Phoenix Suns 2007-08 Season Thread

[whereiswally78]

Some good news to kick off this thread for the upcoming new season:

Suns coach Mike D'Antoni likes having all of October to prepare for the regular season because it allows his team to ease into mental and physical fitness for the season.

There is now something else to make it worth the wait. The time is allowing center Amaré Stoudemire to recover from an Oct. 2 arthroscopy. D'Antoni said Stoudemire has improved enough to play in at least the final two preseason games (Oct. 25 and 26).

"I need to (play preseason games) but it all depends on how I feel," Stoudemire said. "It's always great to have a couple preseason games under your belt before the regular season jumps off. We're on the right track."

Stoudemire, who is "starving" to play, was supposed to return to basketball activity after two to three weeks of rehabilitation. The front end of that timetable might hold true because what minimal swelling Stoudemire had is gone and his range of motion is back.

Stoudemire said he may jog on the court next week. He ran on a treadmill Monday for the first time since his surgery. Asked how long before he dunks on opponents again, he said: "That shouldn't be too long at all. Hopefully, another two to three weeks."

 

[gemini0928]

Can I join in?

Great to hear that Amare's injury is not bad at all!

 

[whereiswally78]

The more the merrier, Alf!

 

[shoesncard4life]

Crossing fingers. Barring Injury. I think Grant's gonna the be the x-factor/missing ingredient the suns need to get over the proverbial hump.

 

[whereiswally78]

When fans get their first US Airways Center glimpse of Grant Hill in a Suns uniform for tonight's preseason home opener, they might see more than they expected.

Hill is thriving, enjoying his best health - and teammates - in years. He also is fitting in with a new weapon, a three-point shot. Hill took more three-pointers (three) in Thursday's preseason opener than he had taken in any game since April 2000.

Hill won't be the only one shooting it more. Amaré Stoudemire launched about 200 threes after Friday's practice and Boris Diaw may take more, but coach Mike D'Antoni expects Hill to take 150 threes this season. Hill was 9 for 40 from three-point range in the past seven injury-riddled seasons.

Hill worked on the shot in 1999 and went 34 for 98 from long distance the next season. His ensuing summers were spent on rehabilitation until this year.

"It's just as much mental as anything, getting comfortable taking that shot and having the freedom to do it," Hill said. "At the same time, I've still got to play my game."

Stoudemire's shooting form has become picturesque. It shows in an annually improving free-throw percentage and a reliable midrange shot. The three was nearly ready before his 2005 microfracture, but he was to the point of shooting it in the flow of transition this summer.

"I feel great about it," Stoudemire said. "I'm very confident. I've been putting in the time and the work to shoot it. The coaches have confidence in it and my teammates have confidence in it.

"That'll open up my total offense, not just my three-pointer but my mid-jumper as well. My ball handling skills have increased tremendously as well, so I'm definitely going for that Most Improved Player."

Stoudemire is 6 for 35 on threes in his career. D'Antoni said Stoudemire must overcome the newness of the shot and have quick-fire confidence to avoid the "Pat Burke syndrome."

"Once it becomes a normal thing, he'll shoot 35 to 40 percent," D'Antoni said. "He can't abuse it, like anything, but it will be an added weapon."
Stoudemire on court
Ten days after arthroscopic surgery, Stoudemire worked on the court Friday with his first agility exercises, individual offense (shooting off screens, etc.), shooting and a dunk.

"I did a lot more stuff today, a little physical," Stoudemire said. "I feel fantastic. I want to still take my time with it. The training staff is doing a great job to make sure I maintain my strength. That's what counts."
Thursday's best
Marcus Banks' play was "probably the best thing that came out of " Thursday's game vs. the Kings, D'Antoni said.

Banks harassed Mike Bibby defensively in the first half and put the win away when he hit two three-pointers in a two-minute stretch of the fourth.

"I worked really hard all summer on my shot," Banks said. "It does feel a lot better. It just feels natural."

Sean Marks also played well but fouled out in 22 minutes (he played 17 minutes all of last season). He had 13 points and nine rebounds.

"There are five or six of us who are fighting for time," Marks said. "Every time, you've got to make the most of the minutes. My role has been just to be a practice player for so long but I want to be able to help the team. If that's on the court, I've got to be ready."

Fellow backup big man Brian Skinner could play tonight after returning to practice Friday from a knee bruise.

Looks like Hill will fit into the Suns nicely.

 

[StarburyMatrix3]

Ill be here talking about my team too. Evem though i cant stand hill for screwing the magic out of a possible trade. but would live to see everybody else on the team get a ring!!!

