An Open Letter to Shawn Marion

by Trevor Paxton on Jul 7, 2009 12:18 PM MDT

Dear Shawn,

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

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

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

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

Forever Yours,

A Loyal and Hopeful Suns Fan

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Rec'd. Well said, sir.

"I have made good judgments in the past. I have made good judgments in the future."-George W. Bush

by Diosnomeama on Jul 7, 2009 12:35 PM MDT reply actions

RE

dido

by RogerM on Jul 7, 2009 1:08 PM MDT reply actions

Nice.

*tear. Matrix inspires so much loyalty.

Go read a book!

by N8lol on Jul 7, 2009 4:09 PM MDT reply actions

Nice concept, but...

not really fea$ible. He turned down Toronto’s 4-yr, $36M deal from the Raptors. What are we gonna give him?

If anyone wants to pay Shawn more than the MLE, it must be done via a sign and trade. Since we’re over the cap, trading for Shawn would cost us at least our non-guaranteed Pavlovic contract + fillers. So we trade Shaq for cap relief and use that to acquire Shawn, which is really ironic.

And that also means that we’re looking to contend. And it’s always easy to think that we’re close to contending given all the talent and big names we have… but we had big names and talent last year too, and didn’t even make the playoffs.

IF everyone’s staying, and Sarver/Kerr decides to make another push, then I don’t mind giving Shawn a 3yr MLE deal. Otherwise, we’ll just leave everything in the past and maybe retire his number some day.

BTW, do you think we should retire Shawn’s number? And what about Steve’s number if he is traded to NY before next season?

With the 14th pick of the 2009 NBA draft, the Pheonix Suns select... 3 million dollars!

by gadogry on Jul 7, 2009 5:41 PM MDT reply actions

yes and yes.

no doubt that ’trix and nash were very integral parts to part of the most successful runs (to not amount in a trip to the ’ship) ever had in phoenix suns history.

i think they deserve it.

by Trevor Paxton on Jul 7, 2009 7:08 PM MDT up reply actions

I agree, Shawn get on back here

That was the BIGGEST mistake they ever made. What a wonderful exciting player you are. Please please please come back to the Suns.

Thank you

by SunsFan7 on Jul 8, 2009 5:40 AM MDT reply actions

Open Letter to Shawn Marion

Been thinking the same thing man. We need the Matrix back. Yeah it would be ironic that we basically cut Shaq loose to get Marion back, and who’s to say if Sarver and Kerr will admit defeat, have a Groundhog Day moment and revert back to the team we had before their panic attack. But Marion fits here like he fits no where else. And since we’re likely going to lose Grant to NY, he slides right in.

by FunInTheSun on Jul 8, 2009 3:06 PM MDT reply actions

retiring #'s

Steve’s got the two MVP’s and Matrix is in the top of almost every statistical category of importance in franchise history. If Chambers, Majerle, Adams, Walter Davis, and even Barkley for that matter are in the Ring of Honor, than Steve and ‘Trix should both have a reserved spot. I mean everybody remembers why Sweet D got in so much trouble in his career, and that didn’t affect his positioning with the franchise. Even if Steve leaves he will undoubtedly retire as a Sun when his playing days are over. Shawn most likely will as well.

by BrianKeith on Jul 8, 2009 4:05 PM MDT reply actions