SB Nation User Blog: iamtrevorpaxton

An Open Letter to Shawn Marion

iamtrevorpaxton — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:52:20 -0000

Dear Shawn,

As you have hit the free agent market in this penny-pinching economy, I'm sure quite a few things have passed through your mind. Different team scenarios, who you'd like to play for, who you think will give you an adequate offer; there are a slew of options to be had at this time. Yet, there's one fact that still remains: you're still a free agent, and the Phoenix Suns fanbase (and allegedly head management) would like you back in the Valley of the Sun(s). Please allow me to say a few things...

I know we've had our ups and downs, Shawn, and I know you were frustrated with being in the shadow of Nash and Amaré. But Shawn, you were a big part of our Big 3. You were what completed it, if not what started it. You stuck with the team through thick (2004-2005) and thin (2003-2004). What a difference one year can make. You were part of the heart and soul of this team. Without you, none of our success could have been possible. And Shawn, while the men in the front office doesn't regularly like to admit mistakes, I think we can all say that letting you go from our beloved franchise was ultimately a mistake.

Things between us weren't exactly choice around the time that you left, but Shawn, we've changed. We've grown as a franchise. We're more ready to be back in a relationship. When you left, we were all about chasing waterfalls, but at this point, we'd rather stick to the rivers and lakes that we're used to, so to speak. We thought that bringing in a "proven winner" would help us get over the proverbial hump, but all it did was cause more heartache and cause more Suns fans to want you back. Yes, Shawn, we want you back.

Whether or not you want us back, though, is an entirely different story. People have said different things, and most of us Suns fans would understand if you didn't want to come back. But, the point of this letter is to let you know that, despite what you may think, we would love for you to come back and don a Suns uniform. There would have to be a few things worked out, of course, but if you would give us another shot, we'd be willing to do the same.

Forever Yours,

A Loyal and Hopeful Suns Fan

2009 NBA Mock Draft

iamtrevorpaxton — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:36:51 -0000

I'm sure we've all read every mock draft there has been offered this summer, all scoured over player profiles and NCAA statistics, watched YouTube video upon YouTube video, trying to figure out what all these players are actually about. Now, I'm taking the time to write out what I think will happen on Thursday. I could be wrong, but hey, there's a first time for everything.

First Round

1. Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin.

Just because if they don't, it'd be the worst decision since...well, ever.

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet.

The Grizzlies need an elite low post defender, and Thabeet could be just that.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder: James Harden.

Harden fits in perfectly into the fountain of youth known as the Thunder.

4. Sacramento Kings: Ricky Rubio.

At this point, being the team with the worst record in the NBA last season (sorry you got screwed out of the top pick, Sacramento), the Kings need to get the best player available. At this point, Ricky Rubio has too much potential and upside for them to not pick him. Tyreke Evans is another option...but I think they'll go with Rubio.

5. Washington Wizards: Tyreke Evans.

While rumors have it that the Wiz are trying to sell their pick, if they do wind up holding onto it, they'd do well to pick up Tyreke Evans. They've got a plethora of PF/C projects (Javale McGee, Andray Blatche) and their starters (Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood), so drafting someone like Jordan Hill doesn't quite add up.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Stephen Curry.

The Timberwolves need an upgrade at every position not occupied by Al Jefferson. Adding a PG/SG tweener that can give them firepower from outside and possibly draw enough attention so Jefferson is left down in the post sounds like a good call to me.

7. Golden State Warriors: Jonny Flynn.

He's got a monster vertical and seems to be really quick...fits perfectly into the Warriors system. Just not into Don Nelson's.

8. New York Knicks: Jordan Hill.

While the Knicks have a definite need at PG, with all of the "Nash not wanting to sign an extension until the Suns future plans emerge" talks and his little confession on Late Night (about him loving the idea of playing for the Knicks), it would make sense to not draft a PG until that outlet is resolved. Jordan Hill would be a good fit in the uptempo system D'Antoni runs and would be a valuable player anyway, in case David Lee or Al Harrington don't return for whatever reason.

9. Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan.

The Raptors need a super-athletic wing player, and since they've got Bosh down low and Calderon distributing, why not pick arguably the best athlete in the draft? He had a semi-disappointing freshman year at USC, which is why I think he'll be available at 9.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jrue Holiday.

I've heard that the Bucks aren't wanting to resign Ramon Sessions, and with the amount of time Luke Ridnour missed last season, they're going to need some PG talent. Holiday should fit the bill well for Milwaukee.

