FanPost

Evaluating the Phoenix Suns Front Office

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sports fandom, especially when it borders on fanaticism (which it does for many of us), is often volatile. It can be responsible for our highest highs, for feelings of euphoria and excitement, and for our lowest lows, for feelings of sadness and anger. It can bring moments of triumph one day and moments of harsh reality the next. It can breed passionate unity, or create frustrated detachment. Whatever shape their fandom might take, devoted fans invest an incredible (and frankly somewhat ridiculous) amount of interest and energy into their sports. Much to the dismay of non-fans, we live and die with the successes and failures of our favorite players, teams, and coaches on and off the court/field. Some consider it trivial, we consider it a part of life. Personally, I can’t imagine a world without sports, and I am glad I don't have to.

It is this level of extreme investment that makes sports so beautiful during good times. In 2010, in the 6th and final season of unprecedented offensive success and constant contention, the Phoenix Suns went 54-28 to finish 2nd in the Pacific Division and make the playoffs. They beat Portland 4-2 in the first round, then SWEPT the Spurs to advance to the Western Conference Finals against the evil Los Angeles Lakers, where their run seemed to be coming to an abrupt end after two lopsided losses in LA. Kobe was dominating (he ended up averaging 33.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG and 8.3 RPG on 52% shooting in the series), and the Lakers fans sent the teams to Phoenix with chants of "We-want-Bos-ton!" Then, something magical happened. Powered by Steve Nash, Amar’e Stoudemire, and the most likable bench in the history of the NBA (Dragić, Barbosa, Dudley, Frye and Sweet Lou Amundson), the Suns came to life before our very eyes. The city of Phoenix, known for its fair-weather basketball fans and subdued sports atmospheres, seemed to swell along with its team. The atmosphere of game 4, a game where the Suns overcame Kobe’s 38-10-7 on 15/22 shooting (absolutely insane) to tie the series at 2-2, can hardly be described. I had the privilege of being in US Airways Center on that special day, screaming my heart out with 18,000 other Suns fans, and sending the teams back to LA with chants of "We-want-Bos-ton!" In an electric atmosphere where talking to your neighbor was impossible and sitting wasn’t an option, we went to battle and came out victorious. Rarely have I ever felt so connected to my team, to my community, or to my city. That memory is an example of the incredible powers of sports to bring people together, and I will cherish it forever.

Unfortunately, it is also this level of extreme investment in sports that is capable of creating a toxic community in any fan base during hard times. Watching your team struggle can be excruciating, and being unsure about the future can cause panic. It is natural to lose some interest. It is natural to be upset. Sadly, it is also natural to assign blame. On January 22nd, the Suns were firmly entrenched in the playoff race with a record of 26-18, including 14 wins in their previous 18 games. A month and a half later the new-look Suns were 32-30, with 4 wins in their last 14 games (only 1 against a legitimate team). It is hard to quantify the gratuitous number of things that went wrong in that month. At one point the constant misfortunes were almost comical, even if they were also heartbreaking. After another up-and-down month that has left them under .500, this Suns season can not come to an end soon enough.

The inconsistency that has defined this team, although it is painful, is also natural for a rotation with an average age of 23.8, and it will very likely correct itself as the team continues to grow. So in the meantime, how can Suns fans assign blame or give praise in a way that is both responsible and well-informed? By assessing the performance of the two most prominent members of the Suns Front Office, Robert Sarver and Ryan McDonough, we can better understand the roles they have played in the success/failure of the Suns this year. Starting at the top:

Robert Sarver

The pairing of Robert Sarver and Suns fans has not always been a happy marriage. Over the years, Sarver has not been without his fair share of controversy. He has gone toe-to-toe with players/coaches a few times (not necessarily on the Suns), he has occasionally taken stands on political issues (SB 1070), and most of all, he has been accused of being cheap. That accusation was based largely on Sarver’s decision to save money by parting ways with Joe Johnson entering prime of his career (Summer of 2005), a move which Sarver says he regrets to this day.

