First, in an attempt to prepare for the rigors of half-court NBA playoff basketball, he landed the Diesel. Then, when prolonged philosophical differences between himself and coach Mike D'Antoni led to D'Antonio's fleeing to the Big Apple, he found a more defensive-minded coach in Terry Porter who was intent on toning down the high-powered offense. Now, is Phoenix general manager Steve Kerr having second thoughts about his redeveloped low-octane offense?
The Suns continued their roster makeover on Wednesday, acquiring high-scoring guard Jason Richardson from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for Boris Diaw and Raja Bell, easily the team's two best defenders.
While point guard Steve Nash may be unhappy about losing good friend Raja Bell and forcing the Suns to rebuild team chemistry, the trade hints at the rearrival of a more uptempo pace of basketball, something Nash surely was craving as he adjusted to the change in pace implemented by Porter.
What this trade does is make the Suns a little more fun to watch again--but at what cost? How long can Porter coach a team that has been rebuilt into a product that he surely cannot have success molding into an image of his own?
So much for the committment to defense and the failed emulation of the San Antonio Spurs...
How about Carmelo Anthony notching 33 of his 45 points in the third quarter last night. Not 33 points in a game, not 33 in a half--but 33 in a single quarter. Anthony tied George Gervin's NBA record for most points in a single quarter with the feat, and I'm really interested to see how the Nuggets fare the rest of the way with Chauncey Billups at the point. Thus far, I've been impressed with the results and I've never been the biggest Carmelo guy either.
A huge game takes place tonight at Soldier Field in Chicago, as the Bears will host the New Orleans Saints in a battle of 7-6 teams fighting for a playoff spot in the NFC. The game is big for the Saints because they have no chance to win their division and must stay afloat for a wild card berth, but it's big for the Bears because they can't make the playoffs without winning their division and they currently sit a game behind the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North.
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