11. New Jersey Nets: James Johnson.

It seems like JJ has been improving his draft stock with his interviews, his "likability", and his ability to possibly create a mismatch at the SF spot. With the Nets already having a Harris/Carter backcourt, and Lopez working out fantastically for them, it would do them well to draft an athletic wingman who can both defend and score.

12. Charlotte Bobcats: Gerald Henderson.

I think Henderson is pretty much a lock for the 12 spot. Raja just isn't cutting it as he once could, and coming from a well-disciplined system in Duke, I think Larry Brown might just go out of his "no rookie" mentality and give this guy a shot.

13. Indiana Pacers: Brandon Jennings.

Brandon Jennings has too much upside to not be picked. And, with Indiana looking for a reliable (non-injury prone) option at PG, Jennings could very well be that person.

14. Phoenix Suns: Earl Clark.

There has been talk that the Suns may be looking to draft big again and go for one of the more true post players (Mullens, Hansbrough), but does a 6'10", athletic forward (who has been nailed with the tendency to disappear at times in games) sound familiar? If we can nab Clark and get him involved in a system that would encourage him to be his best, he could be a great player for years to come.

15. Detroit Pistons: Tyler Hansbrough.

With 'Sheed not sure on his future in the NBA (at least the last time I checked, he wasn't sure) and McDyess surely in his last year or two in the league (notwithstanding his late season surge), the Pistons will be looking to draft big. With Hansbrough, the Pistons know exactly what they're getting, and I think that he would fit in well into their system. He's America's Sweetheart, has passion for the game, and despite everyone doubting if his game would translate into the NBA, if given a shot, I think he'll be a solid rotation player.

16. Chicago Bulls: Terrence Williams.

While the Bulls have a wing scorer in Ben Gordon, and have a lot of years (and cash) tied up in Luol Deng, Gordon is seeking a max extension and Deng has now developed the penchant for being injured. Enter Terrence Williams. Played very well for a very good Louisville team, and even if Gordon and Deng are in Bulls uniforms next year, bringing him off the bench and having him learn from those two guys could be a very good thing.

17. Philadelphia 76ers: Ty Lawson.

Miller is getting old, and while I think they could go the DeJuan Blair route, why would they draft someone whose game I think is almost a carbon copy of Elton Brand's? The 76ers should draft Lawson for the following reasons: he's a great distributor, he won't have a problem not being the first option (because that is clearly Iguodala), and he seems to thrive in an uptempo system. All signs point to yes.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Miami Heat): BJ Mullens.

While I don't think the Wolves will hold onto their remaining two first rounders, I think they should draft a player with a decent upside and decent value. This person could be BJ Mullens. He's a 7 footer who has good hands and can finish as well as anyone. He didn't quite have a stellar year with the Buckeyes, but he also didn't get the touches or opportunities to showcase his abilities.

19. Atlanta Hawks: Eric Maynor.

It's no secret that Mike Bibby is getting old, and while he is still a fairly serviceable PG in this league, who knows how long that will keep up. With Atlanta having a bit of a youth movement going on, I think that drafting a PG for the future could do well. And, if he doesn't pan out, they can always try again in the 2010 draft, which is supposed to be much deeper.

20. Utah Jazz: Chase Budinger.

With Okur saying he wants to come back to the Jazz, Boozer still on the roster (though it's not sure whether or not he'll stay there), and Williams manning the point, the Jazz are left with a hole at wingman. They did very well to draft Ronnie Brewer, but with Kirilenko being injury prone and the possibility of him winding up on another team next season, the Jazz should go for a good scoring SF. Budinger, while not exactly exemplary on defense, is a good shooter and has decent basketball IQ. He was a lock for a top 10 pick a couple years back, but returning to college for a couple years has had its impact on his stock. Still, despite the fact that he comes from UofA (and I'm an ASU fan), the guy's got skills.

21. New Orleans Hornets: DeJuan Blair.

With Chandler going down last season, it was obvious to the Hornets that the combination of Hilton Armstrong, Melvin Ely and Sean Marks just can't cut it. Look for the Hornets to draft big, and though DeJuan Blair has his drawbacks, I think he's too good of a player for New Orleans to pass up.

22. Dallas Mavericks: Sam Young.

With most of the Mavericks wingman positions being aging veterans, look for the Mavericks to upgrade in this area. Young was the go-to guy many times on a talented Pittsburgh team, defends well, and looks like he should be a very good NBA player. Could very well be the sleeper of this year's draft.

