SB Nation User Blog: RD74

We Are Sorry Robert, Life Get's Better, Really!

RD74 — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:06:07 -0000

It has been reported that the Suns were one of seven NBA teams to be hit with the luxury tax. While $4.9 million is an unfathomable amount of money to you and I, to a nice, big sports franchise like the Suns you'd think it would be a drop in the bucket. Still, it's an increase from last year's nearly $3.86 million . And for the return he has received on his investment, one must think today is not a good day for Robert Sarver.

Do you all think he's having a bad day? I do. So I'd like to be the first to offer a letter of encouragement as well as a nice phony apology. Join me?

Dear Bob:

Heard you got hit by the old LT train. It sucks, I know. $5 million is a lot of money to pay on top of that ghastly payroll you're stuck with for a team that didn't even make the playoffs! I know you've got your finger on a few buttons right now: the blow up the roster button, the increase beer and ticket prices button, the burn down US Airways Arena for the Insurance money and excuse to move the team to San Diego button, and maybe the let's blame Mike D'Antoni, Joe Johnson, Amare Stoudamire, and David Stern button. PLEASE DON'T! Remember, you are a millionaire many times over-you can afford this, and you are a U of A alumni. Wildcats don't run, they Bear Down!

As a member of your team's fan base, I want to apologize and ask you kindly to step away from your destruction controls for a moment. Let's think before we do any more damage. How about a nice cup of cocoa, maybe a Sponge Bob and Square Pants cartoon marathon, and then maybe play with our legos!? Doesn't that sound more fun than destroying any more of an NBA franchise? Oh and lastly, maybe send a little email to your best friend Stevie and tell him to make a move or two that will help make the Phoenix Suns a Western Conference Championship contender again. Maybe you can suggest he start by picking up a young, talented center, since we really don't have one now.

All Apologies to you and yours, Bob.

Why are We Fans?

RD74 — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:08:12 -0000

I stopped posting for a few days and simply began reading other people's comments and fan posts. There have been many thoughts, ideas and opinions about trades, free agent signings and mostly critical comments on management.

Of late, it has become a frenzy which culminated yesterday when the rumor came out that the Suns could be interested in dealing for Shawn Marion. For the most part, this site went crazy-I was admittedly one of the population who thought it was a bad idea. And almost in the same amount of time that the fervor started and peaked, it was crushed-with a report that Dallas was close to working a deal for Marion.

It got me thinking about the time, energy, and emotion we put in to our favorite sports teams. While to many, it is time well spent, a hobby, a love-for the game, the city of the franchise, the players we get attached to and the lust for victory. Yet in an instant it can all be dashed-with a heartbreaking loss, a season or career ending injury, or a trade of that one guy you felt gave 110% every night-who you wanted to see play for the rest of his career with your very own favorite team.

Every season we live and die with our favorite professional sports teams. I think we can make the argument that the wins are much sweeter, and the losses much more heartbreaking for the fans than they are for the players. There are numerous reasons that support the argument and numerous reasons that refute it.

Of course, I am taking a fan's perspective. To begin with, we aren't getting paid for our fan ship. Win or lose, these athletes get their paychecks. Of course continued poor performance can get you fired, no different than any other occupation. But for fans, it is not our job. Taking time to go to a game or watch it on the television is time we take away from other parts of our lives-time spent away from family (they usually cannot stand us when we are in front of the TV, ranting and raving-nor do they often share our love for our team), time spent away from other more productive tasks we could be doing-maybe we really need to mow the lawn for example, or get some exercise.

Now consider our favorite sports franchises. How many of us could change our allegiance from the Suns to any other team? The chances are most likely no more than changing our allegiance to our significant others, or our children. Most of us are Suns we-bleed purple and orange even though we have never won a Championship. But these athletes making millions of dollars a year almost never play for one franchise their whole career. For the paycheck, they change their allegiance in the time it takes to sign their name on a piece of paper. I make this point not to blame them. I would do the same. If I had the chance to make more money by changing addresses or the company I work for, I'd most likely do it.

