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 Send/Receive 2: Kerr Answers Fan E-Mail
Posted By: Steve Kerr |
 Skinner is the Suns' best shot blocker and can help the team in certain matchups the rest of the season. (NBAE Photos) |
Thanks also for the emails, of which there have been plenty the past month! The interest in the Suns is at an all time high, and I'm going to do my best to respond to your many inquiries. Keep 'em coming!
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Question: First of all, you were the guy I idolized on the Bulls. Secondly, I was wondering if you have ever considered giving speeches at colleges? I have listened to your interviews over the years and you are a wonderful speaker. I would love to hear you hold lecture or write a book.
-- Joseph Henderson, Overland Park, Kansas
Joseph,
Thanks for the compliment - I really appreciate it. Those Bulls teams were special - I was lucky to be a part of NBA history. As for speaking, I have done my share over the years in various forums, but now that I have this job there's really no time. I'm so busy with the Suns that I'm not doing much public speaking anymore. Plus, when we started our Shaq-era 3-6, I was trying to stay out of the public eye altogether! (I guess it's safe to go outside again).
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Question: What happened to the rotation with Brian Skinner? He was a solid defender and bench player for us all year and then all of the sudden he hasn't played a game since Shaq arrived. Playing a 7-man rotation is not going to get us far into the playoffs. Also DJ strawberry is a good defender and he can take minutes off of nash, who by the way has been playing WAY too many minutes as of late. I don't understand what the coach is doing to the rotation.
-- Chris Malnar, Glendale
Hi Chris,
Brian Skinner has been a valuable reserve for us all season, and I still think he's going to have his moments for us. But the fact is, Shaq's presence lessened Brian's role, and there just aren't as many minutes for him anymore. But there's no doubt that he's our best shot blocker, and in certain matchups he can really help us.
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Question: With Marion gone, how do you expect to defend all-star caliber guards such as Kobe or Carmelo? Raja Bell can not shoulder the load by himself and the Suns were in the bottom half of the NBA in defense even with Marion. Why not give some of he rookies (DJ Strawberry or call up Alondo Tucker) a shot? Thanks for taking my question.
-- Wazir, Dallas, Texas
Wazir,
Excellent question. That is something we mulled over for a long time before making this deal. What we ultimately decided is that between Raja and Grant Hill - and now Gordon Giricek - we had enough defensive versatility to compensate for Shawn's absence. If we hadn't made the trade, we would have been asking ourselves how on earth we were going to cover Tim Duncan, Andrew Bynum and Yao Ming. I believe that even though we're not as good defensively on the perimeter now, we're much stronger inside. And as we continue to gel, our overall defense should be better.
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Question: Just wanted to say congrats on landing Shaq. I believe as soon as they gel with him, you guys are going to roll. It’s also nice to see that you’re still communicating with your fans. What's your input on the MVP senario? Kobe or LeBron?
-- Alex Ritz, Rochester, NY
Hi Alex,
Thanks for the compliment. Now that Shaq is getting comfortable with our team - and visa versa - we're starting to show our potential. Hopefully we can keep it going and really build some momentum going into the playoffs. As for the MVP race, my belief is that Kobe should win it. As well as LeBron is playing, the Lakers have had the better season and Kobe is the main reason why. KG will get some votes too for what he's done in Boston, but I think it's Kobe's year.
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 DJ Strawberry can guard nearly anyone and may get a few minutes the rest of the season. (NBAE Photos) |
Since your 8 player rotation is not working out, would you consider playing DJ Strawberry more? He can defend anyone in the whole league and he has an awesome jump shot.
-- Hunter (age 9), Darnestown, Maryland
Hi Hunter, I like DJ Strawberry and I think he's going to be a good player in this league, but it's a lot to ask of him at this point to be a regular contributor. The way Gordon Giricek has played the past couple of games, he has clearly become our 8th man. But you're right - DJ can guard just about anyone, and he may get a few minutes here and there to try to slow people down.
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Question: I can shoot 50% 3pt for the rest of the season. Will play for free.
