FanOfAll wrote:D'Antoni believes that the run-and-gun offense and small lineup can win it all for the Suns. Unless he is abruptly fired or resigns, there will not be a major change. The key for Phoenix is to re-sign its best perimeter defender, Joe Johnson, a RFA who will surely have a lot of suitors (Cleveland anyone?). After that, there may well be a change in defensive strategy or a greater emphasis on the defensive end in camp and practice. However, there is only so much d'Antoni can do without adding new players. He cannot teach QRich, Jim Jackson, Steve Nash, Amare, Walter McCarty, and Barbosa to play defense in a single offseason. The younger players probably could work on their defense, but we should not expect a huge improvement. I'm sure PHO will be looking for some new additions to the squad, from another big to a potential replacement for Joe Johnson.
I actually believe that PHO would be well served to work with Steven Hunter this offseason. He's athletic, long, a good shotblocker and defender, but he has one of the worst pairs of hands in the entire league. His inability to catch the ball cost him a couple points in almost every game he played. If he could also develop a hint of a jump shot from about 14'...
SbHzMaFiA wrote:Well its true that they do need to play some defense other than relying on their offense. Like most of the times, they would just let a team score because they knew they would be able to match the score on the other end which is what they don't need. Hopefully they'll work on defense 90% of the time in training camp since they already know they can put the ball in the hoop. If you notice, you rarely see D'Antoni calling plays on the sideline because they rely on the Nash/Amare pick n roll and outside shooting to go along with offensive rebounds and putbacks. That's their entire game so he needs to work on some defensive stuff. I really don't think they need a switch, but it wouldn't hurt if they added a shot blocker/good rebounder. The fact that they may lose Joe Johnson this off-season is also the key, so if they want to keep him, they need to give him the big bucks.
Andrew wrote:Surely they wouldn't be re-signing Joe Johnson for $10+ million per year. But like most teams that are amongst the NBA's elite, they can afford to be over the cap as they don't need to acquire any big pieces to complete their championship puzzle.
maes wrote:Wouldn't they? Hmm i honestly don't know, i thought i read the contract will be in that neighborhood. I can see a team bawking at signing that much for a SG, but Joe Johnson is a legit SF at 6' 7" 230 lbs, a strong defender, and still very young with an upside. He's Phoenix' 2nd largest player out there, with only Amare being larger. I think he's going to get a contract like a young up & coming SF with a deadly 3 point range and ability to play 3 positions. Sound like anyone we know?
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