The Phoenix Suns fan base may be in for a painful experience whereby all of us have to sit by idly and watch as our favorite players are jettisoned for newer, cheaper ones. Or maybe not. There have been mixed signals everywhere-from cryptic Kerr and Sarver quotes, to the deal that almost happened involving Amare Stoudamire on draft day, the Steve Nash to New York rumors, the Shaq to Cleveland trade, and finally, yesterdays rollercoaster involving Shawn Marion.

We all have plenty of ideas on how to make this team better, and not many of us want to live through "3 to 5 years" of rebuilding while getting thrashed by the Lakers and other powerhouses of the league. While I am unsure what to expect of our Suns in 2010, I personally feel that our management also doesn't know what to expect. But one thing is for sure, the majority of us will be here, on Bright Side of the Sun every morning, checking to see who is here, who is coming, and who is going. And on opening night, we will be either in the stands cheering on whatever version of the Suns Steve Kerr and Robert Sarver have assembled, or in front of the television, tuning out the world, to see how our new squad fares.

So, this leads me to my question:

Poll

Why are you a Phoenix Suns fan?

I'm addicted to the Suns. Couldn't Stop if I tried.

128 votes

I love how I look in Purple and Orange

6 votes

I honestly don't know anymore

52 votes

The players have me hooked

20 votes

Robert Sarver is a heartthrob!

12 votes

218 votes | Poll has closed

Channing Frye?

RD74 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:40:26 -0000

I'm willing to bet one person $5 we sign Channing Frye. He has the length and attitude Kerr loves. He's a big guy that can shoot, and although he isn't that "dirt worker," he has the willingness to please his boss. So here is what I know about Frye:

-Pretty good shot for a big guy from 15 feet away of less

-Not a banger or shot blocker

-Not a big rebounder.

-Pretty good from the line for a big guy

-Hard worker with a good attitude

And the rest is supplied by our friends over at the Blazer's Edge-check it out.

So what do you say (remember Steve Kerr and Co. will be reading this. Let's let him know what we want)

Poll

Would you want Channing Frye on your team?

Yes, we need some Channing

62 votes

Nah, no Frye, no way.

31 votes

93 votes | Poll has closed

Comments on Channing Frye

RD74 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:39:45 -0000

Hello Blazer Edgers:

I'm a Suns fan. There are rumors the Suns are looking into picking up Channing Frye. I wondered what you all thought of him. In looking at his numbers, it appeared he didn't get many minutes in a Blazers uniform. Did he not deserve the minutes? Here is what I think I know about Channing:

-Pretty good shot for a big guy from 15 feet away of less

-Not a banger or shot blocker

-Not a big rebounder.

-Pretty good from the line for a big guy

Add all that up and sounds like Channing doesn't like to get his hands dirty on the defensive end. We already have one of those as you may know.

I'm curious what you guys think. Thanks

Prepare Yourselves For Life Without Amare

RD74 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:50:11 -0000

I have to admit I've been back and forth on Amare Stoudamire-that is, do I want him on my beloved Phoenix Suns team or not. I've thought of him as a fan and how I love to watch his posterizing dunks and sweet 17 foot jumper that looks so automatic sometimes, and how the Nash/Stoudamire pick and roll is a beautiful weapon.

I've also thought of Amare Stoudamire as an employee. If I am Kerr and Sarver, do I want to make a gigantic investment in a guy with his injury history and personality characteristics. And I have to tell you, as much as I would enjoy his offensive production I would be concerned about (of course) his lack of defensive commitment. But more than the tired discussion we've heard so many times about Amare's lack of D are the things he says and does, or, doesn't do for that matter.

I am sure I am not the only conflicted fan out there. But today, it all came together for me and for once, it is very clear what is happening:

Amare is going to leave. Kerr and Co definitely want him gone. It is just a matter of time. The evidence:

-Steve Kerr has made it very clear about his desire to have Nash back. He even flew to NY to talk to him about the future of the squad, and maybe um, his advice about a few other things.

