Bright Side Of The Sun

New members to the SBN NBA Roll

Phoenix Stan — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:09:04 -0000

We have three new blogs in the SBN NBA family. Welcome in:

At The Hive - New Orleans Hornets

The first two obviously cover the Hornets and Jazz and the Ridiculous Upside blog is devoted to D Leauge, Euro Leauge and other NBA prospects and is brought to you by the same goof balls that run Hardwood Paroxysm.

Have fun with these new members of the SBN family and stop by and wish the Jazz and Hornets luck as they try and take care of the Suns business...

Re-load or rebuild?

beatcal — Sat, 10 May 2008 21:13:47 -0000

Now that Mike D is going to the Knicks, I'm wondering if perhaps we should just start from scratch. The current team was built to beat the Spurs, and to do so primarily with offense. Unfortunately, the team STILL couldn't beat the Spurs, and the Spurs (right now, anyway) aren't looking like the team of the future in any case.

So I'm wondering...out loud; I don't have any answers...whether fans believe that the Suns with a new coach and some minor personnel changes can be a contender in the next two years...or whether it's time to start over, to start building a much younger team, stockpiling draft picks, and so on.

NOTE: I know that some will say, "Well, there's no way we're getting rid of Shaq or Nash...the former because of his contract, the latter because he's beloved, and because he's the straw that stirs the drink on this team."

Okay, but that doesn't mean you can't start rebuilding anyway. Start assembling the core of the team that you want three years from now, when both Nash and Shaq will almost certainly be gone.

[Note by Phoenix Stan, 05/15/08 8:01 AM PDT ]

Over the last few days of coaching conundrums, this is the question I keep coming back to so I am "stealing" Beatcal's post to have some more conversation on the topic.

We've heard Sarver and Kerr both claim that the Sun's window is still open and that the plan is to win now. One would assume that means Nash, Amare, Shaq, Diaw, Bell, LB and Hill are all coming back.

I am still on the fence. I can definitely see the appeal of moving our movable pieces while they are most movable. That means Nash who's trade value depreciates each year; LB who's production / salary is fantastic; and maybe Diaw who despite his higher salary and inconsistency is a very talented player. Bell would also be a movable piece. Amare is untouchable and Shaq is unmovable.

I just don't see what you can get back that's going to move the team from what will likely be a 50 win, 3 to 6 seed team next year to a top number 1 contender - unless you can pry LeBron out of Cleveland's cold dead hands.

One move I don't like is the idea of Barbosa and the Suns' 15th pick for a 3 - 7 pick. If you look at LB's current production value, there's NO WAY a rookie beyond the top 2 or 3 is going to come in and match what he brings sooner then two or three years.

I still think that LB's value alone is enough to get back a legit backup PG or a backup Center which are our two biggest needs. A move like that is big but not a "blow it up" trade.

Poll

Do you think the Sun's should "blow it up" now and start the rebuilding process?

D'Antoni talks to ESPN

be-the-ball — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:42:05 -0000

Interesting, sounds like it was all a Kerr-D'Antoni conflict and that everything was fine until that first game loss to the spurs. Here's an az republic article http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2008/05/13/20080513dantonibox0514.html I know its a small article, but the thing that I found most interesting...was everything was fine until that game... And I thought that game was hard for me to take.... I think we, as bloggers can only comment accurately on so much of this stuff, but, from what I see, I like Kerr more than D'Antoni. I honestly felt months ago that D'Antoni was too big for his own good, So hard to take, if Shaq could actually shoot free throws...(I know, it'll never happen), but if he could, we would've won that series. If Duncan hadn't made that three....If Nash didn't have such a horrible shooting night....and on and on.... But on the preparation side of it, I think the suns players have gotten away with 'LAZY' practices regarding defense and it showed. The Spurs and Celtics, and other teams knew, as a team, just what they wanted to do on defense. We had no clue and can't even rotate on pick and rolls....granted having nash, amare, and shaq hurt us on defense....and yet they still could've pulled off a victory I think. I honestly feel if popovich was the suns coach, and anyone else was the spurs coach, for the entire year, we'd have won, or amare would've demanded a trade because someone actually wasn't going to let him run his mouth and accept it just because he has so much potential.

Bulls owner speaks out...

PanamaSun — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:17:36 -0000

He said this about Coach D

"I'm disappointed in him, I don't know what else we could've done. He chose to go to New York knowing there was a good chance we would make him an offer. If he had really wanted to be in Chicago, he would've waited. Instead, he misled us. It's not the end of the world, but it is somewhat rude."

