http://suns.planetorange.net/service/getFeed.kickAction?quantity=25 New blogs from ZoDogg34 on Planet Orange Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:37:33 GMT Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:37:33 GMT planetorange@suns.com (phoenix_bball) planetorange@suns.com (phoenix_bball) KickApps Feed Builder 2010-06-19T18:37:33Z 85 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=9952&sortType=recent 0 http://suns.planetorange.net/_ZoDogg-for-General-Manager/BLOG/2403858/9952.html Today I officially kick off my campaign to become the next General Manager of the Phoenix Suns. I feel that I am uniquely qualified for this position because of my lifelong love for all things purple & orange (and gray since 2001). I grew up a Suns kid.  Having been born in Phoenix in 1977, I am of the first generation of fans that grew up with the Suns since birth. I attended countless games in the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum (AKA The Madhouse on McDowell), and as a child participated in Suns basketball camps at the Jewish Community Center, which the Suns utilized as a practice facility in the days before practice courts built within the arena. Having lived through the agony of losses to the Lakers in the 80’s, Portland in the early 90’s, John Paxson closing the Suns out in 1993, to the back to back heartbreaking losses to Houston in the mid 90’s, all the way to the injuries, suspensions, and bad luck the Suns of 2005-2010 has dealt with, I have the perspective of someone that would do anything it takes to finally bring a Suns’ championship parade to Central Avenue.  I am inexperienced, therefore I will work cheap.Sarver brought Kerr in with no experience and let him go when the Suns reached the Conference Finals because he did not want to pay him his market value. I would keep Amar’e Stoudemire at all costs.Amar’e Stoudemire was the best player in the NBA over the last two months of the regular season. While he wasn’t at his best in the playoffs, I feel that his offensive skill set is something that the Suns can not afford to replace. We know what we will get with Amar’e and despite his deficiencies, there is not a player on the market currently within the Suns budget that would be an upgrade. I would do whatever I could to acquire a first round draft pickThe Suns don’t have a first rounder in next week’s draft, due to the Kurt Thomas trade. In the best interest of the future of the team, I would work to acquire a pick. I would do whatever it takes to bring back David Griffin.Like me, Griffin is a lifelong Suns fan. He knows the team, knows the personnel, and is a true student of the game. He is an imperative part of the Suns’ organization. I recognize this fact and would work to keep him in the fold. One of the most important jobs of a manager is delegating, and I know that David Griffin is someone I could trust. I am fan friendly.I tweet, I have facebook, and I’d answer my own email. Love me or hate me, I’d respond to you (unless you’re a Lakers fan). What do the Suns have to lose?Kerr made the Shaq trade, hired Terry Porter, and was able to bounce back. I am confident that no matter how badly I screw up, I wouldn’t do anything as stupid as those moves. I believe in Alvin.Alvin Gentry will never be fired as long as I am GM.  Please support my bid to become Suns GM. Post this on your facebook. Re-tweet links to this. Use the hashtag #ZoDoggForGM. Your Suns need me. Today I officially kick off my campaign to become the next General Manager of the Phoenix Suns. I feel that I am uniquely qualified for this position because of my lifelong love for all things purple & orange (and gray since 2001). I grew up a Suns kid.  Having been born in Phoenix in 1977, I am of the first generation of fans that grew up with the Suns since birth. I attended countless games in the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum (AKA The Madhouse on McDowell), and as a child participated in Suns basketball camps at the Jewish Community Center, which the Suns utilized as a practice facility in the days before practice courts built within the arena. Having lived through the agony of losses to the Lakers in the 80’s, Portland in the early 90’s, John Paxson closing the Suns out in 1993, to the back to back heartbreaking losses to Houston in the mid 90’s, all the way to the injuries, suspensions, and bad luck the Suns of 2005-2010 has dealt with, I have the perspective of someone that would do anything it takes to finally bring a Suns’ championship parade to Central Avenue.  I am inexperienced, therefore I will work cheap.Sarver brought Kerr in with no experience and let him go when the Suns reached the Conference Finals because he did not want to pay him his market value. I would keep Amar’e Stoudemire at all costs.Amar’e Stoudemire was the best player in the NBA over the last two months of the regular season. While he wasn’t at his best in the playoffs, I feel that his offensive skill set is something that the Suns can not afford to replace. We know what we will get with Amar’e and despite his deficiencies, there is not a player on the market currently within the Suns budget that would be an upgrade. I would do whatever I could to acquire a first round draft pickThe Suns don’t have a first rounder in next week’s draft, due to the Kurt Thomas trade. In the best interest of the future of the team, I would work to acquire a pick. I would do whatever it takes to bring back David Griffin.Like me, Griffin is a lifelong Suns fan. He knows the team, knows the personnel, and is a true student of the game. He is an imperative part of the Suns’ organization. I recognize this fact and would work to keep him in the fold. One of the most important jobs of a manager is delegating, and I know that David Griffin is someone I could trust. I am fan friendly.I tweet, I have facebook, and I’d answer my own email. Love me or hate me, I’d respond to you (unless you’re a Lakers fan). What do the Suns have to lose?Kerr made the Shaq trade, hired Terry Porter, and was able to bounce back. I am confident that no matter how badly I screw up, I wouldn’t do anything as stupid as those moves. I believe in Alvin.Alvin Gentry will never be fired as long as I am GM.  Please support my bid to become Suns GM. Post this on your facebook. Re-tweet links to this. Use the hashtag #ZoDoggForGM. Your Suns need me. Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:37:33 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_ZoDogg-for-General-Manager/BLOG/2403858/9952.html ZoDogg34 2010-06-19T18:37:33Z Planet Orange Today I officially kick off my campaign to become the next General Manager of the Phoenix Suns. I feel that I am uniquely qualified for this position because of my lifelong love for all things purple & orange (and gray since 2001). I grew up a Suns kid.  Having been born in Phoenix in 1977, I am of the first generation of fans that grew up with the Suns since birth. I attended countless games in the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum (AKA The Madhouse on McDowell), and as a child participated in Suns basketball camps at the Jewish Community Center, which the Suns utilized as a practice facility in the days before practice courts built within the arena. Having lived through the agony of losses to the Lakers in the 80’s, Portland in the early 90’s, John Paxson closing the Suns out in 1993, to the back to back heartbreaking losses to Houston in the mid 90’s, all the way to the injuries, suspensions, and bad luck the Suns of 2005-2010 has dealt with, I have the perspective of someone that would do anything it takes to finally bring a Suns’ championship parade to Central Avenue.  I am inexperienced, therefore I will work cheap.Sarver brought Kerr in with no experience and let him go when the Suns reached the Conference Finals because he did not want to pay him his market value. I would keep Amar’e Stoudemire at all costs.Amar’e Stoudemire was the best player in the NBA over the last two months of the regular season. While he wasn’t at his best in the playoffs, I feel that his offensive skill set is something that the Suns can not afford to replace. We know what we will get with Amar’e and despite his deficiencies, there is not a player on the market currently within the Suns budget that would be an upgrade. I would do whatever I could to acquire a first round draft pickThe Suns don’t have a first rounder in next week’s draft, due to the Kurt Thomas trade. In the best interest of the future of the team, I would work to acquire a pick. I would do whatever it takes to bring back David Griffin.Like me, Griffin is a lifelong Suns fan. He knows the team, knows the personnel, and is a true student of the game. He is an imperative part of the Suns’ organization. I recognize this fact and would work to keep him in the fold. One of the most important jobs of a manager is delegating, and I know that David Griffin is someone I could trust. I am fan friendly.I tweet, I have facebook, and I’d answer my own email. Love me or hate me, I’d respond to you (unless you’re a Lakers fan). What do the Suns have to lose?Kerr made the Shaq trade, hired Terry Porter, and was able to bounce back. I am confident that no matter how badly I screw up, I wouldn’t do anything as stupid as those moves. I believe in Alvin.Alvin Gentry will never be fired as long as I am GM.  Please support my bid to become Suns GM. Post this on your facebook. Re-tweet links to this. Use the hashtag #ZoDoggForGM. Your Suns need me. nonadult false ZoDogg for General Manager text blog 74 1 5.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 4 0 2403858 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Uh-huhI-told-ya-so/BLOG/408143/9952.html Anyone remember when I said that the Marion for Shaq deal was the WORST TRADE IN SUNS HISTORY?How about my posts about how Shaq was a BAD FIT FOR THE SUNS?And what about my blogs and posts about the negative effect Shaq's ego and need to dominate the ball and the team had on the overall performance of the Suns? Well is it safe to say now that I was right all along?Does ANYONE out there think that getting Shaq was a GOOD move? #1 in the West to a lottery team in less than two years. Wow...thanks Sarver...Thanks Kerr.Time to move on by moving back. Back to the run. Back to the days before Shaq slowed down the team and made Steve Nash ineffective.Time to return to PHOENIX SUNS BASKETBALL And oh yeah...I told ya so. Anyone remember when I said that the Marion for Shaq deal was the WORST TRADE IN SUNS HISTORY?How about my posts about how Shaq was a BAD FIT FOR THE SUNS?And what about my blogs and posts about the negative effect Shaq's ego and need to dominate the ball and the team had on the overall performance of the Suns? Well is it safe to say now that I was right all along?Does ANYONE out there think that getting Shaq was a GOOD move? #1 in the West to a lottery team in less than two years. Wow...thanks Sarver...Thanks Kerr.Time to move on by moving back. Back to the run. Back to the days before Shaq slowed down the team and made Steve Nash ineffective.Time to return to PHOENIX SUNS BASKETBALL And oh yeah...I told ya so. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:43:47 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Uh-huhI-told-ya-so/BLOG/408143/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-06-26T06:43:47Z Planet Orange Anyone remember when I said that the Marion for Shaq deal was the WORST TRADE IN SUNS HISTORY?How about my posts about how Shaq was a BAD FIT FOR THE SUNS?And what about my blogs and posts about the negative effect Shaq's ego and need to dominate the ball and the team had on the overall performance of the Suns? Well is it safe to say now that I was right all along?Does ANYONE out there think that getting Shaq was a GOOD move? #1 in the West to a lottery team in less than two years. Wow...thanks Sarver...Thanks Kerr.Time to move on by moving back. Back to the run. Back to the days before Shaq slowed down the team and made Steve Nash ineffective.Time to return to PHOENIX SUNS BASKETBALL And oh yeah...I told ya so. nonadult false Uh huh...I told ya so text blog 350 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 1 0 408143 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Anyone-ready-to-admit-I-was-right/BLOG/235932/9952.html So when we traded for Shaq I said the Suns were dead.I said Rest in piece Suns. People laughed at me. They said I was negative, they said I shouldn't be so down. It's painfully obvious that now, with the Suns on the verge of elimination from the playoffs, that I was right. Thanks Robert Sarver. Thanks Steve Kerr.Thanks for DESTROYING the Phoenix Suns that we all knew and loved.Thanks for trading a great, dynamic player for an old former superstar that tore apart the chemistry of the team.Thanks for running off a coach that played WINNING basketball.Thanks for hiring a coach that was a completely clueless.Thanks for not firing that clueless coach in time to save this season.Thanks for turning the #1 team in the Western conference to a lottery team in 14 months. So when we traded for Shaq I said the Suns were dead.I said Rest in piece Suns. People laughed at me. They said I was negative, they said I shouldn't be so down. It's painfully obvious that now, with the Suns on the verge of elimination from the playoffs, that I was right. Thanks Robert Sarver. Thanks Steve Kerr.Thanks for DESTROYING the Phoenix Suns that we all knew and loved.Thanks for trading a great, dynamic player for an old former superstar that tore apart the chemistry of the team.Thanks for running off a coach that played WINNING basketball.Thanks for hiring a coach that was a completely clueless.Thanks for not firing that clueless coach in time to save this season.Thanks for turning the #1 team in the Western conference to a lottery team in 14 months. Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:48:28 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Anyone-ready-to-admit-I-was-right/BLOG/235932/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-04-08T05:48:28Z Planet Orange So when we traded for Shaq I said the Suns were dead.I said Rest in piece Suns. People laughed at me. They said I was negative, they said I shouldn't be so down. It's painfully obvious that now, with the Suns on the verge of elimination from the playoffs, that I was right. Thanks Robert Sarver. Thanks Steve Kerr.Thanks for DESTROYING the Phoenix Suns that we all knew and loved.Thanks for trading a great, dynamic player for an old former superstar that tore apart the chemistry of the team.Thanks for running off a coach that played WINNING basketball.Thanks for hiring a coach that was a completely clueless.Thanks for not firing that clueless coach in time to save this season.Thanks for turning the #1 team in the Western conference to a lottery team in 14 months. nonadult false Anyone ready to admit I was right? text blog 351 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 2 0 235932 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_WE-DID-IT/BLOG/189388/9952.html Thanks to all the Suns fans that supported me in my efforts to oust Porter.My website got a lot of hits, and finally the Suns organization realized what the fans wanted.Porter is gone, and things are looking better on Planet Orange! GOOD JOB SUNS FANS!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to all the Suns fans that supported me in my efforts to oust Porter.My website got a lot of hits, and finally the Suns organization realized what the fans wanted.Porter is gone, and things are looking better on Planet Orange! GOOD JOB SUNS FANS!!!!!!!!!!! Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:40:53 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_WE-DID-IT/BLOG/189388/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-02-19T00:40:53Z Planet Orange Thanks to all the Suns fans that supported me in my efforts to oust Porter.My website got a lot of hits, and finally the Suns organization realized what the fans wanted.Porter is gone, and things are looking better on Planet Orange! GOOD JOB SUNS FANS!!!!!!!!!!! nonadult false WE DID IT!!!! text blog 377 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 1 0 189388 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Shaq-is-scared/BLOG/185723/9952.html After articles in both the Arizona Republic and the East Valley Tribune today pointed out that no Suns players have publicly backed Terry Porter in the media despite the rampant criticism, Porter's friend Shaquille O'Neal was quick to run to his aide. “I know for a fact that if things don’t go right, there’s three guys that’ll get blamed—Steve one, me two and Terry three,” O’Neal said. “It’s kind of unfair for Terry. He came in with his system, and a lot of guys here are not really used to the system. But I like Terry. He’s a knowledgeable guy. He played the game. It’s always the players’ job to go out and get it done.”Shaq knows that his time being the focalpoint of the offense is numbered. People are finally catching on that the more Shaq gets the ball, the worse the Suns perform.The only people left that actually think that building an offense around a 36 year old part time player is a good move are Steve Kerr and Terry Porter. If Porter goes, so does the "give it to Shaq and have four guys stand around" offense.Terry Porter has made Shaq an all-star this year. He has also made Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire suffer great declines in their numbers - and ran Raja Bell and Boris Diaw out of town due to his archaic "system"Shaq's a smart man. He knows that the more he gets the ball, the better his numbers will look. People that don't watch this team on a nightly basis don't realize what kind of negative effect Shaq's play has had on the Suns this year. He's worried that is numbers will go down and he will be exposed for what he is - an aging former superstar on his last legs that can no longer carry a team. After articles in both the Arizona Republic and the East Valley Tribune today pointed out that no Suns players have publicly backed Terry Porter in the media despite the rampant criticism, Porter's friend Shaquille O'Neal was quick to run to his aide. “I know for a fact that if things don’t go right, there’s three guys that’ll get blamed—Steve one, me two and Terry three,” O’Neal said. “It’s kind of unfair for Terry. He came in with his system, and a lot of guys here are not really used to the system. But I like Terry. He’s a knowledgeable guy. He played the game. It’s always the players’ job to go out and get it done.”Shaq knows that his time being the focalpoint of the offense is numbered. People are finally catching on that the more Shaq gets the ball, the worse the Suns perform.The only people left that actually think that building an offense around a 36 year old part time player is a good move are Steve Kerr and Terry Porter. If Porter goes, so does the "give it to Shaq and have four guys stand around" offense.Terry Porter has made Shaq an all-star this year. He has also made Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire suffer great declines in their numbers - and ran Raja Bell and Boris Diaw out of town due to his archaic "system"Shaq's a smart man. He knows that the more he gets the ball, the better his numbers will look. People that don't watch this team on a nightly basis don't realize what kind of negative effect Shaq's play has had on the Suns this year. He's worried that is numbers will go down and he will be exposed for what he is - an aging former superstar on his last legs that can no longer carry a team. Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:04:08 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Shaq-is-scared/BLOG/185723/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-02-14T07:04:08Z Planet Orange After articles in both the Arizona Republic and the East Valley Tribune today pointed out that no Suns players have publicly backed Terry Porter in the media despite the rampant criticism, Porter's friend Shaquille O'Neal was quick to run to his aide. “I know for a fact that if things don’t go right, there’s three guys that’ll get blamed—Steve one, me two and Terry three,” O’Neal said. “It’s kind of unfair for Terry. He came in with his system, and a lot of guys here are not really used to the system. But I like Terry. He’s a knowledgeable guy. He played the game. It’s always the players’ job to go out and get it done.”Shaq knows that his time being the focalpoint of the offense is numbered. People are finally catching on that the more Shaq gets the ball, the worse the Suns perform.The only people left that actually think that building an offense around a 36 year old part time player is a good move are Steve Kerr and Terry Porter. If Porter goes, so does the "give it to Shaq and have four guys stand around" offense.Terry Porter has made Shaq an all-star this year. He has also made Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire suffer great declines in their numbers - and ran Raja Bell and Boris Diaw out of town due to his archaic "system"Shaq's a smart man. He knows that the more he gets the ball, the better his numbers will look. People that don't watch this team on a nightly basis don't realize what kind of negative effect Shaq's play has had on the Suns this year. He's worried that is numbers will go down and he will be exposed for what he is - an aging former superstar on his last legs that can no longer carry a team. porter, shaq nonadult false Shaq is scared text blog porter,shaq 465 1 5.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 3 0 185723 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Free-Investment-Advice/BLOG/178614/9952.html Aside from sports announcing, my real job is as an investment advisor. In order to have this job I had to pass some very difficult tests to get certain licenses that are required to give investment advice.Usually I talk to clients about investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The kind of investments that people make usually depends on their amount to invest in addition to some other factors.One thing that I have never advised anyone to invest in is an NBA franchise. Now, it’s true that most people don’t have an extra $400 million to drop on an NBA team, however, if I  did have such a client  I really wouldn’t see myself recommending the purchase of an NBA team as a sound investment decision.I don’t think that Robert Sarver is a bad business man. After all, his banking and other business interests made him enough money to spend the $400 million on purchasing the Suns. What I don’t understand is the motivation behind this deal. Based on the moves that have been made since he has taken over the franchise it doesn’t seem that he has always had the best interests of the team or the fan base in mind.  Read the rest here:122 Degrees in the Shade Aside from sports announcing, my real job is as an investment advisor. In order to have this job I had to pass some very difficult tests to get certain licenses that are required to give investment advice.Usually I talk to clients about investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The kind of investments that people make usually depends on their amount to invest in addition to some other factors.One thing that I have never advised anyone to invest in is an NBA franchise. Now, it’s true that most people don’t have an extra $400 million to drop on an NBA team, however, if I  did have such a client  I really wouldn’t see myself recommending the purchase of an NBA team as a sound investment decision.I don’t think that Robert Sarver is a bad business man. After all, his banking and other business interests made him enough money to spend the $400 million on purchasing the Suns. What I don’t understand is the motivation behind this deal. Based on the moves that have been made since he has taken over the franchise it doesn’t seem that he has always had the best interests of the team or the fan base in mind.  Read the rest here:122 Degrees in the Shade Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:20:19 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Free-Investment-Advice/BLOG/178614/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-02-06T05:20:19Z Planet Orange Aside from sports announcing, my real job is as an investment advisor. In order to have this job I had to pass some very difficult tests to get certain licenses that are required to give investment advice.Usually I talk to clients about investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The kind of investments that people make usually depends on their amount to invest in addition to some other factors.One thing that I have never advised anyone to invest in is an NBA franchise. Now, it’s true that most people don’t have an extra $400 million to drop on an NBA team, however, if I  did have such a client  I really wouldn’t see myself recommending the purchase of an NBA team as a sound investment decision.I don’t think that Robert Sarver is a bad business man. After all, his banking and other business interests made him enough money to spend the $400 million on purchasing the Suns. What I don’t understand is the motivation behind this deal. Based on the moves that have been made since he has taken over the franchise it doesn’t seem that he has always had the best interests of the team or the fan base in mind.  Read the rest here:122 Degrees in the Shade nonadult false Free Investment Advice text blog 405 1 5.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 0 0 178614 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_A-Look-Into-the-Crystal-Ball/BLOG/174237/9952.html After watching another miserable Suns loss tonight against the Chicago Bulls I decided to take a look into my handy crystal ball and see what the future will hold for the Phoenix Suns.It was definately not encouraging.Here’s what is going to happen…Read the rest of this blog here After watching another miserable Suns loss tonight against the Chicago Bulls I decided to take a look into my handy crystal ball and see what the future will hold for the Phoenix Suns.It was definately not encouraging.Here’s what is going to happen…Read the rest of this blog here Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:01:38 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_A-Look-Into-the-Crystal-Ball/BLOG/174237/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-02-01T22:01:38Z Planet Orange After watching another miserable Suns loss tonight against the Chicago Bulls I decided to take a look into my handy crystal ball and see what the future will hold for the Phoenix Suns.It was definately not encouraging.Here’s what is going to happen…Read the rest of this blog here nonadult false A Look Into the Crystal Ball text blog 675 1 2.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 1 0 174237 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Wanna-know-what-shoes-the-Suns-players-wear/BLOG/170866/9952.html  One of the most fascinating things to me when watching an NBA game is the shoes the players wear. Not only are these guys all taller than most people, but they have athletic ability unmatched by 99.99% of the general public.  Adding to that mistique of an NBA player is the fact that many of them have some of the coolest shoes around, custom made for them by whatever company they are endorsed by.One of the first things I do when I go to a Suns game is check out what shoes players are wearing. The new colorways, the new designs, and the potential to see a shoe I haven’t seen yet is always intriguing to me.Here’s an up do date (for the most part) list of what each Suns player is wearing on the court... See the rest of this blog here122 Degrees In The Shade  One of the most fascinating things to me when watching an NBA game is the shoes the players wear. Not only are these guys all taller than most people, but they have athletic ability unmatched by 99.99% of the general public.  Adding to that mistique of an NBA player is the fact that many of them have some of the coolest shoes around, custom made for them by whatever company they are endorsed by.One of the first things I do when I go to a Suns game is check out what shoes players are wearing. The new colorways, the new designs, and the potential to see a shoe I haven’t seen yet is always intriguing to me.Here’s an up do date (for the most part) list of what each Suns player is wearing on the court... See the rest of this blog here122 Degrees In The Shade Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:01:19 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Wanna-know-what-shoes-the-Suns-players-wear/BLOG/170866/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-01-28T17:01:19Z Planet Orange  One of the most fascinating things to me when watching an NBA game is the shoes the players wear. Not only are these guys all taller than most people, but they have athletic ability unmatched by 99.99% of the general public.  Adding to that mistique of an NBA player is the fact that many of them have some of the coolest shoes around, custom made for them by whatever company they are endorsed by.One of the first things I do when I go to a Suns game is check out what shoes players are wearing. The new colorways, the new designs, and the potential to see a shoe I haven’t seen yet is always intriguing to me.Here’s an up do date (for the most part) list of what each Suns player is wearing on the court... See the rest of this blog here122 Degrees In The Shade nonadult false Wanna know what shoes the Suns players wear? text blog 499 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 0 0 170866 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_What-This-Team-Needs/BLOG/168664/9952.html WHAT THIS TEAM NEEDS [image] That is all. WHAT THIS TEAM NEEDS [image] That is all. Sat, 24 Jan 2009 22:57:39 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_What-This-Team-Needs/BLOG/168664/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-01-24T22:57:39Z Planet Orange WHAT THIS TEAM NEEDS [image] That is all. nonadult false What This Team Needs text blog 536 2 5.