 

[gemini0928]

Ill be here talking about my team too. Evem though i cant stand hill for screwing the magic out of a possible trade. but would live to see everybody else on the team get a ring!!!

Lets hope that it works out for Hill..

I dont think Hill is loved in Orlando this time around compare to when he first joined them. It was really hard for him those 7 years... I really believe that it was the Magic's fault why Hill's career stumbled in Orlando. I remember, the management force him to play on opening night when he was recovering from his first surgery. I remember those days when they play him for 4 games and end of season for him. The management wants to show off their high priced duo in Hill and Mcgrady but they got very impatient. Instead of retiring, Hill worked hard and I feel sorry for him a lot of times but he loves basketball and he's got the skills... And he's just playing ball to have fun...

 

[nandalinnaung]

I dont think Hill is loved in Orlando this time around compare to when he first joined them. It was really hard for him those 7 years... I really believe that it was the Magic's fault why Hill's career stumbled in Orlando.

Well, Hill is actually loved all the time by Magic.. it's just that he made his decision and I don't blame him.. but it wasn't magic fault, coz last season, they even rest him for many road games because Magic cared about Hill (he played 65 games last season, and i think less than 5 games were due to his injury, the rest of the games are either road game or 2 games in a row.. he got rested and he was paid fully).. it was magic management decided to sign Hill when his ankle was really bad and he had to play play-offs with his damaged ankle.. I thought Hill was forced to play more in Detriot..

Hill wanted to play and he decided to play as much as he could, that's one of the reason he got easily hurt in Magic again.. Magic will never force players to play any players... There was no significant injuries from magic camp and they were never trained excessively.. Penny and Shaq didn't have their knees problems in Maigc..

Hill can resign with magic if he wants to.. but he decided to join Suns and that's totally up to him.. but he got about 100million for his injuries, 70% of NBA players would trade their career for that opportunity..

Hill is a great person, a role model and willing signer.. I would love to see him get a ring.. with suns.. but to be honest, if he doesn't win this year...i don't think he ever will.. MJ,Magic, Bird, they all struggle after they turn 34.... it's all about age.. Nash is turning 34, Marion is not happy, Diaw (had pretty poor year after MIP performance) has to get more minutes... I don't think Suns are going to improve unless they make a trade with Lakers this season..

 

[whereiswally78]

Do the Suns really need to improve much, Linn? I'm not gonna whinge about the Spurs series as it has all been said already, but we really didn't have anything go right in that series.

Kylie and I have just finished watching the Spurs Championship DVD that I got for her birthday - seeing the highlights - or lowlights - of that series for the Suns reminds me of just how close they were. Take nothing from the Spurs, though - they were fantastic.

I think giving up Kurt Thomas (and replacing him with a low budget version in Brian Skinner) is going to bite the Suns all season long against the dominant big men - I think we'll see Amare sitting on the bench with foul problems against guys like Duncan in big games.

In summary, the Suns will still post 55-60 wins again, and will playoff against the Spurs in the Western Conference playoffs - I just hope this time the result is different.

 

[nandalinnaung]

Do the Suns really need to improve much, Linn? I'm not gonna whinge about the Spurs series as it has all been said already, but we really didn't have anything go right in that series.

Matt,

Suns, they are one of the best teams in NBA..
u can see my prediction for 2008 results.. i gave suns to finish best in NBA.. and yes, they can finish best.. because they have fantastic roaster and great players... their uptempo game is now standard small-lineup strategy in NBA already..

after 82 regular games.. we can't rely on 34yo Nash and his chronic back problems anymore.. Hill is fragile... Marion is unhappy.. trust me, they will close the season with high notes.. but play-offs, they will again be tired... dunno how much Steve Kerr can transform.... coz Colangelo's way is, let players play as much as they get paid... (recall raptors were best percentage winning team in east in final 4 months?.. they can't even go past unhealthy NJN).. both father and son Colangelo like their stars players to start all the time, good physically, but bad psychologically IMO)

I am not a big fan of Kobe, but Kobe knows how to finish a game.. he knows when to play hard or where to shoot from.. that's what Suns lack in play-offs..

In recent years, you can see how poor Tim Duncan stats are in regular season? even Tony Parker didn't play 100%, entire Spurs reserved for play-offs.. but Mike D'ntoni let his players play quite alot.. starting Amare 82 games because he's healthy? that affects Amare's true potential in play-offs, he looked tired, always received criticisms for foul troubles.. IMO, he looked annoyed with every foul he received.. that's because he had to play every single game for Suns and he doesn't get enough break..

So, I believe Grant Hill is a great addition... they should use serious rotation system, coz I don't want to see Tired Suns in play-offs again..