"He said nothing had to be done over the weekend. I also said if this proceeds to where we want to make an offer, we don't deal with coach's agents. He said that's not a problem and that money wasn't the most important thing anyway. He said he wanted a job where he was going to be happiest. He said he didn't want to coach the Knicks."

I guess the Bulls really wanted him, I thought he chose the Knicks because The Bulls were not in the mix anymore. This is a business, Mike was not going to sit around and wait for their offer. The Knicks stepped up to the plate first and that's it.

If you think about it, roster-wise, Chicago seemed more appealing, but you never know what happens behind closed doors.

I still think he is going to have a hard time in NY.

Do the Knicks Have Anything that the Suns Want?

JSun — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:30:31 -0000

Would Mike D'Antoni like to see Boris Diaw or Leandro Barboas in New York?

Would he like to take someone with him? Anyone?

If so, do the Knicks have anything?

What about their pick? Knicks have a lottery pick and are slated for #5 (statistically). LB and #15 for the #5 pick?

David Lee is an "energy" guy and still kind of cheap (if memory serves).

How much do you think D'Antoni is going to look to import a player or two?

Baron Davis a Sun?

JSun — Sun, 11 May 2008 23:39:14 -0000

He's 29 and talking about opting-out of his contract after next season.

The Suns have a team option on Steve Nash that year.

He is a bigger guard that can help on D, he is an All-Star caliber player, his health issues have declined since he lost that weight. He's proven to be a thoroughbred and has a less frail body.

Maybe the MVP won't get traded after all. Just let go?

Decent Ideas

RD74 — Sat, 10 May 2008 20:04:08 -0000

The link below has some rational thoughts about how to fix this team. I don't think a new guy as a coach of a veteran team is a good idea, but there are worse ideas, like hiring Eddie Johnson or Dan Majerle.

Other thoughts....Who has trade value on the team? Do you trade Diaw or Barbosa? Lose versatility or lose three point shooting and speed? I think Diaw is more valuable, but if we need three point shooting, then getting rid of Barbosa won't help. Should we keep Giricek. I'm really just filling in space to meet the minimum word requirement.

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/dking97/151032

D'Antoni to Knicks

RealTangiblesGuy — Sat, 10 May 2008 19:17:17 -0000

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3389987

Reports: D'Antoni accepts offer to coach Knicks.

To the Knicks?? Really?? I hope, for D'Antoni's sake, that he isn't tryin to go over there and play savior of one of the most dysfunctional franchises in all the land. I wonder what this means for Steve Nash who seems to really really want Mike to stay. I never really expected Mike to accept the Knicks position though. Good lock coaching Marbury and Zach Randolph. They'll make Amare seem like the easiest player to coach in the NBA. I wonder if he can teach them to be unselfish. If he can, it'll be a true miracle.

Shame on the Utah fans

Aluminum Foyle — Sat, 10 May 2008 01:22:36 -0000

think it's safe to say that the Utah Jazz have the worst fans. Yes, they may be loud, but to boo Derek Fisher, that's just classless. They booed him in the regular season, and they booed him again tonight.

Now, I hate the Lakers with a passion as much as any Suns fan, but to boo Derek Fisher is just senseless. He did what any sane parent would do for their child. I guess in the land of polygamy, with big families, losing a kid or two won't hurt, since you have so many offsprings anyways. I hope this is not the thinking of the people there. I'm sure it's just the Laker jersey, but in this case you gotta be respectful.

Regardless, I hope the Jazz get swept, the people there deserve it. Now, if only we could have them lose in similar fashion as the Suns did the past two years.

P.S. I would also love to see the Spurs and Lakers find lose like that too.

Nash says D'Antoni will stay

PanamaSun — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:31:34 -0000

Denial: is the psychological process by which human beings protect themselves from things which threaten them by blocking knowledge of those things from their awareness. It is a defense which distorts reality; it keeps us from feeling the pain and uncomfortable truth about things we do not want to face.

Steve said the following:

"This is the last thing I'm going to say about our coaching situation: Mike's my coach, So I expect to see Mike back here next year. And I know there's a lot of stuff going on right now, but Mike's my coach. I love playing for him. I expect to see him back in October."

Is Steve in denial or does he know something that we don't?

