SB Nation User Blog: willthehawk

RJ to Spurs? Woah...

willthehawk — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:59:10 -0000

ESPN is reporting that the Bucks have traded Richard Jefferson to San Antonio for Bowen, Oberto, and Kurt Thomas.

SA definitely gets another offensive threat to go along with Parker, Duncan, and Ginobli, but they are giving up their 2 biggest defensive stoppers and a fan-favorite hustle guy.

hmmmm..

It's a clear sign that SA managment is willing to go to drastic lengths to revitalize the team.

History favors the bold. Is it too late for the Spurs? or is this going to bring another championship?

What do you guys think?

Sick and Tired of it

willthehawk — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:34:30 -0000

Obviously, the Spurs game was frustrating. But, I'm sick and tired of arrogant Spurs fans... Like the one featured on BSoS homepage with the quote about how Suns fans should be angry with the team and franchsie.

What pisses me off about Suns-Spurs rivalry is that following last week's loss, it's as if these Spurs fans forget how we whupped them opening night, and that prior to X-mas day loss, we had won 3 straight in the regular season agains them.

Look, of course what matters is post-season. And, of course, the Spurs have beaten the Suns there...consistently. BUT, I'M SICK AND TIRED OF SPURS FANS WANTING IT BOTH WAYS:

1. On the one hand, whenever the Suns win against SA in the regular season it 'doesn't matter' because the Spurs 'inherently step it up in April/May/June'

but,

2. On the other, whenever the Spurs win in the regular season, it is further proof that the Suns are a wholly inferior franchise with no legitmate shot at winning a title- despite the fact that the Suns-Spurs are split at 1-1 this season. Seems pretty even to me...

Amare's Weird Interview

willthehawk — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:13:56 -0000

So...ESPN has a story by the always entertaining Stephen A. Smith about Amare. Basically, Amare isn't incredibly happy about the number of touches he is getting. Which...is understandable to me. It seems that frequently during games the Suns stubbornly go to Shaq, OVER and OVER and OVER when Amare is in just as good position. It bothers me a lot... Amare is a beast when he gets more touches. Shaq has been doing well, obviously, but I can't stand seeing STAT standing motionless around the top of the key for an entire offensive possession. It's just a waste

The article also hinted that Amare might look at joining another team in '10 when he is a free agent...Yikes.

What do you think?

Gimme' some Skin!

willthehawk — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:12:47 -0000

via farm3.static.flickr.com

So, while initally I was quite excited to hear the Suns drafted an 'energy' big man, after all, those intagibles have always seemed to bite the suns in the ass...

But, after thinking about the Suns roster some more, I was wondering, do we Remember Brian Skinner?

He played tough D, hustled for rebounds and blocked shots, but suddenly now the Suns are ignoring him in favor of playing Robin Lopez.

Don't get me wrong, Loopez has a lot of good traits...but why draft for a hustle Center who doesn't have an offensive game :

WHEN YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE FOR CHEAP?!

It seems to me if energy big man was what the suns wanted, they ought to have simply played B-Skin more down the stretch.

It wasn't as if Skinner's game tapered off during the season, he just didn't get minutes

It's like the Suns are stuck in this half-ass rebuilding/ 'still a contender' mindset and it is stupid. One the one-hand, the Suns aren't going to trade any major piece because 'we can still win it all', but on the other the Suns are drafting a guy who is a VERY similar player to someone the Suns already have, in the hopes of getting younger. There isn't room in the rotation for BOTH Skinner and Lopez, so I really don't see any short term 'net gain' from the signing.

We are just ditching one servicable, offensively challenged, hustle big man for another. That won't put us over the top.

For next year, the Suns don't need Lopez. They have Skinner. If they want to contend they should have nabbed a shooter/ wing player which is what we need. Or at least drafted Lopez and then gone after a good wing player with agressive free agenecy, and they haven't.

Matt Barnes?

willthehawk — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:55:37 -0000

So, the Suns need more good shooting wing players. After reading on various Hoops sites, I am now intrigued abot to prospect of getting Matt Barnes.

He plays for GSW, and he just isn't looking like he'll fit in next season there with all the young talent the warriors are looking to develope.

So...he's athletic, makes hustle plays, and has an intimidatingly larger number of tattoos...

He would go for the mid level exception or lower....

I think he'd be solid. He played really well against Dallas a couple years back in that underdog matchup series

Is Eddie Johnson getting snubbed?

willthehawk — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:55:10 -0000

So, there were two Suns broadcasters vying for potential coaching slots a few weeks back. Eddie Johnson, and Dan Majerle. Dan was chosen by Kerr and Porter

I realize that Dan Majerle and Terry Porter had been teamates, and so naturally they have a working chremisty.... BUT, when selecting an assistant coach, to me, it isn't about finding a guy who your head coach is best friends with, rather, it ought to be about finding the best basketball mind. it's clear that Eddie Johnson is a more legitimate leader, and more intellectually sound.

Johnson is famous for his shooting technique (as evidenced by his good career and many shooting dvd's) and basketball knowledge. HIs shooting advice has the potential to help Robin Lopez, A. Tucker, DJ Strawberry, and even Goran Dragic (if he ever gets here)

Sure Thunder Dan was a good hustle player...but you can't coach that anyway. He's famous for his love of 'the night-life' (aka partying)... as such, I don't see him being nearly as focused on developing players.

Eddie Johnson seems like he would be a far more serious coach, as well as someone that wouldn't take any disrespect from his payers. That discipline is something the Suns have sorely needed. Johnson has always conducted himself with professionalism and poise. From Majerle, I just get the feeling that he feels like coaching "just because it might be fun".

Dan Majerle should stick to broadcasting!

Poll

Who would have been a better coaching hire?

Thunder Dan

6 votes

Eddie Johnson

16 votes

22 votes | Poll has closed

Great Idea for Back-Up Point Guard!

willthehawk — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:35:28 -0000

What if the Suns packaged some deal involving draft picks, and maybe some other ppl to try and get Kirk Hinrich? Supposedly, the Bulls are a bit disenfranchised with him, so they may be willing to not get his full vAlue in return. I think his defense, coupled with his pass-first mentality, and his 3 point accuracy ought to warrant him strong consideration!

The reality is, Nash is only going to be good for literally 1 (or maybe 2) more seasons, perhaps now it's time for pisking some changes for the franchise's future.

Poll

Should the Suns at least consider putting a package together to get Hinrich?

Yes, we need to start loking at Nash's replacement

12 votes

No, it's not time yet

5 votes

17 votes | Poll has closed