Suns notebook: Shaq may rest more on back-to-back nights

Shaquille O’Neal sat out the second of back-to-back preseason games Tuesday in Los Angeles, and Suns coach Terry Porter said he may employ a similar regimen for the 36-year-old center during the regular season – limiting minutes or sitting him out completely when the matchups are favorable.

“We may do a little bit of both. Of all the guys who have played that position, he’s probably been fouled the most and beaten on numerous times,” Porter said. “We want to be proactive in giving him enough minutes to stay sharp, but looking at the big picture and giving him ample time to get rest.

“He might go 28-30 minutes (in the first or second game of a back-to-back) and then the second night he might be limited or not play.”

The Suns won’t rest O’Neal in all such situations.

The Suns open the season in San Antonio Wednesday and face New Orleans at home the next night.

BARNES WINS STARTING JOB

In a move that was anticipated a month ago but dragged through the entire training camp, Porter named Matt Barnes the starter at small forward over Grant Hill.

The move makes sense for several reasons. Barnes brings defense, athleticism and more 3-point shooting range to help with spacing the floor for the starters. And Hill brings experience and ball-handling ability to the second unit when rookie Goran Dragic is manning the point guard spot.

“Grant brings calmness to that second unit and he can help Goran — who has made a lot of strides by is still very experienced — as another person who can handle the ball. Matt fits well with the first unit as a spacer, while Grant will allow Goran and L.B. (Leandro Barbosa) to do the same thing with that second group.”

Hill has started 697 times in his 705 NBA games, but doesn’t feel coming off the bench will be a problem.

“I anticipated this when we signed Matt and Coach Porter and I have talked about preserving my minutes this season,” said Hill, who will likely see his minutes diminish from 31.7 last year to 25-27 this year. “You look at guys like Manu (Ginobili) and L.B. and they have a big impact on games when they come in. I’d like to think I can do something in that vein.

“We’re trying to win a championship and we all have to make sacrifices. It will be different, but once you get on the court it is still basketball.”

Barnes, who has 64 starts in his NBA career — most of them with Golden State — said he didn’t care either way, but “it’s an honor to start for a team with this much talent.”

BONUS SHOTS

The Suns trimmed their roster to 13 – the NBA minimum – by waiving guard Robert Hite – who averaged 7.7 points in 14.8 minutes during the preseason and showed a penchant for instant offense with great shooting range. The Suns were very happy with Hite’s play, but needed a third point guard on the roster (Sean Singletary) more than a fourth shooting guard (behind Raja Bell, Barbosa and Alando Tucker). ...

As expected, the Suns exercised the $1.07 million option year of Tucker’s contract for the 2009-10 season. Tucker impressed Porter with his scoring ability – and increased shooting range – despite being bothered by minor injuries in the preseason.