However, Sarver has adapted substantially in his 11 years as majority owner of the Suns, and the Suns’ owner moving forward is certainly not the same as the one who passed on Johnson all those years ago. Sarver’s role in Eric Bledsoe’s restricted free agency, a prolonged standoff that ended in a sizable, but also palatable, payday (5 year, $70 million), showed clearly that although Sarver might always be a cautious spender, he is willing to invest in the new direction of the franchise, and won’t replicate his mistakes of the past. The Suns are a small-market team with a subdued fan base, and they will never be able to match the spending of many of their Western Conference counterparts. However, their owner is a veteran surrounded by a talented front office, and he appears ready to spend his money in a way that is both careful and ambitious.

Sarver’s recent non-financial dealings have been less inspiring than his aforementioned financial commitment to the new direction. Although it is impossible to know exactly what happened behind closed doors, it is safe to say that Sarver played a role in ugly separations with two beloved former Suns: Goran Dragić and Channing Frye.

The Dragić divorce, a saga that led to the relocation of the Dragić brothers to Miami, and to a subsequent uproar surrounding the franchise the likes of which had not been seen since the Nash trade (or before), is as confusing to understand as it was stressful to behold. The separation, which was characterized by a flurry of harsh comments and media ploys from both sides, eventually led to this quote from Dragić regarding the Suns Front Office: "I don’t trust them anymore." Goran later apologized for his remarks, which proved there was probably very little truth behind them, an apology that was met with these comments from Sarver:


"I just think sometimes young guys get in the heat of the moment, and agents tell them certain things to say and that's what they say. I guess I was a little disappointed, but not really hurt. I mean, that's agent language. There's a lot that goes on when players are trying to get moved somewhere, get a contract or negotiating, and some of that stuff gets played out in the media and guys say things sometimes I'm not sure they really mean."


Sarver may not be the most likable owner in the NBA, and he certainly didn't make it out of the Dragić-related drama unscathed. However, his comments were mature and thoughtful, and they reflect the truth of the matter: Goran saw a brighter future elsewhere and the soft-spoken Dragon likely followed his agent’s advice to get there. Some of his actions were surely meant to help the Suns (he allowed them to get two first-rounders from a fading Miami team instead of leaving for nothing in the summer), and some of them were surely motivated by personal gain (he can now sign a longer/larger deal with the Heat). I still love Goran, and his frustrations were not without basis, but his departure subjected the Suns to more criticism than they deserved. I have no problem with him wanting to go elsewhere, and the mismatch in timeline and priorities between him and the Suns suggests that the parting might have been for the best (he is 5 years older than the rest of the core, is eligible for a huge deal at a stacked position). I just wish he could've departed without dragging the Suns Front Office through the dirt on his way out.

For what it lacked in drama (at least compared to Dragić), Channing Frye’s departure made up for in strangeness. Almost seven months after the Arizona native and fan-favorite Frye departed for the Orlando Magic, Sarver had this to say about the exit:


"To be honest with you, we didn't really even have a chance. He had mentioned he was interested in coming back, and then when he was talking to Orlando, he just called and said, 'Hey, you've got three minutes to match this offer.'"

To which Frye responded:


"I think we have to take what that front office says with a grain of salt. I think right now they need to focus on their own team. I think we had many negotiations between [us and] the Suns."


Wow. Those comments are absolutely bizarre. On one hand, I can’t imagine that Sarver would just invent such a detailed story about Frye’s free agency for absolutely no reason, particularly considering allowing Channing to depart has shown itself to be a prudent move. What could possibly be the motivation for doing that, especially in the wake of the double Dragić disaster departure (extra points for alliteration)? On the other hand, I can’t really imagine any player calling an owner and saying "Hey, you’ve got three minutes to match this offer," unless they were the main character in an adventure movie. As is often the case in situations such as this, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle of the two sides. Once again, however, the Suns Front Office received the brunt of the criticism in the public eye.

Robert Sarver’s tenure as the majority owner of the Phoenix Suns has been turbulent at times, but it has always avoided total disaster. He is often subject to harsh criticism from knee-jerk reactionists, perhaps more this year than ever. It is sometimes said that he is cheap, that he is headstrong, and that he can’t be trusted. At times he can be controversial, and his tendency to find trouble can’t be attributed entirely to chance. However, it seems pretty clear that Sarver wants the best for his franchise, players, and fans, and he is slowly arming himself with the tools and experience to make a run at sustained success. If that isn’t enough, any owner who is part of an ongoing feud with Matt Barnes, one of the most unsavory characters in all of basketball, has my support.

