Porter changes strategy: Nash to control offense more

[3stat2]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns...t-bickley.html

After returning from the locker room alone, Porter told the media that Nash might soon take a greater hand in this offense by controlling the ball more frequently. Nash could then create plays, shots and spacing. Effectively, it means the offense no longer starts in the post.

"It's a lot easier to control turnovers from one guy than from 12 guys," Porter said.

And then the coach tossed the window open:

"If Formula 1 isn't working, you go to Formula 2," he added.

To recap: In one busy day, Porter called his team off the court, proving who's in charge. Then he admitted the potential error of his offensive design and showed a willingness to change. It was nice to see a coach hold everyone accountable.

I think this is a good sign - by changing his offensive system, he's showing some flexibility. He's also meeting with his players and in particular, Stoudemire. When the coach doesn't talk to unsatisfied players, things can only get worse - so he's taking a positive step by speaking directly with Amare. Let's hope any issues resolve soon.

I have a lot more faith in a Nash-controlled offense than the turnover-prone throw-the-ball-at-Shaq system we've had in this last stretch of games. I think we'll see a lot more pick and rolls, as well as a lot more off-ball cutting by players ready to receive passes from Nash. More fast break points too. In short, if all this talk works out in actual game play, the offense should look much closer to what we had last year.

I think that article is being a bit too dramatic by saying this is "either the beginning, or the beginning of the end" - we still have over 60 games to tinker with things. But nonetheless, this next stretch of games will be very important. At New Orleans, at Dallas, host Utah, (host Milwaukee), at Lakers, host Orlando - let's go Suns! With Nash back in charge, we'll run them out of the building

[WonkeyDonkey]

best article all day long

[Auka]

Yay! Bout time he let Nash do his thing.

[3stat2]

Well, today's game obviously wasn't ideal. Nash didn't even play so we have no idea how it'll go. Though the team looked good running up and down with a small lineup. Singletary is better than Dragic at this point.

[DouXer4ouR]

Nash did drop 20 points and add 10 assists against Dallas, but we still got killed. We are giving up way to many points. I thought Porter was brought in to make this team better at defense? Honestly I'd rather just go into a shootout and see who comes out on top.

[WonkeyDonkey]

shaq is not the suns' offense, nash is.

nash had been running the suns' offense for 4 seasons, and hes been doing great always.
but now you want to put the offense in the hands of a run-down shaq and expect great things to happen, sorry porter, it aint happening.

Bell, Amary, Barbosa and Diaw. thats 2 starters and 2 big players off the bench. they are "nash's products", and had been playing an offense ran by steve nash for 4 seasons. making shaq the main focus of your offense, their productivities will go down that's for sure. unless the suns clean house and change the roster completely, nash should still be the suns' main man.

porter should just give nash back his wand and watch him do magic.