than 25 min.? A. because he’s in foul trouble and B. because he’s not used to playing many minutes anymore.
I think that this might be the same mistake Avery Johnson made vs GSW in game 1. Playing small ball and starting George because that was how the Warriors played. Now D’Antoni might play Thomas because that’s how the Spurs play…..
ps. I like to dream, but i like to win better….
Eddie Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 12:37 pm
Icewater
how many players are on a team? it’s ok to make adjustments. Now if the Suns went and signed say an old fart like me to play in the playoffs then ok maybe you have a point. the suns traded for kurt thomas for this reason. so no to your question.
Stevie Tee Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 1:03 pm
Hey Eddie!
What would you think if: (1) Atlanta does not get one of the top 3 picks in this year’s draft, so Phoenix winds up with the #4 pick in the draft (something like 76% odds-on), and (2) Phoenix then trades Shawn Marion, Leandro Barbosa, and its two lower #1 draft choices (#24 and #29) to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett?
The trade works out under the salary cap (Garnett @ 21M = Marion @ 16M + Barbosa @ 5M).
Minnesota gets Marion and Barbosa, who both would be starters, and also immediately become the Timberwolves’ two best players. In addition, since Minnesota would now have three first-round draft choices in this year’s very deep draft (their own, plus Phoenix’s two), then they potentially could turn around their franchise if they draft well (always a question mark).
Phoenix would have a starting line-up of: Stoudamire, Garnett, Diaw, Bell, and Nash, with someone like Al Horford or Corey Brewer (or whoever they select with the #4 pick in the draft) coming off the bench along with James Jones. Wouldn’t that line-up be favored to win the championship next year, assuming no injury issues?
Stevie Tee
icewater21 Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 1:05 pm
Eddie> I appreciate your comments and respect your knowledge of the game. I still don’t agree with you, but that not a problem if you ask me.
We’ll see within two weeks who’ll win this series. always fun though to talk about x and o stuff.
Steve Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
When Thomas was in the game, it didn’t slow down like many would have suggested. His rebounding and therefore negating the offensive boards of the Spurs allowing Amare to get to the boards, along with the steal he had started a few fast breaks. This will cause Amare to get up the floor faster instead of being the lone trailer on the break. Also, his shooting has been very good these playoffs so he isn’t a liability on the offensive end.
Noah Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 1:36 pm
Steve Tee, that’s one of the better Garnett trade proposals I’ve seen. Still don’t think there’s any way that KG gets traded, but swap the #4 pick for the #21 or #29 and it might be an offer Minnesota would consider. No way they trade him for Marion, Barbosa, and two role players, which is what the nos. 21 and 29 likely are. Problem for Phoenix with this trade, and any major move they could make, is that they already lack depth and this just adds to the problem. They simply lack the depth to get a front line front court starter with strong D. I think a better option is to lower their expectations, and trade Marion or Stoudemire and the number 1 pick for a lower level defensive post player… not sure who though (Ben Wallace??).
Stevie Tee Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
Hi Noah
Thanks for the nice comment.
I’m not sure that I agree with “No way they [Minnesota] trade him [Garnett] for Marion, Barbosa, and two role players, which is that the nos. 21 and 29 likely are.”
First, Shawn Marion is an all-star, so it’s not like he is chopped liver out there. He can score, rebound, and arguably was the top defender in the league this year (see analysis of top defenders at 82games.com), so what’s there not to like? In addition, everyone agrees that Barbosa is one of the brightest upcoming stars in the league, with the potential to be as good or better than Tony Parker, which is saying a lot.
Second, this is a deep, deep draft, so it is likely that some very good players are going to drop to the late part of the first round. I think that there are going to be some future all-stars drafted in the #21 to #30 draft spots this year, and certainly many regular contributors, not just “role players.” Furthermore, since Minnesota would have THREE first-round choices, they could be in a good position to package a deal to move up to #3 (or maybe even #2, although highly unlikely) under the right circumstances (who has what pick, and what their needs are), and land an impact player.