Ryan McDonough

Let’s start by getting one thing clear: whatever you may think of him, Ryan McDonough is approximately one million times better at his job than Lance Blanks ever was. Blanks, who was hailed as a "basketball genius" with an incredible nose for talent upon his arrival in Phoenix, is responsible for some pretty funny moments of absolute incompetence. Here’s all you need to know: Blanks once described Michael Beasley as a "wonderful, wonderful young man," and perhaps even better, described Luke Zeller as "one of the best shooters in the world." An entire article could be written about his blunders as GM, and I am sure many such articles exist. By succeeding Blanks, McDonough was already in the good graces of Suns fans everywhere.

As it turned out, McDonough soon built an impressive resumé of his own with a series of prudent moves, some of which turned out to be downright robberies (Sreekar covered those moves here). In his first year as GM, McDonough was able to convert a desolate roster and a franchise in shambles into a compelling Cinderella story with 48 wins and one of the brightest futures in the NBA. He made the Suns younger, more talented, and cheaper in one fell swoop. That type of transformation rarely happens so quickly, and it is important to remember that without McDonough’s wizardry, a .500 season in the brutal Western Conference with one of the youngest teams in the league would be far from cause for concern — it would be considered progress in the context of a franchise-rebuild. It was this success that led, at least in some circles, to the mantra "In McDonough We Trust," which was repeated in a nearly-religious fashion.

But the sports world is constantly changing, and for many success-starved fans an old adage rings true now more than ever: "What have you done for me lately?" Despite nearly unprecedented success in his first year, McDonough’s performance in year two has been met with mixed reviews, at best, from Suns fans and national media alike. Even as a staunch supporter of his, I too have found myself questioning many of this year’s moves.

So what series of events has caused Suns fans everywhere to question their GM who, just a few months ago, could do no wrong? Let’s start with the small stuff (we will get to IT and Goran, I promise):

Signed Zoran Dragić (two-year, $4 million)

I won’t spend too much time on this, but I wanted to include it because I find Zoran’s entire NBA existence really funny. I see this signing as a valiant effort at keeping Goran, and at continuing the Suns’ firm commitment to acquiring as many NBA brothers as possible. I should probably move on to more important things.

Signed the Morris twins extensions (four-year, combined $52 million)

This was a good move, despite what anyone might think of the Morrii. McD took advantage of the twins’ long-term desire to play together, and signed them to deals well under their market values. They might be annoying, or frustrating, or under investigation for assaulting a man because of a text message (yes, really), but on a purely basketball basis they provide production far above what they are paid (even more so when you consider the impending cap spike). The extensions might not end up working out, but it was a solid move from a GM’s perspective, and McDonough shouldn’t be faulted for signing them to bargain deals.


If you are interested in reading more about this compelling duo, here is rollin. j. mason’s take, and my own.

Traded Anthony Tolliver to the Detroit Pistons

Tolliver is a great guy, but he failed to contribute in a meaningful way in Phoenix. This can probably be attributed to his lack of size and strength, which caused him to struggle on a Suns team similarly devoid of size and strength, and has allowed him to excel in Detroit next to Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe. This move is neutral.

Traded two second-round picks for Brandan Wright

At first, this trade seemed like an absolute steal for the Suns. In exchange for what were almost certainly going to be two second-round picks, the Suns acquired a 27-year old backup center (a position of need) playing the best basketball of his life. He looked ready to contribute immediately to a playoff push, and at just the right time for the Suns. Wright failed to reach expectations in his brief stint with Phoenix, which isn't a complete surprise (his game relies on chemistry with teammates and comfort within an offense). His play as a replacement starter for Alex Len has been valiant, but Wright is about to become a problem for the Suns.

As an unrestricted free agent this summer, Wright will likely be met with high demand, and easily find a new home if the price isn't right in Phoenix. If the Suns want to re-sign Brandon Knight and pursue a high-profile free agent (Kevin Love, perhaps?), they may have no choice but to let Wright sign elsewhere. Although this isn't a disaster for the Suns, nor is it causing much distress in the fan base, paying two second-round picks for a half-season rental of Brandan Wright is a loss for McDonough.