-- Jake, Mesa
Jake,
But can you play any D? We've got enough guys who can shoot!
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Question: Hi Steve, I've been a Shaq fan since the beginning, out of LSU. I knew from the beginning that Shaq is a man of honor and dedicated to what he does. Anyways I want to keep this short and sweet. I feel he needs a bit more offense, i.e. giving him the ball at the right time, otherwise it's a 3-second violation. As he always said, feed him the ball. What I also notice is Steve will drive to the rim Shaq going in parallel but somehow Steve would kick it out to someone else, when Shaq is working for the ball but the ball doesn't come to him. Utilize the big man. He's 7'2", 320 lbs and strong still at 35 years old. My two cents and I'm sure you and your staff are well aware of these kinks.
-- Roland Flores, Guam, USA
Hi Roland,
The past few weeks it's been interesting to see our players - especially Steve - react to Shaq and make adjustments. Remember, we haven't played with a low post man for the past few seasons, so this is a big adjustment. I thought our post passing was very poor early on, probably because we weren't used to it. But in the past couple of weeks we've made adjustments. Mike D'Antoni has done a great job of adding plays for Shaq, and our players are making better passes to him on the block. I think that's a big reason for our recent improvement.
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Question: First of all I like the addition of Shaq and it is great to see us control the boards for a change. But shouldn't the Suns be slowing the tempo more and feeding him down low instead of running him through the pick and roll all the time? It just seems like that is causing a lot of turnovers and that is why these teams are scoring so much lately.
-- Mike Lorenzo, Mesa
Hi Mike,
You make a good point. Taking care of the ball is really key for us, because when we do our tranition defense is not so vulnerable. You've probably noticed in the last few games that Mike has really gone to Shaq on the block more,and we're starting to get more comfortable. I really believe that we're capable of playing two different styles - our old one, where we run teams into the ground - and the new one with Shaq, where we pound the ball inside. As long as we're comfortable and efficient with our new look, we're going to be really good. But it's still going to take some time to adapt.
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Question: Would Jud Buechler have made the Shaq trade? See you soon.
-- Tom Heitz, Atlanta, GA
Tom,
There's no doubt Buechler would have made the Shaq deal. He's got the guts. The question is, would YOU have had the fortitude to make it?
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Question: I think a 3-game winning streak will ignite the team's confidence and morale. As the GM, what do you do to help the team see the light at the end of the tunnel? Or is it something they just have to fight through?
-- Karen, Phoenix
Hi Karen,
Well, you hit it on the head. You wrote this email before our current 4 game streak, and you're right - now that we're rolling, our confidence has soared and morale is way up. As GM, my job is to support our coaches and occasionally pitch in with advice for the players, especially during the rough patches. I tried to communicate with our guys when things weren't great, reminding them that this is all part of the process of getting better. Fortunately we have great maturity on our team and guys like Steve, Grant and Shaq can remind their teammates of that fact. I thought their leadership helped us out of our rut, and now we're feeling good about ourselves.
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Question: I know that you would probably not want to share strategies, but has the coaching staff considered a zone defense? This may hide the individual defensive deficiencies and mis-matches. There is a noted rebounding improvement with Shaq, but the Suns have lost some of the defensive versatility. This is probably a coaching question rather than personnel, but do you have any thoughts? Thanks for your time.
-- Dennis Silva, Jr. (UA alum, 1998), Honolulu, HI
Dennis,
You probably noticed that we played quite a bit of zone during the Golden State game. I guess you and Mike are on the same wavelength!
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Question: Do you think seeding in this year’s playoffs really matter? I think as long as you get in this year anything can happen, your thoughts?
-- Eric, Grand Junction, CO
Answer: Eric, I'm with you. I think seeds don't matter much, but matchups do. And with everyone so jumbled in the standings, it's going to be next to impossible to control your matchup. The main thing is, you want to be playing well going into the playoffs, and if you can get home court advantage you have to go for it. But nothing's guaranteed - just ask Dallas after last year's first round knockout.
