I submitted a question for BRIAN SKINNERthat was posed to him on Suns.com's:Nothin' But Net. BRIAN SKINNER is humbled that WE THE CITIZENS of PLANET ORANGE, would behappy to come up with a nickname for him. So gang ......let's put our creative thinking caps on, and give one of our most welcomed new Suns, a well deserved nickname.
Check out his reaction to the initial question, by either going to Suns.com or viewing SJKoek's posting of the video clip right here on Planet Orange. (Thanks a million, Steve!)
Simply submit your suggestions in the comment area below. If you see one you like that is already listed -- please say so.
BRIAN SKINNER is a GREAT addition to our team, I'm sure you allagree. Let's do him proud and come up with a fitting nickname for him.
Destination Phoenix - Die hard fans from down under unite!
The suns are a classy organization from management right down to the players and support staff. So its no wonder that so many international fans with no ties to any NBA cities, choose to support the mighty Suns. In some cases these fans are even more die hard than some locals, having to take days off just to watch big games, getting up at 3 am for live playoff matches, watching grainy stop start low quality streams on 15 inch monitors just to see the suns somehow, and even travelling the 30 thousand plus km's just to catch a regular season game live.
That last scenario is about to take place, with 4 die hard suns fans from Australia and New Zealand (only 2 of which have met each other before) getting together in January to make the trip to the USA with the sole purpose of cheering on the suns and seeing some games live!
Myself from Adelaide, South Australia, as well as 3 other members of Planet Orange ("Tastic" from New Zealand, "Nevetsov" from Brisbane Australia, and "NF33IH" also from Adelaide South Australia) will be leaving from Sydney on January 12th, 2009 and after brief stops in Berlin and London will be landing in Toronto on the 18th of January ready to catch the suns first game of a season long 6 game road trip.
We have hired a car, and will be following the suns through all 6 stops on the trip, Toronto, Boston, New York, Charlotte, Atlanta and Washington, before flying from Washington to Phoenix (WOO HOO!) to catch games against the spurs (BOO), bulls and kings, hoping to enjoy a superbowl party somewhere and then leaving the great state of Arizona on the 3rd of February heading back to australia via New Zealand (ending a complete trip around the globe just to watch the suns)
Were going to be blogging all the way, right from the start to the finish, with details on planning, things that go wrong, things that go right, posting videos, reviews of each game, city, stadium, photos etc, we all hope that it gives the international suns fans (of which there are many) an insight on what its like for die hard suns fans to finally get to see them in person!
Keep an eye out for part 2 of the Desitnation Phoenix Blog. All we have done now is booked flights and car hire, hopefully by part 2 we will have started finding accommodation, game tickets, and our itinery for travel and what to do on days off in all the cities.
If you have any advice, comments, are we mad to try and drive that road trip (6 cities in 8 days?) or anything, we love to hear any input anyone might have.....
Wow! Finally found the site and logged on immediatly!
First off, THANK YOU to those who put this site together, and to whoever came up with the idea. It was a stroke of pure genius. Many of us Suns fans need to be heard after what occurred last season.
Second, THANK YOU to the Phoenix Suns, from top to bottom, for just being who they are.
I'm IHateDavidStern, and I hate David Stern. Why I do should be apparent to all here.
I don't believe it's right what David Stern doing, namely saving his own tuckus, over what should've been done for the betterment of the league. After his "Letter of the law" speech regarding the Suns suspensions, he said, "It's not a matter of fairness, it's a matter of correctness." To say David Stern walks a slippery slope on this one would be an understatement.
Right now, he's doing what's best for David Stern and David Stern alone. He's sweeping it all under the rug. That's why the league would be better off without David Stern. It seems like the "letter of the Law" and "fairness" is applied only when David Stern sees fit, and that's not adhering to the letter of the law at all.
The letter of the law never seems to apply to Stern's ref's. To change the rules after they've been broken, to not even fine a single ref who has broken those rules, it only proves how corrupt the league has become under Stern's facist grip. I understand completely that you cannot ban and/or suspend every single ref, but to do nothing because he alone decided NOW, the NEW RULE doesn't apply anymore, that is an OUTRAGE!
Also, there should never be a no-tolerance rule concerning leaving a bench if at the same time, there are players that are actually throwing blows in other games that are not being subject to at least the same penalties. Baron Davis can hit Derek Fisher in the head and see no repercussions from it.
How can an actual violent act go unpunished when leaving the bench to attend a fallen player recieves the stiffest penalties? It doesn't make sense. And don't even get me started on Duncan leaving the bench during an altercation and not being subject to the same rules. Not to mention knee's to groin, stepping on players feet to throw them off balance, etc...
Too many of us think David Stern must be on the take, or at the very least, the biggest hypocrite in the history of sports. Too few have any faith in this Commissioner any more at all. It's very difficult to support a league that you cannot trust.
When questioned by the media like Dan Patrick, Stern became combative and insulting towards the Suns and their fans, "I guess it's a shame that I have a rule that I have to enforce."
Now we see the truth, the rules seem to be enforced only when David Stern decides they should.
Steve Nash's comments the other day were wonderful to hear. We as Suns fans needed to hear them. And more importantly, David Stern needs to join reality and hear them himself and realize what he has done wrong.
“I’m not into worry about what Stern is doing,” he said. “I figure I’m not going to win that battle anyway. I’ve lost it in the past, so why bother getting involved? If I let it bother me, I’ll just go around being (expletive) off all the time.
“Every other week, a decision comes down that you don’t understand. (Bruce) Bowen steps on Amaré’s ankle (in Game 2), knees me in the (groin, in Game 3) and there’s no suspension, whereas other guys they have lesser infractions and they are suspended on the first one.
“I’m not in the office; I don’t know why they decide what they decide. Therefore I’m not even going to start judging their decisions because I don’t get it.”
As Stern is a lawyer, I expect no admition of guilt and hence, no apology. Instead, he throws us a bone. It's really a small consolation, but now they're talking about Stern "allowing the city of Phoenix" another All-Star game. He should be so lucky. We've got the best weather and one of the best venues you could ever want to throw an All-Star game in. It's as transparent as it's inadequate, and it's fooling no one.
What bothers me too is the mindset it puts the team in. After the infamous Donaghy reffed Game three of the Playoffs, how could anyone know what to expect from the refs in subsequent games? Does anyone have a clue what to expect this season?
In the past, when players like Kobe Bryant leveled our guys with flagrant elbows, that went unnoticed and unpunished by the league. It took a guy like Raja Bell to make sure it got noticed. Raja is considered the heart of the team, partially for that incident, and the league finally began focusing on Kobe and his elbows the season after that. It took something like that to get the league to do what was right. I myself was numb with rage the game Amare and Diaw left the bench, so how could the Suns themselves have been any less affected?
Even knowing all that, I believe in this team's ability to rise above. I'm gung-ho as ever, and I believe in this group of players. I just don't believe in the "current" Commissioner of this league.
I've always loved the Suns and I love this team, but I'm afraid that the Suns will never get a fair shake with Stern in charge. The league is in a sad state of affairs with David Stern at the helm. It's time for a change. It's what's best for the league.
- Tony Parker is hot andI wish so muchIcould beEva Longoria -The Spurs are capable of stopping any run the Suns make with their "slow, big man offense" - ROBERT HORRY WAS GUILTY OF NOTHING WHEN HE PUSHED STEVE NASH INTO THE SCORERS TABLE AND AMARE STOUDEMIRE AND BORIS DIAW GOT THE RIGHT PUNISHMENT THEY DESERVED FOR THE WHOLE THING
Even the staunchest Suns fan now has to admit reality: This year's model looks more likely to limp across the finish line than to do donuts in the winner's circle. Last night's losing streak extension makes it clear that our heroes, hard-working and professional as they may be, lack that certain something that previous squads had, which was enough to at least get them into the playoffs for a round or two or three.
There's no one answer to the decline. It's not the owner, general manager, coach, roster, age or chemistry alone. It's not Amar'e's injury, it's not the trade of Boris and Raja, it's not the drafting of Robin Lopez and Goran Dragic, it's not the Spurs (for once), it's not the trade of Shawn Marion, and heck, it's not even the trade of Joe Johnson. It's a combination of any number of the factors above, with a little dumb luck and some cyclical change of fortune mixed in (not unlike the current economy).
And it hasn't been a lot of fun. Not for you, not for me, not for the players, nor for anyone in the organization.
And the sad fact is, it couldn't be happening at a worse time. In dark times, teams look to the future for signs of hope. Next year brings the best crop of free agents maybe in league history.
But the Suns probably won't be players, not with their salary structure the way it is. And with the Suns' offensive style bound to be in flux, it's a question whether many of the top free agents would allow themselves to be lured to the Valley anyway. So the Suns will be anxious to sign the marquee players they have -- but so will other organizations that perhaps have more money and potentially brighter futures.
The Suns do have a first-round draft pick this summer. But the talent pool is rumored to be shallow, and the Suns, barring a lottery miracle, will have a middling selection. And after the 2010 season, barring a trade, the Suns will have no first round choice.
So where are the rays of hope for the team's immediate future? Well, it's conceivable that Amar'e, a bona fide NBA star, could stay here to anchor the franchise's talent pool. In Jason Richardson, he'd have a worthy Number Two, a second scoring threat who's proven in the league and has lots of years left. Leandro Barbosa remains an explosive, unique force in the league. Matt Barnes has performed well when given the chance to do what he does best (a little bit of everything), and he's going to be around the league for a while, too. And in Lou Amundson, the Suns have unearthed the kind of selfless role player every team covets. There's also the possibility that Lopez, Dragic and Alando Tucker will blossom.
Yes, those are all hopeful thoughts, but they all come with lots of "ifs" attached. The short of it is, the Suns are a ways away, and it might take a while, a little or a long while, for them to be part of the discussion around the NBA as a team to be feared again.
So, now we'll see. We'll see who the real fans are. Who stays with this club as it rebuilds for the first time in a very long time, and who bails out. Who lashes out in anger and stomps away forever, and who rides out the storm. Who stays on the bandwagon, and who goes looking for the latest front-running franchise. Who can be critical, realistic, hopeful and supportive at the same time.
Keep one thing in mind: When things looked bleakest in their history, around 1986 and 1987, when age, plane crashes and sordid allegations robbed the Suns of their best players, their longest-tenured coach, their dignity and their respect around the league, the true die-hard fans that stuck around were rewarded in just a few short seasons with Kevin Johnson, Tom Chambers and Dan Majerle. The number of fans that jumped back aboard the bandwagon at that point couldn't be counted. But it was the ones who never left who felt the sweetest, the most satisfied, and the most proud to call themselves fans of the Phoenix Suns.