Third, what better choices are they going to have? Next year, Garnett can walk free, and they get NOTHING for him. Do you think that they would prefer to get Andrew Bynum from the Lakers (and assorted other NBA riff-raff) over Marion, Barbosa, and two first-round choices in this year’s draft? Well, maybe Kevin McHale might do that, but most competent GMs would take the Phoenix deal in a heartbeat!
Fourth, you are right that Phoenix would be depth-challenged, but can you imagine a fast break led by Nash, with Stoudamire filling one lane and Garnett the other? Wow! Keep in mind also that under the proposed trade scenario, Phoenix would keep the #4 choice in this year’s draft, which would land them a very, very good player (or which they can trade for an established star).
Stevie Tee
Eddie Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
Man thats giving up a lot for a guy thats on the downside of his career. i love Garnett and i think he and Amare could play together, but to give the best all around player at the small forward in Marion and then give up a future all star in Leandro and top it off with two first round picks. i don’t think Garnett is worth that much at this point in his career. that would leave no salary cap space to replace the 40 points a game the Suns would give up for 24 points a game with Garnett
David Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 4:45 pm
Honestly if you have to depend on Kurt Thomas to guard Tim Duncan then you are in trouble. His defensive reputation is due largely to playing most of his career in the Eastern Conference. I wonder what happened when the Spurs played the Knicks in the Finals? The biggest problem for the Suns is overall rebounding and the lack of production you get from a the allstar/all nba player who disappears when facing the Spurs. DPOY… yeah right.
Stevie Tee Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
Hi Eddie
Interesting that you think that Phoenix wouldn’t do this trade, whereas Noah thinks that Minnesota wouldn’t do the trade. Sounds to me like it’s a pretty balanced trade.
Yes, Marion and Barbosa score more together than Garnett, but I’m thinking about what Garnett would add to the Phoenix lineup. For example, he could play Duncan straight up, as well as help with offensive and defensive rebounding. I know that he’s on the downside of his career, but he was still one of the top 10 most effective players in the league this year. And I think that he has at least 3 or 4 good years left in him. Making this trade would, I think, make Phoenix a title favorite for at least the next 2 years. Does that make it worth it? If I was a GM, I’d think so. (After all, San Antonio basically gave up Barbosa for a title — in 2005 — and most people agree that it was a good move, even with the way Barbosa has blossomed.) Although “stat-wise,” Phoenix may be giving more than they are getting, I think that the way that Garnett would round out the Phoenix team — while at the same time letting them continue their existing style — is an intangible that makes up for the “statistical difference.”
In addition, Phoenix probably will replace some of the differential in point production with whoever they choose with the #4 draft choice (assuming that they get it). This trade would allow that draft choice to get more playing time as well.
So, even if you personally wouldn’t do that trade if you were in charge of the Suns, what do you think of a possible line-up of Stoudamire, Garnett, Diaw, Bell, and Nash, with James Jones and (say) Al Horford coming off of the bench? Wouldn’t that be a blast to watch? (Another interesting possibility is that I have heard that Grant Hill may be interested in joining the Suns for the veteran’s minimum. Can you imagine?)
Stevie Tee
BRockin25 Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 5:28 pm
Hahahaha…you think Kurt Thomas is the answer!? You can’t be serious! I do agree that he would help the Suns, but as far as making them win in 6…Duncan will still do massive damage in the 4th if the game is close. No one on the Suns can guard him when he decides to take over.
I’ll tell you what…one of my friends predicted that the Suns would win in 7, under the assumption that Raja Bell would guard TP, and Nash would guard Bowen. Well lo and behold, TP lit Nash up in game 1, and there is already an article on ESPN.com discussing a matchup shift. What do you think about the importance of these defensive matchups?
chiballer Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
I have the utmost respect for many nuggets of wisdom from EJ, but Kurt Thomas guarding Duncan 1 on 1 is not going to win this for the Suns. Duncan hasn’t been shut down by any big in the NBA including Shaq, i don’t see crazy eyes locking him down either.