23. Sacramento Kings (via Houston Rockets): Austin Daye.

Already having drafted their supposed PG of the future in Ricky Rubio, the Kings need to go after upgrades at other positions. They drafted well last year with Jason Thompson, and already have a talented SG in Kevin Martin, so I think the Kings will go after Gonzaga's Austin Daye. He's got great wingspan, great height, but he's a little too thin to man the PF spot right now. He needs to add bulk and get stronger, but once that inevitably happens, I think he'll be a smart pick by the Kings.

24. Portland Trail Blazers: DaJuan Summers.

Summers is an interesting prospect that had an up and down year on and up and down Georgetown team. While the Blazers drafted Batum last year, I think adding another young SF to the mix could do well. Or they could just draft a good player and package him with another one of their youngsters for a solid veteran. Either way, Portland wins.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder (from San Antonio Spurs): Jeff Pendergraph.

Being from Tempe and following ASU basketball, I always thought Pendergraph would be a mid second round pick. Though, at the combine and at various other workouts, it seems as though many teams are pretty high on him. He's determined, has a good skill set, and moves well. The Thunder are lacking a good PF type player, and while I think Pendergraph will be largely a bench player in the NBA, I think he will excel as that, especially on a team like the Thunder.

26. Chicago Bulls (from Denver Nuggets): Omri Casspi.

Haven't seen much of the guy, but from what I've read about him, he could be a good project for the Bulls.

27. Memphis Grizzlies (from Orlando Magic): Darren Collison.

Darren Collison is a good player and had a fairly good year at UCLA. His draft stock has slipped a little bit since last year, but I have no doubt that he can become a good rotation player in the NBA level. He'll never become a superstar, but his skill set should set him up to be a good backup, or maybe even a serviceable starter one day.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Boston Celtics): Wayne Ellington.

Again, the Wolves will not likely keep this player, but in case they do, they'll be getting a polished player in Ellington. He's not freakishly athletic, he's not a superstar defender, but the kid can shoot the ball. He'd be a good addition to the Wolves (as they lack a consistent outside shooter), but can also be a semi-valuable selling piece.

29. Los Angeles Lakers: Derrick Brown.

Don't look for the Lakers to shake much up, but I think adding another young wingman to the mix would be a good idea. Brown is a good athlete and has a pretty well rounded game, but isn't exactly stunning in any one aspect. Could be a good addition to learn under the Phil Jackson/Kobe Bryant team.

30. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jeff Teague.

While the Cavaliers had the best record in the league last year, there were obviously a few spots on their team that needed improvement. They lacked a dominant big man presence, and outside of LeBron James and (very rarely) Mo Williams, they didn't get much production from other players. I think the Cavaliers would do well to draft Jeff Teague, and bring him in as a pseudo-replacement for Wally Szczerbiak.

UPDATE:

Second Round

31. Sacramento Kings: Dionte Christmas.
32. Washington Wizards: Jonas Jerebko.
33. Portland Trail Blazers: Josh Heytvelt.
34. Denver Nuggets: Taj Gibson.
35. Detroit Pistons: Nick Calathes.
36. Memphis Grizzlies: DeMarre Carrol.
37. San Antonio Spurs: Jon Brockman.
38. Portland Trail Blazers: Patrick Mills.
39. Detroit Pistons: Danny Green.
40. Charlotte Bobcats: Robert Dozier.
41. Milwaukee Bucks: Leo Lyons.
42. Los Angeles Lakers: Sergio Llull.
43. Miami Heat: Jeff Adrien.
44. Detroit Pistons: Jerel McNeal.
45. Minnesota Timberwolves: Victor Claver.
46. Cleveland Cavaliers: Dante Cunningham.
47. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rodrigue Beaubois.
48. Phoenix Suns: Jodie Meeks.
49. Atlanta Hawks: Jermaine Taylor.
50. Utah Jazz: Toney Douglas.
51. San Antonio Spurs: Paul Harris.
52. Indiana Pacers: Vyacheslav Kravstov.
53. San Antonio Spurs: Sergii Gladyr.
54. Charlotte Bobcats: Eric Devendorf.
55. Portland Trail Blazers: Wesley Matthews.
56. Portland Trail Blazers: Milenko Tepic.
57. Phoenix Suns: Curtis Jerrells.
58. Boston Celtics: Terrel Harris.
59. Los Angeles Lakers: Courtney Fells.
60. Miami Heat: Chris Johnson.

