Shootaround Notes: O’Neal to Return, Back to Work For Amundson

The Suns appeared to be back at full strength for Friday morning’s shootaround at US Airways Center. Steve Nash who has been bothered recently by both a bad back, as well as, the flu was on the court, as was center Shaquille O’Neal whose back kept him out of the lineup Wednesday night.

Following the shootaround, the Diesel told reporters he will return on Friday night for the team’s big ESPN matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

"It got tight,” O’Neal said of his lower back. “One of my discs was out of place but I'm all right now."

AMUNDSON STILL WEARING HIS HARD HAT

Louis Amundson and Goran Dragic were again the last two players to leave the court on Friday following shootaround. The two worked with assistant coaches Igor Kokoskov and “Thunder” Dan Majerle on both their outside and inside games.

Amundson is coming off his best performance as a Sun from Wednesday night, contributing nine points and 14 rebounds in the loss to Indiana. Following the affair, Amundson told reporters he felt he still had a lot of work to do regarding the practice court.

“There are still a lot of areas I’m looking to improve in so I’m going to go back, look at the tape from tonight’s game and get back to work,” the big man said. “I didn’t shoot my free throws well tonight and think I can still do a better job of finishing around the basket.”

BARNES’ AUTOGRAPH SESSION A SUCCESS

On Thursday, Suns small forward – not to mention Suns.com blogger – Matt Barnes had his sharpie ready for an autograph signing at Santisi Brothers, a restaurant/bar located in Phoenix on West Bell Road.

“It was a great turnout and I really appreciated seeing all the support I got from the fans,” Barnes said of the event. “Anytime I can get out and talk to the fans and give my time in my home community, it’s an opportunity I look forward to.”

Barnes and a number of Suns Dancers made the appearance courtesy of Bud Light. As far as any strange requests the swingman received, he did mention one to Suns.com following Friday morning’s shootaround.

“I did have somebody ask me to sign a baby,” the new father of twins said with a smile. “Other than that, it was pretty routine.”