The only way to slow down HOF guys like Duncan is to get them in foul trouble, and nobody is going to foul Kurt on his jumpers. Amare & Marion need to attack the rim, Phoenix has to settle for jumpers less…but this isn’t their style of game.
Ultimately, that’s why the Spurs will probably win…that team adjusts better than any other in the NBA.
bret hullinger Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 6:57 pm
“Kurt Thomas could defend Duncan one-on-one.”
Riiiiight. And Steve Nash could defend Tony Parker one-on-one. While it is possible in a technical sense, they will continue to get scored on every time. I like the Suns style of play as much as anyone, but let’s give credit where credit is due. Duncan is the best post scorer/defender in the league. Otherwise known as the MVP. He has three championship MVP’s. He is the only player currently in the NBA who will sniff what Jordan did. Don’t get it twisted.
Brendan Said,
May 8, 2007 @ 7:06 pm
Nash did guard Bowen most of the time and Marion/Barbosa guarded Parker. Please stop blaming the loss on Nash’s defense. Why is nobody saying that Nash lit up Bowen, this year’s #2 defensive player in the league, for 31 points and 8 assists? Everyone is trying to blame Nash for this loss because he’s the guy but that is completely illogical at this point.
Eddie Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 1:06 am
i am waiting to hear the excuses of what Kurt Thomas did in game two. to the ones whom disputed me today. don’t hide.
Bob Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 2:51 am
Well well, series tied 1-1, and Kurt Thomas did a great number on Duncan, who woulda scored 40 if he was defended by Amare. Had no idea Kurt Thomas was that strong but apparently he is. Good call, Eddie.
David Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 3:27 am
What excuses? Thomas didn’t do anything out of the ordinary today. Duncan was still redicuously efficient in the game. This past game is more of a reflection of the greatness of Nash, he had 13 assists coming going into the 4th qtr. Honestly, there is no one else that can do that in the NBA vs the Spurs. In my opinion the playoffs are about imposing your will on the other team. The Duncan and company didn’t rebound at a rate that would help them impose their will on the Suns like the last game. It was Nash and his vision that was the dominant feature of the game in my opinion. If you want to point out something that went wrong with the Spurs look no futher to Jacque Vaughn. He killed any all momentum when he stepped on the floor. He is a great role player for us during the season but this style of play does not suit him. I would hope Pop addresses this like he did when Udrich was ineffective vs the Pistons and goes with Manu or Barry running the point for small streches during the game when Parker is out.
Brendan Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 5:48 am
Duncan was ridiculously efficient but had only 2 offensive rebounds. He had 8 in the first game. This was primarily because Kurt was forcing the issue and making Duncan take difficult shots so he was out of position for tip-ins and boxed Duncan away from the boards on other shots which allowed Marion and Amare to sky for the rebounds without having to fight Tim. And you’re right, Nash is pretty great.
Sure-U-Do Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 7:07 am
Eddy wrote: “Key for the Suns if they are too win this series… Make Duncan score 50 and don’t allow Finley, Horry and Brent Barry to have an impact on the game”
Admit it, Eddy was right!
Thomas allowed the help defense to stay at home and Phx to play its game. The sole reason for Thomas’ signing was Duncan. U sure quickly forget Amare putting up 37ppg and the suns gone fishing in 5.
elephant Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 8:28 am
Damn straight, he was right. Seriously, I love Eddie’s grasp on the game. Good writer to boot. Keep it coming Eddie.
