Phoenix Suns 2009-10 Who is Your MVP, Unsung Hero?
I know you've seen this 1,000 times. Sorry, I can't get enough of it. (Photo by Max Simbron)
You knew this was coming, right? No postseason discourse is complete without a vote for MVP of the squad. But here's an added certain special something so it's not so cliche...
We all know that no one player can win 50 something games on his own. In fact, no 2 or 3 great players can win consistently without a little help from their friends. So sure, it's easy to point to Nash or Amare as the MVP, but without contributions from all around the roster - the role players, second unit guys, the guys who brought it every single night but may not have the gaudy numbers to show for it - none of this season would have happened.
You know who I'm talking about - in your own mind. So let us hear it... hit the poll for your MVP vote, but comment on why you selected one over the others, and to add on, let us all know who your Unsung Sun of the Year is.
58 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Surprised there's no Robin Lopez or Goran Dragic
Anyway, I voted for Stoudemire for MVP, but it was a tough call. His play was the main reason we got out of that swoon in the middle of the season and finished with the 3 seed. Unfortunately, he was mostly underwhelming (for his standards) in the playoffs. For unsung hero, I’d give co-honors to Lopez and Dragic. Lopez for helping Amare become the monster he did, and Dragic for finally allowing Nash to rest without having worry about the team imploding. Really, all of the bench was the main reason the Suns were so successful this year.
+1
I’d vote Dragic if he was available. He was great at the backup PG letting Steve get his rest something that we haven’t had for years round here.
And his playoff game against the Spurs was legend.
I actually loved game 4 and 6 against the Lakers too
but you’re right – Game 3 against SA is definitely legend
Twitter: @dahking
Too late to change the stupid twitter name. Did it as a joke to my teenager, but now I'm hooked on the news-feed aspect of twitter.
Yeah
I think it was statistically proven by Hollinger a few weeks ago that Amare’s PER in that period was insanely better than Nash’s, so you have a point.
That said, I voted Nash.
by Toon Army Sun on Jun 2, 2010 9:57 AM MST up reply actions
I think this is why PHX fans have a hard time with the "MVP! MVP!" chant.
Just sayin’.
Bright Side of the Sun, for all things Phoenix Suns. Twitter: @iamtrevorpaxton
by Trevor Paxton on Jun 2, 2010 12:15 PM MST up reply actions
haha yeah
Twitter: @dahking
Too late to change the stupid twitter name. Did it as a joke to my teenager, but now I'm hooked on the news-feed aspect of twitter.
JYD for the unsung
He brought so much to the table. He was intense and had great hustle. Insane b-ball IQ. I think he was the real glue to the second unit and shared his intangibles with both units. His 3pt was a great bonus.
by Suns Fan For Life on Jun 2, 2010 8:58 AM MST reply actions
You should have 2 polls
one for MVP, one for unsung hero.
Otherwise, I’m confused. I voted for Nash because he’s really the MVP. but maybe I should have voted for STAT, since we still need him to re-sign and I don’t want his feelings hurt if he sees this before signing on the dotted line.
Twitter: @dahking
Too late to change the stupid twitter name. Did it as a joke to my teenager, but now I'm hooked on the news-feed aspect of twitter.
I voted Jared Dudley
I love what he brought to the team as far as hustle and determination. He seemed to always bring the engergy when we needed it.
"Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. Sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can." - Vince Lombardi
I agree...two polls would work.
I voted for Dudley (of course) but you truly can’t say MVP without thinking Nash.
There isn't a single acceptable situation for the question "Is this game almost over yet?" Not one.
cant post two polls
could have done one today for mvp and another for unsung tomorrow.
hindsights 20/20
Blogging Suns Basketball. Twitter: @willcantrellphx
Very true...
Still liked the post.
There isn't a single acceptable situation for the question "Is this game almost over yet?" Not one.
by Basketball GF on Jun 2, 2010 4:05 PM MST up reply actions
Stevie Nash
for the captain and commander of this squad, the leader of the pack, the warrior who endures all the injuries. The player and fighter he is whose legacy is formed by leading and willing his team all way.
btw my unsung hero is uhmm.. tough one.. but i’ll go with JRich. he’s our barometer all season long.
