The Amare-Marion C and PF teams would give up easier shots than an 18 foot jumper. If you watched the SA-Dal-SA terminal series the last 3 years you could see the Suns were going to have the same problems stopping a team with a talented big who knew how to use him. Shaq may not be the answer--probably isn't, but Amare and Marion in the C-PF spots was going nowhere. Particularly because this Suns offense wasn't at the level of their previous best ones where they had a chance to outgunn you despite giving up way too many easy inside baskets in the low post. That had to do something though it is very possible this move wasn't it.
Anyone notice the slow-down Suns that their 3 pt FGA has went down to less than 20 attempts per game for the last 5 games after trading Marion. That's not the Suns mojo. The Suns really need another 3 pt shooter.
What can Amare do that KG can't on offense? The only thing I can think of is emphatically throwing it down after a pick and roll. To say they "lose" offense if they swapped Amare for KG is kind of a stretch isn't? I mean, KG's played most of his career without a PG as skilled as Nash (that Cassell run was a one year deal) and he's just as effective as Stoudemire is WITH Nash. Amare puts up numbers on other PFs but the problem is that other PFs are doing the same to him. Duncan, Al Jefferson, David West, Rasheed Wallace...he's not out there to stop anyone. This is where Garnett would have made more of an impact that Amare ever will--the defense and the rebounding. And that one season he went, he had a great supporting cast. You can't honestly tell me that his supporting cast has been good to very good every year he's been there. This is the same, "tired" argument for the pro-KG people but it's a valid one. You take away Nash and lets see how far Amare "#1" Stoudemire can lead that team. But you're right, Desert Scar, on how they're perimeter shooting hasn't been up to past years' standards. Raja Bell, I honestly believe, has overachieved the past few years as a perimeter shooter (especially last year). Grant Hill's mid-range game helps them when the 3s aren't falling, but that's another small issue in itself--their offense is based on getting quick shots off (3 pointers) or getting easy baskets in the paint (Pick-and-Rolls). Mid-range game, although helpful, is something that slows down their tempo and we all know what happens when you cause the Suns to hold the ball for longer than 7 seconds.
They are rebounding about the same. Amare is outscoring him 23.9 to 18.5PPG. Amare has an incredible 1.61PPS (KG has a good 1.35). Amare is also ahead in blocks, 2.3 to 1.4. KG does about double him in steals and assists. KG is a much better individual defender too. But overall, no, I think if you had subbed KG for Amare the net effect would not be that great--the problem with the Suns isn't Nash and Amare, it is their role players (I think part. Bell and Barbosa are not playing as well). Amare is a more explosive and efficient offensive player than KG. He also is considerably younger, their trajectories are going in opposite directions. If I were Phx I might have done Amare + a bad contract for KG--nothing more.
Since Giricek is a far superior defender than Barry it might work out better for the Suns anyway, if he can return to his old shooting form (shot a career high 43% for Utah last year) of course. Giricek also was better than Barry in last year;s playoffs. He could be what the doctor ordered to get Bell fresher and playing better, and allow Phx to go more 3 guards/shooters around Amare and Shaq--I think he is a lot like a poor mans' Bell. A kind move for the Phily org to do this for Giricek and Phx BTW.
exactly. the suns were fatally flawed in interior defense, you can't have a running pf and running center. what they lose in depth they gain in flexibility. and I'm not a fan of the current shaq, but he still clogs the middle. he did it for wade and by the end of that season he was playing about at the same level he is now. he just has to stay healthy. the suns can still play diaw and amare at the same time if they want to speed it up.
I guess we can make that 28, Heat/Suns both sucked with him! I guess he should stay away from team references changes in temperature...He makes them icy places especially in the WIN column these days