Aaron Ray Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 8:35 am
Wow hot topic, Moe why don’t you take Eddie serious anymore, every topic he talks about he puts down some good points. I agree with Kurt Thomas being a determining factor in his career, yes he’s not as athletic as he used to be, but he’s still a very valuable player. He’s always been an underated defender, partyly because he spent a lot of his career with the Knicks. When the Knicks played the Spurs in the Finals in 1999, he had to guard Duncan and Robinson back and forth because no one else could. (Camby was in foul trouble a lot) Anyways, the key to beating the Spurs is to not double team Duncan so much because he is a pretty good passer and can get the ball out of double team situations. Kurt Thomas can do that, yes Duncan still had a double double, he’s one of the best big men to every play the game what else do you expect, but I guarantee you if you were to ask him about the game he would tell you that was the hardest he’s had to work this year to get 29 and 11. Also Kurt Thomas was efficient in his shooting 6-7 and he shoots jump shots which takes his man out of the paint for players like Nash and Barbosa and he also makes Amare’s and Marion’s life a lot easier when he’s in the game. Someone said that the Sun’s have had pretty good success with scoring a lot in the regular season and playoffs….have they won a championship??? Have they even made it to the finals? So no I don’t think Thomas slowing down the Suns is a bad thing.
On the whole trade for Garnett thing, I don’t think the Timberwolves would do it, if they trade Garnett it would be to the Eastern Conference, they don’t want to make the Suns anymore powerful, and Barbosa is young, getting Garnett is not a guaranteed Championship. In no way do I think he’s on the decline, he’s just been on a particular shitty team and they were in the playoff hunt for a while….because of him. I believe if he does go its to the Eastern Conference. Oh and this is a very deep draft and late first rounders aren’t always role players. Look at Josh Howard, and Carlos Boozer, those are just the first names that come to mind, they are in no way role players. But look at Darko and Kwame and Mike Sweetney, those guys are role players and they went 2,1,7.
So Eddie I know this is off topic a bit, but what you do think about Jermaine O’Neal telling the Pacers he wants to be traded to the Knicks. Could he be the missing piece? The Knicks could give up Steve Francis, Frye and Jared Jeffries for him (maybe switch a few players in) and get O’Neal and another player back. The starting line up would then be Marbury, Crawford, Richardson, O’Neal and Curry with Balkman, Lee, Robinson, Collins and Morris coming off the bench what do you think?
Eddie Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 10:16 am
who is this Moe guy? he says i lean towards the Suns. Well aren’t they the best team left in the play-offs record wise? Look i am honest and open to any topic. right now the Suns are the most popular team in the NBA bar none. But i will be critical in a hard beat. You think Mike D’Antoni liked me calling him out with this Kurt Thomas article? get real.
Moe and Thomas what the heck are you talking about? read the article. i said let Duncan score 50 didn’t i? but i also said the reason to let him score is to not allow the other Spurs to have good games. did it work? the rest of the Spurs shot 21 for 57. Parker and Manu had 19 combined.
This is 35 years of basketball experience talking. i love guys to debate me, but you better come with it and not take shortcuts. i have no patience for nit wit comments. do your research and back me up like a counter puncher would. don’t hit and run like a little b_____ lol
sindza Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 11:47 am
Eddie that play with Kurt was a great advice. D’Anoni demonstrated that he has guts to play little different (not like that loser Brian Hill… maybe next coach will play little more offense throughout Darko).
Could you write something about Cavs - Nets duel now ?
Sorry for my bad english.
Zane from London Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 11:55 am
This is the most interesting trade scenario i’ve heard for Garnett. But giving up Marion and Barbosa along with 2 draft picks is probaly too much too give up for the Suns. Marion is one of the best all-around and versatile players in the game and Barbosa is lighting quick, their spark off the bench and a star in the making - both are vital to the teams success.
With Nash approaching his twilight years, Barbosa is a keeper. The Suns are all about chemistry and as good as KG is, if I were the Suns, I’d stay put.
This can be great for a long time with the players and staff they already have.
I don’t think Kurt Thomas can handle Tim Duncan 1on1 but its worth a shot, they can always re-adjust.
Eddie Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
Moe
I am glad i rode a team that is still playing. I also like Detroit and i Love Lebron. Moe good one on the rapist stuff. I hope you know that was a little 8 year old girl the other Eddie Johnson was accused of molesting. Do you have kids or a little sister? nothing to joke about. see guys thats what im talking about. Heres a guy Moe that although i proved him wrong about Kurt Thomas. He can’t take it and hits below the belt through a computer because he can’t formulate an opinion. cheers to Moe. By the way i loved your show. Curly was my favorite LOL
Keith Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
whoa, moe… two words, CHILL OUT.