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 2 1 168664 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_When-does-the-other-shoe-drop/BLOG/168346/9952.html Well tonight the Phoenix Suns have officially hit rock bottom.After a 98-76 thrashing at the hands of the awful Charlotte Bobcats, a franchise that had previously never beaten the Suns in its history, it's time for big time changes to come to the Suns organization.The Bobcats were led by 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists (plus 2 steals and a block for good measure) from Boris Diaw, a player that the Suns GM recently called "COMPLETELY USELESS" to a group of Suns fans.Who is REALLY completey useless in the Suns organization?Is it the owner? Is it the general manager? Is it the head coach? Is it all of the above? Let's just take a look...In just 11 months the Suns have gone from the top team in the Western Conference to an awful team in complete dissarray incapable of beating even the bottom feeders of the NBA like Charlotte.The Suns management has pointed fingers at the "bad apples" like Shawn Marion, Mike D'Antoni, Raja Bell, and the "completely useless" Boris Diaw, all of whom were shipped out of town.The one constant in this equation has been the mis-management by Sarver and Kerr...from the embarrassing treatment of Shawn Marion (Kerr told him he wasn't worth his contract) to the way the Mike D'Antoni situation was handled in the offseason and the hiring of a head coach with a questionable resume.Each time a member of the Suns organization moves on there are media reports about what a locker room cancer that person was and how that individual was killing the team...but somehow despite the shipping out of all these "bad apples" this team continues to decline rapidly.Now we're reading about how Amare Stoudemire is creating problems. The popular public sentiment is that Amare is the "new" problem and is bringing down the Suns. This, despite the fact that Terry Porter continues to play a system that makes Amare's athleticism and skills irrelevant.What's next? We trade Amare for some marginal player, continue our rapid decline in the standings and find someone else to blame? Who is next on Kerr's "hit list?" Is it Steve Nash? Leandro Barbosa? Who else is left from Mike D'Antoni's strong running teams?Let's look at where the TRUE problems lie with this team - Sarver, Kerr, and Porter. EVERY decision that has been made since Sarver took over has been detrimental to this team. EVERY decision Kerr has been involved with has been a collossal failure (Shaq trade, Porter hire, the draft, Richardson deal).As long as the triumverate of Sarver, Kerr, and Porter are here this team is not capable of winning. I'm sorry my fellow citizens of Planet Orange. It's time to face the truth.Bring signs to games...start chants...be vocal. We MUST get Kerr and Porter out of Phoenix. If it doesn't happen SOON this team will become the Clippers. Well tonight the Phoenix Suns have officially hit rock bottom.After a 98-76 thrashing at the hands of the awful Charlotte Bobcats, a franchise that had previously never beaten the Suns in its history, it's time for big time changes to come to the Suns organization.The Bobcats were led by 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists (plus 2 steals and a block for good measure) from Boris Diaw, a player that the Suns GM recently called "COMPLETELY USELESS" to a group of Suns fans.Who is REALLY completey useless in the Suns organization?Is it the owner? Is it the general manager? Is it the head coach? Is it all of the above? Let's just take a look...In just 11 months the Suns have gone from the top team in the Western Conference to an awful team in complete dissarray incapable of beating even the bottom feeders of the NBA like Charlotte.The Suns management has pointed fingers at the "bad apples" like Shawn Marion, Mike D'Antoni, Raja Bell, and the "completely useless" Boris Diaw, all of whom were shipped out of town.The one constant in this equation has been the mis-management by Sarver and Kerr...from the embarrassing treatment of Shawn Marion (Kerr told him he wasn't worth his contract) to the way the Mike D'Antoni situation was handled in the offseason and the hiring of a head coach with a questionable resume.Each time a member of the Suns organization moves on there are media reports about what a locker room cancer that person was and how that individual was killing the team...but somehow despite the shipping out of all these "bad apples" this team continues to decline rapidly.Now we're reading about how Amare Stoudemire is creating problems. The popular public sentiment is that Amare is the "new" problem and is bringing down the Suns. This, despite the fact that Terry Porter continues to play a system that makes Amare's athleticism and skills irrelevant.What's next? We trade Amare for some marginal player, continue our rapid decline in the standings and find someone else to blame? Who is next on Kerr's "hit list?" Is it Steve Nash? Leandro Barbosa? Who else is left from Mike D'Antoni's strong running teams?Let's look at where the TRUE problems lie with this team - Sarver, Kerr, and Porter. EVERY decision that has been made since Sarver took over has been detrimental to this team. EVERY decision Kerr has been involved with has been a collossal failure (Shaq trade, Porter hire, the draft, Richardson deal).As long as the triumverate of Sarver, Kerr, and Porter are here this team is not capable of winning. I'm sorry my fellow citizens of Planet Orange. It's time to face the truth.Bring signs to games...start chants...be vocal. We MUST get Kerr and Porter out of Phoenix. If it doesn't happen SOON this team will become the Clippers. Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:59:41 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_When-does-the-other-shoe-drop/BLOG/168346/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-01-24T03:59:41Z Planet Orange Well tonight the Phoenix Suns have officially hit rock bottom.After a 98-76 thrashing at the hands of the awful Charlotte Bobcats, a franchise that had previously never beaten the Suns in its history, it's time for big time changes to come to the Suns organization.The Bobcats were led by 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists (plus 2 steals and a block for good measure) from Boris Diaw, a player that the Suns GM recently called "COMPLETELY USELESS" to a group of Suns fans.Who is REALLY completey useless in the Suns organization?Is it the owner? Is it the general manager? Is it the head coach? Is it all of the above? Let's just take a look...In just 11 months the Suns have gone from the top team in the Western Conference to an awful team in complete dissarray incapable of beating even the bottom feeders of the NBA like Charlotte.The Suns management has pointed fingers at the "bad apples" like Shawn Marion, Mike D'Antoni, Raja Bell, and the "completely useless" Boris Diaw, all of whom were shipped out of town.The one constant in this equation has been the mis-management by Sarver and Kerr...from the embarrassing treatment of Shawn Marion (Kerr told him he wasn't worth his contract) to the way the Mike D'Antoni situation was handled in the offseason and the hiring of a head coach with a questionable resume.Each time a member of the Suns organization moves on there are media reports about what a locker room cancer that person was and how that individual was killing the team...but somehow despite the shipping out of all these "bad apples" this team continues to decline rapidly.Now we're reading about how Amare Stoudemire is creating problems. The popular public sentiment is that Amare is the "new" problem and is bringing down the Suns. This, despite the fact that Terry Porter continues to play a system that makes Amare's athleticism and skills irrelevant.What's next? We trade Amare for some marginal player, continue our rapid decline in the standings and find someone else to blame? Who is next on Kerr's "hit list?" Is it Steve Nash? Leandro Barbosa? Who else is left from Mike D'Antoni's strong running teams?Let's look at where the TRUE problems lie with this team - Sarver, Kerr, and Porter. EVERY decision that has been made since Sarver took over has been detrimental to this team. EVERY decision Kerr has been involved with has been a collossal failure (Shaq trade, Porter hire, the draft, Richardson deal).As long as the triumverate of Sarver, Kerr, and Porter are here this team is not capable of winning. I'm sorry my fellow citizens of Planet Orange. It's time to face the truth.Bring signs to games...start chants...be vocal. We MUST get Kerr and Porter out of Phoenix. If it doesn't happen SOON this team will become the Clippers. nonadult false When does the other shoe drop? text blog 497 1 5.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 7 0 168346 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_4-years-ago/BLOG/167202/9952.html The Suns were in the first year of Mike D'Antoni's Seven Seconds or Less era.Despite completing a six game losing streak on January 21, 2005, the Suns sat on top of the Western Conference with a record of 31-10. The Suns were playing an exciting, running brand of basketball led by Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion. Joe Johnson and Quentin Richardson were hitting shots from the perimeter, and the future was bright.After all, Marion, Stoudemire, Johnson, and Q were all on the younger side of their career, Nash was playing his best ball in his first year back with the Suns, and D'Antoni's style was catching everyone by surprise. Meanwhile, The Arizona Cardinals didn't come close to making the playoffs, ASU's basketball team sucked as always, and George Bush had just began his second term of screwing up our Nation. Let's fast forward to 2009...The Suns are stuck in a rut. We have all but destroyed the exciting young team that was wowing everyone in the NBA and brought in a General Manager and Head Coach that have killed any chance the Suns had to win a championship.The Cardinals are in the Super Bowl.Lute Olson retired, UofA is unranked, and ASU is in the top 25.And finally, Bush is finally out and we have our Nation's first African-American President, Barack Obama, ready to lead the country's recovery. All this in just four years.  Who would have thought?(FIRE PORTER) The Suns were in the first year of Mike D'Antoni's Seven Seconds or Less era.Despite completing a six game losing streak on January 21, 2005, the Suns sat on top of the Western Conference with a record of 31-10. The Suns were playing an exciting, running brand of basketball led by Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion. Joe Johnson and Quentin Richardson were hitting shots from the perimeter, and the future was bright.After all, Marion, Stoudemire, Johnson, and Q were all on the younger side of their career, Nash was playing his best ball in his first year back with the Suns, and D'Antoni's style was catching everyone by surprise. Meanwhile, The Arizona Cardinals didn't come close to making the playoffs, ASU's basketball team sucked as always, and George Bush had just began his second term of screwing up our Nation. Let's fast forward to 2009...The Suns are stuck in a rut. We have all but destroyed the exciting young team that was wowing everyone in the NBA and brought in a General Manager and Head Coach that have killed any chance the Suns had to win a championship.The Cardinals are in the Super Bowl.Lute Olson retired, UofA is unranked, and ASU is in the top 25.And finally, Bush is finally out and we have our Nation's first African-American President, Barack Obama, ready to lead the country's recovery. All this in just four years.  Who would have thought?(FIRE PORTER) Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:39:26 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_4-years-ago/BLOG/167202/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-01-21T21:39:26Z Planet Orange The Suns were in the first year of Mike D'Antoni's Seven Seconds or Less era.Despite completing a six game losing streak on January 21, 2005, the Suns sat on top of the Western Conference with a record of 31-10. The Suns were playing an exciting, running brand of basketball led by Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion. Joe Johnson and Quentin Richardson were hitting shots from the perimeter, and the future was bright.After all, Marion, Stoudemire, Johnson, and Q were all on the younger side of their career, Nash was playing his best ball in his first year back with the Suns, and D'Antoni's style was catching everyone by surprise. Meanwhile, The Arizona Cardinals didn't come close to making the playoffs, ASU's basketball team sucked as always, and George Bush had just began his second term of screwing up our Nation. Let's fast forward to 2009...The Suns are stuck in a rut. We have all but destroyed the exciting young team that was wowing everyone in the NBA and brought in a General Manager and Head Coach that have killed any chance the Suns had to win a championship.The Cardinals are in the Super Bowl.Lute Olson retired, UofA is unranked, and ASU is in the top 25.And finally, Bush is finally out and we have our Nation's first African-American President, Barack Obama, ready to lead the country's recovery. All this in just four years.  Who would have thought?(FIRE PORTER) nonadult false 4 years ago... text blog 456 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 2 0 167202 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_2009-All-Star-Game/BLOG/165278/9952.html I would like to remind all loyal citizens of Planet Orange WHY the 2009 All-Star game is being played in Phoenix.Let's rewind to the 2007 NBA Playoffs. The Suns had their best shot at winning that elusive championship ripped away from their grasp by David Stern and his iron fist.Stern rewarded the Spurs* dirty play by suspending two members of the Suns for a pivotal playoff game.Stern was ridiculed in the media, and threatened by Suns fans. He tried to defend himself on the Dan Patrick Radio Show on ESPN Radio, but came off as a pompous, arrogant individual.Stern was also scheduled to be in Phoenix for the next playoff game. At the last minute, scared for his life, he changed his trip and went to see the Cavs play the Wizards.To throw the Suns fans (and organization) a bone he decided to "award" Phoenix an NBA All Star game.In case anyone remembers the press conference when the ASG was announced, Stern came in under extra security, and there were police stationed at the USAC to ensure that no angry Suns fans would be allowed in the building.The Comissioner to this day has not attended a Suns home game. Let's all remember that when we celebrate our All Star weekend. I would like to remind all loyal citizens of Planet Orange WHY the 2009 All-Star game is being played in Phoenix.Let's rewind to the 2007 NBA Playoffs. The Suns had their best shot at winning that elusive championship ripped away from their grasp by David Stern and his iron fist.Stern rewarded the Spurs* dirty play by suspending two members of the Suns for a pivotal playoff game.Stern was ridiculed in the media, and threatened by Suns fans. He tried to defend himself on the Dan Patrick Radio Show on ESPN Radio, but came off as a pompous, arrogant individual.Stern was also scheduled to be in Phoenix for the next playoff game. At the last minute, scared for his life, he changed his trip and went to see the Cavs play the Wizards.To throw the Suns fans (and organization) a bone he decided to "award" Phoenix an NBA All Star game.In case anyone remembers the press conference when the ASG was announced, Stern came in under extra security, and there were police stationed at the USAC to ensure that no angry Suns fans would be allowed in the building.The Comissioner to this day has not attended a Suns home game. Let's all remember that when we celebrate our All Star weekend. Sat, 17 Jan 2009 20:45:19 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_2009-All-Star-Game/BLOG/165278/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-01-17T20:45:19Z Planet Orange I would like to remind all loyal citizens of Planet Orange WHY the 2009 All-Star game is being played in Phoenix.Let's rewind to the 2007 NBA Playoffs. The Suns had their best shot at winning that elusive championship ripped away from their grasp by David Stern and his iron fist.Stern rewarded the Spurs* dirty play by suspending two members of the Suns for a pivotal