Daily Poll: The season isn't over, do you care?

by Seth Pollack on Mar 11, 2009 5:21 PM MST in Phoenix Suns Commentary

I will admit that after last night's loss to the Mavericks I am having a hard time today getting up the "energy, focus and concentration" to think about Thursday's game against the Cavs.

How are you feeling one day after the Suns lost their "Super Bowl"?

Poll

It is one day after the Suns lost to the Mavs and virtually ensured the end of their playoff hopes. How are you feeling about the rest of the season?

Down but not out. There's still fight left in this old dog

100 votes

Down and out. I might not watch another Suns game this season

50 votes

Down but will get back in. No playoffs doesn't mean there's nothing to cheer for or at least follow

104 votes

Down and buried. Damn you! Leave me alone and let me suffer in peace!

98 votes

352 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 37 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

It's been a nice run...

There is a Clipper fan out here who gets loose every year on the radio, basically because his blind devotion to that sorry team supersedes all rational thought. He’s not just rooting for them, he’ll tell you with utter conviction that they are going to win the title this year, all year, until the day they are mathematically eliminated, and then he starts in on next year. I am not that type of Suns fan.

It’s been a nice run the last few years, hearkening back to the Barkley days when the Suns were national darlings and legit contenders, but very tough now in the immediate aftermath to get invested in games that are almost certainly meaningless. Bickley wrote it up today—this era is over, the Nash/D’antoni SSOL is officially died last night, after teetering on the brink all season.

I’m no bandwaggoner or front-runner, but we’re basically looking at 18 pre-season games, or for Clipper fans, the entire usual season, and it’s going to be awfully easy to find other things to watch with 2 1/2 hours of tv time. I’m sure I’ll catch a few of the remaining games, and I’m willing to let them string me out if they can somehow make the race interesting, but let’s call this season like it is: done and done.

They’ll be back, if not next year, eventually, and someday they’ll be champions, right? Right?

by SoCalSun on Mar 11, 2009 7:13 PM MST reply actions

Well said

I’ve working on a list of things to look for, hope for, watch for etc for the remainder of the season.

There will be PLENTY of time to ponder the possible trades and draft scenarios in the coming months…for now there’s a few weeks left of basketball and I intend to find some way to enjoy it.

Blogging Suns Basketball

by Seth Pollack on Mar 11, 2009 7:33 PM MST up reply actions

Fropez vs. Shaq

What to look for?

Do they try to market Shaq or give Fropez time to develop? Both?

If, by some miracle, Shaq can be moved, next season might be saved.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 9:14 AM MST up reply actions

I think ...

… if Cleveland can’t win the championship this year, that they’ll gladly trade for Shaq in the offseason.

by jburning on Mar 12, 2009 9:19 AM MST up reply actions

I pray you're right

And I pray the Cavs don’t win it.

Here’s a moral dilemna: Would I root for the Lakers if it would benefit the Suns?

Think about it — not only would Cleveland be motivated to land Shaq, but Shaq would be motivated to get one more ring than Kobe.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 11:21 AM MST up reply actions

I was rooting for that trade hard at the deadline....

Shaq deserves to play with a real team with a possibility of success. Gilbert is willing to spend some money because he cares about a championship. Sarver is tryin to slash payroll, along with the wrists of Phoenix fans.

Had Shaq been traded, the Cavs would most likely win the championship this year. They would be the odds on favorites. Right now its kind of a toss up between them, the Celtics, and the Lakers. Had they been able to pull of the trade, LeBron would be putting on his first ring this summer.

You think Lopez is a servicable replacement to Shaq? hahahahahahahaha…. I have never seen a 7-footer shoot more airballs from within 4 feet. His rebounding is atrocious. He can block shots and get the O boards from time to time, but the amount of rebounds he allows with his poor boxing is just inexcusable.

You guys can’t honestly believe that “developing” Lopez is a suitable alternative to using a guy on your roster who is still top-3 big man in the league? Not to mention the best player on the Suns this year…..

Wow, with fans like that…..I can only hope he gets traded to Cleveland. It will give you guys something more to be bitter about.