Putting down Eddie Johnson’s game and basketball knowledge is pretty rich coming from a guy who probably couldn’t make JV in high school. u need to look at this from an outsiders perspective and see u look like a moron. Eddie Johnson has expertise and an understanding of the game that u will never approach… that’s probably why ur resorting to slanderous, child-like name calling… ur just a good old-fashioned hater. grow up.
sindza Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
Moe you should choose your words more carefuly Eddie knows this game. You should ask him to rent you video with some of his games while he played here in Europe especially one against Panathinaikos.
Matt Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 1:12 pm
Good call on Kurt Eddie, much props. The key to Kurt guarding Duncan is that we don’t have to double team, and it seems that Kurt can hold is own for atleast a few games against Duncan. But……… the series will be won or lost by the actions of one player, NASH. The suns go as does steve nash. If he can play the way he did in game 2 throughout the series, the suns will win ( of course given that we can rebound).
Who’s this Moe character? Almost comical
Keep up the good work Eddie !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jay Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 1:53 pm
Hi Eddie
Thanks for good article.
I have some questions. How do you think about Kurt’s offensive contribution? in game 2, I think suns could made many mismatchs(ex. Nash-Duncan) by Kurt’s screen. His screen looks like different Amare’s it because I ccouldn’t see that mismatchs in game 1. I think Kurt could give more offensive weapon to suns, isn’t it?
Anthony Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 1:56 pm
Kurt Thomas is the “meat & potatoes” of the team… he has got the grit to stop duncan and rebound those loose balls. PHX can win with him and see less bricking from James Jones (who should of been Luol Deng).
Steve Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
Moe is a tool and a fool. Way to hide behind a computer when you post crap like that. Everyone here knows who Eddie is, he isn’t hiding. Way to go moe, can’t handle it when you are made to look like an idiot?
Max Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
Moe, learn how to debate dude. You have your argument and props that you stick with it but your backup soft as butter. This leads you to resort to cheap tactics that allow you to feed your ego in absence of you feeling right. You’re just trying to look good, no problem everyone does it, but to keep on coming back at Eddie who takes his time to reply to emails and who’s a professional, c’mon man. give it up, show some respect. You just trying to rowl him up is just cheap tricks , like i said, getting your thing on just because your argument couldn’t hold up water…that’s pitiful.
Nick Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
KT was great last night and not only on D (6 for 7!?), but let’s not forget about the way Marion stepped up on defense. His offense wasn’t great, but what else can you expect when he’s chasing Tony Parker around all night. That’s what impressed me the most last night about the Suns: their hustle and intensity. I mean, KT making things difficult for Duncan is great, but it doesn’t mean much unless we can keep Parker out of the lane and everyone else off the offensive glass. I just hope Amare can stay out of foul trouble now that he’s off Duncan. And that Nash stops leaving Bowen in the corner!(That three to end the half had me ranting around my living room).
Eddie Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
Moe i think we have heard enough from you, but since you want everyone to know what i think of you. i will tell them. i think you are a infantile little man with a kids brain. To just mention the word Rape on a board is enough to get banned from anywhere. So to all my fans since Moe wants to publish his address, why don’t you send him a message about etiquette and the sensitivity of the word Rape.