Rumor Central

iamtrevorpaxton — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:53:40 -0000

So, as we have all noticed, there have been quite the slew of trade rumors being tossed around sites, most of which involve Amaré and Shaq. This thread is being started so as to (try to) keep track of the various rumors being thrown out. Time to get down to business!

The Wizards:

They give: Antawn Jamison, Mike James, and the #5 pick.
We give: Amaré Stoudemire.

While I echo the words of Stan in saying that this trade doesn't make a ton of sense, adding salary in a time when it's been stated that we're trying to cut expenses, I like this trade overall. Read more about this trade here.

The Bulls:

So, there have been a few trade rumors (or variations on a rumor) discussed, but I'm going to stick with the two that seem to actually have more roots than typical blog banter.

Trade 1:

They give: Luol Deng, Tim Thomas, and Jerome James.
We give: Shaquille O'Neal.

I like this trade, minus the obvious hole it leaves at starting C. Lopez isn't ready for that kind of responsibility, and pushing Amaré to the 5 and sliding a SF into the PF spot won't work. Remember what happened to Matt Barnes? Read more about the possible modifications to this trade here.

Trade 2:

They give: Tyrus Thomas, Tim Thomas, and John Salmons.
We give: Amaré Stoudemire and Alando Tucker.

I think I like this trade even more, but only if we can somehow get rid of Jason Richardson. We already have a logjam at the 2, and having to split minutes between Richardson, Salmons, and Barbosa would be a nightmare. Read the in depth analysis of this here.

The Celtics:

They give: Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.
We give: Amaré Stoudemire and (maybe?) Leandro Barbosa.

This trade has made the least sense out of any of the many that have arisen in recent days. Yet, for some reason, it's still being talked about in Phoenix. Say the trade does happen...who are we left with at the 4? Try to make a free agent signing? Lou Amundson? And then we pick up Rondo...that basically leaves Goran Dragic as dead space. Then, at the 2, we have Ray Allen (who is an All Star and should be starting) and Jason Richardson, who would probably throw a fit if he wasn't starting. This makes no sense to me. Read more about it here.

The Cavaliers:

They give: Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic.
We give: Shaquille O'Neal.

With Ben Wallace considering retirement (and the slim chance that he says, "Sure, I'll retire and not take any money from you, when I could just as easily make you pay me") and the fact that I am already biased against players whose names start with "Sasha" and end with "-ic" (ahem, this guy), I think this trade isn't good for the Suns. If Ben Wallace were healthy and not considering retirement, I might be a little higher on this trade, as it would fill the void left by Shaq at the 5, but...that doesn't seem to be the case. It makes complete sense for the Cavaliers, but no sense for the Suns. We don't even save that much money. More on this here.

Let me know if I've forgotten any major trade proposals, but I think I covered most of the more recent ones. I could be mistaken, though. And, for fun...here's a poll.

Poll

Which, of these rumors, should the Suns try to pursue?

Amaré to the Wizards for Jamison, Mike James, and the #5 pick

92 votes

Shaq to the Bulls for Deng, Tim Thomas, and Jerome James

160 votes

Amaré and Tucker to the Bulls for Tyrus Thomas, Tim Thomas, and Salmons

82 votes

Amaré and Barbosa to the Celtics for Rondo and Allen

109 votes

Shaq to the Cavaliers for Wallace and Pavlovic

53 votes

496 votes | Poll has closed

i made a little suns mosaic thing on this site, using photos i didn't take (all credit to the...

iamtrevorpaxton — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:53:33 -0000

i made a little suns mosaic thing on this site, using photos i didn't take (all credit to the photographers). but, after i found all the links and clicked "create poster", i saved the file and set it as my wallpaper. not too bad.

In Regards to the Future

iamtrevorpaxton — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:42:10 -0000

There has been much talk around here about what we think the Suns should do with the offseason. While many people have differing views, I think one thing is certain: there needs to be certainty. With this past season being broken up into different pieces (the "slow down and play defense" style, the "Porter gives up and turns the ball over to Nash" style, and the "7 Seconds or Shaq" style), it's been tough to really see what this group can do together. We've all seen flashes of greatness (beating the Lakers after Amaré goes down with the eye injury), as well as moments of despair (losing to the worst team in the NBA while fighting for a playoff spot), but I'm here to offer my opinion as to what the Suns should do in the offseason.