If you you have a question you would like to see answered, send me your questions and check back soon.
Comments
Antwuan - Atlanta,GA
Do you think Amare Stoudemire should be considered as a MVP candidate because he has been playing awesome. He is averaging almost 30pts 10rebs since Shaq has arrived.
Brandon - Los Angeles, CA
I'm an aspiring NBA GM. I know you got exposed to the game by playing, but for someone who obviously isn't in the NBA or even in an NBA team's front office, what do you think would be the best path to take to becoming a GM and what trait do you have that has best served you in your first year as the GM of one of the NBA's truly elite franchises?
kevin - vancouver bc
HE IS A GREAT PLAYER WITH STEVE NASH
Alexandra - WA
I love the way the suns are playing now. I think that Steve Nash is having a great game with Shaq, but would like them to play the way they used when he is not in the game, because they do a great job with that. By the way I thinK that Steve Nash is the best player in the NBA if you could tell him that would be wonderful!!!!!!
GO SUNS I LOVE YOU
John S. - Surprise AZ
Steve, thankyou for making someone with limited time left on this planet,get a chance to see how good our Suns can be with a big man in the middle to back Amare up. You made the move we diehards were dreaming of. Get ready for the parade, it's going to be spectacular.
Gary Neuroth - Phoenix
Steve- The Shaq/Marion trade was gutsy, I didn't agree but hope It works- looks that way now.
This comment goes back before your mgmt role w the Suns, maybe even before you were drafted by them. Suns head-coaches and nearly all assistants have been former guards. Westphal, Ainge, FJ, Skiles...
Point is, the Suns have been an offence/guard- oriented team, and its been great, but it would be nice to see a big man defensive specialist on the coaching staff.
Mark - Philippines
what is a main reason why you choose to add shaq in your line up even you know that shaq's age is 36 and nearly will retire,...
is it being desperate of having a championship??
even if he gives you defensive presence today..how about in 1-2years to come..how can you defend the guys like Pau gasol,tim duncan ,yao??
Bryan - Chandler
Steve nash is a great player i just think that he doesnt need to play the minutes that he is playing right now. Do you think mike should expand his rotation to about 10 or 11 guys.(Skinner,Strabery) Strabbery played great D on kobe you just cant really guard him
Jassim - Mumbai,India
Hey,im a huge shaq fan and i am was really excited to hear that the suns acrquired him.I don get to see too many games because of the time difference.My question is how has shaqs arrival made amare a better player?
charles savage - phoenix,az
amare you should show everybody who realy should be number 1 in the race to mvp so stat just dunking on every body in your way also, i wish i could meet you
charles savage - phoenix,az
u should tell amare to start shooting 3s he can shoot just as good as nash.
mike - grand terrace, CA
I Love Suns, I got a little bit dissapointed with Marion's trade. But I'm still with Suns. My question is why do Suns only playing with 7 players rotation?? Isn't that Too much too handle??(TMTH??) They're not machines who can go for 40minutes or so every game. One more thing, the opponent already used to those players style. And eventually they learned how to do their offense and defense against Nash, Amare, Shaq, Diaw, Hill, Barbosa, and Bell. I think we need surprise factor from the bench to make suns unpredictable. If not I don't think suns will be champs
shane - antioch
Do you think shaq is developing with his new team phoenix?
darion - sierra vista arizona
question: i was wondering are you going to be making any big time trades during the offseason??? because the shaq trade surprised me and the signing of gordan any more big moves we can expect??
Louie Alaan - Phillipines
iI think phoenix suns will be success tjis year.Go Steve Nash make your team be good and awesome..
Garrett - Mesa
Do you think matchups are going to make a difference this year? right now the suns are matched up with the spurs and I don't know if I like it.
Parnath - Omaha,NE
I think Amire Stoudemire is the best player out there and he always do what he could to get the team to win.
Parnath - Omaha,NE
I think Amire Stoudemire is the best player out there and he always do what he could to get the team to win.