This is not surrender for 2008-09. This is not "wait 'til next year." But this is recognition that change has begun, that it will not be easy or painless, and it is a declaration that I intend to be here through all of it, cheering as loud in the tough times as the good.
Okay - We got the "W" over Da' Bulls in Phoenix. It was quite a rollercoaster ride of a game for the Suns.....a little too "iffy" at times, until we really turned it on in the 4th quarter. LB, MVSteve, and Grant Thrill, were outstanding! So, we got the "W" on a now, 1-6 team. We needed it, and we'll embrace it.
Let's talk about: The "FANS" ...........
I was just reading a few blogs that were written about 3D, just after the game. I'm not a coach or the team owner (obviously),though I do have a few thoughts of my own on the subject :
To hear Suns 'fans' say that "he stinks" and should not be here, just blows my mind. While I agree thatBoris's game is obviously not 100% present, I cannot say that "he stinks". He's a great defender, and is slowly 'feeling it' again. I really think that LB should be HIGHLY consideredfor the starting-5. Let Boris be our 6-7th man, until he finds his courage and confidence again. Have a heart, Suns fans, and show some patience and respect for ALL of our players - ALL OF THE TIME. They NEED OUR HOPE AND CONFIDENCE in them.
It's no wonder at all, that Coach Mike is so disenchanted with the fans. I'll tell you right now --- He's NOT the only one who is appalled at "the fans"!Tonight's crowd at The Arena (UAC) was absolutely horrible. I was yelling at the fans as much as I was yelling at the game!Even a selectfew of the 'fans' on Planet O', have ridiculed players - slamming Grant Hill's good name, slamming other fans, slamming fellow citizensand their good names. I have personally beenslammed by such "fans" -- beingcalled "an egosisticalcondescending mindless twit!" I had no recourse, other than to TRY and STOP the nonsensical banter. I loathed havingto do that! Iactually read the words: "LoriAnnSUPERFANis no Suns fan"!WOW!It used to be, that otherNBA (non-Suns) fans would giveus a hard time. To see our OWN going ateach others' throats, is pitiful at best. Is the entire universe on a weird tilt, or what? THIS is the kind of behavior and reception that our Suns don't need -- never mind, ME!
Let's get this season started AND finished RIGHT !!! Let's show some respect for ourselves and each other, as good people and great Suns fans, and spread it around like wildfire!We can ALL stand to grow a little, just as our Suns are'growing', and Planet O' is growing. We OWE it to The Suns and Planet O', to be respectful and even mindful.
This site (I was told) is for the "Suns diehardfans". Well ..... LET'SSHOW IT!!! Let's cheer FOR OUR PHOENIX SUNS !!!!
Okay .... I'm not going to get too 'wordy' here. I lose interest in long drawn-out articles too.
I think The Suns learned a lot from tonight's game over the Bulls. I'm confident in the coaching staff, that the 'right' players WILL be playing Suns Basketball.
Who was really worse tonight? The "fans" or Boris Diaw?
I just wanted to express my heartfelt THANK YOU to how our local media did not fail to bring up the real issue of the "elephant in the room," as Rick Welts wisely put it. And thanks to Rick as well.
It's been an outrage the way David Stern has chosen to evade this issue, and the All Star game is obviously a lame attempt to draw support in Phoenix after so many of us now see the NBA for the corrupt entity is has become under David Stern's rule. This doesn't make up for the corruption which had ruined our ability to believe in David Stern's NBA, and thankfully the local media has stepped up to remind Stern that we will never forgive or forget.
You can put the All-Star game here every year, it would never make up for the damage David Stern has done to the fans and this league. I know this is how I feel, and I believe the vast majority of fans and former fans of the NBA agree with me. And if current trends continue, the league greatly endangers themselves of having more of the latter than the former. Not a warning, just a truth.
We can't be expected to take much more of this and continue supporting a corrupt league with a corrupt leader. And I commend our local media for following this story to it's ultimate conclusion. They might be our last resort in exposing David Stern for what he really is, and what he has done to us all. I pray their vigilance never ends.
Unfortunately, I see the video of the press conference on Suns.com seems to be lacking the portion where the media questioned David Stern, and I have yet to find a full transcript anywhere yet, but from the few comments on Azcentral from Paolo Boivin and Doug Haller's story today, it appears our local media did us all the best service they could do, in Stern's first appearance in the valley since the unbelievable occurrences in last year's Playoffs, and the countless Referee scandals that have for the most part been ignored by David Stern
I again applaud the media for not resting on this issue and look forward to more expanded versions of what took place today.
[EDIT] I found video here, and sadly it only makes Stern's case, and is lacking whatever our media had confronted him with.
The idea that because the Suns lost the series with our players back on the team seems to discount the very real fact that after the Donaghy officiated Game Three, there was no way to predict what calls would be made, and how it left our team in a complete funk as to how they were to ever get a fair shake. I'm evenfurther ashamed of how this Commissioner continues to pass the buck.
I don't know about you all, but I am tired of watching the HORRIBLE officiating against our Suns and the only chance we have to see change is to make it happen ourselves. Not saying the Suns didn't execute their offense well, because they didn't. Not saying their defense was great either, because it wasn't present for the majority of the Suns-Spurs series. I love our Suns, but they can play better. But thats besides the point. When I see Spurs players tripping THEMSELVES and we get fouls called on us... that's terrible. When I see the "hack-a-shaq" being used as strategy, and NOT being called for what it is- an INTENTIONAL foul- and not getting one freethrow and the ball back per the rulebook, I am left to question the officiating. And when they are being nit-picky about freethrow lane violations, but not calling the obvious- elbows, jersey pulls, reaching, etc.- something is not right. We as the fans need to stand up for our Suns and write the league, write the media, and get it hyped so Stern has to listen. Just cuz he doesn't like Jerry Colangelo doesn't give him the right to give the officials the ok to turn the other cheek. Let the men play and may the best team win... but give both teams a fighting chance. Not just "Stern's Spurs".
I cant stand watching a suns game on ESPN! I dont why know why but they seem to always talk so good about the other team, while we get ridiculed for playing bad, and underappreciated for playing well! But last night on a show called "NBA Coast to Coast" they REALLY took it too far. They were having a segment where people send in questions. One of the questions was regarding the suns. It was- do you think anyone has a better 8 man group than the suns after the Richardson trade- a good question. Theyre reaction was simply LAUGHTER! They took it as a joke and preceeded to name of several teams before saying they could "keep naming teams all night". What the CRAP! Why do they talk about the suns like that. They said Nash is old, Hill is old... Ive never seen another team take so much abuse and for what reason? Does anyone else notice this? Lets BOYCOTT ESPN!
Well, not quite yet, but it's September...and training camp is right around the corner.
However, this is the first offseason in quite some time that I'm not eagerly anticipating the upcoming NBA season. Ever since the Marion trade that ruined the Suns team last season I haven't been excitied about this team.
We finished in 6th place last season (dropped from #1 before the trade was made) and I don't think this team is really much improved from the end of last year...sure, there have been some moves made, but how much did they really help?
The holdovers:
Steve, Amare, Raja, Boris, LB, Grant, and Shaq (And Tucker)
Steve & G. Hill are another year older. Amare is talking defense this offseason, but will he put his money where his mouth is? Where will Raja's open looks come in whatever offensive system Terry Porter installs, and will we see Boris from most of the regular season, or the Boris that came alive in the playoffs? And then you have Shaq...in my opinion the biggest reason that the Suns have fallen from contender status to also-rans. He's slow, old, and can't play effectively anymore. He can't shoot free throws, and can hardly make layups. He brings NOTHING to the Suns. NOTHING at all. Oh yeah, Tucker...probably won't get much playing time.
The rookies:
Robin Lopez, Goran Dragic, and Sean Singeltary.
Lopez will be a bust. Write it down, seal it up, and mail it in. I guarantee it. He was not a good college player. He only played 25 minutes a game and only got 6 boards per game in college, playing against smaller guys every night. What makes anyone think that will translate into an effective NBA player? Dragic might be a nice late round pickup. Hell, he can't be any worse as a backup than Marcus Banks and his bricks. And if he doesn't work out, there's Sean Singeltary - the guy who out of the three I think will be the best. He's a four year college player who showed an ability to score and dish in college. All ACC for three years. He could follow the footsteps of another guy who had some success in the ACC - Chris Paul (No, I'm not saying he'll be as good as CP3, but I think he's the Suns starting PG of the future - NOT Dragic).
The old faces in new places
Matt Barnes, Louis Amundson
Barnes is a bench player. That's it. He can't be counted on to play meaningful minutes. He's a poor defender and a bad shooter (in the 40% range). The Warriors actually benched him last year...the Warriors...a team made up of NBDL type of talent like Kelenna Azibuke. Not exactly a ringing endorsement...Louis Amundson - who? He'll take Eric Piatkowski's seat on the bench and keep it warm.
Coach - Terry Porter.
What can we expect? Who knows. We know one thing - the Suns won't be the Suns that we all knew and loved. Supposedly there will be a major empahsis on defense...however with Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, and an immobile Shaq out there how much defense can they actually play?
Porter's last NBA head coaching job had him leading one of the worst defensive teams in NBA history in Milwaukee...let's hope he picked up some things as an assistant in Detroit.
I still don't think this team has an identity. It still seems to me that we have a bunch of spare parts that don't really fit together. What's Shaq's role? He obviously can't play in crunch time (see: 2008 NBA Playoffs). Are we a defensive team that can try to run? Are we a running team that can play some defense? Or are we just a team that will not try to dictate any tempo and play at the opponent's pace (my money's on that one).
I will close with the fact that this could have been our team this year:
Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa and Rajon Rondo as the guards; Andre Igoudala, James Jones and Raja Bell at the swing spots; and Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw and Kurt Thomas up...
Ahh...what could have been...if only $arver wasn't cheap and Kerr had a clue.
I offer my perspective for the impatient of Planet Orange...
I often browse... okay - DAILY I browse Planet Orange and read the message boards and blogs of my fellow citizens and I am excited to see so much support and enthusiasm for this spectacular Suns team we have here in Phoenix this year- many props to the positive and faithful.
