Reasons why the Suns are still a title contender and some facts about the team

by Giannaros on Jun 2, 2008 11:44 AM MDT Comment 6 comments

Well, I'm getting sick and tired of hearing the last days that the Suns will not be title contender next year. However , there are still facts that make me (and many more Suns fans) be confident for what the Suns can achieve next season:

1) When the Marion-Shaq trade occured, the Suns lost much time learning to play with Big Cactus in the line-up, During that period of time, Phoenix lost lots of matches that kept them away from finishing in the top-3 of the West. Playing a whole season with Shaq, will probably give better results.

2) Watching Steve Nash in the playoffs gave you the impression that he is way behind his MVP seasons. Although, many forgot that he didn't actually had a backup! Playing in the playoffs against one of the toughest teams in the NBA, the Sp*urs, using a 34-year old point guard without backup, limits your chances of going through the next round, right?

3) The Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals having Kobe Bryant and some other players playing for him... Why can't the Suns do the same with Amare? Okay, Kobe is the MVP, but Amare has better teammates. He is developing his game, and if he improves his defense, he might be a MVP contestant next year...

About the trades: In my opinion, Suns should trade Barbosa and Diaw. It seems that they can't have an impact on the Suns (especially Leandro). Boris played well in the last two games against S.A. but I want to see him playing good in a crucial game, the series were practically over by that point.

About the draft: Having the 15th pick in the draft is a benefit for Phoenix. The fact that a Center is needed, makes me to believe that Kostas Koufos is suitable for the team. He is a very talented player and also very popular here in Greece (the two biggest teams are interested in him). I would really like to see him playing for the Suns. Otherwise, acquire a good point guard who can run and actually play some defense.

About the coach: The candidates for the coaching position currently don't excite me. If i had to pick one, it would be Terry Porter, he is the only one who actually has some head coach experience. Moreover, I would also like to see Paul Westphal coaching the team, although he doesn't seem to be a candidate at the moment.

Thanks for reading my post.

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Welcome to the Blog Giannaros

I completely understand your points. I too try to look at the glass half full. I still believe that with a full training camp and a new coach we can get over the hump. I try to remember how well this team played towards the end of the season. During those weeks, we were ranked 3rd in the Power Rankings. Every single one of us thought that we could beat the Spurs in the first round series.
If I was Kerr, I would keep Barbosa and Diaw. I’d give them one more shot under a new coach.

I still believe this team can win big games, I still believe we can win a championship.

"Basketball doesn't build character. It reveals it"

by PanamaSun on Jun 2, 2008 2:33 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah

The media is way too low on the Suns.

by RealTangiblesGuy on Jun 2, 2008 7:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

The media (and an increasing number of Suns fans!) are down on the Suns after this year’s playoffs. However, the series was definitely more competitive than 4-1 would appear.

Moreover, there are going to be so many changes over the next couple months that it is too early to predict whether the Suns will be contending for a title. I think they’re too talented to not reach the playoffs but several factors (new coach, draft pick, trades) will determine the likelihood of their chances to make a run at the title. Looking at the Lakers this past year gives me hope. Not even a year ago the Lakers looked to be in trouble and Kobe was asking to be traded; now they’re in the Finals. Unfortunately, we don’t have a double-agent like Jerry West in another team to gift-wrap us an all-star but that’s beside the point.

by Meez on Jun 2, 2008 8:09 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I nominate

Nash for that duty after he retires.

by RealTangiblesGuy on Jun 2, 2008 8:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even worse than not having a double-agent, you have our double-agent Kerr.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jun 3, 2008 10:23 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just give these guys a pre-season together

The Suns tried to do the hardest thing in basketball, which is to re-tool a team in the last 3rd of the season.
We traded Shawn Marion, who was imho the 2nd most important player on the court for the Suns, at the 3, for a HOF center, and tried to change completely the way the team played.

Shaq’s most important contribution is going to be getting Amare’s head straight, so that he’s focused most of the time, at both ends. We may not have beaten the Spurs, but 3 of the losses can be attributed to lack of communication and some unfamiliarity with the new schemes. That will change.

"True glory consists of doing what deserves to be written, and writing what deserves to be read".

by Pliny the Elder on Jun 3, 2008 10:46 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs