Can't Copy the Suns
| 8
|
by user Stumptown
Just read about Phoenix pulling in the lottery projected guys for a work out. You know, the guys that won't answer your team's phone calls? This has raised all kinds of speculation that Phoenix has a trade in place for a top 10 pick. This has also prompted the experts to opine that the Brewers and Noahs of the world all want to play in Phoenix because of their uptempo style. This just reminded me of one of the most nonsensical (or least sensical if you prefer) trends in the NBA.
Let’s run like the Suns!!!!
This makes no sense if you want to win. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching Phoenix play and there are some definite advantages to their style. For one, the fans love it. Remaking your team in Phoenix’ image should help you sell tickets if you are the Raptors or the Bobcats. And, as mentioned above, it could make your team more attractive to free agents. After all, what young player doesn’t want to play in a style where you just run down and launch shots and defense is optional? Additionally, your fan friendly style might get you on TV some and sell some jerseys for the guys on your team who will suddenly raise their scoring averages by 8 ppg. It makes fantasy geeks (of which I am one) happy and might get your star an all-star nod.
Notice the one thing missing from that list? Oh yeah, winning!! The problems with copying the Suns come down to two things. You can’t win at all with that system without a great PG. How many Steve Nashes are there in the league? Exactly. So, most teams that try this are going to run out that system with the Ray Feltons and Mo Williamses of the world. Good PGs that could run a team, but not like that and certainly not like Nash.
The second problem is that you won’t win in the post season. As much as everyone on the Suns’ bandwagon doesn’t want to admit it, you have to be able to get stops to win in the playoffs. And their system creates too many long rebounds and easy shots for the other team. Plus D’Antoni preaches not to foul because it slows the pace of the game, so when the playoffs get physical and you need to dish out some body blows to take away your opponent’s strength, you just aren’t geared that way. I know, I know, the Suns might have won but for those suspensions. And maybe if Iverson made every shot he took he would average 100ppg for the season. Maybe a lot of things, but the bottom line is that Phoenix hasn’t won any titles playing their run and fun style, and the teams copying them don’t even have Nash to operate their bad copies.
I think their style is like a classic summer pop song that you are ashamed to like, but can’t touch the dial when it comes on the radio and always manages to stay on the ipod. It is shallow and clearly pandering, but it is just too fun to get out of your head. So you find yourself inadvertently singing, “…under my umbrella, ella, ella….” And wanting to slap yourself in the mouth.
Well the Suns are a bit like that. They are fun, but in the end shallow and harmless. I’m glad we have Phoenix and I’m even glad GMs think they want to copy them. It makes the league more fun. But you know who is the most glad of all?