Thanks EJ
Daniel Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 1:44 am
The Suns will not trade Barbosa!! he is untouchable!!! Marion and LB? for Garnett? Phoenix would not offer that,However if the lottery balls fall the way they are suspost to I would offer Shawn Marion and Diaw to Memphis for pick Gasol and #1pick….then I would trade the #5 pick and Gasol to Boston for pick #2 so the Suns have picks #1 and #2 they draft Oden and Durant… the 2008 Suns look like this
C-ODEN
PF-AMARE
SF-DURANT
SG-BELL
PG-NASH :0)
DC Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 4:49 am
Kurt Thomas may be import defensivley now but the worse kept secret is that Thomas looks to be dealt in the off-season..For an aging player that played about 15MPG during the regular season…The $8 Million he is owed next year will push them over the salary cap paying salary cap tax instead of receiving money for being under…He would cost them $15M next year…They will likely trade him along with guard Marcus Banks who they are looking to unload freeing up $11M in salary….as the Suns don’t want to lose a draft pick..will probably give up to the $3M in casha llowed to get another team (Charlotte?) to take him…….as far as Banks they will have to see if he could work next year……He could be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers staright up for Ira Newble…Than Newble sent to ATL with cash to buy him out.
Remember Also next Year SUNS could hold the #4 draft pck….which means if they are willing to pay the full $3M cash and take a bad contract from a team with the #1 or #2 pick they could steal Greg Oden…a super athletic center with sky high potential and great defense….You may be watching Kurt thomas’ final games as a sun.
Luka Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 7:09 am
Suns should hang onto Kurt Thomas, he will be a free agent after the following season. If anyone should be traded it needs to be Marcus Banks, and Boris Diaw in my opinion. Can anyone sit here and tell me that Boris Diaw is really worth 9 million dollars a year? He makes a few passes a game, but he never sweats at all, he doesn’t hustle on defense, and he just has a passive/lazy aura to him. I’ve tried to defend him this whole year, and I still want him to do well, I hope he proves me wrong, but he is just not worth the money he is making. The Suns would be better off replacing him with a guy like Matt Barnes on Golden State, that guy works his ass off every night whether it’s attacking the rim, playing defense, or even making three pointers. That’s a guy I’d want on my team. I was impressed with Boris Diaw last season, but his play has gotten so uninspired that he doesn’t even start anymore. That really says something. Dump Diaw, and dump Banks. Find a guy like Matt Barnes who is actually willing to bust ass for the team, and get a back-up PG who can give Nash some solid minutes and allow Barbosa to focus on scoring. Then let the rest of these guys D’Antoni never seems to play walk, or waive them. Burke, Piatkowski, Jumaine Jones, Marks all need to go. The Suns should hang onto Jalen Rose because he is a solid veteran, and if he got more playing time he’d be a vital asset to the Suns offense.
Aaron Ray Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 10:01 am
Yo I haven’t even seen what Moe has said but I’m sure he’s an internet gangster. Oh well. Anyways to those who earlier in the posts said that Kurt Thomas wouldn’t help the Suns, Tim Duncan said it himself that it was the hardest he’s had to work to do the normal things he does. Oh, and Kurt dropped 12 on the Spurs, he draws his man out of the paint with his jump shots, which leads to an open lane for Barbosa and Nash, the Spurs gotta get some better play from their bench. EJ don’t even worry about internet gangsters, the internet po-lice will find him. Hahaha
Tha Most INcredible Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
why are we all hatinng on BORIS DIAW
you cant even front and say he is sickkk
member when Nash went down last year who stepped up
Boris has tha capability to go off for a triple double any give dayyy
He Is a GREAT PLAYER
give him timeee
Bob Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
Hey Eddie, you gotta work your charms on those Fulton Home guys. I mean, c’mon, a mere $150 to Suns’ charity for each 3-pointer the Suns make? It’s gotta be at least $500, okay - real estate bubble or no bubble - for the most entertaining team in the league! How cheap can those guys be? Anyway, back to Kurt Thomas: had he been healthy in last year’s playoffs, there would’ve been no way that the Lakers, Clippers, and the Mavs coulda shredded the Suns on the inside, and the Suns woulda ran past Miami in 4. Oh well … woulda, coulda, shoulda…
david Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 7:16 pm
first time in a blog and probably the first Spurs fan to write here (although I have traded a couple of e mails with Eddie).
The Spurs got blown out in a game they were going to lose anyway. Phx had their backs to the wall and they knew it. They came out with a fire and intensity that the Spurs knew they couldn’t match.