Traded Shavlik Randolph for Reggie Bullock

This is a win, even considering Reggie Bullock has done nothing of importance in a Suns uniform. Anytime you can swap Shavlik Randolph (who has since been released) for a 24-year old former 25th pick straight up, you have won the trade. No questions asked.
Unfortunately, this also meant that we never got to unleash the power of Shavlik’s new-look basketball skills (remember all those threes in the intra-squad scrimmage?).

Traded Goran/Zoran Dragić for two first-round picks (and Danny Granger?)

I sincerely believe that, considering the extreme circumstances, the Suns won the Dragić deal. No, I do not necessarily mean that two first-round picks are worth more than Goran Dragić, but the fact that McDonough was able to get the return that he did in such a terrible situation is a testament to his abilities. For some reason Pat Riley was almost universally lauded for further mortgaging Miami’s future to buy moderate success in the present, but that is a different discussion entirely. As important as the actual trade is, McDonough’s role in the events before and after it have contributed much more to the skepticism he now faces from some fans.


First and foremost, McDonough signed Isaiah Thomas to a four-year, $27 million deal. While this move certainly backfired, and is probably the root of the majority of criticism aimed at McDonough, it is easily defensible. In Thomas, McDonough saw a win-win-win situation. First, he protected against injury, which was especially important considering Bledsoe only managed to play 43 games in 2013-14. Further, Thomas allowed the Suns to keep two star guards on the court at all times, while ensuring that none of them were overworked. Goran Dragic’s steep decline at the end of the 2013-14 season, mixed with his recent comments indicating that he is tired and overworked on the Heat, suggest that this was also a prudent consideration. Finally, Thomas was on an extremely team-friendly deal, making him an important trade asset moving forward.


It is impossible to know what conversations McDonough and Goran had behind closed doors. If the Suns GM made promises he didn't intend to, or couldn't keep (as Goran indicated), then he is surely culpable for the disastrous situation that ensued. Many factors, most of which would have been very hard to foresee, contributed to the meltdown. Maybe signing Thomas at the risk of alienating Goran (although no one saw that coming) wasn't worth the potential benefits of the move. The fact of the matter is that Ryan McDonough is a master at one thing above all else: collecting assets. Sometimes those assets don’t appreciate being collected, a lesson that the 35-year old will learn as he gains experience in the NBA. As he learns, he will construct more balanced rosters, and hopefully begin to foster a community where loyalty and winning coexist happily. Until then, there might be many more bumps in the road.

Traded Isaiah Thomas for first-round pick and Marcus Thornton

Very recently, when asked about the wild trade deadline, Isaiah Thomas indicated his belief that McDonough "panicked" in trading him to the Celtics. Although it might seem that way for the casual observer, there is much more to the story than meets the eye. Isaiah Thomas was traded because he had negative impacts on ball movement and chemistry, and is not the type of player a young team wants to build around.


In the end, McDonough swapped Alex Oriakhi for a late first-round pick and flexibility moving forward, which is still a win from a GM's perspective.


In case any Suns fans are still upset McD traded IT: Just a couple weeks after being traded to the Celtics, Thomas voiced his desire to be a starter to several members of the media, even though he has had great success as a 6th man. Same old Isaiah.

Traded Miles Plumlee, Tyler Ennis, and Lakers pick for Brandon Knight

This trade has been covered many times, by people who know much more about basketball than I (for Zach Lowe’s take, click here). Knight is a good player and an even better person, and his potential to be a leader for the Suns on and off the court is intriguing. His upside is enormous and his impending restricted free agency should allow the Suns to sign him for a long-term deal a year before the salary cap spike. If he continues to develop with the young core of the Suns, he provides the Suns with a lot of flexibility and talent in the future. If he can’t thrive in Phoenix, then this deal will have been a serious failure.


Essentially, the prudence of this deal relies on Knight’s progression as a player, and on the placement of the Lakers pick when it does convey. McDonough, who combines analytics and raw analysis very effectively to evaluate talent, sees something special in Knight and was willing to take a risk to acquire him. The process of team-building, particularly in small markets, relies on the successes or failures of risky players such as Knight. Part of me worries that McDonough forced this deal in the midst of his first serious trial as GM, and that it was a mistake. However, McDonough has proven himself to be capable and calculated in his tenure, and he has earned the belief of players and fans alike. I’m excited to see where he takes us.


In McDonough We Still Trust