Marquette White - Atlanta, Georgia
Hi, Steve i have been a Suns fan for a very long time. since the shaq trade I fill that this is our year. every time i watch them play I fill that its going to happen were going to win a title. Shaq brings a new excitment to the game that i has not be there since last season.(if you need a ball boy or water boy call me i need a summer job im 17 years old). see ya.
Ezra - Toronto
Yo SUNS!
After last year's season (my wife makes fun of me for watching the playoffs with our newborn in bed with us) I had to find a Suns cap that I've been proudly wearing ever since (sorry Raptors).
Your team epitomizes so much that is beautiful and positive about the art of sport. Thank you for your dynamic playing and your playful spirits. I wish you all the best through -08 and hope everyone's confidence soars; you all have greatness within (right down to B.S, D.S, S.M., L.J., E.P. & A.T.).
Oh yeah, and a suggestion for the stadium...Leandro B. can be such a wicked contributor, how about a custom sound effect to give some extra love to the Brazilian Blur. Maybe a sample of Capoeira's berimbau? The "ole-ole-ole" World Cup song? Something cultural to appreciate him and make him feel at home. If that "camara" (comrade in Portuguese) is feeling it, and everyone else is doing their thing, well, Ring in the summer.
Terrell carter - Greenfield Mass
I wanna know will it help your bench points if u let hill come off wit babousca wouldnt u think that it a boost your bench point plus bench defence cause hill is a damn good defender let dj strawberry come in at gaurd to help points in the paint from the other gaurds an maybe even let shaqu in for about 2-3 min i would like to see more bech pionts an defences
Marilu Brooks - Phoenix,AZ.
I wish Stoudemire would not get so many penalies, as I like to see him on the floor. Why does he get penalized so much? Also, I like the player Marks. He's the Suns cheerleader from the bench.
Marilu Brooks - Phoenix,AZ.
I wish Stoudemire would not get so many penalies, as I like to see him on the floor. Why does he get penalized so much? Also, I like the player Marks. He's the Suns cheerleader from the bench.
Ryan Wagner - Suprise AZ
Steve first of all I love how interactive you are with us fans I realy enjoy having you as a part of the Suns. My question is- Do you think the Suns can win out? The way they have been playing the last five games it doesn't look like anyone is going to beat us. I haave been watching Suns basketball since I can remember and I have never been this exited. Please write me back I would love to hear what you have to say.
Ryan Wagner
Joe Kuehn - Phoenix, AZ
With the arrival of Shaq there was talk of the Suns playing essentially 2 games--SMall ball and Shaq Ball. The team's play has progressed to a nice combination of both that I like to refer to as SMAQ BALL.
Go Suns!
Pat - Chino Valley
Congratulations to you and the coaches. I take back everything I said am eating a lot of crow.
Great games and looking forward to the rest of season, the playoffs and finally the championship game.
Pat - Chino Valley
Opps most of all congratulation to the team. They are really playing hard and it is fun watch them.
Go Suns
Your forever fan.
Stan - Los Angeles
Getting Shaq is the best thing the Suns ever did. I think they should use more than 7 players in their rotation also as Strawberry can play great defense.
Dan Clark - Philippines
I am a shaq fan eversince and followed his trail. before i thought nash and the stat should wait long for the title. thanks kerr for the great big cactus addition. Now PHX can actually fell the burning sting of a championship season. Just dont lay off in free throw and ask shaq to practice against the hack thing.
Paul Guditis - Los Angeles
Hi Steve. I miss you announcing on TNT but you are doing great things in Phoenix. My question goes back a few years. If there was one thing that you learned from Michael Jordan about winning from your years on the Chicago Bulls, what would it be?
Keep up the great work!
Paul Guditis
kashien - atlanta, georgia
Shaq was added to make some immediate improvements, not to build a team for the future. We all know Shaq only has two years left, but this was a smart trade because Marion was gone after this year anyway. Marion is versatile and a good role player but Shaq will definitely be able to get the suns further in the post-season. Shaq accepts his role and I think he is very hungry to prove that he is without question one of the top five centers in NBA history. If he stays injury free, the Suns can only get better.