-It is widely proclaimed G. Hill is the Suns #1 free agent target. Today Kerr is in Orlando, and he's not there to play golf with Tiger Woods.

-We have even heard about other potential targets: McDyess, Wilcox and others-all big men, all potential replacements to fill a PF gap.

-Has Kerr commented much (if at all) about Amare except the rumors of trading him to GS (which he states vaguely were only rumors)? Certainly there has been no public assurance or vote of confidence to Amare or us fans that we can rest easy those draft day rumors were only unsubstantiated rumors and "B.S."

-Stoudamire's agent has come out publicly to request what in the world is going on. "Are we getting traded, are we getting a new deal? What do I tell my client, he won't stop calling."

I add all of this up and to me it is clear they want to dump Amare but they just haven't found the right deal. Further, Kerr can't afford the fan fall out if Amare gets dealt for anything but a load of young talent or proven veterans that can keep us somewhat competitive until we have the cap space to sign a big name or two and draft a new core of quality players. And that is the only way I see Stoudamire play for the Suns this season, if a decent deal cannot be made.

So Suns fans, I put it to you, will Amare play for the Suns next season?

Poll

Will Amare Stoudamire play a game for the Suns next season?

Yes

84 votes

No

53 votes

137 votes | Poll has closed

Chandler Vs. Biedrins: Who ya Got?

RD74 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:04:44 -0000

These two names have been circulating around as possible additions to the Phoenix Suns. Chandler in a possible Ben Wallace deal, and of course Biedrins in the Stoudamire deal. But lets ignore who we'd have to give up to get these guys, let's assume we had our choice of either or. Who would you rather have on your team? Here's a short profile on the players:

Andris Biedrins

Height: 6-11 Weight: 240 lbs.
Born: April 2, 1986 in Riga, Latvia
High School: Valters Basketball School in Riga, Latvia

Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 1st round (11th pick, 11th overall) of the 2004 NBA draft.

Salary 2009: $9,000,000
Contract: Signed through 2013/14

Career in Averages

G-63
MPG-24.2
FG%-60.4
FT%-53
RB-8.2
BK-1.2
PTS-8.4

PROS-

-HIGH ENERGY DEFENSIVE PRESENCE
-SOLID REBOUNDER
-AVERAGE TO GOOD SHOT BLOCKER
-GOOD PASSER FOR A BIG MAN

CONS-

-BAD SHOOTER, WORSE FREE THROW SHOOTER
-CAN'T CREATE OWN SHOT
-GETS OVERPOWERED BY BIGGER CENTERS AND PHYSICAL POWER FORWARDS
-FOUL MACHINE
-NEEDS BIG PF TO HANDLE THE DIRTY WORK

Tyson Chandler

Height: 7-1 Weight: 235 lbs.
Born: October 2, 1982 in Hanford, California
High School: Dominguez in Compton, California

Salary 2009: $11,350,000
Contract: Signed through 2010/11

Drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1st round (2nd pick, 2nd overall) of the 2001 NBA draft.

Career in Averages

G-67
MPG-28
FG%-56
FT%-59
RB-9
BK-1.4
PTS-8.2

PROS:

-DECENT SHOOTING RANGE FOR A BIG GUY
-EXCELLENT FINISHER
-VERY ACTIVE ON OFFENSIVE END
-LENGTH/WINGSPAN
-INTENSITY AT BOTH ENDS OF THE FLOOR
-GOOD OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE REBOUNDER

CONS:

-NEEDS PG TO SET UP HIS SHOT
-INJURY HISTORY
-NOT DOMINATING RIM PRESENCE ON D
-CAN'T BANG WITH THE BIG BOYS

Poll

Who would you rather have as your center?

Andris Biedrins

502 votes

Tyson Chandler

516 votes

1018 votes | Poll has closed

Everything Steve Kerr, and More!