Run’N'Gun Ep#39: D’Antoni Not A Part Of Suns’ Future

dang — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:29:20 -0000

Run’N'Gun Ep#39: D’Antoni Not A Part Of Suns’ Future

May 9, 2008 – 10:01 am

In episode 39 of Run ‘N Gun Dave looks at Mike D’Antoni’s coaching options and explores who could fit with Phoenix as their next head coach.

Hosted By:Dave Ang
Call In Line: 916-912-4263

Send any questions, comments, criticisms, queries, hate mail to: runandgunsuns@gmail.com

Check out the Suns messageboards at thesportsstuff.com: Phoenix Boards

Get SASux Gear - Cheap!

Phoenix Stan — Thu, 08 May 2008 22:45:34 -0000

Because I love what these gals did to channel their Spurs hate, I am passing this along...and ordering my shirt too

If you would like to get any additional t-shirts and window stickers (and at the lowest possible price), please do so now - we will be shutting down the www.sasux.com website tomorrow morning and will not be accepting any more orders until next regular season begins (at which time all merchandise will be back to their regular prices).

For the rest of today only, you can get San Antonio Sucks t-shirts for only $5 each and add window stickers for only $1 each.

Our fan page at www.myspace.com/SanAntonioSucks will remain active though the off-season, but we will not be selling any merchandise after today. Act now to get the best discount and to be sure you have all your San Antonio Sucks gear for next season!

Eddie Johnson as head coach.

LitliG — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:24:10 -0000

"Another Suns broadcaster, Eddie Johnson , told KTVK that he would like to be considered for the head coaching position. Johnson, 49, spent 17 years in the NBA and has been in broadcasting since his retirement in 1999."

Maybe the run and gun Suns team won't die. I think he would be really offensive minded, if you have ever read his basketball writings he has said that he believes a greater offense will surpass greater defense. Don't know if he has changed his mind after the last four Phoenix Suns seasons.

But he is of course just a long shot.

Stern to review Hack-a-Shaq

PanamaSun — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:47:17 -0000

Our clueless intelligent commissioner David Stern said that the league was going to look into the Hack-a-Shaq problem in the summer. Stern indicated he had a problem with:

"The idea that, 'Hey, look at me, I'm going to hit this guy as soon as the ball goes into play, even though he's standing under the other basket.' I think that conversation has been started again, by the media, by fans etc. We're going to look at it again."

They really have to do something about this. I'm a Suns fan, but I'm a basketball fan also. I remember back in the 2000 playoffs, The Lakers against The Trailblazers and Pacers. Both of these games became virtually unwatchable with their incessant stoppages for foul shots. As a result, the NBA wanted to take action to discourage teams from using this strategy. Nothing was done. NBA sources said that the Hack-a-Shaq didn't change the outcome of the games because The Lakers won both games.

Well, the Suns didn't win.

Wanted. Blog Site Copyeditor

Phoenix Stan — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:43:44 -0000

Somewhat popular and highly satirical sports blog is seeking a copyeditor to go behind and clean up the grammatical droppings of its writers who clearly can't spell, type or follow basic rules of the english language.

Qualifications: Knowledge of the english language and the bend towards the anal when it comes to the proper use of "who and whom", "its and it's", "lay and lie" and other similar and related paramaters of word usage. Punctuation is less important because it seems are readers are less picky about comma usage, etc.

Compensation: None.

If not Hubie, then who(bie)...

Pliny the Elder — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:56:24 -0000

Michael Cooper.

Think about it, a defensive specialist (gave Larry Bird fits) who played on the Showtime Lakers with Magic, Kareem and Worthy, and won 5 rings.

He has plenty of NBA assistant coaching experience, with LA and Denver, headed the Nuggets for a little while, and even coached the LA Sparks to two WNBA championships.

Culturally, he'd be a good match for the Suns, understanding the need to balance fast break offense with good defense, and he's won under the spotlight, suggesting he'd have a cool head where Mike D panicked this year.

I'm still convinced that the squad we have, with a couple of minor adjustments, is a true contender for next years title, particularly if they can get a full pre-season together. We had flashes of it before the playoffs.

Having played on a team that had a similar problem, Coop might be able to figure out how to get Shaq and Nash to work together consistently, without getting in each other's way, and without destroying the beauty of Suns basketball.

[Note by Phoenix Stan, 05/07/08 10:12 AM PDT ]

Bob Young at the AZ Republic did a list of the possible candidates in today's paper.