BUT - I also find myself shaking my head with sadness when I read blogs and comments that are diluted with negativity, pessimistic rants, contempt, and impatience. I get it. I understand some people are frustrated, I understand some people think they could manage a basketball team better than Steve Kerr, or train/teach/coach/motivate/love/appease/direct/comfort/discipline/encourage/support/harmonize a group of very talented and very wealthy sports icons better than coach Terry Porter... I understand that some of you feel that you could probably shoot better free throws than Shaq - maybe you think you could play better defense than Nash, or possibly you think that you could step up to Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, or Dirk Nowitzki and contain them better than Amar'e.... I GET IT. Or maybe you've just watched soo much Sportscenter, or read so many espn articles, or you've won so many NBA2K-whatever championships with your dream team on X-Box that you feel obligated to rail on the Suns for their lack of production or consistency this season. I GET IT.
I mean really, I understand if you want to discuss issues with the team and that is fine- but if you are soo demanding of these Suns, that even after good hard fought wins you have nothing positive to say about our team - what is the point?
I too got frustrated when the Spurs or the Pacers hit buzzer-beaters to beat us - BUT IF WE HAD WON THOSE CLOSE GAMES (which we very well could have) WE WOULD NOW STAND AT 11-1 SINCE THE J-RICH/DUDLEY TRADE. Is that not something to admire, or view with optimistic satisfaction?!
I too get frustrated when we get huge leads on teams, and then we lose them- but haven't we won 6 of our last 7 games? Haven't we been able to close out those close games in the 3rd and 4th quarter, even when young and very talented (albeit teams that are deemed "bad" by most on PO *I think any NBA team is capable of winning on any given night - there is soo much talent) teams make strong determined runs to beat their childhood idols?
It's hard to understand how fans of the Suns can still be talking trash about Shaq when he is having an All Star caliber year and shooting free throws like his name really was Shaqovic.
The fact of the matter is, I am not the GM, I am not the Coach, I am not a Suns player (contrary to the convincing evidence in the picture above), I am a Suns FAN.
Nash is Nash - STAT is STAT - SHAQ is SHAQ - Hill is Hill - J-RICH is J- RICH, L.B. is L.B --- all 6 of those guys in my opinion will be future Hall of Famers. Barnes and Lightning Lou have contributed regularly and mightily to the progress of our team and all of the other bench players have great potential and talent.
Given the circumstances of a developing team under new management and coaching, WE HAVE BEEN PLAYING VERY GOOD BASKETBALL. We are 9 games above .500.
In my opinion - I would rather have a team that knows how to close out close games in the 4th quarter than a team that blows out teams every game. Why? Because when you have a team that blows out games regularly you run the risk of getting big heads and sucking in too much pride. I like the fact that our team has had to stay humble and prepare every night to battle, and not to just show up and expect opposing teams to fold.
We are a playoff built team, and that is where we will shine. This isn't the D'Antoni team of years past. If you say you want to be realistic... realize that.
Since our last update via TASTIC, not all that much has happened in terms of confirmed activities. The last two members of the group, KPCB34 & nevetsov have now fully paid up on their flights. Further concreting our itinerary, leaving only accommodation, car hire and most importantly (as far as 5 Suns fans are concerned) game tickets to be purchased.
Once the above has been completed the wait will seem like forever and an eternity, as well as excruciating, with nothing left to do other than such. Having said that, for me, the wait will seem miniscule in comparison to what I have personally endured as a Grant Hill fan.
With that in mind I thought it’d be time to give you an insight into The Man, The Myth, The Mav-e-rick (Mighty Boosh fans will relate) that is Never Fear 33 Is Here (NF33IH).
Rewind to a time where everything in the world seemed to be so much larger than to what it actually was in reality (with perhaps the exception of Shaq). You see, growing up in a less than middle class family in Australia, my chances of seeing the rest, or for that matter any other part of the world and to a larger extent (for me) the NBA was extremely low.
Fast forward to the year 2000. Grant Hill was to wear #15 for the team formerly known as the Dream Team. A group of friends, myself included, were set to travel the 800 plus km’s to witness an exhibition match, prior to the Sydney Olympics, between Team USA and Australia. Whilst the trip went ahead and it was an unbelievable experience for everyone, I was left with a bit of an empty feeling as the ankle injuries that were to take away Grant Hill’s prime had just begun to surface.
Once again fast forwarding, this time through the six seasons of the “Ankle” and various other injuries/infections. My support never waning in the hope that Grant Hill would one day run the floor pain free as he once did. A couple of failed attempts to make the journey to the U.S. with my wife followed. Then came “THE BLESSING”, my wife (the beautiful person that she is), never one for the travel bug said to me, “If you can find someone to go with, then go for it”.
That was all I needed. Almost immediately I was on the blower (phone) to SDU (sunsdownunder) to put the feelers out. Nope, no go there (He had just enjoyed the birth of his first born, so it was completely understandable). Back to the drawing board I went. With no other Suns fan in my immediate circle of friends that could afford to go I dropped an e-mail to nevetsov.
Keep in mind that to this day the only members of this entourage that have actually met in person are sunsdownunder, KPCB34, rodrizzle and myself (KPCB34 & rodrizzle have never met, if you can follow that, you get an A ;-) ). With that being declared, nevetsov and I (having never met, in case you missed that point) began serious talks to make the trip over for last seasons’ playoffs. At the end of the day, we were lucky we pulled the pin due to the fact that our beloved Suns were bundled out in the first round and we had in actual fact planned to get over for the second round.
Well that brings us to now, the dream is now getting closer and there are only 119 days until “The Journey” begins. But who is counting……….right? Tee Hee.
Stay tuned for the next instalment and don’t forget to check out our profiles should you want to know more about us as crazy individuals.
I keep getting email that says, “What do you think about
Matt Barnes?” I haven’t responded very
positively, but my issue is much larger than Matt Barnes (horrible athlete name). I’m starting to have a problem with the
Phoenix X. You know the team formerly
known as uns. I feel like all of the
decision makers are sitting in poorly lit rooms, with stats and film (video). They’re reviewing every team that’s won
anything, every play that ever worked and heading to a Xerox machine. (I call them Xorex)
This current edition of the Phoenix NBA team feels like a
collection of players. There’s no I in
team, but there is a meat and a me. I
don’t want them to become the Jr. Spurs* or Boston II. We used to have an identity. We were unique fans with a distinctive team. I’ve never felt this way about any previous Phoenix
squad- not in 16 years.
I understand that this is a part of the game and that this
is a business and that there will always be new faces and old places and much
bigger waistses. But that’s what made the
Suns cool. They were like let me see
that book and then they’d toss it and go ball. If we become generic playoff team x I won’t be happy. I’m sick just thinking about it.
I don’t know when this started- maybe with Kerr, maybe
Sarver, maybe the Grant Hill signing, maybe the Shaq trade… This is the first year that I don’t look at
the roster and feel like our players have a little Sun where their hearts used
to be.
The hiring of Terry Porter really put the stamp on this
unwanted overhaul. It seems that every
move made currently is just a statement and that statement is “LOOK AT US WORLD!!!
WE ARE THE SUNS, WE’RE BIG, WE PLAY D,
AND WE MIGHT HIT A JUMPER OR TWO!!!”
People have always said that defense wins championships, but
that is as incorrect as most things “people say”. The top defensive teams of the 90s were the
Hawks and Cavs. They didn’t win
<curseword>! In the playoffs every
year and then they got stomped. The
Hawks had the number one defense and better record than the Bulls. The Hawks lost in the first round. You could add the Heat and Knicks to this
list. They won a ton of 80 point games
back then- before losing in the playoffs. Good teams win championships and we’ve always had good teams in Phoenix.
Don’t you agree that there’s something about Raja, LB, STAT,
Nash, Trix, <ed> Barkley, Majerle, Q-Rich, Joe Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Elliot Perry, Oliver Miler, Kidd, Mark West et al that screamed Suns from day one. What players “SCREAM” Suns to you?
Oh yeah, Matt Barnes. He screams “ho hum” to me. What
bothers me is that for four years we’ve needed a backup point. I know they’ve tried, but dang! Personally, I’d trade five players, a coach
and my season tickets for a decent PG.
Only time will tell. These players might gel. I wish
them all well. The Suns are hot as
HELL!!!!!!! Owwwwwwwwww ok that was lame, but I gots no ending.
After the unjustly calls the refs did Vs. Detroit. I started thinking.... How can we stop refs from making unfair calls? Please Leave your ideas and maybe we can get David Sterns attention with this!
I thought I'd bring this up for discussion to see what everyone thinks. Obviously, we all love Raja Bell and what he brings to the table (i.e. great 3-point shooting and a toughness on defense). Moreover, I can certainly understand the argument that having a weapon like Barbosa coming off the bench really gives the Suns a punch with their 2nd unit. I understand all of that. That all said, however, looking at the numbers from this season, it's really hard to argue against keeping Barbosa in the starting lineup. For example, check out these statistics:
Suns Record with Barbosa in the starting lineup: 3-0 (Orlando,Knicks and Houston)
S uns Scoring Average w/Barbosa in the starting lineup: 111
Scoring Average w/Bell as the starter: 105
Average Margin of Victory w/Barbosa in starting lineup: 10.3
Average Margin of Victory w/Bell starting: 5
Barbosa's Scoring Average when he starts: 27.6
Barbosa's Average off the Bench: 16.5
Suns Average Fast Break Points w/Barbosa as a Starter: 24
Suns Average Fast Break Pts. w/Barbosa off the Bench: 17.4
Now, granted, there is a much smaller sampling of games when he starts vs. when he comes off the bench (3 games as a starter vs. 7 games off the bench). Nonetheless, I think this shows that with Barbosa in the lineup as a starter, the Suns are a much more dangerous offensive team. And given the identity of the Suns and their styleof looking to out-run and out score their opponents every night, starting Barbosa seemingly gives them their most potent 5 players to be able to execute their style. With Barbosa starting along side Nash, it allows him to do what he does best, which is spread the floor with his shooting and penetration. When he comes off the bench, he's usually not playing alongside Nashand therefore has to become the team's primary ball handler. This, in my opinion, takes away from his biggest asset, which is basically being an unguardable scorer. When he's in there with Nash, Amare, Hill, and Marion, he's able to get many more open looks from the 3-point arch and it spreads the floor with those other players in the game for him to penetrate (something Bell cannot offer, as unlike Barbosa, he's primarily a one-dimensional offensive player.) When he comes off the bench, he's not only looked upon to score, but also be the team's primary ball handler and get them set up within their offense. Again, I think this takes away from his biggest strength. If you're going to have the philosophy that you want to out run, out shoot, and out score people, as the Suns do, than I just think it makes sense to put in the players who give you the best chance to do that. And while the above-mentioned statistics are just a small sampling, I don't think they can be dismissed either.