“If, by some miracle, Shaq can be moved, next season might be saved.” Yeah, that’s the weak link, the highest performer! How about if you get ANY defense at all out of Nash OR Stat? If just one would play defense, it’d help greatly….

Best win of the season so far? Suns beat Lakers…..without nash and stat

Yeah, let’s bench Shaq and develope Lopez. How much did you have to pay to be a featured blogger?

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 11:49 AM MST up reply actions

Can Lopez replace Shaq?

No. that’s not what anyone is suggesting. Did any say “bench” Shaq? … still looking around …

What is being suggested is that Shaq’s numbers aren’t helping the team win (for some reason), so why not see if the kid can work on his game. If you’re going to highlight missing a lot of shots from within 4 feet, I’d point to Shaq’s 40%+ miss rate. Based on the number of shots he’s taken, that’s quite a few missed from close range.

Nash and Stoudemire seemed to do pretty well before Shaq arrived.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 12:30 PM MST up reply actions

You act like he's done and that Lopez is the "future", rather than a role player at best.....

If by “do pretty well” you mean not make the finals a single time while having the advantage of as much consistency as any team in the league (roster and coach) for many years before February of last year, then yes, they did pretty well.

You can’t be saying that although he can get any shot he wants inside and shoot 60%, Shaq should step outside of 4 feet just for the sake of having “range”?

In order to give “Fropez time to develop”, that means sitting the Diesel. Unless of course you want to slide one of these giant creatures to the 4? That’s not happening. If on a team with this little size, Lopez can’t even get backup minutes under Shaq most games, he’s probably not very good. Wanna develop a guy not playing? How about the D-League? Why don’t the Suns use this??? They can sign some other guy to a minimum to sit on the bench if they really care to develop Lopez. Ah, why do that…..Sarver can save a few bucks by not having someone fill Lopez’s spot while he has a stint in the D-League

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 2:57 PM MST up reply actions

Oh one more thing.....

Nash and Stoudemire seemed to do pretty well before Shaq arrived.

And as you’ll remember, Stat actually got better last season after the Diesel came on board. Obviously not the case this year, but Porter really sucked. I don’t know why Brian Shaw couldn’t even get an interview…..he would have been an excellent coach, especially if you’re going to hire an outside pointguard for a coach without a proven coaching record.

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 3:00 PM MST up reply actions

STAT got better

When Shaq was The Big Roleplayer, getting 12 and 12 and playing tough inside defense.

When the offense got Shaq-centric, Stoudemire’s numbers dropped to 21 and 8 (from career averages of 21 and 9 and last year’s 25 and 9).

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 3:05 PM MST up reply actions

How about playing Lopez at the 5 instead of Amundson?

That would give him some PT. Shaq doesn’t play there 48 minutes per game. Have you been watching the player rotations? Or the games?

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 3:01 PM MST up reply actions

Cause apparently he isn't very good

That’d be great! And I’m sure that was the plan when they drafted him….why do you think he isn’t playing? I’m sure they would love to have a good sized backup like Lopez, but apparently the coaching staff (who have probably seen much more of him than your or I) does not feel he is good enough to warrant the minutes.

Unless you know something the staff of the Suns and general public does not?

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 4:15 PM MST up reply actions

Let's see how far off your original comment you can get

I said, “Play Lopez a bit more.”

You said, “He misses too many shots. Shaq is better. Don’t bench Shaq!”

I said, “No one ever requested that Shaq ride the pine. And, Lopez shoots only a slightly worse percentage than Shaq anyway.”

I’m not sure what you’re response to that was, but it was something like, “Shaq and Lopez can’t play together!”

Then I pointed out that Lopez could get more minutes by giving Amundson less time at the 5-spot. That could get the kid more burn.

Your response was, “Lopez sucks!” Which, I can only assume means, “Lopez shouldn’t be in the NBA and should not be given a chance because its better to Amundson playing the 5.”

So … yeah

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 4:32 PM MST up reply actions

Wow, talk about revisionist

You completely tried to reframe that entire exchange

Luckily, people can read the comments prior to your mischaracterization

How about we look at ACTUAL QUOTES…..Where did I say “Lopez Sucks!” ? That text appears exclusively in your post

What I did was explain why Lopez has not been playing. You act like you discovered the missing link by saying there is a young 7-footer on the bench.