I think he's on the J-Ho diet plan if he thinks popular but inexperiened player/broadcasters like EJ or Majerle would work. If those guys want to coach they need to pay their dues on the bench and not just go directly from the mic to the clipboard.

I love Pliny's idea of Michael Cooper (despite the Laker's ties) and of the other names Paul Silas jumps out as well.

The next coach can't be a "nobody" that Shaq and Amare aren't going to respect. And at the risk of going all pop pyschology, I think having a 'firm father figure" for Amare is very important.

Let's face it. The guy that calls himself "Black Jesus" is likely going to respond better to someone of his own race.

Poll

Whom do you think the next Suns coach should be...

Clock Malfunction in Detroit?

JSun — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:36:38 -0000

Does anyone know if the NBA has done/said anything?

I haven't seen anything. I'm wondering and curious.

The Hornets got fined for the mascot-through-the-flaming-hoop causing a delay. Also, they replayed that Hawks-Heat game because Shaq missed 90 seconds or so (and then wasn't there for the re-match).

In this case, the home team's clock gave the home team a huge advantage.

Any news?

Any thoughts?

Suns' D'Antoni reportedly wants Bulls job

JoeJoe27 — Tue, 06 May 2008 06:55:53 -0000

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-080505-mike-dantoni-chicago-bulls,1,6954882.story

Do you think he's done with the Suns? I'm a Bulls fan sorry about 1993 and the shot I'm sure that still burns.

Anyways what are your thoughts on MD tony? If he does become the Bulls next coach I would be worried about the Defensive coaching. Was he really that bad for were his players just not defenders?

By the way Steve Nash has to be on the decline after what I watched from CP3 tonight.

If Nash can't guard Parker and Parker can't guard CP3 is clearly the MVP this season and it really sucks the NBA will give it to Kobe after he cried half the summer and asked to be traded. Awful.

Anyways I have to say I wasn't a Mike D'Antoni fan because he seemed to cry alot on the sidelines but hey maybe I can change if it helps the Bulls.

PS that 1993 team was bad ass you guys made me shit my pants now and then. I used to hate when Thunder Dan drilled them from way down town. Who was that young kid you used to have? Dumas or something?

Shameless PR Flackery

Phoenix Stan — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:53:59 -0000

We receive more and more of these kinds of attempts by the PR flacks for various products to push them on our site.

I am really not sure under what circumstances (other them mocking PR flacks) we would possibly be interested in spending precious blog words on Steve Nash's new skin care line...

But, I thought I would just post this lock, stock and lip gloss as a glimps inside the shady underbelly of sports blog PR flackery.

[Note by Phoenix Stan, 05/05/08 2:25 PM PDT ]

Appearantly this is not in fact PR Flackery but was a great story opportunity that I missed and Henry Abbott pounced on. That's why he's Henry and I am a blogger from a ~~central asian~~ western desert state.

Btw - the last time I passed on one of these (before this) it was story about Shaq being the jockey for a Kentucky Derby horse that was really just a plug for overpriced water. Yahoo's BDL posted that one.

I guess I am just to cynical to recognize a real story when its emailed to me by a PR ~~flack~~ professional.

Next time - when Raja Bell is pimping air horns for Kenworth you can bet I am going to be ALL OVER IT!

fromKen Mandelkern <kmandelkern@catalystpublicrelations.com>
tobrightsideofthesun@gmail.com,

dateMon, May 5, 2008 at 11:46 AM
subjectNash launches skincare line

hide details 11:46 AM (1 hour ago) Reply

FYI, Steve Nash has partnered with Alonzo Mourning, Mia Hamm, Amanda Beard and Gretchen Bleiler to start a skincare line together – sunscreen etc. specifically for athletes… http://www.missionproduct.com/

Press release below – can get you images and product if you’re interested, thought it might make for a good note. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080502/20080502005555.html?.v=1

Thanks
Ken

MISSION Product™ Introduces Athlete-Engineered Skincare™

High-performance products – engineered by athletes, for athletes – to revolutionize skincare in sports

(New York, NY – May 2, 2008) MISSION Product™, the first Athlete-Engineered Skincare™ line, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking, high-performance products.

"Athletes who have been forced to compromise with inferior skincare offerings now have an array of innovative, high-performance products, engineered by athletes, to meet their needs" said Josh Shaw, MISSION Product’s Founder and President. “MISSION Product will revolutionize how athletes hydrate, nourish, restore, and protect their skin, whether they're an Olympic hopeful, a running enthusiast or even a weekend warrior.”