Stan - California
When the Lakers got Pau Gasol I thought it was all over for the Suns. Bynum,Gasol,Odom, would be a front line no team could deal with. Its like having 3- 7 footers that can do it all. And if they could compete with them there was Mr. 81 Koby. The Suns getting Shaq was the only way to have a chance against a huge front line like that. Now the Suns are playing like a championship team. When Shaq say the Suns are the best team he has ever played with people better listen. Shaq has allways been traded to .500 teams or under. Now he gets to play with 2 allstars like Nash and Stat and comes to a team that wins 2 out of 3 without him. With Shaq I see the Suns winning 2 or 3 championships. Shaq makes the game fun for his teammates. Shaq fan forever.
Matthew - San Diego
I think the Suns will match up better with the Lakers when Andrew Bynum is back in the lineup. Shaq can guard Bynum at the center, and Amaré can guard the more agile Pau Gasol
jole - atlanta,georgia
question:i always wannted to know how do the players get ready for games i listen to music
how do shaq and nash
Michael Chan - Germany
I really think that they need to use a 9 to 10 minute rotation. Steve Nash is taking on way too many minutes, and you'll see the affection in the playoffs. I am just giving the warning now before the playoffs hit. They are wearing the 6 players down. Steve was still playing when they were up thirty in Seattle, come on.
John Rante - Philippines
Go phoenix suns... Win the first championship title...
Eddie Reardon - Jamestown, Rhode Island
Hey Steve,
What are your plans for Amare Stoudemire because in the offseason I heard alot of trade talks involving him are any of those rumors true
Tall Paul - Redding, CA
I think you guys took a calculated risk on Shaq, but finally figured out that he's only effective if he's a threat. If you try and get it to him early, the other team HAS to double him and respect him for the rest of the game. If you don't establish him early, then he doesn't help you create space and everyone is played tight.
Great adjustment! I guess that's why you get paid to do what you do and I just sit at home and watch.
Tom - San Diego
I think the Suns should try to get Tim Thomas back. He gave us a defensive intensity and a threat inside and beyond the three point line.
marzen - manila,philippines
go...go...go...suns
Bill Schaefer - Goodyear, AZ
The Suns are playing great--seven in row!
Coach D's substitution strategy leaves a
number of us confused. Suns go ahead by ten
points, in come 2 or 3 subs. Having played
high school and college B-Ball this doesn't
seem to work very well. The other team goes
on a run and in comes our starting five.
Fortunately, they're so good we win anyway!
Crush the other team--then bring in your subs.
Rod Larrabee - Prescott AZ.
matrix was my favorite sun but i want happy/joy in the lockeroom.shaq seems to bring that.good move,the suns are due!diaw needs to quit passing so much and go to the hoop!they know he is going to pass the ball 90% of the time.
Ciolo - Philippines
7 - 0 and counting!
derfz - Sparks, NV
i love shaq!! even he doesn't score much he makes a BIG difference and offense isn't the main reason steve acquired him for. i think he can score, "run" like the old style and play post as well as he's done throughout his carreer. its a great trade.
Ken - Phoenix
I really appreciate Amare and his committment to his game. I do not recall seeing such an improvement in a player, ever! KING SOL!!
Evan - Tempe
HAH! Tim Thomas and "defensive intensity" in the same sentence without "complete lack of" in between? He was an absolutely horrid defender and rebounder for us
Tom - Melbourne, Australia
hey steve, like most peolpe i was a bit thrown by the recent trade- i remember scoffing when i opened up nba.com one day and saw shaq in a suns uniform...
However the more time thats gone on the more I'm coming to see the positives of having him in the team- that doesn't take anything away from what Shawn contributed but as you said we would have been lucky to have a fighting chance of winning the championship this year (without a major change in personnel).
Wazir - Dallas
Thanks for answering my comment Steve. I'm a big fan of the splash you made when you signed Shaq and now this 7 game winning streak has me on board. Hope this year the Suns will win it all!
