Suns credit improved chemistry for early success

PHOENIX - The Phoenix Suns in the offseason shed a big name player in Shaquille O'Neal and reduced payroll. This would normally signify to a team's fan base that their team is going into a rebuilding mode and probably won't be as successful the next season.

However, the Suns have been the opposite to this theory as they are currently in a three-way tie for the best record in the NBA at 11-3. The entire organization from the players, coaching staff and front office cites the team's improved chemistry as a major factor in their startling early success.

"We're not as explosive as we once were, but they get along well together," said Suns GM Steve Kerr on the Sports 620 KTAR's Gambo and Ash show on Tuesday.

Channing Frye has never seen a team this united and on the same page.

"Nobody's complained once. Nobody has a bad attitude. It's the most unselfish chemistry filled team I've ever been on," said Frye after practice on Tuesday.

Coach Alvin Gentry said the team has come to the realization that they must work together in order to be successful.

"All of them understand that we're better as a collective group than we are individually," said Gentry.

The Suns struggled last season with O'Neal as they suffered from having too many players calling for their touches. The team could never consistently organize a pecking order as to who would be the first option and down the line.

"It was difficult with Shaq to put everything together and have all the totem pole in place," said Kerr.

Kerr said that he has seen a "huge difference" in the team chemistry this year.

"It's a better mix. We have undisputed leaders in Grant(Hill) and Steve(Nash)," said Kerr.

Coach Gentry is most pleased by what he doesn't see after games.

"I never see a guy with a stat sheet in his hand," Gentry said referring to the team's unselfishness.

Steve Kerr also gives some of the credit to the Suns' head coach in his first full season running the team.

"Alvin has done a phenomenal job. The continuity of having Alvin from the end of last year, over the summer to the beginning of this year, the players knew exactly what they were getting," said Kerr.

Gentry understands that players can get frustrated so he makes a point to talk to every player everyday either before, during or after practice.

"There's certain times where guys are going to be upset, but communication is the key. If you communicate early, then you can take a small problem and eliminate it before it becomes a big problem," said Gentry.

Gentry's communication manifests itself in making sure every player knows what his role is on the team.

"We make sure that everybody knows their role right from the start. We tell them what is expected of them and what their job will be on this team and how we expect for them to play," said Gentry.