 

[whereiswally78]

Can say much to that other that: "I agree".

 

[loafic]

suns should be solid during reg season again but similar to dallas are not very deep as a team... run their main players into the ground and tend to run out of petrol tickets in the playoffs... they a team with serious heart and sometimes play above themselves... great signing of grant hill... probably still need help, as always, at PF & C particularly when playing the great teams from the west in the playoffs... many teams have worked them out in a way and are learning how to contain their style of play, cause you cant really stop them.

should have another successful season overall though...

 

[StarburyMatrix3]

Take nothing from the Spurs, though - they were fantastic.

lol i think instead of fantastic you meant to say dirty rotten cheating bastards:fist::v:

 

[breakerswitch]

Well I just watched the Suns play today and Hill lloked real good I thought. He even looked pretty quick around the court which is good to see. Barbosa can score whenever he wants by the look of him and the best thing about the phoenix suns this year? SEAN MARKS BABY!!! Go the kiwi! lol

 

[wjrwebber]

The Suns roster is still to thin up front, they really needed to keep Thomas and not be so worried about the luxury tax. Having only Amare and Skinner as the only genuine 4/5 on the roster makes it very hard to get passed other teams come playoff time (see the last 3 years).

 

[whereiswally78]

Couldn't agree more, Will ... hence, our owner sucks!

 

[whereiswally78]

PHOENIX (AP) -- Amare Stoudemire announced his return to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night with a few thunderous dunks to the delight of several thousand fans at a public scrimmage.

"It went great. I felt good out there," he said afterward. "I felt healthy. I felt strong. I've just got to get in a little better shape and I'll be OK."

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Stoudemire had not practiced since undergoing minor arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Oct. 2. It was his left knee that was the subject of microfracture surgery, and he missed all but three games in the 2005-06 season.

With fans getting free admission to the scrimmage, Stoudemire treated them with a few of his trademark quick, powerful slams. He also had a slick pass to Shawn Marion for a basket.

Stoudemire moved into the center spot with a starting lineup of Marion, Steve Nash, Grant Hill and Raja Bell.

"You forget how physical Amare is," coach Mike D'Antoni said. "You forget the dominance physically that he does, and the quickness. You play really well but when you put him out there, all of a sudden it's a different game."

Stoudemire earned first-team All-NBA honors and was the only Suns player to appear in all 82 games last year, one season removed from his long recovery. This surgery was far less serious and Stoudemire said his knee felt fine.

"The training staff has done a great job of maintenance and rehab and making sure I maintain my strength," he said. "That's definitely been important for me, and everything's been going great so far."

He did get tired, though. After one big play, he collapsed into a courtside seat between two startled fans, placing an arm around each.

"I needed that one," Stoudemire said. "It was long enough. It was like a five-second break."

D'Antoni said Stoudemire's conditioning will determine how long he plays in the remaining two preseason games: at home against Denver on Thursday night and against Seattle in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Friday.

"I thought he looked sharp," D'Antoni said. "It's just a matter of conditioning, his timing and getting to know the guys a little bit, but other than that he looks good."

Leandro Barbosa didn't play in the scrimmage and will sit out the two preseason games because of bruised ribs. Barbosa said he was injured when someone fell on him late in the game against Charlotte in Los Angeles on Sunday.

"I went to the ground to fight for the ball and somebody jumped on me," Barbosa said. He didn't know who did it, but said, "It was a big guy."

The ribs were not broken, just severely bruised.

Barbosa plans to rest for a week and hopes to be ready for the season opener Nov. 1 at Seattle.

"It hurts, especially for me to breathe," he said, "and I cannot move. ... Yesterday it was really bad. Today I've been feeling better than yesterday. I think every day I will be better a little bit, so hopefully before the season starts I will be back."

Great news about Amare ... could be the season for the Suns. Great that they are starting G-Hill. Maybe he could be the difference this year ... someone else to take some pressure off Nash with the ballhandling/leadership/decision-making etc.

 

[gemini0928]

I hope Grant Hill can make a big difference!

 

[Turtle]

after seeing the stats and how the rookies went today, cant wait to see the suns in action during the season. Hill just give them another avenue for scoring and its seems all players get results in ever stat box.

 

[gemini0928]

Pre-season games are over for the Pheonix Suns!

Here's Grant Hill's averages in 8 P-Season Games:

Pts = 14.8
Min = 24.4
Reb = 4.0
Ast = 1.5
Stl = 0.9
Blk = 0.5
To = 2.0

Not a bad pick up for the Suns Hope he can stay healthy and have a good run deep in the play-offs and maybe a championship ring