The argument you can make for Bell is that he's effective as a starter because Nash and those other guys give him the opportunity to get open looks from 3-point range. If he comes off the bench and let's say he's not playing with Nash, maybe he doesn't get those open looks and then is basically ineffective from an offensive standpoint. Whereas Barbosa doesn't necessarily *need* Nash as much as Bell does because he can create his own shot. I think Barbosa starting overwhelms people offensively and I like that. But I also think it would kill Bell from an offensive stand point having to come off the bench and play more minutes with the 2nd unit. If he's not getting open looksfrom Nash's penetration or because of double teams on Amare, he becomes effectively useless offensively, as he's not good at putting the ball on the floor or creating his own shot. So I can see both arguments. I just think why not just jump on people from the beginning with your best 5 and overwhelm them, which hopefully leads to more blowouts where the starters can cut back their minutes and play spectator in the 4th quarters. I remember the Bulls team that won 72 games and how many games they won that year by just destroying people so that MJ, Pippen, and those guys could just sit back and giggle during the 4th quarter while the bench played. This Suns team has that kind of capability. Not to win 72 games, mind you, but to blow out inferior teams on a regular basis.
So, what do you think Suns fans? Leave some comments and let the debate begin!
My last blog was not hurriedly written. This is something that I have felt since last season. Ever since his injury last year Diaw has not been the same. I can give credit where it is due and he was great. Was. Now it seems like getting him to take a shot is almost impossible and he is not the best passer. He isn’t too bad, but certainly not good. It seems to me that he just doesn’t do the job he is here to do. How long do we have to wait for him to "feel it again, and get his confidence and courage back?" Last nights performance was a prime example, 5 turnovers and 1 assist. Also I am a huge suns fan, I am just honest and objective enough to see and say when someone or something is holding us down, or as I stated before is a weak link. To be called a "pseudo-fan" is uncalled for. It sounds like someone else is hurriedly wrote a blog after the game to vent just as I have been accused of. Let’s just leave it as everyone is entitled to their own opinions on what’s good, bad, and great about the suns. That’s what makes sports and environments like this great, everyone can get together and discuss and debate issues freely. But let’s not personally go after others or their "fan" status for their views and opinions
Now we added a man to our roster that has energy, height, and intensity. He is very raw and a long term project offensively. When Shaq is gone and Amare is on the bench our new low post threat is Robyn Lopez. He shot 52% in college basketball and shot only around the hoop (3 feet and in). So, who should we have taken? Probably a top 10 pick in my opinion, who dropped to 17, (Roy Hibbert). He is strong, 7 ft 2in, 275, a shot blocker, a better rebounder, a low post threat, comes from a team who he severely played a part in getting to the Final 4 just two years ago. He will make an immediate impact and would be a great replacement for Shaq. He also shot 65% plus last year in the Big East and everybody knew he was getting the ball. He had Georgetown back on the map. He was on the most effecient basketball offense in the NCAA. He is also an above average passer! We missed the boat, thank God for the media playing a huge part in making the Pac Ten a bigger joke. Lets see who else got screwed due to the biased media. OJ Mayo went #3, should of gone 15. He's overrated!!! Sorry Minnesota!!! Westbrook went #4, should of gone 15-20. Great defensive player with great intensity, but very poor shooter. Brooke lopez went #10 and that is about where he belonged. Kevin Love was the only real deal and he went 5th, should of been 4th. the good news in the whole draft was we got rid of Dantoni before he drafted a 3 year project from Italy at #6. way to go Mike!!!! I tip my hat to Portland, New Jersey, and now Indiana. They had the best 3 drafts by far. They get A's. The Bulls and Heat survived the media pushing for Mayo. They got the best 2 players. You can't go wrong with Rose or Beasley. Another crappy draft by the Suns. After Shaq and Nash are gone we have the lottery to look forward to.
You guys probably already knew how much I disagree with the option of keeping Steve Nash. I've been blaffing literally everywhere (right?)!
He sure is a good player offensively, but defensively, it's another story. He couldn't go one on one with anyone! Even Rajon Rondo owns Steve Nash (and not to mention Baron Davis and many others)! He gets paid a bunch of money, but has he ever gave us (recently). He gave us two turnovers in a crucial game 5 against the SAS. For a player at his age with plenty of playoff experiences, he should be able to soak up all the pressures. Reggie Miller was already able to soak up pressure on his third year in the NBA, so does LBJ and many others.
Now Nash, can't play defensively, occasionally causes turnovers (at crucial moments), and is getting paid too much. His salary limited the opportunities to obtain younger potentials to play for our team! Yes, I'm telling you that he is overrated (hate me for that). Trading him for draft picks is what should be going on now. He should be playing for D'Antoni's NYN instead of the champion-hungry PHX.
Ask yourself, do you think the coach will spend time on training his defense. If I'm the coach, I won't be spending time on training a 34-year-old offensive player's defense. By trading him to the NYN, they can use him while spending time on looking for another J Kidd, and we can benefit ourselves from draft picks.
Now, let's talk about Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa. I think Barbosa could be another trade option. He can't play very well defensively. However, I believe that he's got some potential (he's still young) and trading him is just an alternate option. As for Boris Diaw, I think we should keep him. He was once the most improved player (though he played badly during the recent season), with some really impressive averages. Also, Boris almost had a triple double in Game 4 against the Spurs. He doesn't have perimeter shots but he could grab rebounds. If he's going to play as a small forward instead of a power forward, I think he'll do pretty good.
And for the draft picks, I think we need a talented power forward/center instead of a shooting guard/small forward. We need a good rebounder. Of course we're not going to draft another Tim Duncan or Shaq, but at least we may draft a future star.
By the way, do you guys know that Kobe was the 13th overall pick, Peja Stojakovic being the 14th overall pick, and Steve Nash being the 15th overall pick back in the 1996 draft? 15th draft pick isn't a bad one, I hope Terry Porter will be able to use this pick wisely.
Preparing to go around the world in search
of the Valley of the Sun.
A sextet of international basketball fans
with intent to bask in the collective glory that is the Phoenix Suns, and
follow them like an ice cream truck follows a fat fighter’s convention.
Have to admit I thought this day would
come, but not so soon, or with random internet buddies who go by the names SDU,
Never Fear 33 is Here, KPCB34, rodrizzle and nevetsov. At least there’s no
‘funboy12’, ‘Kobe#1’
or ‘han_solo_is_my_dad’ type nutjobs in for the ride (Lakers, Mavericks and
Spurs fans need not apply). We might even meet up with a German on the way, Moe
– JustMoe - just for schneetz and geegles.
Apologies in advance to all those who have
to read the spiel that will undoubtedly spew out every orifice of the lone Heat
supporter on the trip, rodrizzle. And all things considered, 83% ain’t bad!
Many an arm and a leg are tied up in
Destination Phoenix, some would say an excessive amount. I wouldn’t, and as the
old proverb goes, ‘the poor man’s budget is full of schemes’. This isn’t a
scheme per se, moreso a dream that is finally being realised, and something
that can’t have a price tag put on it. None of us are millionaires, and to
spend so much money and time away from family, friends and the comforts of
home, I think, shows how much the team means to us.
Our Motley Crue will be assembled on
January 12 th 2009 in Sydney, Australia,
ready to board a plane and partake in a beverage or four to take the edge off
the early start to the morning.
As sunsdownunder mentioned in the previous
blog entry, there are a couple of stopovers on the way, in Germany and the UK, so any people wanting to meet
up for a chat can get hold of us through this website.
Rodrizzle will meet us in Toronto, as we follow the Suns on their
season long six game road trip starting against the Raptors.
We’ll be covering the many miles in a
people mover, equipped with slide door, cup holders, and perhaps some poker and
sing-a-longs, as well as the countless recollections of Suns moments both past
and present. Leg space will be at a premium, as will support for myself as the
only non-Australian on the trip!
Thankfully, the great people at Planet
Orange and suns.com answered when we came calling asking for any suggestions
and/or assistance, even having the courage to splat sunsdownunder’s mug onto
their frontpage. Hopefully you, the readers, are not turned away from the pasty
spectre greeting you (I know, a pale Australian, I’m as perplexed as you are).
Bookmark the page, tell your friends, your
gardener and your hairdresser, and come have a look-in from our viewpoint as
international Suns fans, and most of all enjoy the ride ‘cos we sure will!
Please people, no more talk of Barbosa and Diaw unless its a possible trade scenario in which we get rid of those two [Disrespectful comment removed. - Suns_Webmaster] and get some real players on our team. I don't know how any Suns fan can blog about how the future of the Suns rests in the hands of Barbosa and Diaw. If that is the case, I'm selling my season tickets and moving to LA.
Barbosa CANNOT play defense. Have we not learned our lesson about a lack of defense. When he comes in to back up Nash at PG the offense goes into complete dissaray. Not to mention he cannot shoot in the post season. He pretty much is [Disrespectful comment deleted. - Suns_Webmaster] when other teams turn it up and are not on cruise control (AKA the POST SEASON, WHEN IT MATTERS).
Diaw can't post players up, can't finish with any authority (if at all), can't turn to face the hoop (which is needed to create good shots and get to the charity stripe) and is altogether reluctant to ever try to take control of a game. Our PF can't be looking to pass: that's what Nash is for.
Tell me there is some other Suns fan out there who recognizes that these 2 players don't have what it takes to be part of a championship team. Those are the first 2 players we need to get rid of while they still have some value.
Blog Posts With the Most Comments
CALLING ALL CITIZENS! CALLING ALL CITIZENS!
Howdy Suns fans!
I submitted a question for BRIAN SKINNERthat was posed to him on Suns.com's:Nothin' But Net. BRIAN SKINNER is humbled that WE THE CITIZENS of PLANET ORANGE, would behappy to come up with a nickname for him. So gang ......let's put our creative thinking caps on, and give one of our most welcomed new Suns, a well deserved nickname.
Check out his reaction to the initial question, by either going to Suns.com or viewing SJKoek's posting of the video clip right here on Planet Orange. (Thanks a million, Steve!)
Simply submit your suggestions in the comment area below. If you see one you like that is already listed -- please say so.
BRIAN SKINNER is a GREAT addition to our team, I'm sure you allagree. Let's do him proud and come up with a fitting nickname for him.
Readyyyyyyyyyyyyy.................GO!!!!
Destination Phoenix!!! Entry 1 Destination Phoenix!!! Entry 1
Destination Phoenix - Die hard fans from down under unite!