Steve Nash can only give 100 percent. The other 10 percent he donates to his families.
I believe in the destiny of the Suns. We can prevail.
by suns champ on Jun 2, 2010 9:17 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
STAT....
because if we had to substitute anyone else at PF (Frye, Amundson) all year I am not sure if this team makes the playoffs…
If we had to substitute Goran for Steve, I still think we make the playoffs, abeit for a short stay…
"The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can and slap the crap out of him before he figures out you are there...."
- me into a mental stupor after forgetting the rest of Ulysses S. Grant's speech....
Steve, as always until he retires
Our battered hero, sacrificing his mug for the team at every turn. Hitting a clutch 3 pointer with an eye sealed shut was the most ballsy thing I’ve ever seen as a Suns fan.
Get this man to the Finals already.
Phoenix Suns Basketball
THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN
by RMason on Jun 2, 2010 10:07 AM MST reply actions 2 recs
Steve is definitely my MVP
But Goran Dragic is my Unsung Hero :)
Nash don't lie
-Credit given to RMason, stolen by..er..permission given to GiantBehemoth
by GiantBehemoth on Jun 2, 2010 10:13 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
Taylor Griffin & Jarron Collins in a closely contested race...
"The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can and slap the crap out of him before he figures out you are there...."
- me into a mental stupor after forgetting the rest of Ulysses S. Grant's speech....
"Don't forget about me"
-Dwayne Jones
RIP Seasons of Discontent
by Scott Howard on Jun 2, 2010 10:28 AM MST up reply actions
How can we not?
"The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can and slap the crap out of him before he figures out you are there...."
- me into a mental stupor after forgetting the rest of Ulysses S. Grant's speech....
Collins will at least always have that first Rockets game
RIP Seasons of Discontent
by Scott Howard on Jun 2, 2010 10:30 AM MST up reply actions
But TGriff had one more dunk...
Plus the imagery of Collins laboring down that floor on that not-so fastbreak will forever haunt me…
"The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can and slap the crap out of him before he figures out you are there...."
- me into a mental stupor after forgetting the rest of Ulysses S. Grant's speech....
But less hair.....
Consider that.
RIP Seasons of Discontent
by Scott Howard on Jun 2, 2010 10:57 AM MST up reply actions
That's why they invented spray-on hair...
I’m sure he can afford it..
"The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can and slap the crap out of him before he figures out you are there...."
- me into a mental stupor after forgetting the rest of Ulysses S. Grant's speech....
after contemplating this long and hard
I got noth’n, my mvp is who ever stepped it up when the team needed a spark. that was the great part about this team, you never knew where it was gonna come from. the rest of the time the suns were like a well oiled balanced machine (not like the machine in L.A.) it was truly a pleasure to watch…
"I did not write this" by Not me
by 2NASHTY on Jun 2, 2010 10:56 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
Yeah LA's machine is defective
Very dangerous too. It randomly throws it’s arms up and it’s left arm goes back… good thing Goran came out of the incident unharmed…
Nash don't lie
-Credit given to RMason, stolen by..er..permission given to GiantBehemoth
by GiantBehemoth on Jun 2, 2010 12:27 PM MST up reply actions
2 MVP's and 8 unsung heroes...
Nash IS MVP, Stat played like one from late January on, everybody else stepped up at different times. I struggled with Hill – he could be an MVP too. He was always there to steady things, see what needed to be done, and just do it. That’s veteran leadership. JRich found his place, Lopez will be much better next year (stay healthy, big guy). Dudley is clutch, Lou is…well, he’s Lou, and I don’t have to tell anyone here who Lou is. Channing started out strong and got even better at the end of the year. Leandro because I love him, he’s a Sun through and through.
But Goran is my favorite – I will never, ever watch him play without thinking of Steve Nash.
Auntie Em: Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog.
Dorothy
by haremoor on Jun 2, 2010 11:29 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
Must add...
Kudos to Collins for doing exactly what was asked of him, and helping us beat Portland and sweep SA. What little we saw of Clark and Griffin was exciting, too.
I LOVE this team.
Auntie Em: Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog.
Dorothy
Like in Game 6 against the Lakers..
