Phoenix Suns

First-year coach Terry Porter allegedly has the Suns thinking defense and seems to have convinced many local media sharpies that attempting to pinch screen-roll offensive schemes toward the sideline is something new.

It's not, and with Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal and Amare Stoudemire involved, Phoenix will remain challenged to stop these maneuvers. But even though Amare's still terrible at using his lower body on post defense and Shaq is limited laterally, the big guys (throw rookie Robin Lopez in there) are providing crucial weak-side deterrents around the hoop.

With Nash in control, these guys haven't exactly regressed on offense (fourth in the league in scoring, first in field-goal accuracy), so the defense has time to find its footing.

For now, Porter's get-tough mandate looks impressive. Its long-ranging efficacy depends on how long the bench will remain in his good graces.

Vinny Del Negro

Vinny, in his first year coaching at any level, should be informed that just because the NBA has advocated lack of weak-side player movement on offense for years, he isn't required to do the same.

It also should be pointed out that isolations only work with really skilled offensive players. Rose will be a plus with his break-down skills and GM John Paxson continues a failure in finding anyone who can score inside.

Houston Rockets

Those employees labeled as role players are top-notch, but the ticking sensibilities of Ron Artest team with medical histories of Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady to keep the burden of proof on what could be the best team in Texas.

Miami Heat

Rookie Michael Beasley looks more than fine as Dwyane Wade's running buddy and a victory over Philly goes the Heat hope at 2-2.

But Shawn Marion has had less than 10 field-goal attempts in half of Miami's four games ... in a contract year. It's amazing how such a splendid, stat-sheet-crowdin' role player can be so selfish when the game is over.

Philadelphia 76ers

The slower-than-expected beginning can be forgotten once newcomer Elton Brand can find consistent shooters out of the double team. It will be really interesting to see what transpires after the Eastern Conference realizes double-teaming the reliable-but-limited Brand may not be required.