Phx-Suns.Net

Watson's a cheerleader. Get a real coach in here next season.

You guys are quick to judge. He's had all of 13 games with a substandard cast (A couple rookies, D-Leaguers, and a mishmash of veterans).

Superbone wrote:You guys are quick to judge. He's had all of 13 games with a substandard cast (A couple rookies, D-Leaguers, and a mishmash of veterans).

You have to be quick to judge if you are thinking about making a rookie interim coach your head coach for a few years.

The team is worse at defense. We were pretty much the worst under Hornacek. Now we're somehow worse(er). Watson has done a good job at getting the players to feel good about themselves again and individuals have improved their game under him. But as the losses pile up (which im ok with) the new relationship feel will wear off and they'll get complacent, stop working out, and start farting in front of each other

Superbone wrote:You guys are quick to judge. He's had all of 13 games with a substandard cast (A couple rookies, D-Leaguers, and a mishmash of veterans).

I'm not holding losses against him. Just rotations, adjustments, etc.

What exactly is the appeal of Watson? What does he do well? I haven't seen enough out of him to know one way or the other. All I know for sure is that we are losing every game by huge margins and don't seem remotely competitive.

You'd see improvement instantly with a legit, proven, winning coach. Not saying we'd be contenders or vying for a playoff spot, but you'd see good, disciplined basketball.

Real recognize real!

KP's length and Lopez's physicality bothered Len noticeably. Anthony was way too much for P.J. So the frontcourt, which had played well against a hobbled, undermanned, undersized Grizzly team (Z-Bo is hardly a defensive anchor) got a cold dose of reality last night. It happens.

For the remainder of the season, it would be interesting to see the following:
More Leuer ... he was effective earlier in the season. Is he still hurt?
Budinger ... can he still be an effective rotation player?
Williams ... can he find a niche in the NBA?
Knight v. Booker ... hope Knight's playing time does not impact Booker's minutes.

As for Watson, he's serving an apprenticeship of sorts, being a placeholder on team in flux. Anything positive he adds is gravy. My expectations are low.

LazarusLong wrote:KP's length and Lopez's physicality bothered Len noticeably. Anthony was way too much for P.J. So the frontcourt, which had played well against a hobbled, undermanned, undersized Grizzly team (Z-Bo is hardly a defensive anchor) got a cold dose of reality last night. It happens.

Word. Lopez's activity and lower body strength really bothered Len. He started getting comfortable with his shot in the second half, and he started getting better post position as well. It was clear that he was not used to playing against players as long as him.

Porzingis is much more fluid and has better range, despite having essentially the same frame as Len - with and additional two inches of height.

I'll be interested to see how Len does against that front line next year. Interesting that he plays so much better against Duncan/Aldridge.

Indy wrote:

Superbone wrote:You guys are quick to judge. He's had all of 13 games with a substandard cast (A couple rookies, D-Leaguers, and a mishmash of veterans).

You have to be quick to judge if you are thinking about making a rookie interim coach your head coach for a few years.

He's got the rest of the season to make his case.

Lopez is a good example of not giving up on a big man to early. A lot of people were ready to get rid of him after four years when he hadn't shown much development, despite being only 23. But he's turned into an effective center. Not a star, but somebody who can contribute.

Take Rich Kelley's offensive game, Dennis Awtrey's tenacity, polish just a bit, and you get Robin Lopez.

The Bobster wrote:Lopez is a good example of not giving up on a big man to early. A lot of people were ready to get rid of him after four years when he hadn't shown much development, despite being only 23. But he's turned into an effective center. Not a star, but somebody who can contribute.

I think you're describing Len's future if he sticks around. He can probably be a little better. Maybe a tad better version of jonas Valanciunas. 15 points / 10 rebounds a night.

Alex Len over the last 6 games: 34 MPG - 35 of 86 for 41% FG - 19.3 PPG - 13.6 RPG

A rich man's version of Valanciunas is probably a good expectation, or at least that should be the floor for him. Obviously he has a lot to improve on and become consistent at.

We've all criticized Alex's hands. I think the guards are making more of an effort to put the ball in his catch zone. But the thing I've noticed is how good he's been at securing the ball while rebounding. He catches it quick, even in traffic, and pulls it in, secures it. He may not be the best at catching in a P&R situation, but on the glass, I haven't seen any problem with his hands during this stretch.

OE32 wrote:We've all criticized Alex's hands. I think the guards are making more of an effort to put the ball in his catch zone. But the thing I've noticed is how good he's been at securing the ball while rebounding. He catches it quick, even in traffic, and pulls it in, secures it. He may not be the best at catching in a P&R situation, but on the glass, I haven't seen any problem with his hands during this stretch.

Good point. Whatever his weaknesses, Len continues to work on his game. And it's tough to learn when you're playing in multiple formats/offenses with an ever-changing cast of running mates.

LazarusLong wrote:

OE32 wrote:We've all criticized Alex's hands. I think the guards are making more of an effort to put the ball in his catch zone. But the thing I've noticed is how good he's been at securing the ball while rebounding. He catches it quick, even in traffic, and pulls it in, secures it. He may not be the best at catching in a P&R situation, but on the glass, I haven't seen any problem with his hands during this stretch.

Good point. Whatever his weaknesses, Len continues to work on his game. And it's tough to learn when you're playing in multiple formats/offenses with an ever-changing cast of running mates.

Especially when none of the "point guards" can pass worth a damn.