Where he drove the lane and wrapped the ball around Odom I believe to Amare for the Dunk. Almost like how Nash did a few years before.
by Batmanthesunsfan on Jun 2, 2010 12:22 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
I voted Dudley
I can’t count how many times he’s stepped on the court and changed the mentality of everyone else on the team. Hustle plays, 3-4 point plays, defense.
I’m also convinced his JMZ shenanigans probably sparked a lot of the chemistry on this team.
It’s sad to see this season over, because this group of guys were such a joy to watch and get to know. I hope these guys are back next season.
by TheAlexSkinner on Jun 2, 2010 1:14 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
The 09-10 Phoenix Suns was all about the emergence of the bench.
Without the bench we would not have gone as far into the playoffs as we did. Without the bench we not have gotten the 3rd seed in the west. Without the bench it would not have let our starters finish off their games without being on their last breath. So my MVPs were the bench, the combined effort of Goran, Jared, Lou, Channing and to some instance Leandro.
Slumdog Millionaire without the million.
by atkammoh on Jun 2, 2010 2:20 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
NASH IS TRASH
christ people, do any of you watch the games? Ok nash isn’t trash but he certainly isn’t the MVP of the Suns. It took Amar’e a bit to get back into basketball shape, completely reasonable. But he’s what makes that team go. Get over it Phoenix fans. I know most of you hate Amar’s, which is why I hope he leaves so you can see how great of a player he really is and what you lost.
Nash as the suns mvp….god what a joke. Even dudley got more votes than Amar’e…ffs, you’re all missing brain cells.
Oh, Teske, beer doesn't kill brain cells.
Now, let’s all go to the…refrigerator…place…and get…a….nice….cold….
Problem is,Amar’e wants max money. His knees and his eye are un-insurable. He’s a stud, sure, and I hope we keep him, but if you had watched ALL the games, as most of us have, you might think differently. Or not.
Have a beer, and join us.
Auntie Em: Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog.
Dorothy
Has to have an impact on how valuable he is to this team.
This thread seems to have morphed into a discussion of the future. I want Amar’e back. There is no one out there who’s better, and we can keep him if we want.
But the Lakers are the team to beat, and the reason isn’t Kobe, or Gasol – it’s Bynum. If he was healthy, we wouldn’t have come close to beating them. There are no moves we can make to address that imbalance, unless there happens to be a big, athletic, 7’3" rebounding stud hanging around at about the 49th pick. Hold your breath for that one.
I have left it in Steve Kerr’s capable hands. He knows this team, and he will use the resources he has to make this team better. As much as we all love the team as it existed, to make room, there are only three significant contracts we have to help us – Amar’e, JRich, and LB. Nash is here for two more years, Grant for one, and their impact on the cap is minimal. Amar’e is the only big name player we can sign – I think the exemptions under the Bird rule means we could give him max without having to pay the luxury tax.
The reason he isn’t MVP, iMHO, is because of his BBIQ. That is the knock on him, but I still maintain it’s getting better every year. Look at Kobe at the age of 27 – he wasn’t that good – he was whiny and petulant. He’s gotten a lot better (in IQ terms) since he got some big guys to scatter around him.
We are a P&R team. We will still be a P&R team with Dragich. We need a P&R player to go with our point guard, and the best guy out there is Amar’e. I truly believe that he will spend the summer getting better on defense, and will come back a much better defender. He is still a big risk, because of his un-insurable knees, but I still think he gives us the best chance to go all the way.
Overall, I think this team WILL be a lot better next year. The young players gained a lot of confidence – particularly Dragich and Robin, but also Frye, JRich, and Dudley. They will have a target on their back, but one way to go farther is to assure home court, and we can do that if we outplay the Lakers through the regular season. To do that, we have to be able to beat the young gun teams like OKC and Portland and Memphis, along with the teams we beat regularly last year.
Lou is a Rodman waiting to happen. I hope we keep him. Frye improved greatly, particularly in the WCF. He will be a defensive force next year. If Clark develops, we get another big guy, but we still need to get bigger, and I don’t know how we do it, short of stealing a 7 footer, like Johan Petro. Maybe a big trade to NJ and getting the ‘Brooks Brother’ TWIN tower… I just don’t know. But I love Amar’e, and his locker room presence is also proven with this team – chemistry is probably the most important thing.
