Posted: Oct. 15, 2002

Phoenix Suns Head Coach Frank Johnson participated in a teleconference with the national media on Tuesday. The following is a transcript of that question and answer session.

Opening Statement: The outlook is pretty good. The main reason for my optimism with that is we have been injury-free during our training camp. And our veterans, especially Penny Hardaway and Tom Gugliotta, have been very healthy. With that, it looks pretty good. I'm also excited about the addition of Randy Brown and Scott Williams, two veterans who have been through the wars and they are doing a very good job of helping our young players develop. Our young players certainly are a big part of this because as they develop we'll get better.

Q: What do you think of Amare Stoudemire? Can make a big impact on the league in his rookie year?

Johnson: Well, I think that's too much to ask of a 19-year-old high school student to come in and make a big impact. He is certainly behind most rookies that are coming into this league -- as most high school kids are. He played high school ball and didn't get the college coaching, the college teaching that most kids will get. But he has a chance to come in and certainly help us.

Q: And what about Marbury? There's no doubt he's a talented player. But there are some different opinions about his role on the team. What do you expect from him for this season?

Johnson: His role, as far as being different with this year's team, does not change from what it was last year. Stephon certainly can be the leader of this team, he is capable of doing that. And he has certainly exhibited that from the start of training camp. So, I'm looking for good things out of him. He's certainly makes every effort to come in. He's in great shape. He is showing great leadership with our young kids as well as our veterans. So I'm excited about that.

Q: Can you talk a little about Casey Jacobsen and some of the skills you think he might bring to the table. Obviously, he can stretch a defense, but can you give an overall impression of him so far and maybe what sort of role you might envision him playing?

Johnson: You said it right. What we had envisioned Casey doing is certainly stretching a defense because that has been a problem with us; having a shooter that maybe the opponents are just saying "Don't leave him," which gives more operating room for our perimeter players, Shawn Marion and Stephon Marbury. It gives them more operating room to break down the defense. But, I have not underestimated Casey's ability not only to shoot but also just to find the seams, penetrate, draw and kick. And he's been doing a very good job of that. Another thing that I have been impressed with about Casey is his incredible desire on the defensive end. He really works hard on the defensive end. Some nights he's certainly going to be overmatched, but he works hard at it.

Q: What did you tell Shawn Marion after he came back from Indianapolis from the World Championship, about his World Championship (performance)? And do you think did what happened there hurt his self-confidence a little bit?

Johnson: We did talk briefly about his experience at the World Championship. Of course it was not a good one. One, they did not win; two, he was injured on several occasions. And he just talked about his experience of playing with a good group of guys and what he learned from that. As far as it hurting his confidence going into this year, no, it has not. As a matter of fact, I think it has made him hungrier than he was before. And that has certainly been from a defensive standpoint. This year I think Shawn is looking to make a big impact from a defensive standpoint, more than anything.

Q: What's the general outlook for the Western Conference this year. Do you think the Kings will beat the Lakers this year?

Johnson: Well, that's always the question. They are always the team to beat as long as they have Kobe and Shaq and the cast. They've always assembled that team to just fit in perfectly with what they are trying to do. There's no question they are still the team to beat. Sacramento gave them all they could handle last year, unfortunately they didn't come through. Sacramento will be there as well. I think Dallas has improved, so they can compete with them on any given night.