playoff game.Stern was ridiculed in the media, and threatened by Suns fans. He tried to defend himself on the Dan Patrick Radio Show on ESPN Radio, but came off as a pompous, arrogant individual.Stern was also scheduled to be in Phoenix for the next playoff game. At the last minute, scared for his life, he changed his trip and went to see the Cavs play the Wizards.To throw the Suns fans (and organization) a bone he decided to "award" Phoenix an NBA All Star game.In case anyone remembers the press conference when the ASG was announced, Stern came in under extra security, and there were police stationed at the USAC to ensure that no angry Suns fans would be allowed in the building.The Comissioner to this day has not attended a Suns home game. Let's all remember that when we celebrate our All Star weekend. nonadult false 2009 All Star Game text blog 389 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 2 0 165278 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Hogwash/BLOG/165201/9952.html Last night at the Tweetup event I asked Kerr about the move toward making the offense revolve around Shaq. I mentioned that he was brought in as a role player and as time has gone on, he has become more of a dominant force in our offense - at the expense of the performance and cohesion of the rest of the team. Kerr's response - the standard "work in progress" line.He went on to mention that the team as it was put together previously had "run its course" and "was not going to win"HOGWASH. How can a team that NEVER had a legitimate chance to compete for a championship AT FULL STRENGTH run its course?Now, Kerr's a nice guy and all - and I appreciate him taking the time last night to talk to the fans, but I think his time as GM of this team has got to end.How long is this team going to be a "work in progress" We're going on almost a full year since the Shaq trade and we're MUCH farther from our goal of winning a championship then any time since the return of Steve Nash.SOMEONE needs to take responsibility for the downfall of the Suns. Porter is a horrible coach, but this began before he got here. The moment Robert Sarver brought in Steve Kerr instead of a QUALIFIED General Manager this team was finished.I like Steve Kerr. I really do. I like that the has represented my Alma Mater, the University of Arizona with class throughout his career. However, despite how nice of a guy he is, he's a TERRIBLE general manager.The Shaq deal.The D'Antoni situation.The drafting of Lopez and Dragic.All these decisions have been collossal busts and Kerr is the man responsible for all of them. Three strikes and you should be out. I'm sorry but it's time to clean house.Planet Orange is about to go dark.  By the way, I just wanted to bring this up as well...In another question (not asked by me) related to the Richardson deal Kerr also called Boris Diaw "completely useless to us" Last night at the Tweetup event I asked Kerr about the move toward making the offense revolve around Shaq. I mentioned that he was brought in as a role player and as time has gone on, he has become more of a dominant force in our offense - at the expense of the performance and cohesion of the rest of the team. Kerr's response - the standard "work in progress" line.He went on to mention that the team as it was put together previously had "run its course" and "was not going to win"HOGWASH. How can a team that NEVER had a legitimate chance to compete for a championship AT FULL STRENGTH run its course?Now, Kerr's a nice guy and all - and I appreciate him taking the time last night to talk to the fans, but I think his time as GM of this team has got to end.How long is this team going to be a "work in progress" We're going on almost a full year since the Shaq trade and we're MUCH farther from our goal of winning a championship then any time since the return of Steve Nash.SOMEONE needs to take responsibility for the downfall of the Suns. Porter is a horrible coach, but this began before he got here. The moment Robert Sarver brought in Steve Kerr instead of a QUALIFIED General Manager this team was finished.I like Steve Kerr. I really do. I like that the has represented my Alma Mater, the University of Arizona with class throughout his career. However, despite how nice of a guy he is, he's a TERRIBLE general manager.The Shaq deal.The D'Antoni situation.The drafting of Lopez and Dragic.All these decisions have been collossal busts and Kerr is the man responsible for all of them. Three strikes and you should be out. I'm sorry but it's time to clean house.Planet Orange is about to go dark.  By the way, I just wanted to bring this up as well...In another question (not asked by me) related to the Richardson deal Kerr also called Boris Diaw "completely useless to us" Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:28:42 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Hogwash/BLOG/165201/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-01-17T15:28:42Z Planet Orange Last night at the Tweetup event I asked Kerr about the move toward making the offense revolve around Shaq. I mentioned that he was brought in as a role player and as time has gone on, he has become more of a dominant force in our offense - at the expense of the performance and cohesion of the rest of the team. Kerr's response - the standard "work in progress" line.He went on to mention that the team as it was put together previously had "run its course" and "was not going to win"HOGWASH. How can a team that NEVER had a legitimate chance to compete for a championship AT FULL STRENGTH run its course?Now, Kerr's a nice guy and all - and I appreciate him taking the time last night to talk to the fans, but I think his time as GM of this team has got to end.How long is this team going to be a "work in progress" We're going on almost a full year since the Shaq trade and we're MUCH farther from our goal of winning a championship then any time since the return of Steve Nash.SOMEONE needs to take responsibility for the downfall of the Suns. Porter is a horrible coach, but this began before he got here. The moment Robert Sarver brought in Steve Kerr instead of a QUALIFIED General Manager this team was finished.I like Steve Kerr. I really do. I like that the has represented my Alma Mater, the University of Arizona with class throughout his career. However, despite how nice of a guy he is, he's a TERRIBLE general manager.The Shaq deal.The D'Antoni situation.The drafting of Lopez and Dragic.All these decisions have been collossal busts and Kerr is the man responsible for all of them. Three strikes and you should be out. I'm sorry but it's time to clean house.Planet Orange is about to go dark.  By the way, I just wanted to bring this up as well...In another question (not asked by me) related to the Richardson deal Kerr also called Boris Diaw "completely useless to us" nonadult false Hogwash text blog 368 4 4.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 4 0 165201 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_THE-SOLUTION/BLOG/164790/9952.html Here’s the main point – you can’t build an offense around a part time player. If Shaq is going to take off days he MUST be a role player. That way you can stick anyone, even a marginally talented player like Lopez, into a role. When your offense relies heavily on a guy like Shaq you can’t just play the same game with or without him.The problem is twofold a) we have a completely ineffective coach who is incapable of making changes or adjustments. b) Shaq’s personality is too dominant. He has taken over this team and it’s a change for the worse. He came here saying he wanted to be a role player but slowly has forced himself into more of a focalpoint. Now, he’s the dominant force in our offense, which doesn’t work if he wants to be a part time player (hence why I can’t stand Shaq and was and still am 100% against the trade)There are three solutions to this Shaq problem – either force him to take a lesser role in the offense (which he won’t do), buy out his contract (which Sarver won’t do), or fire Porter and get a coach that’s capable of making adjustments in his offensive scheme. The only legitimate option at this point is getting rid of Porter. It would cause the least amount of chaos and discord among the team. The players don’t like him, the fans are disgusted by him, and he’s not getting the job done.Kerr has absolutely destroyed our franchise with the Shaq trade and the Porter hire.   Here’s the main point – you can’t build an offense around a part time player. If Shaq is going to take off days he MUST be a role player. That way you can stick anyone, even a marginally talented player like Lopez, into a role. When your offense relies heavily on a guy like Shaq you can’t just play the same game with or without him.The problem is twofold a) we have a completely ineffective coach who is incapable of making changes or adjustments. b) Shaq’s personality is too dominant. He has taken over this team and it’s a change for the worse. He came here saying he wanted to be a role player but slowly has forced himself into more of a focalpoint. Now, he’s the dominant force in our offense, which doesn’t work if he wants to be a part time player (hence why I can’t stand Shaq and was and still am 100% against the trade)There are three solutions to this Shaq problem – either force him to take a lesser role in the offense (which he won’t do), buy out his contract (which Sarver won’t do), or fire Porter and get a coach that’s capable of making adjustments in his offensive scheme. The only legitimate option at this point is getting rid of Porter. It would cause the least amount of chaos and discord among the team. The players don’t like him, the fans are disgusted by him, and he’s not getting the job done.Kerr has absolutely destroyed our franchise with the Shaq trade and the Porter hire.   Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:36:44 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_THE-SOLUTION/BLOG/164790/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-01-16T14:36:44Z Planet Orange Here’s the main point – you can’t build an offense around a part time player. If Shaq is going to take off days he MUST be a role player. That way you can stick anyone, even a marginally talented player like Lopez, into a role. When your offense relies heavily on a guy like Shaq you can’t just play the same game with or without him.The problem is twofold a) we have a completely ineffective coach who is incapable of making changes or adjustments. b) Shaq’s personality is too dominant. He has taken over this team and it’s a change for the worse. He came here saying he wanted to be a role player but slowly has forced himself into more of a focalpoint. Now, he’s the dominant force in our offense, which doesn’t work if he wants to be a part time player (hence why I can’t stand Shaq and was and still am 100% against the trade)There are three solutions to this Shaq problem – either force him to take a lesser role in the offense (which he won’t do), buy out his contract (which Sarver won’t do), or fire Porter and get a coach that’s capable of making adjustments in his offensive scheme. The only legitimate option at this point is getting rid of Porter. It would cause the least amount of chaos and discord among the team. The players don’t like him, the fans are disgusted by him, and he’s not getting the job done.Kerr has absolutely destroyed our franchise with the Shaq trade and the Porter hire.   nonadult false THE SOLUTION text blog 336 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 5 0 164790 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Shaq-lovers-haters-read-this/BLOG/164689/9952.html After tonight’s loss at Denver I am waiting for the inevitable slew of posts about how Shaquille O’Neal would have made a difference. I’m sure I’ll read about how we’re winning when he’s in the lineup, and about how many points he’s scoring.  I’m sure that all of the Shaq supporters / lovers / bandwagon jumpers will come up with your numbers and what not proving your point. Well, I’m here to speak for the side that seems to be quickly turning into the minority around here – the truth.Sure, we’ve been winning games when Shaq’s been playing. When you can pick and choose when you play (and who you play against) in the NBA you are bound to put up big numbers. I’m not impressed by narrow wins against Oklahoma, Memphis, and the Clippers. I’m not impressed by a slim victory over Atlanta when Zaza Patchulia is their starting center. I have watched the Suns all season and this team has played exactly two good quarters of basketball – the first against the Hawks and the third against the Mavs. The key factor in both of those quarters – Shaq was involved minimally in the offense.Here’s the problem – Shaq picks and chooses when he will and won’t play. Our illustrious coach, Terry Porter has designed an offense that relies heavily on the presence of Shaq in the post. More often than not Shaq gets the ball – and the other four guys on the floor stand around watching. Great. Shaq can get his numbers that way and all the kool-aid drinkers can be happy.  However, when Shaq is OUT of the lineup Porter tries to play the same style of basketball with Robin Lopez, a rookie who cannot compete at the NBA level. Lopez is horrible defensively, can’t rebound, can’t catch the ball, and has virtually no offensive skills.This talk of having a hybrid team that can sometimes run and sometimes play a halfcourt game is garbage. Mike D’Antoni’s teams were conditioned to run from the opening tip to the ending buzzer. We not only were faster than every other team, we were in better shape. You can’t just turn on a switch and expect to run everyone out of the building. It needs to be a commitment from day one of the season. When Lopez goes out of the game, the Suns can’t decide it’s time to run. You either are a running team or you aren’t.  Playing an effective running game is not to just jack up three pointers like we saw tonight. We have a point guard whose best skill is to orchestrate an offense that allows for freewheeling creativity. Steve is best when he’s allowed to push the ball up the court, draw defenders, and make the decision to dish out to an open shooter for a 3, pull up and drain the jumper, or pull the ball out and use a pick & roll with Amare. Don’t forget about his vision to see an alley-oop play developing when nobody else would see it (notice his pass to nobody tonight…what would Trix have done with that one?)  By taking away the free flowing offense, Porter is making Steve ineffective. If all we’re going to do is dump it in the post we could have any average NBA point guard. We’re wasting Steve Nash’s talent.This Denver game should have been a win. They didn’t have Carmelo Anthony…but, it turned into an overtime loss because this team has no direction – no identity.  You can’t build an offense around a part time player. For the Suns to be able to win on a nightly basis Shaq needs to become a role player. That way, when he decides to sit one out we’re not trying to run the same offense without him (because Porter isn’t that good of a coach to come up with another plan)  PS I have one more point - how can you defend Shaq's numbers if you realize that he's bringing down the numbers of the other key players. Nash's points, assists, and FG% are down. His asst:TO ratio is up significantly. Amare's points, rebounds, and FG% are down as well. So again, what positive effect is Shaq having on this team? After tonight’s loss at Denver I am waiting for the inevitable slew of posts about how Shaquille O’Neal would have made a difference. I’m sure I’ll read about how we’re winning when he’s in the lineup, and about how many points he’s scoring.  