The suns are a classy organization from management right down to the players and support staff. So its no wonder that so many international fans with no ties to any NBA cities, choose to support the mighty Suns. In some cases these fans are even more die hard than some locals, having to take days off just to watch big games, getting up at 3 am for live playoff matches, watching grainy stop start low quality streams on 15 inch monitors just to see the suns somehow, and even travelling the 30 thousand plus km's just to catch a regular season game live.
That last scenario is about to take place, with 4 die hard suns fans from Australia and New Zealand (only 2 of which have met each other before) getting together in January to make the trip to the USA with the sole purpose of cheering on the suns and seeing some games live!
Myself from Adelaide, South Australia, as well as 3 other members of Planet Orange ("Tastic" from New Zealand, "Nevetsov" from Brisbane Australia, and "NF33IH" also from Adelaide South Australia) will be leaving from Sydney on January 12th, 2009 and after brief stops in Berlin and London will be landing in Toronto on the 18th of January ready to catch the suns first game of a season long 6 game road trip.
We have hired a car, and will be following the suns through all 6 stops on the trip, Toronto, Boston, New York, Charlotte, Atlanta and Washington, before flying from Washington to Phoenix (WOO HOO!) to catch games against the spurs (BOO), bulls and kings, hoping to enjoy a superbowl party somewhere and then leaving the great state of Arizona on the 3rd of February heading back to australia via New Zealand (ending a complete trip around the globe just to watch the suns)
Were going to be blogging all the way, right from the start to the finish, with details on planning, things that go wrong, things that go right, posting videos, reviews of each game, city, stadium, photos etc, we all hope that it gives the international suns fans (of which there are many) an insight on what its like for die hard suns fans to finally get to see them in person!
Keep an eye out for part 2 of the Desitnation Phoenix Blog. All we have done now is booked flights and car hire, hopefully by part 2 we will have started finding accommodation, game tickets, and our itinery for travel and what to do on days off in all the cities.
If you have any advice, comments, are we mad to try and drive that road trip (6 cities in 8 days?) or anything, we love to hear any input anyone might have.....
until next time, go suns!
>> Edited 2nd September 2008: R ead part 2 of this blog here
Read part III of this blog here
David Stern has got to go! David Stern has got to go!
Wow! Finally found the site and logged on immediatly!
First off, THANK YOU to those who put this site together, and to whoever came up with the idea. It was a stroke of pure genius. Many of us Suns fans need to be heard after what occurred last season.
Second, THANK YOU to the Phoenix Suns, from top to bottom, for just being who they are.
I'm IHateDavidStern, and I hate David Stern. Why I do should be apparent to all here.
I don't believe it's right what David Stern doing, namely saving his own tuckus, over what should've been done for the betterment of the league. After his "Letter of the law" speech regarding the Suns suspensions, he said, "It's not a matter of fairness, it's a matter of correctness." To say David Stern walks a slippery slope on this one would be an understatement.
Right now, he's doing what's best for David Stern and David Stern alone. He's sweeping it all under the rug. That's why the league would be better off without David Stern. It seems like the "letter of the Law" and "fairness" is applied only when David Stern sees fit, and that's not adhering to the letter of the law at all.
The letter of the law never seems to apply to Stern's ref's. To change the rules after they've been broken, to not even fine a single ref who has broken those rules, it only proves how corrupt the league has become under Stern's facist grip. I understand completely that you cannot ban and/or suspend every single ref, but to do nothing because he alone decided NOW, the NEW RULE doesn't apply anymore, that is an OUTRAGE!
Also, there should never be a no-tolerance rule concerning leaving a bench if at the same time, there are players that are actually throwing blows in other games that are not being subject to at least the same penalties. Baron Davis can hit Derek Fisher in the head and see no repercussions from it.
How can an actual violent act go unpunished when leaving the bench to attend a fallen player recieves the stiffest penalties? It doesn't make sense. And don't even get me started on Duncan leaving the bench during an altercation and not being subject to the same rules. Not to mention knee's to groin, stepping on players feet to throw them off balance, etc...
Too many of us think David Stern must be on the take, or at the very least, the biggest hypocrite in the history of sports. Too few have any faith in this Commissioner any more at all. It's very difficult to support a league that you cannot trust.
When questioned by the media like Dan Patrick, Stern became combative and insulting towards the Suns and their fans, "I guess it's a shame that I have a rule that I have to enforce."
Now we see the truth, the rules seem to be enforced only when David Stern decides they should.
Steve Nash's comments the other day were wonderful to hear. We as Suns fans needed to hear them. And more importantly, David Stern needs to join reality and hear them himself and realize what he has done wrong.
“I’m not into worry about what Stern is doing,” he said. “I figure I’m not going to win that battle anyway. I’ve lost it in the past, so why bother getting involved? If I let it bother me, I’ll just go around being (expletive) off all the time.
“Every other week, a decision comes down that you don’t understand. (Bruce) Bowen steps on Amaré’s ankle (in Game 2), knees me in the (groin, in Game 3) and there’s no suspension, whereas other guys they have lesser infractions and they are suspended on the first one.
“I’m not in the office; I don’t know why they decide what they decide. Therefore I’m not even going to start judging their decisions because I don’t get it.”
As Stern is a lawyer, I expect no admition of guilt and hence, no apology. Instead, he throws us a bone. It's really a small consolation, but now they're talking about Stern "allowing the city of Phoenix" another All-Star game. He should be so lucky. We've got the best weather and one of the best venues you could ever want to throw an All-Star game in. It's as transparent as it's inadequate, and it's fooling no one.
What bothers me too is the mindset it puts the team in. After the infamous Donaghy reffed Game three of the Playoffs, how could anyone know what to expect from the refs in subsequent games? Does anyone have a clue what to expect this season?
In the past, when players like Kobe Bryant leveled our guys with flagrant elbows, that went unnoticed and unpunished by the league. It took a guy like Raja Bell to make sure it got noticed. Raja is considered the heart of the team, partially for that incident, and the league finally began focusing on Kobe and his elbows the season after that. It took something like that to get the league to do what was right. I myself was numb with rage the game Amare and Diaw left the bench, so how could the Suns themselves have been any less affected?
Even knowing all that, I believe in this team's ability to rise above. I'm gung-ho as ever, and I believe in this group of players. I just don't believe in the "current" Commissioner of this league.
I've always loved the Suns and I love this team, but I'm afraid that the Suns will never get a fair shake with Stern in charge. The league is in a sad state of affairs with David Stern at the helm. It's time for a change. It's what's best for the league.
Reasons I love the Spurs Reasons I love the Spurs
- Tony Parker is hot andI wish so muchIcould beEva Longoria
-The Spurs are capable of stopping any run the Suns make with their "slow, big man offense"
- ROBERT HORRY WAS GUILTY OF NOTHING WHEN HE PUSHED STEVE NASH INTO THE SCORERS TABLE AND AMARE STOUDEMIRE AND BORIS DIAW GOT THE RIGHT PUNISHMENT THEY DESERVED FOR THE WHOLE THING
comment back and let me know what you think!!!
Now We'll See Now We'll See
Even the staunchest Suns fan now has to admit reality: This year's model looks more likely to limp across the finish line than to do donuts in the winner's circle. Last night's losing streak extension makes it clear that our heroes, hard-working and professional as they may be, lack that certain something that previous squads had, which was enough to at least get them into the playoffs for a round or two or three.
There's no one answer to the decline. It's not the owner, general manager, coach, roster, age or chemistry alone. It's not Amar'e's injury, it's not the trade of Boris and Raja, it's not the drafting of Robin Lopez and Goran Dragic, it's not the Spurs (for once), it's not the trade of Shawn Marion, and heck, it's not even the trade of Joe Johnson. It's a combination of any number of the factors above, with a little dumb luck and some cyclical change of fortune mixed in (not unlike the current economy).
And it hasn't been a lot of fun. Not for you, not for me, not for the players, nor for anyone in the organization.
And the sad fact is, it couldn't be happening at a worse time. In dark times, teams look to the future for signs of hope. Next year brings the best crop of free agents maybe in league history.
But the Suns probably won't be players, not with their salary structure the way it is. And with the Suns' offensive style bound to be in flux, it's a question whether many of the top free agents would allow themselves to be lured to the Valley anyway. So the Suns will be anxious to sign the marquee players they have -- but so will other organizations that perhaps have more money and potentially brighter futures.
The Suns do have a first-round draft pick this summer. But the talent pool is rumored to be shallow, and the Suns, barring a lottery miracle, will have a middling selection. And after the 2010 season, barring a trade, the Suns will have no first round choice.
So where are the rays of hope for the team's immediate future? Well, it's conceivable that Amar'e, a bona fide NBA star, could stay here to anchor the franchise's talent pool. In Jason Richardson, he'd have a worthy Number Two, a second scoring threat who's proven in the league and has lots of years left. Leandro Barbosa remains an explosive, unique force in the league. Matt Barnes has performed well when given the chance to do what he does best (a little bit of everything), and he's going to be around the league for a while, too. And in Lou Amundson, the Suns have unearthed the kind of selfless role player every team covets. There's also the possibility that Lopez, Dragic and Alando Tucker will blossom.
Yes, those are all hopeful thoughts, but they all come with lots of "ifs" attached. The short of it is, the Suns are a ways away, and it might take a while, a little or a long while, for them to be part of the discussion around the NBA as a team to be feared again.
So, now we'll see. We'll see who the real fans are. Who stays with this club as it rebuilds for the first time in a very long time, and who bails out. Who lashes out in anger and stomps away forever, and who rides out the storm. Who stays on the bandwagon, and who goes looking for the latest front-running franchise. Who can be critical, realistic, hopeful and supportive at the same time.
Keep one thing in mind: When things looked bleakest in their history, around 1986 and 1987, when age, plane crashes and sordid allegations robbed the Suns of their best players, their longest-tenured coach, their dignity and their respect around the league, the true die-hard fans that stuck around were rewarded in just a few short seasons with Kevin Johnson, Tom Chambers and Dan Majerle. The number of fans that jumped back aboard the bandwagon at that point couldn't be counted. But it was the ones who never left who felt the sweetest, the most satisfied, and the most proud to call themselves fans of the Phoenix Suns.
This is not surrender for 2008-09. This is not "wait 'til next year." But this is recognition that change has begun, that it will not be easy or painless, and it is a declaration that I intend to be here through all of it, cheering as loud in the tough times as the good.
Who's with me?
