True, but Shaq isn't in West anymore, so Duncan & Garnett are only solid "big men", even thought they aren't actual centers. But, Amare Stoudemire may be nearing those two's skill level anyhow.........
Steve Nash has done wonders for that team, not to mention the maturity of Stoudemire.......
Steve Nash has done wonders for that team, not to mention the maturity of Stoudemire.......
No bench unfortunately. I should be more biased being a long time Suns fan, but it would be a miracle if we could get through the year with no injuries which would expose the team badly as it did last year. Barbosa so far is such a bust, a turnover machine. There are no bench guys beyond Hunter that can contribute and he would start if they didn't go to the 3 guard set this year. It is pretty bad when you bring Bo Outlaw back out of utter necessity. Everyone loves Bo's energy and hustle, but if he has to play more than 6 minutes a game the team is in bad shape. I think the future is bright, but the team is at least a year away from being seriously considered.
Agree with everything you've said Bill, But I just feel it is a complete tossup in the East and the West this year. If Amare Stoudemire continues to play at his current level and proves it's not a fluke, and with Steve Nash and Shawn Marion, they are just as good as Dallas, San Antonio, and so on. BUT.....as you said, injuries, or no injuries will play an important role......
The sad story in Phoenix, our bench:
Barbosa: 4.9 points a game, 1.3 turnovers almost completely offsetting just 1.4 assits. He is our only legitimate PG backup.
Jacobsen: lousy defender who scores 6 points a game, supposed to be our gunner for instant points off the bench.
Hunter: our least "sucky" bench guy, still only scoring about 5 points and getting 2 boards a game. A 7 footer with very little aggressiveness, not a good thing at all.
Vroman, Voskuhl, Outlaw: our other three forwards, can you say under 2 points a game each? Outlaw is much loved for his intensity, but he makes Ben Wallace look offensively gifted.
This bench is flat out sad. I remember how bad the Bulls' benches were at the end of the Jordan rein, but this is far worse. We have the new Big 3 with Nash taking the place of Marbury, but throw in Q Richardson and his 30% shooting and I can't see how a team of basically 3 very good players and 9 lousy ones can win a title. I suppose it can be done if Amare keeps his game at this level, but he is young and his body makeup and playing style suggest he will be hurt at times. Nash hasn't been that healthy either last few years, reason for Dallas not to pay up to sign him. As long as they stay healthy they certainly are as good as anyone except maybe the Spurs in the West, but don't risk money on it happening. This coming from someone who treks to Phoenix about 5 times a year to watch them play, so my bias should be going the other way...
Barbosa: 4.9 points a game, 1.3 turnovers almost completely offsetting just 1.4 assits. He is our only legitimate PG backup.
Jacobsen: lousy defender who scores 6 points a game, supposed to be our gunner for instant points off the bench.
Hunter: our least "sucky" bench guy, still only scoring about 5 points and getting 2 boards a game. A 7 footer with very little aggressiveness, not a good thing at all.
Vroman, Voskuhl, Outlaw: our other three forwards, can you say under 2 points a game each? Outlaw is much loved for his intensity, but he makes Ben Wallace look offensively gifted.
This bench is flat out sad. I remember how bad the Bulls' benches were at the end of the Jordan rein, but this is far worse. We have the new Big 3 with Nash taking the place of Marbury, but throw in Q Richardson and his 30% shooting and I can't see how a team of basically 3 very good players and 9 lousy ones can win a title. I suppose it can be done if Amare keeps his game at this level, but he is young and his body makeup and playing style suggest he will be hurt at times. Nash hasn't been that healthy either last few years, reason for Dallas not to pay up to sign him. As long as they stay healthy they certainly are as good as anyone except maybe the Spurs in the West, but don't risk money on it happening. This coming from someone who treks to Phoenix about 5 times a year to watch them play, so my bias should be going the other way...