RD74 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:14:28 -0000

Ever woke up on a Monday morning and thought, "I wonder what Steve Kerr is thinking about my beloved Phoenix Suns?" Well, you're in luck! To provide some clarity to the masses about the past, present and future of Suns basketball, I present you all with a nice yahoo article.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

About bringing Shaq on board:

“What we did was, we decided to give a team that was slightly in decline, and no longer a championship contender in our minds, one last chance,”

That's certainly one way to look at it.

Kerr's Vision:

“I want length, I want defense...Length and defense and youth is my vision. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes several drafts. It takes maybe a couple of trades, but we’re continuing to do that.”

Yes, defense is a good thing. Wait, um, defense? No, not getting it. Isn't that a little bit like offense but not so much?

On Steve Nash and his extension:

“We want him to finish his career here, if that’s possible...We’ll continue to talk, and I think he wants to see how this all pans out with our team and see where we’re heading. But I’m confident that we’ll have him here.”

Not really the same as "He ain't going anywhere," but we get the idea, I guess.

And my favorite of the article, Kerr waxes philosophical about the value of a man in the National Basketball Association:

“... I’m always mindful of the fact that everybody’s expendable at some level...Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem, Dr. J—they were all expendable.”

I think GM's, coaches, and owners should be included in that quote.

THANKS FOR NOTHING, GOLDEN STATE

RD74 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:34:42 -0000

On June 25th, 2009, the Phoenix Suns were about to embark on a new era. Shaquille O’Neal had been jettisoned to Cleveland and Amare Stoudemire was nearly gone. The Suns and Golden State had a deal, or a gentleman’s agreement, or a firm handshake, or an agreement in principle with the Golden State Warriors.

The deal was this:

Suns trade Amare Stoudamire to Golden State. In return the Suns get:

Andris Biedrins,
Brandan Wright,
Marco Belinelli and or Kelena Azuibuke
and the No. 7 pick.

Deal done.

But something unexpected happened on draft night-the stars aligned or the basketball gods answered Don Nelson’s drunken prayers: Minnesota drafted two point guards at 5 and 6-Ricky Rubio and Johnny Flynn. This left another point guard, Stephen Curry, on the board. Pleasantly shocked and amazed, the Warriors grabbed him.

As the story goes, reports from the Suns war room describe an eruption of joyous glee. Steve Kerr and David Griffin bumped chests, and Alvin Gentry did a head spin reminiscent of one of the cast from "Breakin’ 2 Electric Boogaloo." The Suns had obtained a huge haul and the Steve Kerr moron meter had suddenly slanted from Utter Definite Moron to Mostly Competent GM.

Yet at that moment, the deal was dead.

Said Golden State GM Larry Riley:

"I was concerned at one time that we might not be able to get him, I thought he might go ahead of us but as the draft turned out, it came to our favor."

Translation: No way would we have included the #7 in the deal if we knew Curry was going to be there. Screw you Kerr, deal off.

Said Don “Bud Light” Nelson:

"He wasn't drafted for somebody else. He is not going to be traded. He was drafted because we think he is going to be a terrific player, and he's going to be right here. So he can unpack his bags, he can relax, go buy a house, because he ain't going any place."

Translation: This kid can ball, Amare who?

This begs the question, if Kerr and Co. knew that Curry wasn’t involved in the deal, would they still have drafted Earl Clark? Sure Clark is a great athlete and put up some solid numbers at Louisville, but did the Suns really want him at 14? Before the draft, Kerr and Co. talked of picking the “best player available.” Maybe Clark fits that description, however, it’s also possible Kerr wanted someone else, and when Curry was chosen at 7, he was able to choose Clark.

We can choose to look at this debacle a number of different ways. Did Kerr get screwed? Certainly. He had a deal with Riley. Should he have known better? Maybe. But this is less about Kerr and more about Riley and the Warriors.

No matter what happened behind closed doors, it’s pretty clear that Golden State went back on their word. If I’m Steve Kerr, or any GM for that matter, I’d have serious reservations about doing business with Riley and Co again.