IT'S TIME FOR A PEP TALK ! IT'S TIME FOR A PEP TALK !
Okay - We got the "W" over Da' Bulls in Phoenix. It was quite a rollercoaster ride of a game for the Suns.....a little too "iffy" at times, until we really turned it on in the 4th quarter. LB, MVSteve, and Grant Thrill, were outstanding! So, we got the "W" on a now, 1-6 team. We needed it, and we'll embrace it.
Let's talk about: The "FANS" ...........
I was just reading a few blogs that were written about 3D, just after the game. I'm not a coach or the team owner (obviously),though I do have a few thoughts of my own on the subject :
To hear Suns 'fans' say that "he stinks" and should not be here, just blows my mind. While I agree thatBoris's game is obviously not 100% present, I cannot say that "he stinks". He's a great defender, and is slowly 'feeling it' again. I really think that LB should be HIGHLY consideredfor the starting-5. Let Boris be our 6-7th man, until he finds his courage and confidence again. Have a heart, Suns fans, and show some patience and respect for ALL of our players - ALL OF THE TIME. They NEED OUR HOPE AND CONFIDENCE in them.
It's no wonder at all, that Coach Mike is so disenchanted with the fans. I'll tell you right now --- He's NOT the only one who is appalled at "the fans"!Tonight's crowd at The Arena (UAC) was absolutely horrible. I was yelling at the fans as much as I was yelling at the game!Even a selectfew of the 'fans' on Planet O', have ridiculed players - slamming Grant Hill's good name, slamming other fans, slamming fellow citizensand their good names. I have personally beenslammed by such "fans" -- beingcalled "an egosisticalcondescending mindless twit!" I had no recourse, other than to TRY and STOP the nonsensical banter. I loathed havingto do that! Iactually read the words: "LoriAnnSUPERFANis no Suns fan"!WOW!It used to be, that otherNBA (non-Suns) fans would giveus a hard time. To see our OWN going ateach others' throats, is pitiful at best. Is the entire universe on a weird tilt, or what? THIS is the kind of behavior and reception that our Suns don't need -- never mind, ME!
Let's get this season started AND finished RIGHT !!! Let's show some respect for ourselves and each other, as good people and great Suns fans, and spread it around like wildfire!We can ALL stand to grow a little, just as our Suns are'growing', and Planet O' is growing. We OWE it to The Suns and Planet O', to be respectful and even mindful.
This site (I was told) is for the "Suns diehardfans". Well ..... LET'SSHOW IT!!! Let's cheer FOR OUR PHOENIX SUNS !!!!
Okay .... I'm not going to get too 'wordy' here. I lose interest in long drawn-out articles too.
I think The Suns learned a lot from tonight's game over the Bulls. I'm confident in the coaching staff, that the 'right' players WILL be playing Suns Basketball.
Who was really worse tonight? The "fans" or Boris Diaw?
Here's a clue: it WASN'T Boris Diaw !!!
Peace on The Planet!
Lori Ann
SUNS IN '08 !!!
A Massive THANK YOU to our loc A Massive THANK YOU to our local media
I just wanted to express my heartfelt THANK YOU to how our local media did not fail to bring up the real issue of the "elephant in the room," as Rick Welts wisely put it. And thanks to Rick as well.
It's been an outrage the way David Stern has chosen to evade this issue, and the All Star game is obviously a lame attempt to draw support in Phoenix after so many of us now see the NBA for the corrupt entity is has become under David Stern's rule. This doesn't make up for the corruption which had ruined our ability to believe in David Stern's NBA, and thankfully the local media has stepped up to remind Stern that we will never forgive or forget.
You can put the All-Star game here every year, it would never make up for the damage David Stern has done to the fans and this league. I know this is how I feel, and I believe the vast majority of fans and former fans of the NBA agree with me. And if current trends continue, the league greatly endangers themselves of having more of the latter than the former. Not a warning, just a truth.
We can't be expected to take much more of this and continue supporting a corrupt league with a corrupt leader. And I commend our local media for following this story to it's ultimate conclusion. They might be our last resort in exposing David Stern for what he really is, and what he has done to us all. I pray their vigilance never ends.
Unfortunately, I see the video of the press conference on Suns.com seems to be lacking the portion where the media questioned David Stern, and I have yet to find a full transcript anywhere yet, but from the few comments on Azcentral from Paolo Boivin and Doug Haller's story today, it appears our local media did us all the best service they could do, in Stern's first appearance in the valley since the unbelievable occurrences in last year's Playoffs, and the countless Referee scandals that have for the most part been ignored by David Stern
I again applaud the media for not resting on this issue and look forward to more expanded versions of what took place today.
[EDIT] I found video here, and sadly it only makes Stern's case, and is lacking whatever our media had confronted him with.
The idea that because the Suns lost the series with our players back on the team seems to discount the very real fact that after the Donaghy officiated Game Three, there was no way to predict what calls would be made, and how it left our team in a complete funk as to how they were to ever get a fair shake. I'm evenfurther ashamed of how this Commissioner continues to pass the buck.
. http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/1108sternallstar.html
Phx Fans... Phx Fans...
I don't know about you all, but I am tired of watching the HORRIBLE officiating against our Suns and the only chance we have to see change is to make it happen ourselves. Not saying the Suns didn't execute their offense well, because they didn't. Not saying their defense was great either, because it wasn't present for the majority of the Suns-Spurs series. I love our Suns, but they can play better. But thats besides the point. When I see Spurs players tripping THEMSELVES and we get fouls called on us... that's terrible. When I see the "hack-a-shaq" being used as strategy, and NOT being called for what it is- an INTENTIONAL foul- and not getting one freethrow and the ball back per the rulebook, I am left to question the officiating. And when they are being nit-picky about freethrow lane violations, but not calling the obvious- elbows, jersey pulls, reaching, etc.- something is not right. We as the fans need to stand up for our Suns and write the league, write the media, and get it hyped so Stern has to listen. Just cuz he doesn't like Jerry Colangelo doesn't give him the right to give the officials the ok to turn the other cheek. Let the men play and may the best team win... but give both teams a fighting chance. Not just "Stern's Spurs".
Why does ESPN hate the Suns? Why does ESPN hate the Suns?
I cant stand watching a suns game on ESPN! I dont why know why but they seem to always talk so good about the other team, while we get ridiculed for playing bad, and underappreciated for playing well! But last night on a show called "NBA Coast to Coast" they REALLY took it too far. They were having a segment where people send in questions. One of the questions was regarding the suns. It was- do you think anyone has a better 8 man group than the suns after the Richardson trade- a good question. Theyre reaction was simply LAUGHTER! They took it as a joke and preceeded to name of several teams before saying they could "keep naming teams all night". What the CRAP! Why do they talk about the suns like that. They said Nash is old, Hill is old... Ive never seen another team take so much abuse and for what reason? Does anyone else notice this? Lets BOYCOTT ESPN!
The Season Approaches The Season Approaches
Well, not quite yet, but it's September...and training camp is right around the corner.
However, this is the first offseason in quite some time that I'm not eagerly anticipating the upcoming NBA season.
Ever since the Marion trade that ruined the Suns team last season I haven't been excitied about this team.
We finished in 6th place last season (dropped from #1 before the trade was made) and I don't think this team is really much improved from the end of last year...sure, there have been some moves made, but how much did they really help?
The holdovers:
Steve, Amare, Raja, Boris, LB, Grant, and Shaq (And Tucker)
Steve & G. Hill are another year older. Amare is talking defense this offseason, but will he put his money where his mouth is? Where will Raja's open looks come in whatever offensive system Terry Porter installs, and will we see Boris from most of the regular season, or the Boris that came alive in the playoffs? And then you have Shaq...in my opinion the biggest reason that the Suns have fallen from contender status to also-rans. He's slow, old, and can't play effectively anymore. He can't shoot free throws, and can hardly make layups. He brings NOTHING to the Suns. NOTHING at all. Oh yeah, Tucker...probably won't get much playing time.
The rookies:
Robin Lopez, Goran Dragic, and Sean Singeltary.
Lopez will be a bust. Write it down, seal it up, and mail it in. I guarantee it. He was not a good college player. He only played 25 minutes a game and only got 6 boards per game in college, playing against smaller guys every night. What makes anyone think that will translate into an effective NBA player? Dragic might be a nice late round pickup. Hell, he can't be any worse as a backup than Marcus Banks and his bricks. And if he doesn't work out, there's Sean Singeltary - the guy who out of the three I think will be the best. He's a four year college player who showed an ability to score and dish in college. All ACC for three years. He could follow the footsteps of another guy who had some success in the ACC - Chris Paul (No, I'm not saying he'll be as good as CP3, but I think he's the Suns starting PG of the future - NOT Dragic).
The old faces in new places
Matt Barnes, Louis Amundson
Barnes is a bench player. That's it. He can't be counted on to play meaningful minutes. He's a poor defender and a bad shooter (in the 40% range). The Warriors actually benched him last year...the Warriors...a team made up of NBDL type of talent like Kelenna Azibuke. Not exactly a ringing endorsement...Louis Amundson - who? He'll take Eric Piatkowski's seat on the bench and keep it warm.
Coach - Terry Porter.
What can we expect? Who knows. We know one thing - the Suns won't be the Suns that we all knew and loved. Supposedly there will be a major empahsis on defense...however with Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, and an immobile Shaq out there how much defense can they actually play?
Porter's last NBA head coaching job had him leading one of the worst defensive teams in NBA history in Milwaukee...let's hope he picked up some things as an assistant in Detroit.
I still don't think this team has an identity. It still seems to me that we have a bunch of spare parts that don't really fit together. What's Shaq's role? He obviously can't play in crunch time (see: 2008 NBA Playoffs). Are we a defensive team that can try to run? Are we a running team that can play some defense? Or are we just a team that will not try to dictate any tempo and play at the opponent's pace (my money's on that one).
I will close with the fact that this could have been our team this year:
Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa and Rajon Rondo as the guards; Andre Igoudala, James Jones and Raja Bell at the swing spots; and Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw and Kurt Thomas up...
Ahh...what could have been...if only $arver wasn't cheap and Kerr had a clue.
Some Words for the Unhappy and Some Words for the Unhappy and the Impatient
I offer my perspective for the impatient of Planet Orange...
I often browse... okay - DAILY I browse Planet Orange and read the message boards and blogs of my fellow citizens and I am excited to see so much support and enthusiasm for this spectacular Suns team we have here in Phoenix this year- many props to the positive and faithful.