They’ve been blown out before on their way to a championship : Denver, Seattle, Dallas Lakers, even Detroit. Can they come back? I hope so. If Manu gets his head out of his a…. the Spurs have a good a chance as any.
Phx has better players — the SPurs have a strong team. Up untile Amare’s stupid comment about playing “dirty” I thought they had a lot of respect for each other (did you see TP and Nash checking to see if the other was OK?) That’s class and it’s a great series. I don’t have a chrystal ball — just a fan’s hope.
Go Spurs !
Lars Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
Amare’s comments may have been just the thing the Suns did not need. Notice no one else on his team has confirmed his notion. The Spurs in 6 no question. There are laws that govern society, the earth, etc and a few that govern the game.
Here they are:
1) you must have some sort of post play unless your team has a Michael Jordan.
2) rebounding! rebounding! rebounding!
3) you must be able to defend the post.
4) you must be able to consistently make stops for the entire series….notice I did not say outscore the other team.
It’s interesting that outside of Kurt Thomas, the Suns have zero post defenders. What happens when Pop makes the adjustment and has Duncan moving more around the basket like Game 1?….translation foul trouble for Thomas. The series will certainly be exciting but the Suns still lack some CRITICAL must haves to advance. Thanks.
Lars from the A
Tracy Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 1:50 am
David: I like your attitude, but reality check. Intentionally kicking a player in his ACL is one of the dirtiest plays I have ever seen in Pro sports. http://www.youtube.com search “Bruce Bowen Kicks Amare Stoudimire.” For a player who has just come of serious injury to get attacked like that is inexcusable. It is not the motion of the kick that is violent but the timing and placement. You can see in the zoomed in replay Bowen is looking directly at Amares’ feet when he kicks Amares ACL. NO WAY IS THAT AN ACCIDENT. Bowen was trying to put Amare out for the season. I don’t have a problem with physical play, or hard fouls, or the occasional flagrant to send a message, but when you do something that calculated to try to end an opponent’s season, you go way across a line. I also admire TP and Nash checking in on each other. That is what Pros are supposed to do. Not try to injure someone.
Tracy Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 1:59 am
here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc4yz__akIU
Eddie Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 9:28 am
Lars if it takes Amare to get the Spurs pumped up then they are in trouble. When i played i hated my opponent. I could care less what he thought. I happen to like Bruce Bowen, but if i played against him i would let him know i didn’t like him.
Do you think San Antonio will do anything other than still go to Duncan. The object for phoenix is to stop the other players not Duncan. They could care less how many shots and points he scores. The challenge for San Antonio is to free up Parker and Manu and then hopefully get Finley, Horry or Barry involved.
They can’t beat the Suns with just Duncan.
david Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 10:17 am
I think Eddie is right — the Spurs need others to contribute to win. As far as Bowen, I really have a hard time thinking that was intentional. We saw the replays last night on the news (over and over) and I really couldn’t tell one way or the other.
I am good friends with Bruce’s agent when he played in France and he did not have a good reputation over there, so I’m not kidding myself.
But people change (even his agent admitted it). I guess he’s the kind of player you like when he’s on your team (a la Rodman). Funny how when the Spurs were losing before Duncan came they were labeled “soft”. Now when they’re good they are “dirty?”
I think Bowen plays to the limit, but I don’t think he would intentionally end the career of anyone, just like I don’t believe in the big “Conspiracy Theory” that the NBA (and the refs) don’t want the Spurs to win. Hell, they’ve already won 3.
Daniel Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 11:40 am
Eddie is perfect right on game 2,it proves that how K.Thomas will impact the all Sun-Spurs series game,if Sun keep playing Thomas in game 3 and 4 i see a win from Sun of either them.
Lars Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 4:47 pm
Eddie,
Nice counter and you are absolutely right. I don’t think the Spurs need anyone to pump them up but teams typically get up when called out. We do know this, Phoenix has never shown the Defensive teeth to stop the rest of a team’s core scoring production. While I believe they will provide a challenge, I don’t see Ginobili and Parker being “D’d” up for the rest of the series. SA will with a doubt go to Duncan but look for him to move more around the basket, more facing the basket than his back to it. While Thomas is a fairly good defender, as hard as it is to believe, TD can out quick him. Manu will go off eventually.