So, Kerr, do some magic, baby.
Auntie Em: Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog.
Dorothy
Hey.."Nash is Trash" rhymes...
I think we can make a hit out of this…
How about this…“Nash is trash”, “STAT is Whack”, “JRich is a Bitch”, “Robin is slobbin” and “Grant just can’t”…hey I’m pretty good at this…I’m gonna be clockin’ dem’ dollar billz, yo…!
I guess you are right about missing brain cells…
"The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can and slap the crap out of him before he figures out you are there...."
- me into a mental stupor after forgetting the rest of Ulysses S. Grant's speech....
Dang dawg
Dat’s duh bomb diggity. You should be a rappuh! Why ain’tchoo got uh album out yet, yo? Dat is friggin’ tizzzzzight dawg! You duh man!
Nash don't lie
-Credit given to RMason, stolen by..er..permission given to GiantBehemoth
by GiantBehemoth on Jun 2, 2010 11:44 PM MST up reply actions
Dam skippy, boyz!!!
I feel dem Lakerz fans shore enuff….
This is actually kinda pathethic once you think about it….
"The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can and slap the crap out of him before he figures out you are there...."
- me into a mental stupor after forgetting the rest of Ulysses S. Grant's speech....
Yeeeeah...
Well.. I couldn’t bring myself to actually be grammatically incorrect… so Idk if that makes me more pathetic or you, haha
Nash don't lie
-Credit given to RMason, stolen by..er..permission given to GiantBehemoth
by GiantBehemoth on Jun 3, 2010 10:24 AM MST up reply actions
No contest for me,
since it’s the unsung hero, it’s gotta be Hill. Nash is the ‘real’ MVP for me, but he’s been lauded as the best PG in the league, and rightly so. But Hill, he did those little things that makes the team played better. He shuts down the opponents best player and only failed to do so against the best player in the league.
Last and not least, Hill played the game like I wanted it to be played, with the feeling that he just love being out there on the court but not losing his competitive edge.
by Chafid on Jun 2, 2010 9:34 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
Well put
Watching Grant play always makes me smile. Plus he has some of the best “crazy eyes” in the league.
Rember the Dragon? San Antonio does.
I voted for Amar'e, and I
really don’t even think it’s close..some stats to back up my opinion. The Suns record on the night our season turned around (aka the night Amar’e sat out against Dallas in 4th) was 26-21, good for 9th in the west. That means the Suns went 28-7 the rest of the way on Amare’s back for the most part, he was runner up for NBA player of the month in Feb, and won it in March, and put up somethin like 27 & 10 after all star break, all the while Nash was REALLY struggling physically. So we made our push with Steve playing below average ball (for him,) and get all the way up to #3 in the west. Then we get to the playoffs, where, despite being the focal point of every opponents defense, he outplays LMA in round 1, TD in round 2, before having an up and down Conf Finals against Gasol, Bynum, Odom, and the Lakers (all 3 of which also had the same type of series, by the way.) To actally have him 3rd behind Nash in a landslide, and Dudley (whom I love, but cmon!), shows that this guy will NEVER recieve the credit due to him by Suns fans…by the way, in those conf finals, Gasol’s avg: 19.7 ppg 7.2 rpg, Amar’e’s avg: 25 ppg 6 rpg-it’s not like he was a dog out there. I truly hope all you fans don’t find out for a loooong time what life AS (After Stat) looks like..
I think everyone here has a clue already what is life without Amare
How? Every single game/s that Amare floated gave a glimpse of how this team will look like. The only difference is that next season he’ll float somewhere to another team.
Timon: Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase
Pumbaa: Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze
Timon: It means no worries for the rest of your days
Timon: It's our problem-free philosophy
Both: Hakuna Matata!
The Lion King (1994)
2008-2009
Simple arithmetic that even you knuckleheads should be able to follow. (Keep in mind the subject line isn’t 2008 minus 2009. It is actually a span of dates. Try not to get confused)
Injured Amar’e = No playoffs
2009-2010 (Not subtraction)
Recovering Amar’e = Bottom of WC playoff seeds
Amar’e back in basketball shape = WCF

by 




















