The Suns are running less, and less effectively, than they have in years past. The frenetic pace made so famous by D'Antoni has virtually disappeared during the first month of this season.
Time and again, spacing is an issue because Shaq is clogged in the middle, where Stoudemire used to be all by himself. It forces Stoudemire to stay away from the basket more, engaging in predictable pick-and-rolls or just being a perimeter shooter -- when everyone knows his athleticism and aerial assault were what made him arguably the best offensive power forward in the game over the past two seasons.
When asked about his situation, Stoudemire said, "You've got LeBron James who's a featured guy. You've got Dwyane Wade. He's a featured guy. Dwight Howard? They go to him. Chris Bosh? They go to him.
"Bottom line: I want to be that guy. I want to show the league and the world that I feel like my game has improved to that level."
When asked whether he felt Porter's new system was helping that cause, Stoudemire said, "I'm not sure."
When told it wasn't good for him to feel that way, his response: "It ain't great!"
Stoudemire left it at that. So Porter, knowing Stoudemire -- and others -- might have some reservations about the new world order in Phoenix, elected to elaborate for him.
