Hornets.com’s 1-on-1: Phoenix’s Raja Bell, Al McCoy
April 6, 2007
Hornets.com’s Cris Quintana and Jim Eichenhofer interviewed Phoenix guard Raja Bell and Phoenix radio play-by-play broadcaster Al McCoy, respectively, during the Suns’ visit to the Ford Center on Friday.
Bell is in his seventh NBA season and second with the Suns, his fourth different team in the league. An undrafted player out of Florida International, Bell has become a key component of Phoenix’s rotation, starting in the Suns’ backcourt alongside two-time MVP Steve Nash.
McCoy is considered “The Voice of the Suns,” having called Phoenix games for 35 years. The 73-year-old broadcasts games on 620 KTAR-AM.
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Phoenix guard Raja Bell
Q: What are your thoughts on tonight’s game, as well as the Suns going into the playoffs?
A: We weren’t clicking necessarily or firing on all cylinders. It was a win, down the stretch. We want to finetune things and play great every night. Most importantly we want to keep that lead over San Antonio and keep playing well going into the playoffs. It was good to get a win, it’s not like (Thursday) night’s game vs. San Antonio that we felt we really needed, but we need to do whatever it takes to maintain that number two spot in the playoffs.
Q: You struggled shooting from behind the arc tonight [Bell went 0-for-10]. Was it the defense being played against you or was it just an off night?
A: Some nights you have to fire the ball and find a rhythm. Tonight, make or miss I was going to shoot the ball. I was fully aware of my struggles, there were at least two that were halfway through [smirks], but what are you going to do?
Q: What are a few things that you learned from last year’s playoffs that you feel will help you guys make that next step?
A: We need to be healthy and don’t stretch things out to seven games in each series. It takes its toll on your body, as you play 90-some games including the preseason. Take advantage of opportunities; we’re the favorites, so we need to come out and play like it.
Q: You’ve played with some great players. What is it like to play with Steve Nash?
A: I’ve played with a lot of great players that were great scorers, but I’ve never played with someone who is as unselfish as Steve. He makes things so much easier for all of us when he’s out there on the court. He’s a great player and teammate.
Q: When you first came into the league you were looked at as strictly a defensive player, but your game has flourished since your days playing in Utah. What do you attribute that to?
A: More opportunity, getting older, trying to develop your game on both ends of the court and some of the right situations at the right time. I’ve worked real hard to be where I’m at today. Nothing has ever come easy, but I’ve never given up and always had confidence in myself that I can contribute at this level.
Bell
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Phoenix broadcaster Al McCoy
Q: Welcome to Oklahoma City. Do you miss Phoenix already after seeing Friday’s April snow flurries?
A: I’m actually originally from Iowa, so I’ve seen a lot of that white stuff through the years – not that I enjoy it. [grins] But I like Oklahoma City, whether it’s cold or hot. But this time of year when the weather is like this, you miss Phoenix obviously.
Q: What is your case for Steve Nash winning a third straight MVP award?
A: Obviously, I’m a little prejudiced, having followed him throughout his career. But when you ask yourself, ‘What is an MVP?’… to me, it is someone who makes his teammates better. Although there are a lot of great players in the league, like Dirk Nowitzki or Kobe Bryant, they are outstanding, but I don’t think any of them fill that bill better than Steve Nash.
Not only does (Nash) make his teammates and his team better, but he has also elevated his own statistics, even compared to the last two years when he was MVP. He’s going to get my vote again.
Q: People often talk about Nash’s ability to improve the play of his teammates. Which players on the current Suns roster have benefited the most in their career from playing with Nash?
A: You’d have to mention Raja Bell, who when he joined the Suns really elevated his game playing with Steve. I think a lot of that can be attributed to Steve. I think Shawn Marion has had a great career, but Steve has helped him, especially from an offensive standpoint.
Steve is the type of player that guys like to play with. Everybody likes to score, everyone likes to shoot. If you’re on the floor with Steve Nash, he’s going to put you in position to score the basketball.
Q: Are you surprised at all by the season Amare Stoudemire has had after undergoing microfracture surgery, a procedure that many people consider to be potentially career-altering in a negative way?
A: I think everyone is probably surprised. No one knew what the reaction was going to be to that surgery. I would say this for Amare: He was extremely confident throughout (that he would be healthy), and that’s why he worked so hard. It’s paid off. Right now he has been 100 percent for a long time this season. But yes, it’s been a surprise that he’s been able to come back this strong.
Q: What do you think will be the key to the Suns defeating Dallas if they meet the Mavericks in the Western Conference finals?
A: [grins] Well, they have to play like they did last Sunday (when Phoenix rolled to a 126-104 win over Dallas). The Suns have had good success against Dallas, but obviously Dallas is a great team that has had an unbelievable season. I think the Suns probably match up as well against Dallas as they do any of the (West) playoff teams. The keys would be to make Dirk Nowitzki work defensively, something the Suns have been able to do in the last two games.
It would be an outstanding playoff series, no question about it.
