<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">PHOENIX - Given the Timberwolves' identity crisis at point guard these days, the Phoenix Suns are the last team in the NBA they want to see right now. First, there's the intimidating presence of Steve Nash, an unimpressive physical presence who somehow has become the league's premier playmaker and a two-time reigning MVP in hot pursuit of a third. Next, there's familiar face of Marcus Banks anchored to the Phoenix bench, possibly inactive in street clothes, a reminder of how badly the Wolves whiffed when they designated the sturdy, confident and ultimately ineffective guard as the key to their January 2006 trade with Boston. Finally, there are the three point guards currently running a weave through the position: Randy Foye, Mike James and Troy Hudson. Not one of them has handled the job to coach Randy Wittman's satisfaction or to the team's ultimate standards (winning). That's why, after practice at the Suns' facility Monday, it seemed a toss-up as to which one might start tonight, which one might sub in and which one might stay parked in a VIP seat. Goldilocks had better choices than Wittman on most nights. "You can't put a price tag on consistent guard play," Wittman said. "That's what runs most teams that are good. It doesn't really matter what level, high school, college or pros. Take this team -- take Steve Nash off this team, is it as good a team? The way he controls everything, how he knows to [handle] a situation out if somebody needs more touches ... it's part of being a good team."</div> Source
Same thing I've been thinking for years, Point Guards are so important to a team's success. Jordan made people forget that good PGs are needed to win Championships; Magic, Isiah, Dennis Johnson, Earl Monroe, Jo Jo White, Bob Cousy, etc, etc. Look at this year's top teams, most have good point guards (Nash, Parker, Billups, Deron Williams, Arenas) and the others have point guard-esque players (Nowitzki, McGrady, LeBron). If you compare a Nash-less Suns with the T-Wolves (not statistically, just their style), it's not too far off (Amare/KG, Marion/Davis, Foye/Barbosa) -- of course the systems are completely different, which is really what makes the Suns stand out. The Suns are 2-4 without Nash, though that's a bit deceiving because their whole system is created for Nash, they still play that same system when he's out, if he weren't with the team at all they'd have adapted another system (with Barbosa at the 1) which I think they'd be decently successful with, they'd probably make the playoffs, but as a low seed. Give Minnesota somebody like Chris Paul, I'm sure things would turn around quickly. I think Foye is going to turn out to be a great combo-guard like Ben Gordon & Dwyane Wade, but I don't think he's a true point guard (but he is young, he may just take a year or two like Deron Williams did).
^ Thats a pretty positive outlook comparing Marion to Davis But about Foye I think he can be really good, given the minutes, and experience. He had an amazing game tonight against the Kings in a W for a change! In scoring 24pts (1 point from tying a career high) 4ast, 3reb, 1stl, only 1to in only 25min of playing time tonight! But more importantly is how he shot the ball going 9-12 from the floor and 6-6 at the free throw line. Im excited to see how he matures into a better player this year and next.
<div class="quote_poster">GarnettKG21 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">^ Thats a pretty positive outlook comparing Marion to Davis</div> Yeah I know it's a huge stretch, but like I said, not statistically; both are versatile SFs, same height, about the same age/experience. Davis can score he did average 20 PPG at one point. Anyway my point is, like the Suns, give this team a true point guard and I think they'll improve drastically. Look at how well they did with Sam Cassell and before that, Terrell Brandon.
"Next, there's familiar face of Marcus Banks anchored to the Phoenix bench, possibly inactive in street clothes, a reminder of how badly the Wolves whiffed when they designated the sturdy, confident and ultimately ineffective guard as the key to their January 2006 trade with Boston." This is the only real problem I have with the article. Banks was no where close to being the key for that trade. That trade was all about getting ride of Wally and Kandi, the two guys that KG had continuous problems with.