I did not simply say he “sucks”, but rather I offered the obvious explanation that

I’m sure that was the plan when they drafted him….why do you think he isn’t playing? I’m sure they would love to have a good sized backup like Lopez, but apparently the coaching staff (who have probably seen much more of him than your or I) does not feel he is good enough to warrant the minutes.

Unless you know something the staff of the Suns and general public does not?

Didn’t acknowledge that point though, did ya?

Shaq shoots 58 percent….Lopez shoots 49. So no, that’s not “slightly worse” when you are comparing 2 NBA players who play the same position. That’s actually a world of difference.

As far as saying “Shaq and Lopez can’t play together”, yeah, I’d pretty much repeat that again. You can’t have 2 players so close in style, who play the same position, on the floor at the same time. Are you one of those guys who puts five 7 footers in the game while playing NBA 2K9 and can’t understand why it doesn’t translate to success in real life?

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 4:52 PM MST up reply actions

If you don't think Lopez should play - ever - just say so

But don’t pretend like he’s not playing because Shaq is such a stud. He could get more playing time if Amundson weren’t taking it up at the 5. And … if the Suns were in the playoff hunt, I’d not suggest having Lopez in there.

However, since I am a realist, I’m suggesting that Lopez be given some time to develop at the “expense” of Amumdson’s time at the center position.

I suppose, to some readers, suggesting that Lopez getting time to develop is the equivalent of calling him the missing link to the Suns’ championship hopes. How could I have not acknowledged the analogy earlier? My bad …

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 4:56 PM MST up reply actions

Straw Man

See, what you’re doing is taking something I say in response, setting it up to be something it is not, then knocking it down to prove your point. It’s a well-known argumentative fallacy called a “straw man” argument.

You can’t be saying that although he can get any shot he wants inside and shoot 60%, Shaq should step outside of 4 feet just for the sake of having "range"?

What I’m saying is that Shaq takes almost all of his shots from within 8 feet and misses 4 of 10. This year alone, he’s missed 257 shots (and counting). Your comment was,

I have never seen a 7-footer shoot more airballs from within 4 feet.

To which I pointed out that Shaq has missed many, many shots from four feet. And, I don’t care if they’re airballs or front-rimmers, they are all misses. Moreover, Lopez is shooting 49% so far in his rookie campaign. I don’t know that giving a guy who is making half his shots some time to develop is a bad thing.

I never said that either player should move farther back for the sake of “range.” What I said is that if both players took 10 shots within 4 feet, the law of averages tells us that Shaq makes 6 and Lopex makes 5. Given that, Lopez should get some time at the 5 ahead of Amundson so we can see if he’s got a chance to make it in the leauge.

Let’s see which part you can take out of context in order to twist into a new point.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 3:14 PM MST up reply actions

I hope Shaq does get traded to the Cavs next year

so that this guy can go on Cleveland blogs and start saying that Lebron is shooting to much and all they need to do is pound the ball into Shaq.

by brian13 on Mar 12, 2009 3:54 PM MST up reply actions

That's intelligent

No really, that’s a good argument

I was neglecting to acknowledge that Nash was the equivalent of LeBron. Or is Barnes who is the “King James” of this team? Perhaps it’s Dudley that I’m failing to acknowledge as the heir apparent to Jordan?

I would not make that argument if he were in Cleveland and you’re not too bright if you can’t tell the difference between the 2 situations. That’s quite a reach, even for you

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 4:21 PM MST up reply actions

I need

to go to this “law school” thing, so I can argue better. Too bad I’m stuck in lousy culinary school.

"I can shoot with my left hand, I can shoot with my right hand, I'm amphibious"

by Diosnomeama on Mar 12, 2009 6:17 PM MST up reply actions

ha!

you got me on that one. lol

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

by PanamaSun on Mar 12, 2009 6:53 PM MST up reply actions

Shaq doesn't deserve a damn thing

What reality are you living in? He has parlayed great size and immense talent into a 26000 point career that should be 35000 by now. He has developed no new moves in a dozen years.