I’m sure that all of the Shaq supporters / lovers / bandwagon jumpers will come up with your numbers and what not proving your point. Well, I’m here to speak for the side that seems to be quickly turning into the minority around here – the truth.Sure, we’ve been winning games when Shaq’s been playing. When you can pick and choose when you play (and who you play against) in the NBA you are bound to put up big numbers. I’m not impressed by narrow wins against Oklahoma, Memphis, and the Clippers. I’m not impressed by a slim victory over Atlanta when Zaza Patchulia is their starting center. I have watched the Suns all season and this team has played exactly two good quarters of basketball – the first against the Hawks and the third against the Mavs. The key factor in both of those quarters – Shaq was involved minimally in the offense.Here’s the problem – Shaq picks and chooses when he will and won’t play. Our illustrious coach, Terry Porter has designed an offense that relies heavily on the presence of Shaq in the post. More often than not Shaq gets the ball – and the other four guys on the floor stand around watching. Great. Shaq can get his numbers that way and all the kool-aid drinkers can be happy.  However, when Shaq is OUT of the lineup Porter tries to play the same style of basketball with Robin Lopez, a rookie who cannot compete at the NBA level. Lopez is horrible defensively, can’t rebound, can’t catch the ball, and has virtually no offensive skills.This talk of having a hybrid team that can sometimes run and sometimes play a halfcourt game is garbage. Mike D’Antoni’s teams were conditioned to run from the opening tip to the ending buzzer. We not only were faster than every other team, we were in better shape. You can’t just turn on a switch and expect to run everyone out of the building. It needs to be a commitment from day one of the season. When Lopez goes out of the game, the Suns can’t decide it’s time to run. You either are a running team or you aren’t.  Playing an effective running game is not to just jack up three pointers like we saw tonight. We have a point guard whose best skill is to orchestrate an offense that allows for freewheeling creativity. Steve is best when he’s allowed to push the ball up the court, draw defenders, and make the decision to dish out to an open shooter for a 3, pull up and drain the jumper, or pull the ball out and use a pick & roll with Amare. Don’t forget about his vision to see an alley-oop play developing when nobody else would see it (notice his pass to nobody tonight…what would Trix have done with that one?)  By taking away the free flowing offense, Porter is making Steve ineffective. If all we’re going to do is dump it in the post we could have any average NBA point guard. We’re wasting Steve Nash’s talent.This Denver game should have been a win. They didn’t have Carmelo Anthony…but, it turned into an overtime loss because this team has no direction – no identity.  You can’t build an offense around a part time player. For the Suns to be able to win on a nightly basis Shaq needs to become a role player. That way, when he decides to sit one out we’re not trying to run the same offense without him (because Porter isn’t that good of a coach to come up with another plan)  PS I have one more point - how can you defend Shaq's numbers if you realize that he's bringing down the numbers of the other key players. Nash's points, assists, and FG% are down. His asst:TO ratio is up significantly. Amare's points, rebounds, and FG% are down as well. So again, what positive effect is Shaq having on this team? Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:37:31 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Shaq-lovers-haters-read-this/BLOG/164689/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-01-16T06:37:31Z Planet Orange After tonight’s loss at Denver I am waiting for the inevitable slew of posts about how Shaquille O’Neal would have made a difference. I’m sure I’ll read about how we’re winning when he’s in the lineup, and about how many points he’s scoring.  I’m sure that all of the Shaq supporters / lovers / bandwagon jumpers will come up with your numbers and what not proving your point. Well, I’m here to speak for the side that seems to be quickly turning into the minority around here – the truth.Sure, we’ve been winning games when Shaq’s been playing. When you can pick and choose when you play (and who you play against) in the NBA you are bound to put up big numbers. I’m not impressed by narrow wins against Oklahoma, Memphis, and the Clippers. I’m not impressed by a slim victory over Atlanta when Zaza Patchulia is their starting center. I have watched the Suns all season and this team has played exactly two good quarters of basketball – the first against the Hawks and the third against the Mavs. The key factor in both of those quarters – Shaq was involved minimally in the offense.Here’s the problem – Shaq picks and chooses when he will and won’t play. Our illustrious coach, Terry Porter has designed an offense that relies heavily on the presence of Shaq in the post. More often than not Shaq gets the ball – and the other four guys on the floor stand around watching. Great. Shaq can get his numbers that way and all the kool-aid drinkers can be happy.  However, when Shaq is OUT of the lineup Porter tries to play the same style of basketball with Robin Lopez, a rookie who cannot compete at the NBA level. Lopez is horrible defensively, can’t rebound, can’t catch the ball, and has virtually no offensive skills.This talk of having a hybrid team that can sometimes run and sometimes play a halfcourt game is garbage. Mike D’Antoni’s teams were conditioned to run from the opening tip to the ending buzzer. We not only were faster than every other team, we were in better shape. You can’t just turn on a switch and expect to run everyone out of the building. It needs to be a commitment from day one of the season. When Lopez goes out of the game, the Suns can’t decide it’s time to run. You either are a running team or you aren’t.  Playing an effective running game is not to just jack up three pointers like we saw tonight. We have a point guard whose best skill is to orchestrate an offense that allows for freewheeling creativity. Steve is best when he’s allowed to push the ball up the court, draw defenders, and make the decision to dish out to an open shooter for a 3, pull up and drain the jumper, or pull the ball out and use a pick & roll with Amare. Don’t forget about his vision to see an alley-oop play developing when nobody else would see it (notice his pass to nobody tonight…what would Trix have done with that one?)  By taking away the free flowing offense, Porter is making Steve ineffective. If all we’re going to do is dump it in the post we could have any average NBA point guard. We’re wasting Steve Nash’s talent.This Denver game should have been a win. They didn’t have Carmelo Anthony…but, it turned into an overtime loss because this team has no direction – no identity.  You can’t build an offense around a part time player. For the Suns to be able to win on a nightly basis Shaq needs to become a role player. That way, when he decides to sit one out we’re not trying to run the same offense without him (because Porter isn’t that good of a coach to come up with another plan)  PS I have one more point - how can you defend Shaq's numbers if you realize that he's bringing down the numbers of the other key players. Nash's points, assists, and FG% are down. His asst:TO ratio is up significantly. Amare's points, rebounds, and FG% are down as well. So again, what positive effect is Shaq having on this team? nonadult false Shaq lovers / haters read this text blog 309 3 3.66667 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 3 0 164689 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Porter-isnt-cutting-it/BLOG/160444/9952.html OK folks...here's the deal. Terry Porter must go. I've come to the conclusion that things won't change with this team until there is a change on the bench. Everyone was so happy when we beat the Thundersonics, Grizzlies, and Clippers - but those are terrible teams. Our problems remain.What is Porter doing? What's his system? What does he do in huddles?First of all, watch how he uses players. There is no system in place to maximize each player's skills. Mike D'Antoni was a genius in designing a system to get the most out of whatever skills that player had - Nash's playmaking ability, the shooting ability of guys like Q-Rich, Joe Johnson, and Raja Bell, the versatility of The Matrix, the speed of Leandro Barbosa, and the ability of Amare to get to the basket.Porter doesn't seem to have a system. If Shaq is in the game we just dump the ball down low and everyone stands around. If Shaq's out...well...there isn't really anything going on. Nobody has a designated spot, there aren't pick & rolls run, if Barnes gets the ball he jacks up a shot from wherever...Nash doesn't have the ability to set guys up because he doesn't know where they are supposed to be...because it seems that they aren't supposed to be anywhere.In late game situations Porter is awful.If we have the ball and need a basket he has exactly one play. The inbounder gets the ball to Amare, who passes to Grant Hill who has cut backdoor off a Nash screen. That play has worked twice. If it works again I'll be shocked. Every coach in the NBA has seen it by now.As for a defensive end of the game, it's the coach's responsibility to have the players prepared for who will get the last shot.Against the Spurs* Mason came in the game to shoot a 3. Porter should have made sure that Richardson knew not to leave his man.Tonight, it was worse. Indiana has exactly ONE scorer. After the Pacers timeout, you'd have expected Porter to stress to the players that NOBODY should let Granger have an open shot. What happens? He's left alone to pop to the top of the key and shoot with nobody near him. That falls on the coach and a lack of preparation. There's no excuse for these lapses the Suns keep having.There's nowhere to look but at head coach for the cause of this. OK folks...here's the deal. Terry Porter must go. I've come to the conclusion that things won't change with this team until there is a change on the bench. Everyone was so happy when we beat the Thundersonics, Grizzlies, and Clippers - but those are terrible teams. Our problems remain.What is Porter doing? What's his system? What does he do in huddles?First of all, watch how he uses players. There is no system in place to maximize each player's skills. Mike D'Antoni was a genius in designing a system to get the most out of whatever skills that player had - Nash's playmaking ability, the shooting ability of guys like Q-Rich, Joe Johnson, and Raja Bell, the versatility of The Matrix, the speed of Leandro Barbosa, and the ability of Amare to get to the basket.Porter doesn't seem to have a system. If Shaq is in the game we just dump the ball down low and everyone stands around. If Shaq's out...well...there isn't really anything going on. Nobody has a designated spot, there aren't pick & rolls run, if Barnes gets the ball he jacks up a shot from wherever...Nash doesn't have the ability to set guys up because he doesn't know where they are supposed to be...because it seems that they aren't supposed to be anywhere.In late game situations Porter is awful.If we have the ball and need a basket he has exactly one play. The inbounder gets the ball to Amare, who passes to Grant Hill who has cut backdoor off a Nash screen. That play has worked twice. If it works again I'll be shocked. Every coach in the NBA has seen it by now.As for a defensive end of the game, it's the coach's responsibility to have the players prepared for who will get the last shot.Against the Spurs* Mason came in the game to shoot a 3. Porter should have made sure that Richardson knew not to leave his man.Tonight, it was worse. Indiana has exactly ONE scorer. After the Pacers timeout, you'd have expected Porter to stress to the players that NOBODY should let Granger have an open shot. What happens? He's left alone to pop to the top of the key and shoot with nobody near him. That falls on the coach and a lack of preparation. There's no excuse for these lapses the Suns keep having.There's nowhere to look but at head coach for the cause of this. Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:19:08 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Porter-isnt-cutting-it/BLOG/160444/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-01-08T04:19:08Z Planet Orange OK folks...here's the deal. Terry Porter must go. I've come to the conclusion that things won't change with this team until there is a change on the bench. Everyone was so happy when we beat the Thundersonics, Grizzlies, and Clippers - but those are terrible teams. Our problems remain.What is Porter doing? What's his system? What does he do in huddles?First of all, watch how he uses players. There is no system in place to maximize each player's skills. Mike D'Antoni was a genius in designing a system to get the most out of whatever skills that player had - Nash's playmaking ability, the shooting ability of guys like Q-Rich, Joe Johnson, and Raja Bell, the versatility of The Matrix, the speed of Leandro Barbosa, and the ability of Amare to get to the basket.Porter doesn't seem to have a system. If Shaq is in the game we just dump the ball down low and everyone stands around. If Shaq's out...well...there isn't really anything going on. Nobody has a designated spot, there aren't pick & rolls run, if Barnes gets the ball he jacks up a shot from wherever...Nash doesn't have the ability to set guys up because he doesn't know where they are supposed to be...because it seems that they aren't supposed to be anywhere.In late game situations Porter is awful.If we have the ball and need a basket he has exactly one play. The inbounder gets the ball to Amare, who passes to Grant Hill who has cut backdoor off a Nash screen. That play has worked twice. If it works again I'll be shocked. Every coach in the NBA has seen it by now.As for a defensive end of the game, it's the coach's responsibility to have the players prepared for who will get the last shot.Against the Spurs* Mason came in the game to shoot a 3. Porter should have made sure that Richardson knew not to leave his man.Tonight, it was worse. Indiana has exactly ONE scorer. After the Pacers timeout, you'd have expected Porter to stress to the players that NOBODY should let Granger have an open shot. What happens? He's left alone to pop to the top of the key and shoot with nobody near him. That falls on the coach and a lack of preparation. There's no excuse for these lapses the Suns keep having.There's nowhere to look but at head coach for the cause of this. nonadult false Porter isn't cutting it text blog 482 3 3.66667 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 3 0 160444 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_A-glimpse-into-the-mind-of-Sarver/BLOG/159952/9952.html I have been posting on Planet Orange since this website was started. Many of my posts have expressed frustration with the way certain things in the Suns organization are run.I have been very critical of decisions that Robert Sarver and Steve Kerr have made regarding this team, and I feel that the long term outlook for the future of the Suns' franchise is bleek.I do not think Terry Porter was a good hire for the Suns and I think that as long as he's the coach we have no chance at competing with the top Western Conference teams. That said - what happened today was a small footnote in the transactions but in my opinion it indicates what direction this franchise is headed.Dee Brown was cut today.No big deal, right? I beg to differ...Sure - Dee Brown wasn't going to be a big part of the Suns rotation - however he is an NBA body. He's the last guy that was signed to fill the minimum roster requirements (13) - however the NBA allows 15 players to be under contract...3 can be inactive at any time.So, if the Suns only have 13 players under contract - they send Dragic down to the D-League as expected, and you have Shaq who only plays when he feels like it...you're down to 11 guys. If there's an injury or two that makes you further shorthanded...What's the harm in keeping Brown around for insurance, and keeping him inactive while still going out and signing Shaun Livingston or whoever they are planning on getting to fill that roster spot?Again - it's not a big deal, but it proves that Robert Sarver is all about money. He doesn't want to play an extra player to be inactive so the Suns will continue to only have the NBA mandated minimum number of players under contract.I just hope that there's not a couple of players that get injured at the same time.  