First, I'll break down the roster:

Ed Note: Nice breakdown. Expect to see more of this after the season ends as well and especially after the May 19th lottery and we know who's drafting where and what deals might be appealing to move up in the draft.

::STARTERS::

Steve Nash: If we can get a young (2-3 years experience), decently talented point guard in return, I say we go for it. He's the heart and soul of the team, but after we decide what mode we'll be in next year (rebuilding or gut it out with the current roster), we can decide what to do with our aging veterans.

Jason Richardson: Here's the debate: he's put up sick numbers (minus the 2-11, 4 point performance against Utah) since the Barbosa injury, but is he really that vital to the team? Can we get draft picks in return? If we can, we should.

Grant Hill: We keep him. He's found new life in his legs, and he's on track to play all 82 games, something he's never done in his career (I'm knocking on wood, don't worry). He's rejuvenated, he likes Phoenix, and he likes the way things have gone since Gentry took over. Why not keep him around, even if he does want a little more than the veteran's minimum? If we're getting rid of some of our other marquee players, we'll have a little more money to throw at a guy who is more than deserving.

Amaré Stoudemire: Oh, Amaré. He has never ceased to be one of the most enigmatic players in the NBA. The Gentry era started with a bang from him, until he was tragically sidelined with eye surgery. From the way he's talked about it, and the way the doctors have urged him to be careful, I'm a little wary of that eye. If he can come back (and actually commit to wearing the goggles full time) and dominate as usual, sure, hang onto the guy. If not, might as well sell him for what we can. In my opinion, he's the most unsure part of the Suns' picture right now. Right now, he's our biggest piece. He's the one we can get the most return for. He's the one that, if we decide to rebuild, should be traded for future talents.

Shaquille O'Neal: We keep Shaq through his contract and see what he wants after that. My guess is that no one will be offering him the $20 million he's making right now, even if he plays next year like he did this year. He's playing better than his championship year in Miami, but honestly...$20 million is just too much. I could see him getting something close to $13 million, if he can prove that he can keep up this years' pace (or improve on it). We'll see once his contract expires.

::BENCH::

Leandro Barbosa: Keep him as long as possible. Rarely do you find his talent, work ethic, and speed all in on package. I don't think it's unfair to say that Barbosa is (or should be) the future of this franchise. The willingness he shows to improve and work at his deficiencies impresses me. And, on top of that, he's shown me this year that he actually might be able to play a little point guard. He and Shaq work well together, and even though he's more of a combo guard, he can still run the point adequately. Decision making has always been a problem of his, but I've seen that improve this year.

Matt Barnes: If we can get him some serious treatment for his Kobebryantosis, I say we give him a shot. When he's on, he's on. He's proven that he can put up good numbers. However, when he's off, he still thinks he's on, and therein lies the problem. When he's not feelin' it, he still forces his shots, expecting them to fall. If he can learn to differentiate between the two, I say we give him a small offer. If he rejects that (or can't break out of his "I love to shoot the basketball, even if it's detrimental to the team" style), let him go.

Louis Amundson: The biggest surprise of the season. Keep Amundson, so long as we can keep him for a reasonable price. His free throw shooting is horrific (he makes shaq look like Steve Nash, at times), and his talent is a little iffy, but you won't find someone that gives as much effort as he does when he's on the court. He's a very good bench player, and seems to have found his niche in the current Suns system. If he can improve a few things this summer, I don't see why we don't take a chance on him. Plus, he's a fan favorite, something we're going to need if we decide to blow things up and suck for a few years.

Jared Dudley: I think we should keep Dudley for the rest of the contract we have for him, and then reevaluate. He's a solid bench player, and even though he's not the most talented, can't jump the highest, and isn't the fastest player on the court, he does give effort. He commits to grabbing rebounds. He tries to make good decisions while he's on the floor. That's more than we can say for a few of our other starters, at times...(ahem, Amaré).

Goran Dragic: I've always been high on Dragic. He's always shown flashes of what he can do. On top of that, he's one of our only true young prospects, and since he's been showing a little more confidence as of late, I've been impressed. Keep him.

Robin Lopez: Here's the deal: we won't get anything of value in return for Lopez. Maybe some cash considerations, maybe a second round draft pick, but after his less than stellar year, no one is going to want to take him off our hands. We might as well see if he can start to put things together and be a rotation player.