April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?

by Hawk42 on Mar 12, 2009 3:19 PM MST up reply actions

Actually,

He’s lost a few

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 3:24 PM MST up reply actions

But yet...

He’s still the best player on the team

That’s got to sting

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 4:10 PM MST up reply actions

First off, he's got 27000 plus points....

That’s your argument? The guy is only 8th (soon to be 7th) on the NBA All-Time scoring list instead of 3rd? That means he doesn’t deserve a damn thing?

Yeah, how weak….

…..

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 4:27 PM MST up reply actions

He should have threatened Kareem's all time mark.

and no, he doesn’t DESERVE anything. Which of these guys does?

April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?

by Hawk42 on Mar 12, 2009 4:40 PM MST up reply actions

yeah sure whooppie........... :/

by ron_dasun on Mar 11, 2009 8:58 PM MST up reply actions

It's done

Prove me wrong Suns. I’ll keep watching the games though. It could be the last time that I see my favorite players with a Suns Jersey. I refuse to complain or bash any specific player. This is a team sport and will always be. You win as a team and lose as a team.

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

by PanamaSun on Mar 11, 2009 9:04 PM MST reply actions

Stan...what do you think about

us signnig Marcus Williams

by ron_dasun on Mar 11, 2009 9:10 PM MST reply actions

now?

not likely they are going to spend any more money

Blogging Suns Basketball

by Seth Pollack on Mar 11, 2009 9:31 PM MST up reply actions

no not now

I was thinking moreso this Summer…I think he could be a stud PG…he just hasn’t had the right situation yet.

by ron_dasun on Mar 11, 2009 10:38 PM MST up reply actions

Are you talking about the UConn or Arizona guard?

by brian13 on Mar 12, 2009 3:58 PM MST up reply actions

or anybody

by ron_dasun on Mar 11, 2009 9:11 PM MST reply actions

I will be watching, but

when the Suns are done and the playoffs start without them, then I will switch over to baseball. I will watch the playoffs from afar, but not with any rooting interest. Just hope someone can knock off the Lakers and Spurs. One can only hope.

by TwinnerA on Mar 11, 2009 10:24 PM MST reply actions

I'm a true fan.

Win or not. SSOL or not. Fun or Sad. Bad call and NBA Bias. Fair and Unfair. With every excuse in the book. I AM A SUNS FAN. And those of you who would rather mope around and give up can go, as a coworker of mine frequently says, “pound sand”. I don’t care if we don’t win another game in 10 years. I will always be right there yelling at the TV until they stop broadcasting the games. Why? Because I love the Phoenix Suns. Because I remember the times that where good and the excitement we had. I remember the end of game winners. The Barkleys and Shaqs celebration run after a nice shot. The Nash clutch plays. The Bell aggressiveness. The Dan Majerle’s 3 point shots. The Kevin Johnson quickness. The Connie Hawkins acrobatics. We have been down before. This team has had more ups than downs and will have ups again. That’s that’s why I won’t quit. I know a win is just around the corner.

" I'm going to root for the Suns when they are winning or losing, but when losing I will point and blame the failing economy on the Referees."- Me.

by antiw0rm on Mar 12, 2009 7:10 AM MST reply actions

+1

Although I’m not old enough to remember the Connie Hawkins acrobatics.

by brian13 on Mar 12, 2009 4:00 PM MST up reply actions

He was the first

to take off from the free throw line and dunk. One time aginst the Lakers, he scored 40 some and made Wilt look so bad the Big Dipper started hacking on him.

April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?

by Hawk42 on Mar 12, 2009 4:43 PM MST up reply actions

I didn’t get to hear the results, but I was listening to KTAR yesterday morning, to Doug and Wolf, and they had asked the question of their audience, “Did you enjoy this season at all?” and for me, the answer was no. The entire season was wrought with changing circumstances and, therefore, changing expectations. That sort of flux is not healthy for anyone involved. There’s no chance to develop consistency or groove. As a fan, it’s no better. In a way, I prefer to watch the games now, now that the expectations are gone and most rational people can put a fork in the season. I know they’re not making the playoffs, so I can just watch the games as a basketball fan, rather than a Suns fan with emotional investment.

by jburning on Mar 12, 2009 8:51 AM MST reply actions