I have been posting on Planet Orange since this website was started. Many of my posts have expressed frustration with the way certain things in the Suns organization are run.I have been very critical of decisions that Robert Sarver and Steve Kerr have made regarding this team, and I feel that the long term outlook for the future of the Suns' franchise is bleek.I do not think Terry Porter was a good hire for the Suns and I think that as long as he's the coach we have no chance at competing with the top Western Conference teams. That said - what happened today was a small footnote in the transactions but in my opinion it indicates what direction this franchise is headed.Dee Brown was cut today.No big deal, right? I beg to differ...Sure - Dee Brown wasn't going to be a big part of the Suns rotation - however he is an NBA body. He's the last guy that was signed to fill the minimum roster requirements (13) - however the NBA allows 15 players to be under contract...3 can be inactive at any time.So, if the Suns only have 13 players under contract - they send Dragic down to the D-League as expected, and you have Shaq who only plays when he feels like it...you're down to 11 guys. If there's an injury or two that makes you further shorthanded...What's the harm in keeping Brown around for insurance, and keeping him inactive while still going out and signing Shaun Livingston or whoever they are planning on getting to fill that roster spot?Again - it's not a big deal, but it proves that Robert Sarver is all about money. He doesn't want to play an extra player to be inactive so the Suns will continue to only have the NBA mandated minimum number of players under contract.I just hope that there's not a couple of players that get injured at the same time.  Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:46:52 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_A-glimpse-into-the-mind-of-Sarver/BLOG/159952/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-01-07T04:46:52Z Planet Orange I have been posting on Planet Orange since this website was started. Many of my posts have expressed frustration with the way certain things in the Suns organization are run.I have been very critical of decisions that Robert Sarver and Steve Kerr have made regarding this team, and I feel that the long term outlook for the future of the Suns' franchise is bleek.I do not think Terry Porter was a good hire for the Suns and I think that as long as he's the coach we have no chance at competing with the top Western Conference teams. That said - what happened today was a small footnote in the transactions but in my opinion it indicates what direction this franchise is headed.Dee Brown was cut today.No big deal, right? I beg to differ...Sure - Dee Brown wasn't going to be a big part of the Suns rotation - however he is an NBA body. He's the last guy that was signed to fill the minimum roster requirements (13) - however the NBA allows 15 players to be under contract...3 can be inactive at any time.So, if the Suns only have 13 players under contract - they send Dragic down to the D-League as expected, and you have Shaq who only plays when he feels like it...you're down to 11 guys. If there's an injury or two that makes you further shorthanded...What's the harm in keeping Brown around for insurance, and keeping him inactive while still going out and signing Shaun Livingston or whoever they are planning on getting to fill that roster spot?Again - it's not a big deal, but it proves that Robert Sarver is all about money. He doesn't want to play an extra player to be inactive so the Suns will continue to only have the NBA mandated minimum number of players under contract.I just hope that there's not a couple of players that get injured at the same time.  nonadult false A glimpse into the mind of Sarver text blog 380 1 3.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 4 0 159952 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_It-was-bound-to-happen/BLOG/156999/9952.html Shaquille O'Neal - Time to stop running your mouth.You came in promising to fill your role. Now you want to be the focalpoint of the offense.It was only a matter of time before Shaq would try to take over this team. The meltdown is imminent. When Shaq doesn't get his way he destroys teams (See: Magic, Lakers, Heat)At this point in his career, with THIS team he is best suited as a role player. When Shaq dominates the ball everyone else on the court suffers.Quit running your mouth and play TEAM basketball Mr. O'Neal. Maybe you should try to play a full season without having to take "rest days" if you want to be the go to guy."I know I like to be heavily involved," O'Neal said. "I told Steve (Kerr) and I told Terry (Porter) that I can't be the Shaq you want me to be, shooting four out of five, nine rebounds. I'm known to wreak havoc offensively, make teams double, get my teammates involved. That's what I'm known to do, and I still have the ability to do that. I've shown that. If I'm involved, into the flow, doing what I'm doing, then I can still put up big numbers, especially the way I've been shooting from the free-throw line (66 percent in December).  Shaquille O'Neal - Time to stop running your mouth.You came in promising to fill your role. Now you want to be the focalpoint of the offense.It was only a matter of time before Shaq would try to take over this team. The meltdown is imminent. When Shaq doesn't get his way he destroys teams (See: Magic, Lakers, Heat)At this point in his career, with THIS team he is best suited as a role player. When Shaq dominates the ball everyone else on the court suffers.Quit running your mouth and play TEAM basketball Mr. O'Neal. Maybe you should try to play a full season without having to take "rest days" if you want to be the go to guy."I know I like to be heavily involved," O'Neal said. "I told Steve (Kerr) and I told Terry (Porter) that I can't be the Shaq you want me to be, shooting four out of five, nine rebounds. I'm known to wreak havoc offensively, make teams double, get my teammates involved. That's what I'm known to do, and I still have the ability to do that. I've shown that. If I'm involved, into the flow, doing what I'm doing, then I can still put up big numbers, especially the way I've been shooting from the free-throw line (66 percent in December).  Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:21:07 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_It-was-bound-to-happen/BLOG/156999/9952.html ZoDogg34 2009-01-02T13:21:07Z Planet Orange Shaquille O'Neal - Time to stop running your mouth.You came in promising to fill your role. Now you want to be the focalpoint of the offense.It was only a matter of time before Shaq would try to take over this team. The meltdown is imminent. When Shaq doesn't get his way he destroys teams (See: Magic, Lakers, Heat)At this point in his career, with THIS team he is best suited as a role player. When Shaq dominates the ball everyone else on the court suffers.Quit running your mouth and play TEAM basketball Mr. O'Neal. Maybe you should try to play a full season without having to take "rest days" if you want to be the go to guy."I know I like to be heavily involved," O'Neal said. "I told Steve (Kerr) and I told Terry (Porter) that I can't be the Shaq you want me to be, shooting four out of five, nine rebounds. I'm known to wreak havoc offensively, make teams double, get my teammates involved. That's what I'm known to do, and I still have the ability to do that. I've shown that. If I'm involved, into the flow, doing what I'm doing, then I can still put up big numbers, especially the way I've been shooting from the free-throw line (66 percent in December).  nonadult false It was bound to happen text blog 373 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 4 0 156999 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_The-Suns-played-like-the-Suns/BLOG/150911/9952.html For the first time this year, we actually saw the Phoenix Suns look like...well...the Phoenix Suns.The Orlando win was a good win for a number of reasons - first of all, we saw the team run like the Suns we all know and love.J-Rich seemed to be a good fit for this team, and his presence helped allow Steve to be the creator he needs to be.However, it's too early to say that the Suns are really back.Dwight Howard missed most of the second half. I'm sure he'd have made a difference. We were lucky that he wasn't playing.More importantly, Shaquille O'Neal wasn't there to bog down the offense. Will his presence slow things down for the Suns again? Will Porter decide to play the slow, awful basketball that we've seen most of the year when Shaquille O'Neal returns?I'm not really sure what's going to happen.Our best lineup is the one with Nash and J-Rich at the guards, Hill and Barnes (I never thought I'd say that) at the Forwards, and Amare at the 5. Shaq's return may mess things up again.I guess we'll have to wait and see. I really don't want to see him play for this team any more. For the first time this year, we actually saw the Phoenix Suns look like...well...the Phoenix Suns.The Orlando win was a good win for a number of reasons - first of all, we saw the team run like the Suns we all know and love.J-Rich seemed to be a good fit for this team, and his presence helped allow Steve to be the creator he needs to be.However, it's too early to say that the Suns are really back.Dwight Howard missed most of the second half. I'm sure he'd have made a difference. We were lucky that he wasn't playing.More importantly, Shaquille O'Neal wasn't there to bog down the offense. Will his presence slow things down for the Suns again? Will Porter decide to play the slow, awful basketball that we've seen most of the year when Shaquille O'Neal returns?I'm not really sure what's going to happen.Our best lineup is the one with Nash and J-Rich at the guards, Hill and Barnes (I never thought I'd say that) at the Forwards, and Amare at the 5. Shaq's return may mess things up again.I guess we'll have to wait and see. I really don't want to see him play for this team any more. Sun, 14 Dec 2008 04:52:17 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_The-Suns-played-like-the-Suns/BLOG/150911/9952.html ZoDogg34 2008-12-14T04:52:17Z Planet Orange For the first time this year, we actually saw the Phoenix Suns look like...well...the Phoenix Suns.The Orlando win was a good win for a number of reasons - first of all, we saw the team run like the Suns we all know and love.J-Rich seemed to be a good fit for this team, and his presence helped allow Steve to be the creator he needs to be.However, it's too early to say that the Suns are really back.Dwight Howard missed most of the second half. I'm sure he'd have made a difference. We were lucky that he wasn't playing.More importantly, Shaquille O'Neal wasn't there to bog down the offense. Will his presence slow things down for the Suns again? Will Porter decide to play the slow, awful basketball that we've seen most of the year when Shaquille O'Neal returns?I'm not really sure what's going to happen.Our best lineup is the one with Nash and J-Rich at the guards, Hill and Barnes (I never thought I'd say that) at the Forwards, and Amare at the 5. Shaq's return may mess things up again.I guess we'll have to wait and see. I really don't want to see him play for this team any more. nonadult false The Suns played like the Suns! text blog 400 2 3.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 6 0 150911 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_I-dont-really-get-it/BLOG/149784/9952.html Jason Richardson?Hmmm...I'm not quite sure what this team is trying to accomplish. Richardson is a good player. He's talented...but he likes to shoot. He likes to shoot a lot. He also plays better in an uptempo type of game. He would have been a good player in D'Antoni's system, but in Porter's "give the ball to Shaq and have four guys stand there" he doesn't seem like a great fit.Now, you have a Shaq who is going to get mad if he doesn't get his shots, Amare who already has said he wants to be "The Man" and you add Richardson, a guy who takes shots in massive volume. How can these guys co-exist? And what about Nash? He's the best shooter on the team.I just don't get the direction of this team. As for the guys we traded - it was unfortunately inevitable that we would trade Raja. He was so angry at Terry Porter for ruining the system that made him become a starter in the NBA. Raja was brought in to back up Joe Johnson, and provide some defense off the bench, however when Sarver blew the Johnson contract Raja became a starter - and thrived under D'Antoni's system. Porter's refusal to use his personnel correctly took away Raja's effectiveness and Raja didn't want to be a part of what the Suns were doing anymore. I don't blame him. Porter is an awful coach and I wouldn't want to play for him either.Boris might have needed to go too. After he got his contract he has been alternating great and dissapointing. You didn't know what you would get one night to the next with Boris.I'll always like and appreciate Raja for his intensity and what he brought to this team. From his classic takedown of the Evil Rapist to the three he hit in the Clippers series that saved our season...he is a guy that will always have a place in Suns history.I'm still trying to digest this deal (as I watch us lose to the Fakers...again). I'm still not sure what it does for our team. Jason Richardson?Hmmm...I'm not quite sure what this team is trying to accomplish. Richardson is a good player. He's talented...but he likes to shoot. He likes to shoot a lot. He also plays better in an uptempo type of game. He would have been a good player in D'Antoni's system, but in Porter's "give the ball to Shaq and have four guys stand there" he doesn't seem like a great fit.Now, you have a Shaq who is going to get mad if he doesn't get his shots, Amare who already has said he wants to be "The Man" and you add Richardson, a guy who takes shots in massive volume. How can these guys co-exist? And what about Nash? He's the best shooter on the team.I just don't get the direction of this team. As for the guys we traded - it was unfortunately inevitable that we would trade Raja. He was so angry at Terry Porter for ruining the system that made him become a starter in the NBA. Raja was brought in to back up Joe Johnson, and provide some defense off the bench, however when Sarver blew the Johnson contract Raja became a starter - and thrived under D'Antoni's system. Porter's refusal to use his personnel correctly took away Raja's effectiveness and Raja didn't want to be a part of what the Suns were doing anymore. I don't blame him. Porter is an awful coach and I wouldn't want to play for him either.Boris might have needed to go too. After he got his contract he has been alternating great and dissapointing. You didn't know what you would get one night to the next with Boris.I'll always like and appreciate Raja for his intensity and what he brought to this team. From his classic takedown of the Evil Rapist to the three he hit in the Clippers series that saved our season...he is a guy that will always have a place in Suns history.I'm still trying to digest this deal (as I watch us lose to the Fakers...again). I'm still not sure what it does for our team. Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:55:33 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_I-dont-really-get-it/BLOG/149784/9952.html ZoDogg34 2008-12-11T04:55:33Z Planet Orange Jason Richardson?Hmmm...I'm not quite sure what this team is trying to accomplish. Richardson is a good player. He's talented...but he likes to shoot. He likes to shoot a lot. He also plays better in an uptempo type of game. He would have been a good player in D'Antoni's system, but in Porter's "give the ball to Shaq and have four guys stand there" he doesn't seem like a great fit.Now, you have a Shaq who is going to get mad if he doesn't get his shots, Amare who already has said he wants to be "The Man" and you add Richardson, a guy who takes shots in massive volume. How can these guys co-exist? And what about Nash? He's the best shooter on the team.I just don't get the direction of this team. As for the guys we traded - it was unfortunately inevitable that we would trade Raja. He was so angry at Terry Porter for ruining the system that made him become a starter in the NBA. Raja was brought in to back up Joe Johnson, and provide some defense off the bench, however when Sarver blew the Johnson contract Raja became a starter - and thrived under D'Antoni's system. Porter's refusal to use his personnel correctly took away Raja's effectiveness and Raja didn't want to be a part of what the Suns were doing anymore. I don't blame him. Porter is an awful coach and I wouldn't want to play for him either.Boris might have needed to go too. After he got his contract he has been alternating great and dissapointing. You didn't know what you would get one night to the next with Boris.I'll always like and appreciate Raja for his intensity and what he brought to this team. From his classic takedown of the Evil Rapist to the three he hit in the Clippers series that saved our season...he is a guy that will always have a place in Suns history.I'm still trying to digest this deal (as I watch us lose to the Fakers...again). I'm still not sure what it does for our team. nonadult false I don't really get it text blog 323 3 3.33333 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 4 0 149784 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Clay-Bennett/BLOG/147726/9952.html Every NBA fan knows the saga of the lying, cheating, backstabbing Clay Bennet and his Oklahoma City Thundersonics.He bought the Seattle Sonics, a team beloved in their city, with the promise of getting a new arena deal and keeping the team in town.As soon as the ink was dry on the sale, he started trying to move them to his hometown of Oklahoma City. The fans of Seattle, and anyone that cares about the NBA were angry, but David $tern didn't do anything to stop it. After all, a new NBA city meant new NBA dollars - tickets sold, merchandise, etc. Now...take a close look at our Suns...Robert $arver lives in San Diego. He has no emotional connection to the city of Phoenix or our franchise. He bought the team to run as a business, not a basketball team. Winning isn't important to him, just dollars.I'm worried that he's positioning this team for a move. Could it be that he bought the team with the intention of running it into the ground, hiring a GM with zero experience, trading one of the most popular players in team history, running off a successful and well liked coach, alienating the fan base, and moving the team to his hometown of San Diego once the attendance dropped? It sounds far fetched, but it's entirely possible. I pray that this isn't what will happen to this team, but the way it has been ran recently makes me wonder...hmmm... Every NBA fan knows the saga of the lying, cheating, backstabbing Clay Bennet and his Oklahoma City Thundersonics.He bought the Seattle Sonics, a team beloved in their city, with the promise of getting a new arena deal and keeping the team in town.As soon as the ink was dry on the sale, he started trying to move them to his hometown of Oklahoma City. The fans of Seattle, and anyone that cares about the NBA were angry, but David $tern didn't do anything to stop it. After all, a new NBA city meant new NBA dollars - tickets sold, merchandise, etc. Now...take a close look at our Suns...Robert $arver lives in San Diego. He has no emotional connection to the city of Phoenix or our franchise. He bought the team to run as a business, not a basketball team. Winning isn't important to him, just dollars.I'm worried that he's positioning this team for a move. Could it be that he bought the team with the intention of running it into the ground, hiring a GM with zero experience, trading one of the most popular players in team history, running off a successful and well liked coach, alienating the fan base, and moving the team to his hometown of San Diego once the attendance dropped? It sounds far fetched, but it's entirely possible. I pray that this isn't what will happen to this team, but the way it has been ran recently makes me wonder...hmmm... Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:17:57 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Clay-Bennett/BLOG/147726/9952.html ZoDogg34 2008-12-05T21:17:57Z Planet Orange Every NBA fan knows the saga of the lying, cheating, backstabbing Clay Bennet and his Oklahoma City Thundersonics.He bought the Seattle Sonics, a team beloved in their city, with the promise of getting a new arena deal and keeping the team in town.As soon as the ink was dry on the sale, he started trying to move them to his hometown of Oklahoma City. The fans of Seattle, and anyone that cares about the NBA were angry, but David $tern didn't do anything to stop it. After all, a new NBA city meant new NBA dollars - tickets sold, merchandise, etc. Now...take a close look at our Suns...Robert $arver lives in San Diego. He has no emotional connection to the city of Phoenix or our franchise. He bought the team to run as a business, not a basketball team. Winning isn't important to him, just dollars.I'm worried that he's positioning this team for a move. Could it be that he bought the team with the intention of running it into the ground, hiring a GM with zero experience, trading one of the most popular players in team history, running off a successful and well liked coach, alienating the fan base, and moving the team to his hometown of San Diego once the attendance dropped? It sounds far fetched, but it's entirely possible. I pray that this isn't what will happen to this team, but the way it has been ran recently makes me wonder...hmmm... nonadult false Clay Bennett...?? text blog 356 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 4 0 147726 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Get-well-Rodney-Rogers/BLOG/147104/9952.html It's been a rough year so far for former Suns players (except for KJ getting elected mayor).First, Wayman Tisdale lost a leg to cancer, now we hear the news that Rodney Rogers, former NBA sixth man of the year, was paralyzed in an ATV accident last week.My thoughts go out to Rodney and his family and I wish him a full recovery. He always seemed like a good guy. [image] It's been a rough year so far for former Suns players (except for KJ getting elected mayor).First, Wayman Tisdale lost a leg to cancer, now we hear the news that Rodney Rogers, former NBA sixth man of the year, was paralyzed in an ATV accident last week.My thoughts go out to Rodney and his family and I wish him a full recovery. He always seemed like a good guy. [image] Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:22:50 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Get-well-Rodney-Rogers/BLOG/147104/9952.html ZoDogg34 2008-12-04T16:22:50Z Planet Orange It's been a rough year so far for former Suns players (except for KJ getting elected mayor).First, Wayman Tisdale lost a leg to cancer, now we hear the news that Rodney Rogers, former NBA sixth man of the year, was paralyzed in an ATV accident last week.My thoughts go out to Rodney and his family and I wish him a full recovery. He always seemed like a good guy. [image] nonadult false Get well Rodney Rogers text blog 282 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 1 0 147104 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Porter-changing-the-offense/BLOG/146700/9952.html THis was on AZCENTRAL today...of course it was from Bickley, who cares more about the Cubs than any LOCAL sports team...so take it with a grain of salt.It would be nice, however, if Porter really decides to hand the offense  back to Steve Nash (where it belongs). After all, there's a reason Porter was canned in Milwaukee and that Detroit didn't consider him for their job...he's not qualified to be a head coach in the NBA.  Then the coach said the strangest thing. After returning from the locker room alone, Porter told the media that Nash might soon take a greater hand in this offense by controlling the ball more frequently. Nash could then create plays, shots and spacing. Effectively, it means the offense no longer starts in the post."It's a lot easier to control turnovers from one guy than from 12 guys," Porter said.And then the coach tossed the window open:"If Formula 1 isn't working, you go to Formula 2," he added.To recap: In one busy day, Porter called his team off the court, proving who's in charge. Then he admitted the potential error of his offensive design and showed a willingness to change. It was nice to see a coach hold everyone accountable.It's either the beginning - or the beginning of the end THis was on AZCENTRAL today...of course it was from Bickley, who cares more about the Cubs than any LOCAL sports team...so take it with a grain of salt.It would be nice, however, if Porter really decides to hand the offense  back to Steve Nash (where it belongs). After all, there's a reason Porter was canned in Milwaukee and that Detroit didn't consider him for their job...he's not qualified to be a head coach in the NBA.  Then the coach said the strangest thing. After returning from the locker room alone, Porter told the media that Nash might soon take a greater hand in this offense by controlling the ball more frequently. Nash could then create plays, shots and spacing. Effectively, it means the offense no longer starts in the post."It's a lot easier to control turnovers from one guy than from 12 guys," Porter said.And then the coach tossed the window open:"If Formula 1 isn't working, you go to Formula 2," he added.To recap: In one busy day, Porter called his team off the court, proving who's in charge. Then he admitted the potential error of his offensive design and showed a willingness to change. It was nice to see a coach hold everyone accountable.It's either the beginning - or the beginning of the end Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:10:50 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Porter-changing-the-offense/BLOG/146700/9952.html ZoDogg34 2008-12-03T16:10:50Z Planet Orange THis was on AZCENTRAL today...of course it was from Bickley, who cares more about the Cubs than any LOCAL sports team...so take it with a grain of salt.It would be nice, however, if Porter really decides to hand the offense  back to Steve Nash (where it belongs). After all, there's a reason Porter was canned in Milwaukee and that Detroit didn't consider him for their job...he's not qualified to be a head coach in the NBA.  Then the coach said the strangest thing. After returning from the locker room alone, Porter told the media that Nash might soon take a greater hand in this offense by controlling the ball more frequently. Nash could then create plays, shots and spacing. Effectively, it means the offense no longer starts in the post."It's a lot easier to control turnovers from one guy than from 12 guys," Porter said.And then the coach tossed the window open:"If Formula 1 isn't working, you go to Formula 2," he added.To recap: In one busy day, Porter called his team off the court, proving who's in charge. Then he admitted the potential error of his offensive design and showed a willingness to change. It was nice to see a coach hold everyone accountable.It's either the beginning - or the beginning of the end nonadult false Porter changing the offense? text blog 300 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 5 0 146700 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Culture-shift/BLOG/145423/9952.html Over the past year I have thought long and hard about what has happened to my beloved Phoenix Suns organization.This is a team I have followed since I was in diapers. I went to basketball camps with Walt Davis, Maurice Lucas, Alvan Adams, and other Suns greats.I've been through ups and downs with this team...from the dark days of the 80's drug scandals to the resurgance with the Cotton Express with KJ & TC, to the brink of a championship with Sir Charles...The D'Antoni days were some of the most entertaining and exciting times that any Suns fan has ever had. We were so close to winning and I believe that we just had a few bad breaks that prevented a championship.The one constant in the Suns organization was always Jerry Colangelo. He came to Phoenix to help start a new team in 1968. He always ran the team as a family. Coaches were groomed from within, players came back to work for the team.John McLeod coached the team when I was young. He was let go, and Dick Van Arsdale - the original Sun took over. John Wetzel, who was McLeod's assistant was the next coach. After that Cotton came back to run things - Cotton was as close to a Sun for life as you could get. He groomed former Suns great Paul Westphal to take over. After Cotton came back, his assistant Danny Ainge - another former player - coached the team. His assistant, Scott Skiles took over for him, and then another former Suns player and assistant coach, Frank Johnson took the reigns.When D'Antoni took over for Frank Johnson, he was an assistant coach as well. He continued the trend of bringing coaches in from within the organization. He had a familarity with the players and staff, and he brought his own touches to the team.When $arver took over the family atmosphere went away. Bryan Colangelo was ran off...free agents weren't treated as they were under The Colangelos (Joe Johnson)...the team became a BUSINESS, not a FAMILY.If you want to have a business, buy another bank. Robert $arver has no emotional connection to this team or the fans. He hasn't been here