Play in God's jersey

Chapter 193 From now on, it will belong to my home court
In the offseason that just passed, the Suns changed their role as a trading corps that had played tricks in the league in the past few offseasons, and instead kept a very low profile.

In addition to the coaching change, D'Antoni leaving the Suns, and Terry Porter taking office, declaring that the running and bombing whirlwind that the Suns have been on fire for four seasons is likely to not reappear in the league,
They made a small fuss in the draft, cut off the Warriors, took the big man Qian Duoduo from China, and traded the signing rights of Goran Dragic from the Spurs to supplement the team. Two positions eager to be promoted.

When the entire league is fighting for the big fish in the free market, Matt Barnes was signed with a minimum salary. Last season, Steve Kerr also signed Grant Hill with a very low salary. , It can be said to be careful and careful.It's a solid addition to the gap they've left with Marion's departure.It is also a reflection of coach Terry Porter's emphasis on defense when he took office.

Barnes is a very passionate player who can play 2, 3, and 4 positions, and has a shooting ability higher than the league average.But when the Suns signed him, they obviously valued his contribution on the defensive end. He can provide protection for the team's backcourt rebounds, and he has proved in the Warriors that he can defend big men like Nowitzki and Duncan. Can provide a strong defense for the team when facing high pick-and-rolls.

In order to improve the team's defense, the Suns even hired former All-Star center Bill Cartwright to teach Stoudemire, hoping to improve his defensive efficiency and defensive awareness. After all, the defensive end is not just about blocking shots.Stoudemire's performance on the offensive end is already at the dominant level. His scoring methods are diversified, and his mid-range shooting ability has gradually improved in recent seasons. He is no longer just dunking at the basket. A beast at the rim, but he needs to make more contributions on the defensive end.

However, media reporters and commentators are still worried that their players are too old, and think that they are likely to have the oldest starting lineup in the league:
Center: O'Neal, 36 years old,
Power Forward: Stoudemire Jr., 26,
Small Forward: Grant Hill, 36,
Shooting guard: Raja Bell, 32,
Point guard: Nash, 34,
The average age is 32.8 years old. Can such a group of old guys really finish the long regular season in a healthy and efficient way?
And sports media experts generally believe that this year, Nash is one year older, and his playing time is likely to be limited to 30 minutes.In the past few seasons, after Nash went off the court, the players on the Suns beat like ants on a hot pot.

After Nash, who can stand up and become a reliable team organizer and guide the team's offense?

Relying on Dragic, a rookie recruit who has not yet resolved the buyout issue with European clubs and has not yet entered the team?Obviously not realistic.

By the Brazilian Barbosa?Yes, he has lightning speed and a decent [-]-point shot, but he's a disaster when it comes to playmaking off the dribble.This guy is playing on the court by himself, and when his head gets hot, he doesn't care about your tactics, just rush first.Moreover, he is prone to lack of concentration in defense, and is easy to become a target for opponents to break through. Whether he can be reused under coach Porter is still a question.

Relying on Raja Bell is also unlikely. Last season, his performance declined due to injuries.However, his defensive ability is still there, relying on one-handed defense, he will still become an important starter for the team.

Experts generally believe that this role will fall on Grant Hill. He was the most comfortable person to feed O'Neal last season. He has an excellent overall view and ball-handling skills.His shot selection and ability to move off the ball to find mismatches is still at the top level in the league.Assuming this role is the most suitable among the current Suns players.

As for the lottery pick Chinese player Qian Duoduo that their team traded in the draft, experts believe that his biggest role is to provide defensive help for the Suns inside after O'Neal is off the court, and become a blue-collar insider who can play a temporary role. players.According to their guidance, the Suns' training direction for Qian Duoduo should be to make him gain weight and become a pure inside defensive muscle stick.After all, his height, which can dominate the NCAA, will not give him much advantage when he plays the center position in the NBA.And his jumping ability is not very strong, so only after gaining weight will he be deterrent on the defensive end.

Well, muscle stick inside, defensive meat shield, this is the role positioning of the bricks for Qian Duoduo in the Suns.

And they believe that with the Suns' roster that has not undergone major changes, the Suns still have enough strength to make it to the playoffs even after changing coaches and changing styles of play.

For the opinions of the bricks, Qian Duoduo is just haha.

……

The Suns' first preseason game is at home against the visiting Atlanta Hawks.

Last season, under the leadership of the healthy Eagle King Joe Johnson, the Eagles were lucky to enter the playoffs with a winning rate of less than 50%. This is the stage for them to return to the playoffs after eight years away from the playoffs.When everyone thought they were the lucky ones to enter the playoffs, they surprised everyone. They lost 7 games against the Celtics. If you are lucky, Maybe you can really complete the black eight.

The forward Al Horford, who was drafted by the Hawks last season, was an important reason for their breakthrough last season. Horford averaged 9.7 rebounds per game in the regular season and 10.4 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Rebounds have been further improved.

And the white devil Mike Bibby they traded from the Kings has also slowly integrated into the team's system, becoming a big puzzle for them to hit the playoffs again this year.

Oh, yes, they also have Georgian hero Zaza Pachulia on their team.

……

When the DJ introduced the players of the Suns to enter the field, Qian Duoduo was the first to enter the field. Of course, he could not be the last to enter the field. They all belong to the core leaders of the team. Belongs to Nash.However, the team arranged for him to play first, which also reflects the importance the team attaches to him.

Phoenix is ​​considered a relatively densely populated city of Chinese in the United States, so today many Chinese fans came to watch Qian Duoduo's first game in the NBA, even if it was a preseason game.When Qian Duoduo entered the arena, he heard the familiar accent, "Come on, Qian Duoduo! Come on, Qian Duoduo!".Qian Duoduo raised his hand to greet the local Chinese fans who shouted his name.Then the voice of refueling is even louder!

From now on, it will be my home field.Qian Duoduo thought to himself.

The Suns' starting lineup: center O'Neal, power forward Stoudemire Jr., small forward Grant Hill, shooting guard Raja Bell, point guard Nash.

Hawks' starting lineup: center Al Horford, power forward Josh Smith, small forward Marvin Williams, shooting guard Joe Johnson, and point guard Mike Bibby.

Before O'Neal went on the court, he told Qian Duoduo,

"Be prepared, come and replace me later. I won't fight for too long. Hehe."

Qian Duoduo nodded, then sat down on the bench, and waited for the coach to call his name before he could play.

(Seeking a monthly ticket, asking for a monthly ticket, asking for a monthly ticket, asking for a recommendation ticket, asking for a reward.)
(End of this chapter)