Barbara Ryan - Hilon Head Island, S. C.
Mmy husband and I watch all the suns games and love the suns. My question to you is, why does Diaw always throw the ball out rather then shoot it? He is so skilled when he shoots or goes to the rim but to often he throws the ball away rather than shoot. We love that you had the nerve to bring Shaq to Phoenix. What a great move.
TD - Georgia
Gutsy move Steve, the Suns pulled this off becuse of leadership from top down. The experience of Hill Shaq and Steve sets the tone for the rest of the team. Coach D. with great respect the season is long... we may have to revist time... thought beginning of season- build the chem.., middle of season see who's the ones you can count on- decrease Nash- Shaq-Hill min. towawd puch to end of season- trust 7 play 8-10. it's a means to an end. Championship! I'm seeing...
John Delacruz - Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England
what's up sir Steve. The suns are playing GOOD baketball lately, I said good because its obvious that there are still hesitations in some situations but its getting better, and it probably will keep improving the more time they spend with each other on the court. My question is.... if we win the champioship this year ,even though grant and shaq is gettin older, theyre playin great ball. How can the suns afford to keep the "core" players in phoenix. I am talking about Steve Nash, Raja Bell, Grant Hill, Amare, boris Diaw and Shaq. hummmm?
Zachary Parker - Stuart, Florida
I love how the Suns are playing now with Shaq its really fun to watch u guys play both styles. I am wondering though, what's going to happen with Shaq in a few years? By the way im ready for a Championship! If its possible at all tell Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire that they are my favorite players ever! I hope I get to meet or at least watch the Suns play. Great job Steve
Stoney - Indiana
Barkley and his Suns were the first team I have ever followed and since then I have been a huge fan (which is hard in Indiana) and I have seen a lot of trades by the Suns go good and not so good. I think Marion is a great player so I would not have had the guts to make that trade but it seems to be working out so far and as a true fan I thank you. My only concern is that Marion has got a lot of good years left in him, are you worried that Shaq will not be able to last as long? Also when Nash retires I think you need to beg him to stay as a coach or anything, make up a position for him if you have to. He is more than a great player, he is the kind of humble, self-respecting man the NBA needs.
jason - philippines
phoenix deserves championships! God bless
Joey Lewis - Portland, Oregon
I have never been a big shaq fan, but I've always loved the suns... I actually liked this trade though, after getting ripped off in the playoffs the last few years it became pretty obvious that the small-ball running game wouldn't get it done. As this team continues to gel it'll only get better & better. Go SUNS, & quit playing the older guys play so much... or else they might hit a brick wall come playoff time
tom trikilis - los angeles
hey steve, get the hawk out of retirement1 At least you'd have someone who could pass the ball.
tom trikilis - los angeles
hey steve, get the hawk out of retirement1 At least you'd have someone who could pass the ball.
tom trikilis - los angeles
hey steve, get the hawk out of retirement1 At least you'd have someone who could pass the ball.
blrub - brazilio
go.... piatkowski!
shane lieberman - ussr
hey steve, what do you think the suns will have to do to make it to the nba finals
Juan C. Puente - Fort Worth, Texas
I sure do miss the "Steve Wonders" segments on TNT. I also miss your three-pointers for the Spurs (I'm sure Nash, among others, is glad you're on their side now). Last year I blogged all throughout the playoffs: Spurs vs. Suns. In particular, I was surprised by comments made by Sean Marks, another former Spur. You do have some inside knowledge about Pop's strategies, but so did Mike Brown in last year's finals. I'm just glad this year's season and playoffs will be much more unpredictable. I look forward to a re-match of the Spurs vs. Suns in the playoffs. Tell Steve Nash to watch out for Robert Horry's hip-checks into the boards! Remind Amare and Diaw to remain seated during any altercation. Tell Mike D'Antoni to chill out on non-calls, so he doesn't get technicals. Congrats on your GM position Steve. It's nice to see some more former Spurs being recognized for their wealth of knowledge and intelligence.
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