BUT - I also find myself shaking my head with sadness when I read blogs and comments that are diluted with negativity, pessimistic rants, contempt, and impatience. I get it. I understand some people are frustrated, I understand some people think they could manage a basketball team better than Steve Kerr, or train/teach/coach/motivate/love/appease/direct/comfort/discipline/encourage/support/harmonize a group of very talented and very wealthy sports icons better than coach Terry Porter... I understand that some of you feel that you could probably shoot better free throws than Shaq - maybe you think you could play better defense than Nash, or possibly you think that you could step up to Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, or Dirk Nowitzki and contain them better than Amar'e.... I GET IT. Or maybe you've just watched soo much Sportscenter, or read so many espn articles, or you've won so many NBA2K-whatever championships with your dream team on X-Box that you feel obligated to rail on the Suns for their lack of production or consistency this season. I GET IT.
I mean really, I understand if you want to discuss issues with the team and that is fine- but if you are soo demanding of these Suns, that even after good hard fought wins you have nothing positive to say about our team - what is the point?
I too got frustrated when the Spurs or the Pacers hit buzzer-beaters to beat us - BUT IF WE HAD WON THOSE CLOSE GAMES (which we very well could have) WE WOULD NOW STAND AT 11-1 SINCE THE J-RICH/DUDLEY TRADE. Is that not something to admire, or view with optimistic satisfaction?!
I too get frustrated when we get huge leads on teams, and then we lose them- but haven't we won 6 of our last 7 games? Haven't we been able to close out those close games in the 3rd and 4th quarter, even when young and very talented (albeit teams that are deemed "bad" by most on PO *I think any NBA team is capable of winning on any given night - there is soo much talent) teams make strong determined runs to beat their childhood idols?
It's hard to understand how fans of the Suns can still be talking trash about Shaq when he is having an All Star caliber year and shooting free throws like his name really was Shaqovic.
The fact of the matter is, I am not the GM, I am not the Coach, I am not a Suns player (contrary to the convincing evidence in the picture above), I am a Suns FAN.
Nash is Nash - STAT is STAT - SHAQ is SHAQ - Hill is Hill - J-RICH is J- RICH, L.B. is L.B --- all 6 of those guys in my opinion will be future Hall of Famers. Barnes and Lightning Lou have contributed regularly and mightily to the progress of our team and all of the other bench players have great potential and talent.
Given the circumstances of a developing team under new management and coaching, WE HAVE BEEN PLAYING VERY GOOD BASKETBALL. We are 9 games above .500.
In my opinion - I would rather have a team that knows how to close out close games in the 4th quarter than a team that blows out teams every game. Why? Because when you have a team that blows out games regularly you run the risk of getting big heads and sucking in too much pride. I like the fact that our team has had to stay humble and prepare every night to battle, and not to just show up and expect opposing teams to fold.
We are a playoff built team, and that is where we will shine. This isn't the D'Antoni team of years past. If you say you want to be realistic... realize that.
Be positive. Be optimistic. Be a real fan.
Destination Phoenix Entry III Destination Phoenix Entry III
...And the journey continues.
Since our last update via TASTIC, not all that much has happened in terms of confirmed activities. The last two members of the group, KPCB34 & nevetsov have now fully paid up on their flights. Further concreting our itinerary, leaving only accommodation, car hire and most importantly (as far as 5 Suns fans are concerned) game tickets to be purchased.
Once the above has been completed the wait will seem like forever and an eternity, as well as excruciating, with nothing left to do other than such. Having said that, for me, the wait will seem miniscule in comparison to what I have personally endured as a Grant Hill fan.
With that in mind I thought it’d be time to give you an insight into The Man, The Myth, The Mav-e-rick (Mighty Boosh fans will relate) that is Never Fear 33 Is Here (NF33IH).
Rewind to a time where everything in the world seemed to be so much larger than to what it actually was in reality (with perhaps the exception of Shaq). You see, growing up in a less than middle class family in Australia, my chances of seeing the rest, or for that matter any other part of the world and to a larger extent (for me) the NBA was extremely low.
Fast forward to the year 2000. Grant Hill was to wear #15 for the team formerly known as the Dream Team. A group of friends, myself included, were set to travel the 800 plus km’s to witness an exhibition match, prior to the Sydney Olympics, between Team USA and Australia. Whilst the trip went ahead and it was an unbelievable experience for everyone, I was left with a bit of an empty feeling as the ankle injuries that were to take away Grant Hill’s prime had just begun to surface.
Once again fast forwarding, this time through the six seasons of the “Ankle” and various other injuries/infections. My support never waning in the hope that Grant Hill would one day run the floor pain free as he once did. A couple of failed attempts to make the journey to the U.S. with my wife followed. Then came “THE BLESSING”, my wife (the beautiful person that she is), never one for the travel bug said to me, “If you can find someone to go with, then go for it”.
That was all I needed. Almost immediately I was on the blower (phone) to SDU (sunsdownunder) to put the feelers out. Nope, no go there (He had just enjoyed the birth of his first born, so it was completely understandable). Back to the drawing board I went. With no other Suns fan in my immediate circle of friends that could afford to go I dropped an e-mail to nevetsov.
Keep in mind that to this day the only members of this entourage that have actually met in person are sunsdownunder, KPCB34, rodrizzle and myself (KPCB34 & rodrizzle have never met, if you can follow that, you get an A ;-) ). With that being declared, nevetsov and I (having never met, in case you missed that point) began serious talks to make the trip over for last seasons’ playoffs. At the end of the day, we were lucky we pulled the pin due to the fact that our beloved Suns were bundled out in the first round and we had in actual fact planned to get over for the second round.
Well that brings us to now, the dream is now getting closer and there are only 119 days until “The Journey” begins. But who is counting……….right? Tee Hee.
Stay tuned for the next instalment and don’t forget to check out our profiles should you want to know more about us as crazy individuals.
Later much,
D (NF33IH)
Read part I of this blog here
Read part II of this blog here
What do YOU think about Matt B What do YOU think about Matt Barnes?
I keep getting email that says, “What do you think about Matt Barnes?” I haven’t responded very positively, but my issue is much larger than Matt Barnes (horrible athlete name). I’m starting to have a problem with the Phoenix X. You know the team formerly known as uns. I feel like all of the decision makers are sitting in poorly lit rooms, with stats and film (video). They’re reviewing every team that’s won anything, every play that ever worked and heading to a Xerox machine. (I call them Xorex)
This current edition of the Phoenix NBA team feels like a collection of players. There’s no I in team, but there is a meat and a me. I don’t want them to become the Jr. Spurs* or Boston II. We used to have an identity. We were unique fans with a distinctive team. I’ve never felt this way about any previous Phoenix squad- not in 16 years.
I understand that this is a part of the game and that this is a business and that there will always be new faces and old places and much bigger waistses. But that’s what made the Suns cool. They were like let me see that book and then they’d toss it and go ball. If we become generic playoff team x I won’t be happy. I’m sick just thinking about it.
I don’t know when this started- maybe with Kerr, maybe Sarver, maybe the Grant Hill signing, maybe the Shaq trade… This is the first year that I don’t look at the roster and feel like our players have a little Sun where their hearts used to be.
The hiring of Terry Porter really put the stamp on this unwanted overhaul. It seems that every move made currently is just a statement and that statement is “LOOK AT US WORLD!!! WE ARE THE SUNS, WE’RE BIG, WE PLAY D, AND WE MIGHT HIT A JUMPER OR TWO!!!”
People have always said that defense wins championships, but that is as incorrect as most things “people say”. The top defensive teams of the 90s were the Hawks and Cavs. They didn’t win <curseword>! In the playoffs every year and then they got stomped. The Hawks had the number one defense and better record than the Bulls. The Hawks lost in the first round. You could add the Heat and Knicks to this list. They won a ton of 80 point games back then- before losing in the playoffs. Good teams win championships and we’ve always had good teams in Phoenix.
Don’t you agree that there’s something about Raja, LB, STAT, Nash, Trix, <ed> Barkley, Majerle, Q-Rich, Joe Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Elliot Perry, Oliver Miler, Kidd, Mark West et al that screamed Suns from day one. What players “SCREAM” Suns to you?
Oh yeah, Matt Barnes. He screams “ho hum” to me. What bothers me is that for four years we’ve needed a backup point. I know they’ve tried, but dang! Personally, I’d trade five players, a coach and my season tickets for a decent PG.
Only time will tell. These players might gel. I wish them all well. The Suns are hot as HELL!!!!!!! Owwwwwwwwww ok that was lame, but I gots no ending.
HOW TO STOP CHEATING REFS!? HOW TO STOP CHEATING REFS!?
After the unjustly calls the refs did Vs. Detroit. I started thinking.... How can we stop refs from making unfair calls? Please Leave your ideas and maybe we can get David Sterns attention with this!
Start Barbosa? The Numbers Bac Start Barbosa? The Numbers Back it Up...
I thought I'd bring this up for discussion to see what everyone thinks. Obviously, we all love Raja Bell and what he brings to the table (i.e. great 3-point shooting and a toughness on defense). Moreover, I can certainly understand the argument that having a weapon like Barbosa coming off the bench really gives the Suns a punch with their 2nd unit. I understand all of that. That all said, however, looking at the numbers from this season, it's really hard to argue against keeping Barbosa in the starting lineup. For example, check out these statistics:
Suns Record with Barbosa in the starting lineup: 3-0 (Orlando,Knicks and Houston)
S uns Scoring Average w/Barbosa in the starting lineup: 111
Scoring Average w/Bell as the starter: 105
Average Margin of Victory w/Barbosa in starting lineup: 10.3
Average Margin of Victory w/Bell starting: 5
Barbosa's Scoring Average when he starts: 27.6
Barbosa's Average off the Bench: 16.5
Suns Average Fast Break Points w/Barbosa as a Starter: 24
Suns Average Fast Break Pts. w/Barbosa off the Bench: 17.4
Now, granted, there is a much smaller sampling of games when he starts vs. when he comes off the bench (3 games as a starter vs. 7 games off the bench). Nonetheless, I think this shows that with Barbosa in the lineup as a starter, the Suns are a much more dangerous offensive team. And given the identity of the Suns and their styleof looking to out-run and out score their opponents every night, starting Barbosa seemingly gives them their most potent 5 players to be able to execute their style. With Barbosa starting along side Nash, it allows him to do what he does best, which is spread the floor with his shooting and penetration. When he comes off the bench, he's usually not playing alongside Nashand therefore has to become the team's primary ball handler. This, in my opinion, takes away from his biggest asset, which is basically being an unguardable scorer. When he's in there with Nash, Amare, Hill, and Marion, he's able to get many more open looks from the 3-point arch and it spreads the floor with those other players in the game for him to penetrate (something Bell cannot offer, as unlike Barbosa, he's primarily a one-dimensional offensive player.) When he comes off the bench, he's not only looked upon to score, but also be the team's primary ball handler and get them set up within their offense. Again, I think this takes away from his biggest strength. If you're going to have the philosophy that you want to out run, out shoot, and out score people, as the Suns do, than I just think it makes sense to put in the players who give you the best chance to do that. And while the above-mentioned statistics are just a small sampling, I don't think they can be dismissed either.
