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Suns general manager Steve Kerr -- one of the league's all-time best long-distance shooters -- would love to take credit for the sudden three-point-shooting prowess of newly-acquired center Channing Frye.But he won't. And he can't.
"Yes, I worked with him for a couple days after he signed, and boom, he started hitting three-pointers,'' Kerr joked before a game in Orlando earlier this week. "We knew he could shoot -- it's why we signed him -- but not quite like this.''
Frye, a low-budget signing this summer, has had a stunning start, factoring heavily into the Suns' (4-1) early-season success.
During the first four seasons of his NBA career (with New York and Portland), Frye combined to make only 20-of-70 three-point shots. But in the first five games of this season, he has made 15-of-29.
He made six three-pointers in a victory over Golden State and made six more in another victory over Minnesota, becoming the first center in NBA history with consecutive games of six three-pointers. His previous high in a game was two, and his previous high in a season was just 11.
"It's always been there, but if you're only in a game for a minute, you can't shoot. And if you're only getting two shots a game, you're looking for layups,'' Frye said. "I've always said, 'if I get the opportunity, I'm going to ride it.'''
Frye played only sparingly last season in Portland behind Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge -- two very young, very talented big men. He averaged only 12 minutes and 4.2 points, seeing his future there was non-existent.
His best season came as a rookie in New York (2005-06) when he averaged 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds, but even then he made only three three-pointers all season.
Until now, no one ever encouraged him to shoot from the perimeter, even though he always could. It's why the Suns wanted him, and why he jumped at a two-year, $4 million offer.
The Suns wanted to return this season to their wide-open, quick-shooting style of play. Frye was perfect for the high pick-and-roll plays that point guard Steve Nash wanted to run."I was really adamant about wanting to add Channing this summer,'' said Suns coach Alvin Gentry. "We needed a big guy who could step out and play. We all thought he had enough range. He just never had consistent minutes in the past. He can change a game for us.''
Frye is coming off his worst game of the season. Early foul trouble trying to guard Dwight Howard took him out of his game. He played only 18 minutes and hit only one three-point shot. He believes, though, that his earlier success will continue.
"I'm still getting used to how teams are going to play me,'' he said. "I hit a few early, and now they stick to me like glue. I'll adapt.''
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