The reality is, making game to game adjustments is a strenth for SA, heck it got them to a Game 7 a year ago when everything labeled them as old. We see it again this year.
David,
I am with you re: Bowen. I have watched him over the years and I think there is a lack of coordination. Watch him against Nash, he moves with a herky jerky style. He did step on Amare’s heel but it was not intentional. Amare also would have sensed that it was a cheap shot. His style can also be very annoying, the constant hand checking will drive anyone crazy. His movement is not fluid like most of the great defenders.
Lars from the A
david Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 9:53 am
Lars, thanks for agreeing with me. I’ll be there tonite, 3rd row center, making as much noise as I can. The last game I went to was Game 1 against Denver and we lost. Hope the bad luck isn’t me.
One thing about Pop, he doesn’t let distractions affect the team, especially the refs. A lot of coaches in the league could learn some of that (esp Avery).
Later.
chris Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 11:01 am
Though Thomas has to be a factor, what Phoenix really needs to do is to overcome the psychological beatdown that San Antonio has held over them for the past couple of years. This is very much like the Bulls against the Pistons series, in the early nineties, where it took them many tries before they broke through. What’s important to note is that Phoenix, with all their combined experience, have very young key players. Diaw, Barbosa, Amare, Jones, are still susceptible to the big choke. Get them to play with reckless abandon, and San Antonio goes down.
Carnell Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
There is no way Minnesota trades a hall of famer “KG” player, who you can build a team around for Shawn Marion, a guy who can’t create his own shot and 98% of his offense is assisted. Even with a pick and Barbosa. The only way KG ends up in Phoenix is if Amare is in the deal. Which wouldn’t be that bad, considering KG would be a huge upgrade. Let’s not forget Phoenix got to the WCF without Amare last year. Adding KG, a better defender & post player would definitely increase Phoenix’s chances at getting a title. I personally don’t see the T-Wolves doing any deals with the Suns, as Marion isn’t enough & even getting Amare & whoever along in the deal, I don’t see the T-Wolves helping a Western Conf. team out by handing them KG no matter what they get for him.
Lars Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
David,
Np; the game will be great and you will enjoy another Spurs victory. I get the sense that Phoenix feels they have to play near perfect basketball to beat SA. After game 1, Nash made the comment that if they went down 2-0 there was a chance the series would be over. This is coming from a MVP candidate and a guy whose team is now in select company, after coming back from a 3-1 deficit to LA a year ago. hmmm…..
Chris - SA will be fine and will have an anwser for 3 out of the 4 players mentioned. The only players that give SA trouble are usually power forwards and freakish small forwards (Charles Barkley, Carmelo Anthony, and Stoudemire, to name a few.) Sorry to get retro on you with the Sir Charles reference. Eddie may like that.
Lars from the A
Lars Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
Spurs 2 Suns 1. Bench showed up for Spurs and they owned the boards…textbook keys to winning the series.
Lars from the A
icewater21 Said,
May 13, 2007 @ 5:47 am
Eddie> What next? lol
Lars Said,
May 13, 2007 @ 9:50 pm
Eddie,
We miss you. Any chance you get back into the blogs before game 4?
Lars from the A
david Said,
May 14, 2007 @ 9:40 am
Went to game 3 and yes it was very intense. Manu finally showed up and Stoudamire finally showed his age. The game tonight is almost winner take all (unfortunately I have to watch this one on tv).
Now I hear Brucie might have problems because of his “kick” to Nash in the “gonads” (Amare’s worn, not mine). Hell, my kids kick me there 5 times a day (and they don’t get suspended).
Fine Ass Gangsters Said,
July 4, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
keyword
I don’t agree with you in 100%, but you covered some good points regarding this topic
Jaime King Said,
July 5, 2007 @ 6:11 am
Jaime King
I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read.