The argument you can make for Bell is that he's effective as a starter because Nash and those other guys give him the opportunity to get open looks from 3-point range. If he comes off the bench and let's say he's not playing with Nash, maybe he doesn't get those open looks and then is basically ineffective from an offensive standpoint. Whereas Barbosa doesn't necessarily *need* Nash as much as Bell does because he can create his own shot. I think Barbosa starting overwhelms people offensively and I like that. But I also think it would kill Bell from an offensive stand point having to come off the bench and play more minutes with the 2nd unit. If he's not getting open looksfrom Nash's penetration or because of double teams on Amare, he becomes effectively useless offensively, as he's not good at putting the ball on the floor or creating his own shot. So I can see both arguments. I just think why not just jump on people from the beginning with your best 5 and overwhelm them, which hopefully leads to more blowouts where the starters can cut back their minutes and play spectator in the 4th quarters. I remember the Bulls team that won 72 games and how many games they won that year by just destroying people so that MJ, Pippen, and those guys could just sit back and giggle during the 4th quarter while the bench played. This Suns team has that kind of capability. Not to win 72 games, mind you, but to blow out inferior teams on a regular basis.So, what do you think Suns fans? Leave some comments and let the debate begin!
In response to "pep talk" In response to "pep talk"
My last blog was not hurriedly written. This is something that I have felt since last season. Ever since his injury last year Diaw has not been the same. I can give credit where it is due and he was great. Was. Now it seems like getting him to take a shot is almost impossible and he is not the best passer. He isn’t too bad, but certainly not good. It seems to me that he just doesn’t do the job he is here to do. How long do we have to wait for him to "feel it again, and get his confidence and courage back?" Last nights performance was a prime example, 5 turnovers and 1 assist. Also I am a huge suns fan, I am just honest and objective enough to see and say when someone or something is holding us down, or as I stated before is a weak link. To be called a "pseudo-fan" is uncalled for. It sounds like someone else is hurriedly wrote a blog after the game to vent just as I have been accused of. Let’s just leave it as everyone is entitled to their own opinions on what’s good, bad, and great about the suns. That’s what makes sports and environments like this great, everyone can get together and discuss and debate issues freely. But let’s not personally go after others or their "fan" status for their views and opinions
We Screwed Up BIG time We Screwed Up BIG time
Now we added a man to our roster that has energy, height, and intensity. He is very raw and a long term project offensively. When Shaq is gone and Amare is on the bench our new low post threat is Robyn Lopez. He shot 52% in college basketball and shot only around the hoop (3 feet and in). So, who should we have taken? Probably a top 10 pick in my opinion, who dropped to 17, (Roy Hibbert). He is strong, 7 ft 2in, 275, a shot blocker, a better rebounder, a low post threat, comes from a team who he severely played a part in getting to the Final 4 just two years ago. He will make an immediate impact and would be a great replacement for Shaq. He also shot 65% plus last year in the Big East and everybody knew he was getting the ball. He had Georgetown back on the map. He was on the most effecient basketball offense in the NCAA. He is also an above average passer! We missed the boat, thank God for the media playing a huge part in making the Pac Ten a bigger joke. Lets see who else got screwed due to the biased media. OJ Mayo went #3, should of gone 15. He's overrated!!! Sorry Minnesota!!! Westbrook went #4, should of gone 15-20. Great defensive player with great intensity, but very poor shooter. Brooke lopez went #10 and that is about where he belonged. Kevin Love was the only real deal and he went 5th, should of been 4th. the good news in the whole draft was we got rid of Dantoni before he drafted a 3 year project from Italy at #6. way to go Mike!!!! I tip my hat to Portland, New Jersey, and now Indiana. They had the best 3 drafts by far. They get A's. The Bulls and Heat survived the media pushing for Mayo. They got the best 2 players. You can't go wrong with Rose or Beasley. Another crappy draft by the Suns. After Shaq and Nash are gone we have the lottery to look forward to.
I'm a very demoralized fan!!!!
Coachmighty
Nash for Cash (and draft picks Nash for Cash (and draft picks :P)
You guys probably already knew how much I disagree with the option of keeping Steve Nash. I've been blaffing literally everywhere (right?)!
He sure is a good player offensively, but defensively, it's another story. He couldn't go one on one with anyone! Even Rajon Rondo owns Steve Nash (and not to mention Baron Davis and many others)! He gets paid a bunch of money, but has he ever gave us (recently). He gave us two turnovers in a crucial game 5 against the SAS. For a player at his age with plenty of playoff experiences, he should be able to soak up all the pressures. Reggie Miller was already able to soak up pressure on his third year in the NBA, so does LBJ and many others.
Now Nash, can't play defensively, occasionally causes turnovers (at crucial moments), and is getting paid too much. His salary limited the opportunities to obtain younger potentials to play for our team! Yes, I'm telling you that he is overrated (hate me for that). Trading him for draft picks is what should be going on now. He should be playing for D'Antoni's NYN instead of the champion-hungry PHX.
Ask yourself, do you think the coach will spend time on training his defense. If I'm the coach, I won't be spending time on training a 34-year-old offensive player's defense. By trading him to the NYN, they can use him while spending time on looking for another J Kidd, and we can benefit ourselves from draft picks.
Now, let's talk about Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa. I think Barbosa could be another trade option. He can't play very well defensively. However, I believe that he's got some potential (he's still young) and trading him is just an alternate option.
As for Boris Diaw, I think we should keep him. He was once the most improved player (though he played badly during the recent season), with some really impressive averages. Also, Boris almost had a triple double in Game 4 against the Spurs. He doesn't have perimeter shots but he could grab rebounds. If he's going to play as a small forward instead of a power forward, I think he'll do pretty good.
And for the draft picks, I think we need a talented power forward/center instead of a shooting guard/small forward. We need a good rebounder. Of course we're not going to draft another Tim Duncan or Shaq, but at least we may draft a future star.
By the way, do you guys know that Kobe was the 13th overall pick, Peja Stojakovic being the 14th overall pick, and Steve Nash being the 15th overall pick back in the 1996 draft?
15th draft pick isn't a bad one, I hope Terry Porter will be able to use this pick wisely.
Destination Phoenix Entry II Destination Phoenix Entry II
So here we are...
Preparing to go around the world in search of the Valley of the Sun.
A sextet of international basketball fans with intent to bask in the collective glory that is the Phoenix Suns, and follow them like an ice cream truck follows a fat fighter’s convention.
Have to admit I thought this day would come, but not so soon, or with random internet buddies who go by the names SDU, Never Fear 33 is Here, KPCB34, rodrizzle and nevetsov. At least there’s no ‘funboy12’, ‘Kobe#1’ or ‘han_solo_is_my_dad’ type nutjobs in for the ride (Lakers, Mavericks and Spurs fans need not apply). We might even meet up with a German on the way, Moe – JustMoe - just for schneetz and geegles.
Apologies in advance to all those who have to read the spiel that will undoubtedly spew out every orifice of the lone Heat supporter on the trip, rodrizzle. And all things considered, 83% ain’t bad!
Many an arm and a leg are tied up in Destination Phoenix, some would say an excessive amount. I wouldn’t, and as the old proverb goes, ‘the poor man’s budget is full of schemes’. This isn’t a scheme per se, moreso a dream that is finally being realised, and something that can’t have a price tag put on it. None of us are millionaires, and to spend so much money and time away from family, friends and the comforts of home, I think, shows how much the team means to us.
Our Motley Crue will be assembled on January 12 th 2009 in Sydney, Australia, ready to board a plane and partake in a beverage or four to take the edge off the early start to the morning.
As sunsdownunder mentioned in the previous blog entry, there are a couple of stopovers on the way, in Germany and the UK, so any people wanting to meet up for a chat can get hold of us through this website.
Rodrizzle will meet us in Toronto, as we follow the Suns on their season long six game road trip starting against the Raptors.
We’ll be covering the many miles in a people mover, equipped with slide door, cup holders, and perhaps some poker and sing-a-longs, as well as the countless recollections of Suns moments both past and present. Leg space will be at a premium, as will support for myself as the only non-Australian on the trip!
Thankfully, the great people at Planet Orange and suns.com answered when we came calling asking for any suggestions and/or assistance, even having the courage to splat sunsdownunder’s mug onto their frontpage. Hopefully you, the readers, are not turned away from the pasty spectre greeting you (I know, a pale Australian, I’m as perplexed as you are).
Bookmark the page, tell your friends, your gardener and your hairdresser, and come have a look-in from our viewpoint as international Suns fans, and most of all enjoy the ride ‘cos we sure will!
Tune in two weeks from now for the next update.
Same Suns time, same Suns channel…
GO SUNS!
Cheers
Mace / TASTIC
Read part I of this blog here
Read part III of this blog here
Barbosa, Diaw Barbosa, Diaw
Please people, no more talk of Barbosa and Diaw unless its a possible trade scenario in which we get rid of those two [Disrespectful comment removed. - Suns_Webmaster] and get some real players on our team. I don't know how any Suns fan can blog about how the future of the Suns rests in the hands of Barbosa and Diaw. If that is the case, I'm selling my season tickets and moving to LA.
Barbosa CANNOT play defense. Have we not learned our lesson about a lack of defense. When he comes in to back up Nash at PG the offense goes into complete dissaray. Not to mention he cannot shoot in the post season. He pretty much is [Disrespectful comment deleted. - Suns_Webmaster] when other teams turn it up and are not on cruise control (AKA the POST SEASON, WHEN IT MATTERS).
Diaw can't post players up, can't finish with any authority (if at all), can't turn to face the hoop (which is needed to create good shots and get to the charity stripe) and is altogether reluctant to ever try to take control of a game. Our PF can't be looking to pass: that's what Nash is for.
Tell me there is some other Suns fan out there who recognizes that these 2 players don't have what it takes to be part of a championship team. Those are the first 2 players we need to get rid of while they still have some value.
BANDEETZ