Real Training Camp: Phoenix Suns

Last night, I was flipping through the channels to find something to watch on TV. You would think that with over 700 channels there would be something on? Well, there was.

Every once in a while, I will make a stop by NBA TV on my marathon of channel surfing. I am not sure who all gets this channel, but it can provide a wide variety of entertainment from classic games to summer league highlights. Last night, they gave a live lookin into the Phoenix Suns training camp and it was great. I recommend finding the re-run (NBA TV is notorious for re-airing their shows) and DVR/TIVO it. The show is called “Real Training Camp” and I think they went to a few other teams as well.

On this particular episode, the Suns practice was a day before their first preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks. Since it was a day before a game, the practice wasn’t quite as active as lets say the first day of training camp, but still interesting nonetheless.

From a coach’s perspective, these insights into practice can be invaluable. I was able to get a firsthand look at how Coach Terry Porter operates his practices and some of his philosophies. I learned how they will be looking to double the post and from where. I learned how Porter believes in guarding the pick and roll from the side, and I saw a great 3 on 2 drill that they were running.  All of these things are great X’s and O’s to learn, but the practice also showed how important leaders are to the team. Coach Porter could be the smartest coach in the world, but if his players aren’t going to listen and not follow, then there is no point.

Leaders on the team set an example and get the players to adopt what their coach is saying. During the practice, Shaquille was constantly talking to fire up his teammates or posing questions to the coaches in order to make sure everybody was on the same page. On the other hand, Steve Nash was much quieter in demeanor, but you can tell he runs the practice on the floor. He leads by example and players follow, in particular, the younger guys.

After watching the practice, I started thinking about how good are the Suns going to be? The Suns have definitely improved their roster and have become a deeper team. The additions they have made in the off-season are going to pay off. In particular, Matt Barnes, Robin Lopez, Goran Dragic and possibly even undrafted rookie Sean Singletary will all help.

Barnes will be the shooter and solid defender off the bench to sub for Hill that they desperately needed last year after the Marion trade. Robin Lopez will provide depth at center for Shaq and will allow Stoudemire to stay at the 4 when Shaquille is out of the game. The point guards of Dragic and Singletary will provide much needed rest for Steve Nash, who some in the Suns organization say he should be limited to 70 games this year. Combine these additions with an already potent 7 man rotation and a coach can go very deep and has plenty to work with.

Assuming the Suns stay healthy, I look for them to improve from last year and compete for the Western Conference championship. I am not worried that they lost D’Antoni as a coach as I think Terry Porter is very capable. Let’s remember that he was unfairly fired from the Milwaukee Bucks, and since his departure, they have not made the playoffs.

With Nash and O’Neil getting up there in age, the sun maybe setting soon on a championship run, however, this year maybe when it rises.

Image Source: FanNation