Poor Performance

As I skimmed through the box scores of tonight's games I bumped into a stat I usually don't see sitting beside Steve Nash. In a game that brought together former teammate, Boris Diaw, Steve Nash found a way to finish with 4pts, 6to's, and only 5asts. Right after seeing his stats I started to wonder where Nash will sign when his contract is finished with the Suns. He still has a team option for the 09/10 season.

Going into free agency, Nash has the right to choose any team he wants to sign with. As a veteran who is in search of a NBA championship and having the one true equalizer, age, creeping up on him, I do wonder where he will land.

Of course, the only team in Canada, the Toronto Raptors, would be a plausible choice. This season isn't going well for the Raptors but if GM Colangelo can turn things around with a few trades and FA acquisitions you never know. Nash is there last priority right now since Bosh's free agency is looming and Colangelo needs to make him happy before doing anything else.

How about the Big Apple. Listen to this scenario. Former coach D'Antoni is there. They are clearing cap space for the huge free agent period of 2010. Imgaine the Knicks pulling off a Celtics kind of big three. Bring in Bosh/LeBron/Nash. You could also think about Nash bringing his current teammate, Stoudamire, along as well.

What about New Jersey. Jay-Z and his friendship could bring in LeBron and his favourite players of choice. They have to either find a bidder for VC try and build with VC there. You know how I feel about VC, former post.

Or even the Cavs. LeBron could sign with his current team and have management bring in players like Bosh and Nash.

So many scenarios that could play out. With a free agent class that boasts Bosh, LeBron, and Wade most forget about the "smaller" players out there.

More Rockets/Suns

Watch the video then take a look at the picture.





Brooks is just chillin on the outside. Smart move.





Photo Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports.

Nash Say Hello to The Floor

I guess screens aren't too welcome in the NBA anymore. That was a pretty cheap shot Barnes took on Alston though. A forearm to the chest or an elbow but a body-check? That was a little overboard.

But the funniest thing about this video was the fact little Canadian Steve Nash wandered into the shoving match and was introduced to the floor. Had a short laugh when I saw that.

Nash you know I have man love for you but it was pretty funny when you hit the deck.

Just another night in the NBA.


UPDATE: Suspensions to Barnes and Alston for 2 games while Nash received 1 game. Shaq and T-Mac both received fines.

Slowing Steve Nash and The Suns

Last year the Phoenix Suns made a trade for the Big Diesel after watching the Lakers grab Gasol for basically nothing and I still stand on the fact that it was a good deal. It wasn't a great deal but the Suns had to do something to respond plus the Suns needed an inside presence to compete against Duncan and of course the newly acquired Gasol.

The problem that is at hand now is the Suns have a new coach, Terry Porter who replaced Mike D'Antoni, who doesn't preach the "Shoot in 7 seconds" philosophy that D'Antoni imposed. (**Side note: I love the run and gun offense.**) Terry Porter is forcing the Suns to slow down and this makes no sense to me because this is ripping the skill right out of 2-time League MVP Steve Nash. Nash won those two MVP awards because he was running and dishing off to his teammates. Without the running and assists Nash is just another mediocre PG that is sort of replaceable.

Porter is trying to get the Suns to "get the best shot available" through moving the ball and not shooting recklessly. The more I hear and watch the Suns the more I see a group of guys who are just lost on the court. Let the Suns run!

Terry should bring down the tempo just a little but should not let the Steve Nash and his court vision go to waste. I propose the following.

1 - Let 2-time MVP run and use his vision
2 - Allow Shaq to throw his weight down low in the post on a few "off plays".
3 - Make sure Shaq realizes that he needs to be a defensive force and to take plays off when the Suns are running. Just chill big man!
4 - With Amare there in the mix the Suns should run and use his athletic ability.

Terry Porter, don't let Steve Nash and his vision go to waste. We all know that the Suns aren't true contenders for the Larry O'Brien Trophy but don't waste the talent that you have.


Picture Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports.