[1-1] Phoenix Rising - Suns can't hold down the middle

[MJuana]

29 Game Season
10 Minute Quarters
Difficulty is All-Star for now.
Default Sliders with few tweaks

More to come (obviously)

[MJuana]

Season Preview - Phoenix Suns

The NBA season looks like it is about to start. Opening night rosters are set after two last minute free agent signings with the young Thunder picking up veteran Michael Finley, and the Hornets giving Allen Iverson one more shot at the NBA.

Lost in the hype of LeBron James leaving Cleveland, the Phoenix Suns also suffered a huge loss with Amare Stoudemire leaving to the Big Apple.

Suns coach Alvin Gentry has said that the Suns can expect to see many different starting line ups depending on the match up because of their sudden influx at the wings. The Suns' biggest offseason acquisition was ex-Hawk Josh Childress and Turkish star Hedo Turkoglu. The Phoenix team didn't make much noise on draft night either, drafting Gani Lawal and Dwayne Collins, neither of which are expected to make the final roster.

Positional Analysis

Point Guard

Steve Nash, the two-time MVP has been working hard this summer and has expected nothing but good things from his teammates. Expect less playing time for the Canadian Point Guard to give his legs some rest. Back up point guard Goran Dragic has shown bright spots in last year's playoffs against the NBA Champions. While he will be primarily backing up Steve Nash, Alvin Gentry has said he will run two point guards when he can afford to.

Shooting Guard

Last year's starter Jason Richardson is likely to maintain his starting spot on opening night. Jason Richardson has a 14.4 million dollar expiring contract which could be useful in acquiring a star player for the Suns. Josh Childress looks to be in good shape and is expect to fill the sixth man role for the Suns.

Small Forward

Grant Hill will be taking a seat to Hedo Turkoglu for most games this season. The 38 year old veteran will likely see a sharp decrease in playing time but should still see spot minutes at 4 positions due to his versatility. Hedo Turkoglu's playmaking ability should help relieve some pressure off of Nash. Jared Dudley, who gained some national attention from last year's playoffs will have to contend for minute with Grant Hill

Power Forward

A position on the Suns used to be players such as Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion and Charles Barkley. This season's Suns will have Hakim Warrick as the lone Power Forward on the roster, although Channing Frye and Turkoglu will both see minutes here. Reports have shown that Suns 2009 first round pick Earl Clark has bulked up over the summer and "very impressive" in training camp.

Center

Robin Lopez will take full duties at the Center position this year. Robin has been working hard with his twin brother and is said to have improved his low post scoring ability. Robin will have big shoes to fill.

The Phoenix Suns will start their against Josh Childress' old team, the Atlanta Hawks, in Phoenix.

Expected Starting 5s

Atlanta
PG - Mike Bibby
SG - Jamal Crawford
SF - Joe Johnson
PF - Josh Smith
C - Al Horford

Phoenix
PG - Steve Nash
SG - Jason Richardson
SF - Hedo Turkoglu
PF - Hakim Warrick
C - Robin Lopez

[rise]

Last year's starter Jason Richardson is likely to maintain his starting spot on opening night. Jason Richardson has a 14.4 million dollar expiring contract which could be useful in acquiring a star player for the Suns.

...and once again someone underestimated the power of J-Rich.
I like Phoenix associations. I've got a Live 2003 franchise going (actually, I'm sort of wrapping it up...) and you could use that for ideas to do something with the Suns. Steve Nash is beast and so is J-Rich and trading either of them spells disaster for your team!

Welcome to the forums and good luck with this!

[MJuana]

Led by Nash, Suns take season opener 97-96
ATL 23 28 30 14 96
PHX 19 28 25 24 97

Hawks Highs
Points - Joe Johnson (27)
Rebounds - Al Horford, Joe Johnson (5)
Assists - Mike Bibby (12)
Steals - Jamal Crawford (4)
Blocks - Al Horford, Josh Smith, Joe Johnson (1)

Suns Highs
Points - Steve Nash (29)
Rebounds - Robin Lopez (11)
Assists - Steve Nash (7)
Steals - Steve Nash (3)
Blocks - Goran Dragic, Hedo Turkoglu, Josh Childress, Robin Lopez (1)

Player of the Game - Steve Nash (29 points, 7 assists)

A late 4th quarter surge was just enough to put the Suns in the lead. Steve Nash had 24 of his 27 points in the first 3 quarters and made a crucial 3 in the Suns 4th quarter run.

Hedo Turkoglu had 12 points and 9 rebounds in his Suns debut,and despite the Suns with labels of being undersized and soft, the Suns won the battle of the boards by 12 rebounds. Robin Lopez led the Suns in rebounds with 11 rebounds.

Suns will play their first road game against the Bulls next week.

[MJuana]

Alright worst Dynasty ever. I've decided to ditch this one because I don't like the team

[Beast in the East]

What the Suns are so good to use. They have Nash who deserves a ring more than anyone and Dragic who would be fun. J-Rich is a BEAST. And the suns are in a pretty easy division (besides the lakers)