Alando Tucker: Can He Contribute?

RD74 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:07:18 -0000

Did You Know Alando Tucker’s Middle Name is Forest?

Run Forest, run!!!!

It’s Forest's third year with the Suns. What can we expect? Will he get any playing time? If so, can he make a significant contribution?

Obviously between injuries and bench time and D League, Tucker hasn’t seen a whole lot of playing time at the NBA level. So let us look at his college career. There is quite a list of accolades and awards:

* Broke Michael Finley's UW school record for UW's All Time Leading Scorer with 2,217 points.
    * Broke Devin Harris's UW school record for most points in a single season.
    * Broke Michael Finley's UW school record for vertical leap as a freshman by jumping 38 inches.
    * 2002–03 – Set UW record for offensive rebounds (86) for a freshman
    * 2002–03 – Big Ten Conference All-Freshman Team
    * 2004–05 – Big Ten and Syracuse Regional all-tournament teams
    * 2004–05 – Consensus third-team All-Big Ten selection
    * 2005–06 – Preseason John Wooden Award Candidate
    * 2005–06 – First team All-Big Ten selection
    * 2006–07 – Preseason John Wooden Award Candidate
    * 2006–07 – Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year
    * 2006–07 – Consensus first team All-Big Ten selection
    * 2006–07 – Big Ten Player Of The Year
    * 2006–07 – First Team All-American (National Association of Basketball Coaches)
    * 2006–07 – First Team All-American (The Sporting News)
    * 2006–07 – Lowe's Senior CLASS Award (Lowe's)

So what could we expect from Alando? Is he a legitimate NBA player? Could he ever be a viable option for the Suns at SG? Since we haven’t seen much of him, what are some reasonable expectations? Here is a 2007 Draft profile:

Possesses a NBA ready body that is strong enough to absorb contact in the lane and finish … Has three point range on his jump shot … Back to the basket skills are highly developed … Owns a nice turnaround jumper … Excellent finisher who is blessed with great body control to get off even the most difficult shots in traffic … Tough minded player who enjoys physical play and will not back down from a challenge … Unselfish player with the willingness to set-up open teammates … Physically he has all the tools needed to be a quality defender: quickness, good hands, long arms and intelligence … Crafty scorer who uses a number of fakes and his leaping ability to create scoring opportunities for himself … Solid rebounder due to his athleticism and body strength … Smooth player on the floor who lets the game come to him, rarely forcing things … Coachable player with a great work ethic to improve … Does a great job of creating contact to draw fouls … Excellent finisher in transition where he will finish with flair … Emerging as a player who understands how to effectively move without the ball …

Alando is scheduled to make some appearances in the Las Vegas Summer League. We can obviously take that to mean that management believes he needs to work on his game, which is no surprise. Tucker has only played in 36 NBA games, most of his minutes coming during garbage time.

[Note by Phoenix Stan, 06/28/09 6:32 AM MST ]

I still believe that would have a break out season last year...he was having a fantastic pre-season and was on track to get decent minutes until he went down with a knee injury in October. If that doesn't happen he gets solid time while LB is in Brazil and who knows...

As it was, he struggled all season with that knee injury (see his exit interview).

I still believe in Tucker and think he can be a back up two guard in this league. He is already a better defender then JRich and because of his experience in college is fantastic in the paint. His mid-range game has improved a lot and of course he knows that he needs to work on his flat three point shot.

He's also a great kid and a fantastic teammate. See his blog on Suns.com if you haven't already.

Poll

Can Alando be a legitimate contributor for the Suns?

Yes, 10-20 MPG and a viable bench option

181 votes

Yes, 20 or more MPG and a significant offensive weapon

56 votes

He's the starting SG because J-Rich is gone and we have no one else

33 votes

Nope, Alando's a scrub, less than 5 MPG

119 votes

389 votes | Poll has closed

Good Thing You Paid 30 Mill for That

RD74 — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:35:42 -0000

Good Thing You Paid 30 Mill for That

No Surprises Here.