Alando Tucker: If any of you have read anything else I post around here, you'll know how high I am on Tucker. With Richardson and Barbosa around, he hasn't had much of a shot to really step into the role he was bound to get before his injury. He's a smart player, he's unselfish, he's a hard worker, and he's a good locker room presence with his humorous attitude. Keep him.

Stromile Swift: Eh, he was just a rental anyway. Let him go.

::COACH::

Alvin Gentry: Keep Gentry and give him the full time offer. He has shown that he knows who the hot hand is, and he has proven that he can still give the bench playing time and develop players and still win. Since our bench hasn't had much actual playing time together, things are a bit chaotic at times, but even ESPN has noted the spark the bench has given us.

Alright. Now that I've broken down the entire roster and given you more of my thoughts than you probably ever cared to hear (if you actually made it all the way through that, I give you major kudos), it's time to hear what you think. I'm optimistic for the Suns' future, and I think that this offseason could keep us at a championship caliber, if we make the right moves.

I'm not sure which is better, the video itself or the comments on the video.

iamtrevorpaxton — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:06:25 -0000

I'm not sure which is better, the video itself or the comments on the video.

Come on, Sarver...the economy's not THAT bad...I say we give him the extension.

iamtrevorpaxton — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:02:20 -0000

Come on, Sarver...the economy's not THAT bad...I say we give him the extension.

Need I say more as to why Shaq needs to be around for the festivities during All-Star weekend?

iamtrevorpaxton — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:59:46 -0000

Need I say more as to why Shaq needs to be around for the festivities during All-Star weekend?

Suns Drop Yet Another Close Game

iamtrevorpaxton — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:59:20 -0000

In case any of you didn't catch the Suns/Pacers game, the Suns were once again obliterated on another buzzer beating 3, delivered by none other than Danny Granger. Now, I find this loss a bit more puzzling than the coaled-blooded Spurs delivery, where that was clearly a blown defensive assignment.

In case you missed it, here's basically how it went down: 30-something seconds left on the clock. Nash drives in, doesn't find anything, retreats back out to close to the arc. Passes to Amaré. Amaré clanks the 18 footer with the shot clock running down. Richardson gets the offensive rebound. Somewhere around 6 or 7 seconds left in the game. Richardson pump fakes, moves around the defender, and puts up a 15 (or so) footer. He misses. Indiana comes down with the rebound, with .9 seconds left on the game clock. Timeout called. After the timeout, Indiana inbounds the ball to Granger, who hits the game winning catch-and-shoot 3 pointer.

Now...while I don't blame any one person for that shot (i.e. Richardson in the Mason debacle), I know I can't see everything. Maybe I was blinded by rage that we lost another one in the final second. Maybe I just didn't want to think about it. Nevertheless, there is strength in having such a devoted Suns nation out there all in one place.

So, let's take a look at it. I've enclosed a poll, giving a few suggestions, and I would like to see what you all think is the cause for not only this, but many of the other close Suns losses...Lord knows there's been more than just a few.

I want to hear what you have to say.

Poll

Granger hit the game winning 3 with .9 seconds left. Who's at fault?

Jason Richardson. Should have held for that extra .8 seconds before putting up his shot.

17 votes

Leandro Barbosa. Blew his defensive assignment by failing to rotate over on Granger.

22 votes

Robin Lopez. Why did he even play 5 minutes in this game when Porter said he's clearly not ready to play?

2 votes

Steve Kerr. Just...because.

20 votes

The previous 47:59.1 minutes of play. Seriously? I mean...seriously?

68 votes

129 votes | Poll has closed

All-Star Voting?

iamtrevorpaxton — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:59:05 -0000

Here's the deal: We all know that Amaré has been promoting himself for the All-Star team, and while not all of us think it's a great idea and whatnot, I still believe that he should win out over Carmelo. Maybe I'm biased. Maybe I just think that, with the game being held in Phoenix, we should have at least one starter named...and we all know it's not going to be Nash or Shaq.

And, with the recent developments in Denver, the time is now for us Suns fans to do our part and name the guy to the All-Star team. If he's not named, who knows what it'll do for his game. He might have a Matrix-like explosion just after the game (after being upset with being snubbed), or he might just shut it down and think "what's the point of it all".

So, let's do it. Let's all head over to NBA.com and extend that lead from 17,000(ish) to...well, more.

2009: The year for appeasing overly egotistical stars.