since the beginning, he hasn't been through the ups and downs with this team.The culture shift has not been a good one. This team is on a downward spiral and it's happening fast. I sadly believe that the only way to stop things from falling further is for Robert $arver to sell this team to someone who actually cares. Over the past year I have thought long and hard about what has happened to my beloved Phoenix Suns organization.This is a team I have followed since I was in diapers. I went to basketball camps with Walt Davis, Maurice Lucas, Alvan Adams, and other Suns greats.I've been through ups and downs with this team...from the dark days of the 80's drug scandals to the resurgance with the Cotton Express with KJ & TC, to the brink of a championship with Sir Charles...The D'Antoni days were some of the most entertaining and exciting times that any Suns fan has ever had. We were so close to winning and I believe that we just had a few bad breaks that prevented a championship.The one constant in the Suns organization was always Jerry Colangelo. He came to Phoenix to help start a new team in 1968. He always ran the team as a family. Coaches were groomed from within, players came back to work for the team.John McLeod coached the team when I was young. He was let go, and Dick Van Arsdale - the original Sun took over. John Wetzel, who was McLeod's assistant was the next coach. After that Cotton came back to run things - Cotton was as close to a Sun for life as you could get. He groomed former Suns great Paul Westphal to take over. After Cotton came back, his assistant Danny Ainge - another former player - coached the team. His assistant, Scott Skiles took over for him, and then another former Suns player and assistant coach, Frank Johnson took the reigns.When D'Antoni took over for Frank Johnson, he was an assistant coach as well. He continued the trend of bringing coaches in from within the organization. He had a familarity with the players and staff, and he brought his own touches to the team.When $arver took over the family atmosphere went away. Bryan Colangelo was ran off...free agents weren't treated as they were under The Colangelos (Joe Johnson)...the team became a BUSINESS, not a FAMILY.If you want to have a business, buy another bank. Robert $arver has no emotional connection to this team or the fans. He hasn't been here since the beginning, he hasn't been through the ups and downs with this team.The culture shift has not been a good one. This team is on a downward spiral and it's happening fast. I sadly believe that the only way to stop things from falling further is for Robert $arver to sell this team to someone who actually cares. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:44:48 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Culture-shift/BLOG/145423/9952.html ZoDogg34 2008-11-29T19:44:48Z Planet Orange Over the past year I have thought long and hard about what has happened to my beloved Phoenix Suns organization.This is a team I have followed since I was in diapers. I went to basketball camps with Walt Davis, Maurice Lucas, Alvan Adams, and other Suns greats.I've been through ups and downs with this team...from the dark days of the 80's drug scandals to the resurgance with the Cotton Express with KJ & TC, to the brink of a championship with Sir Charles...The D'Antoni days were some of the most entertaining and exciting times that any Suns fan has ever had. We were so close to winning and I believe that we just had a few bad breaks that prevented a championship.The one constant in the Suns organization was always Jerry Colangelo. He came to Phoenix to help start a new team in 1968. He always ran the team as a family. Coaches were groomed from within, players came back to work for the team.John McLeod coached the team when I was young. He was let go, and Dick Van Arsdale - the original Sun took over. John Wetzel, who was McLeod's assistant was the next coach. After that Cotton came back to run things - Cotton was as close to a Sun for life as you could get. He groomed former Suns great Paul Westphal to take over. After Cotton came back, his assistant Danny Ainge - another former player - coached the team. His assistant, Scott Skiles took over for him, and then another former Suns player and assistant coach, Frank Johnson took the reigns.When D'Antoni took over for Frank Johnson, he was an assistant coach as well. He continued the trend of bringing coaches in from within the organization. He had a familarity with the players and staff, and he brought his own touches to the team.When $arver took over the family atmosphere went away. Bryan Colangelo was ran off...free agents weren't treated as they were under The Colangelos (Joe Johnson)...the team became a BUSINESS, not a FAMILY.If you want to have a business, buy another bank. Robert $arver has no emotional connection to this team or the fans. He hasn't been here since the beginning, he hasn't been through the ups and downs with this team.The culture shift has not been a good one. This team is on a downward spiral and it's happening fast. I sadly believe that the only way to stop things from falling further is for Robert $arver to sell this team to someone who actually cares. nonadult false Culture shift text blog 361 0 0.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 4 0 145423 1626934 Veteran 18210 http://suns.planetorange.net/_Spin-City/BLOG/145344/9952.html In professional sports, the public's perception is often times what teams use to make decisions.  When things go bad, teams use their PR machines to try to "spin" public perception in a direction that their ownership / management wants them to go.At the time of the Marion for Shaquille O'Neal trade nine months ago I spoke out against this deal. I mentioned that it was ridiculous to think that a team's defense would get better by trading its best defender and rebounder for an aging, immovable object. I also pointed out that Shaquille O'Neal fit into the Suns system like a square peg in a round hole.On Planet Orange there were a few people that agreed with me, but for the most part public perception was that the Suns made a good move that would work out in the long run.  The national media had a field day, however, with the concensus agreeing with my points.The Suns PR people made it a point to spread false media stories about how bad Shawn Marion was for the team. Shawn was pointed out to be the cause of all the problems with the suns and in essence it was being reported by locals (Paul Coro - who might as well be on the Suns' payroll) as dealing a "bad apple"Unfortunately, at the time, people bought this load of rubbish that the Suns were spoon feeding. Shaq was brought in with a huge fanfare, and Robert $arver accomplished his goal of selling lots of jerseys. Meanwhile, on the court, the Suns clearly were playing much worse and in the playoffs had a miserable failure against their arch nemisis, the evil Spurs*. Shaquille O'Neal and his inability to do anything productive in the playoffs was the main cause of the Suns early defeat. Fast forward to the summer, and the departure of Mike D'Antoni. Again, the Suns PR machine put a spin on things - people actually believed that D'Antoni WANTED to leave Phoenix. That HE was the bad guy. People began to criticize the coach that brought the most exciting basketball to Phoenix since Charles Barkley.Terry Porter, a coach with a questionable resume (horrible teams in Milwaukee) was brought in to be the "savior". The Suns PR machine touted Porter as a defensive wizard, who would bring a new intensity and focus on defense to the Suns. FINALLY, after a month of the season, people are starting to think for themselves.Porter's time in Phoenix is numbered. Fans and players are frustrated by poor coaching, poor decision making, and overall poor efforts on the floor by our team. Shawn Marion returned and got a standing ovation by the fans who obviously realized that he was NOT the problem with the Suns.It's only a matter of time before the Suns begin to play in front of a half-empty US Airways Center if the Terry Porter era continues. There is no excitement around the Suns in Phoenix anymore. The team is not entertaining to watch, and they are not capable of competing in the Western Conference for a championship. Kerr and $arver can spin things all they want, but the Suns are in danger of becoming as irrelevant locally as the Diamondbacks and Coyotes.Jerry Colangelo would have NEVER let this happen. I have made this case before, but now, more than ever, it's time for Robert $arver to cut ties with the Phoenix Suns. He is KILLING my beloved team. In professional sports, the public's perception is often times what teams use to make decisions.  When things go bad, teams use their PR machines to try to "spin" public perception in a direction that their ownership / management wants them to go.At the time of the Marion for Shaquille O'Neal trade nine months ago I spoke out against this deal. I mentioned that it was ridiculous to think that a team's defense would get better by trading its best defender and rebounder for an aging, immovable object. I also pointed out that Shaquille O'Neal fit into the Suns system like a square peg in a round hole.On Planet Orange there were a few people that agreed with me, but for the most part public perception was that the Suns made a good move that would work out in the long run.  The national media had a field day, however, with the concensus agreeing with my points.The Suns PR people made it a point to spread false media stories about how bad Shawn Marion was for the team. Shawn was pointed out to be the cause of all the problems with the suns and in essence it was being reported by locals (Paul Coro - who might as well be on the Suns' payroll) as dealing a "bad apple"Unfortunately, at the time, people bought this load of rubbish that the Suns were spoon feeding. Shaq was brought in with a huge fanfare, and Robert $arver accomplished his goal of selling lots of jerseys. Meanwhile, on the court, the Suns clearly were playing much worse and in the playoffs had a miserable failure against their arch nemisis, the evil Spurs*. Shaquille O'Neal and his inability to do anything productive in the playoffs was the main cause of the Suns early defeat. Fast forward to the summer, and the departure of Mike D'Antoni. Again, the Suns PR machine put a spin on things - people actually believed that D'Antoni WANTED to leave Phoenix. That HE was the bad guy. People began to criticize the coach that brought the most exciting basketball to Phoenix since Charles Barkley.Terry Porter, a coach with a questionable resume (horrible teams in Milwaukee) was brought in to be the "savior". The Suns PR machine touted Porter as a defensive wizard, who would bring a new intensity and focus on defense to the Suns. FINALLY, after a month of the season, people are starting to think for themselves.Porter's time in Phoenix is numbered. Fans and players are frustrated by poor coaching, poor decision making, and overall poor efforts on the floor by our team. Shawn Marion returned and got a standing ovation by the fans who obviously realized that he was NOT the problem with the Suns.It's only a matter of time before the Suns begin to play in front of a half-empty US Airways Center if the Terry Porter era continues. There is no excitement around the Suns in Phoenix anymore. The team is not entertaining to watch, and they are not capable of competing in the Western Conference for a championship. Kerr and $arver can spin things all they want, but the Suns are in danger of becoming as irrelevant locally as the Diamondbacks and Coyotes.Jerry Colangelo would have NEVER let this happen. I have made this case before, but now, more than ever, it's time for Robert $arver to cut ties with the Phoenix Suns. He is KILLING my beloved team. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:26:22 GMT http://suns.planetorange.net/_Spin-City/BLOG/145344/9952.html ZoDogg34 2008-11-29T13:26:22Z Planet Orange In professional sports, the public's perception is often times what teams use to make decisions.  When things go bad, teams use their PR machines to try to "spin" public perception in a direction that their ownership / management wants them to go.At the time of the Marion for Shaquille O'Neal trade nine months ago I spoke out against this deal. I mentioned that it was ridiculous to think that a team's defense would get better by trading its best defender and rebounder for an aging, immovable object. I also pointed out that Shaquille O'Neal fit into the Suns system like a square peg in a round hole.On Planet Orange there were a few people that agreed with me, but for the most part public perception was that the Suns made a good move that would work out in the long run.  The national media had a field day, however, with the concensus agreeing with my points.The Suns PR people made it a point to spread false media stories about how bad Shawn Marion was for the team. Shawn was pointed out to be the cause of all the problems with the suns and in essence it was being reported by locals (Paul Coro - who might as well be on the Suns' payroll) as dealing a "bad apple"Unfortunately, at the time, people bought this load of rubbish that the Suns were spoon feeding. Shaq was brought in with a huge fanfare, and Robert $arver accomplished his goal of selling lots of jerseys. Meanwhile, on the court, the Suns clearly were playing much worse and in the playoffs had a miserable failure against their arch nemisis, the evil Spurs*. Shaquille O'Neal and his inability to do anything productive in the playoffs was the main cause of the Suns early defeat. Fast forward to the summer, and the departure of Mike D'Antoni. Again, the Suns PR machine put a spin on things - people actually believed that D'Antoni WANTED to leave Phoenix. That HE was the bad guy. People began to criticize the coach that brought the most exciting basketball to Phoenix since Charles Barkley.Terry Porter, a coach with a questionable resume (horrible teams in Milwaukee) was brought in to be the "savior". The Suns PR machine touted Porter as a defensive wizard, who would bring a new intensity and focus on defense to the Suns. FINALLY, after a month of the season, people are starting to think for themselves.Porter's time in Phoenix is numbered. Fans and players are frustrated by poor coaching, poor decision making, and overall poor efforts on the floor by our team. Shawn Marion returned and got a standing ovation by the fans who obviously realized that he was NOT the problem with the Suns.It's only a matter of time before the Suns begin to play in front of a half-empty US Airways Center if the Terry Porter era continues. There is no excitement around the Suns in Phoenix anymore. The team is not entertaining to watch, and they are not capable of competing in the Western Conference for a championship. Kerr and $arver can spin things all they want, but the Suns are in danger of becoming as irrelevant locally as the Diamondbacks and Coyotes.Jerry Colangelo would have NEVER let this happen. I have made this case before, but now, more than ever, it's time for Robert $arver to cut ties with the Phoenix Suns. He is KILLING my beloved team. nonadult false Spin City text blog 382 2 4.0 http://suns.planetorange.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=1626934&as=9952 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/9952/photos/PHOTO_5269173_9952_1626934_ap_160X120.jpg false United States AZ Phoenix 85032 5 0 145344 1626934 Veteran 18210