Some of the world's most accomplished athletes, including two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, two-time Olympic gold-medal swimmer Amanda Beard, two-time Olympic gold-medal soccer player Mia Hamm, 2008 X Games Halfpipe Gold Medalist Gretchen Bleiler and extreme endurance athletes Charlie Engle and Hunter Kemper, have joined the team at MISSION Product and are intimately involved in product innovation and development.

"I'm really proud to be a founding athlete with MISSION Product. I use all of our first five products and they are outstanding," said Steve Nash. "I am especially dependent on our foot gel, which helps re-energize my feet between the regular beatings they take on the court."

“One of the key attributes that attracted me to MISSION Product is the ability for athletes to inspire the product development and innovation process,” said Mia Hamm. “We’re looking forward to making an impact on the lives of future generations of athletes at all levels.”

The starting lineup for MISSION Product includes a sunscreen with SPF 30 and anti-sting technology, a vitamin lip balm with SPF 20, a long-lasting anti-friction cream, a restorative foot gel and a revive body gel for post sun and wind exposure. In addition to these five products, the company has numerous innovations in development, several of which are scheduled for launch before the end of the year.

“I have spent my entire life on the beach and in the pool. When I tested the MISSION SPF 30 sunscreen, I immediately fell in love with it,” said Amanda Beard. “Athletes of all ages are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of skincare and sun protection, and I’m excited that we can deliver these high-performance products at such affordable prices. I’m convinced we will revolutionize skincare in the sports marketplace.”

MISSION Product is free of preservatives and irritants, and is animal cruelty-free. "With natural, high-quality ingredients, MISSION Product is better for your skin AND the environment," said Gretchen Bleiler.

MISSION Product features breakthrough technology and is formulated with clinically-pure ingredients to deliver superior skincare benefits.

MISSION Sunscreen SPF 30 is designed to guard against environmental and sun damage. It boasts anti-sting technology to protect an athlete’s eyes, is completely greaseless and oil-free, absorbs quickly, and provides long-lasting UVA and UVB protection while nourishing the skin with vitamin E.

MISSION Lip Protector SPF 20 is designed to protect an athlete’s lips from environmental and sun damage. It prevents moisture loss and provides long-lasting UVA and UVB protection, while nourishing the lips with powerful antioxidants.

MISSION Anti-Friction Cream possesses superior anti-chafing properties and helps prevent discomfort, pain, irritation and inflammation due to skin-to-skin and skin-to-gear contact. Fortified with an antibacterial formula, it instantly heals, cools and moisturizes, while helping to prevent irritation and infection in friction-prone areas. MISSION Anti-Friction Cream is engineered to stay dry and cool through extended activity and is compatible with all fabrics.

MISSION Foot Gel is engineered to relieve and rejuvenate hot, tired feet, following strenuous activity. Fortified with vitamins A and E, it targets dry, cracked and inflamed skin, and delivers cooling, soothing, hydrating and revitalizing nourishment while helping to stimulate circulation.

MISSION Revive Gel is designed as a super-charged aloe gel for reviving skin after exposure to sun and wind. This unique lightweight, scentless and clear formula hydrates, nourishes and replenishes damaged skin. Fortified with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, this product also works as a high-performance vitamin moisturizer that restores the skin’s natural pH balance.

MISSION Product is available at select sports specialty retailers, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Champs Sports, City Sports, and Performance Bicycle starting tomorrow, May 3, 2008, and is available in the Eastbay catalog as well as at www.missionproduct.com.

In addition to working closely with its athlete partners in product innovation, MISSION Product proudly supports the charities of its athletes, including The Steve Nash Foundation, Oceana, The Mia Hamm Foundation, H2O Africa and more.

About MISSION Product
MISSION Product™ is the world's first line of Athlete-Engineered Skincare™ products. Headquartered in New York, NY, the company was founded in 2007 by a passionate team of athletes, skincare experts and business leaders. MISSION Product formulas are engineered with breakthrough technology, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and are preservative-free, irritant-free and animal-cruelty-free. MISSION Product believes everyone has dual missions in life – a personal mission and a social one – so the company proudly supports the charities of all of its athlete partners. To learn more about MISSION Product, please visit www.missionproduct.com.

# # #

Contact: Ken Mandelkern / Catalyst Public Relations
212-300-2406 / kmandelkern@catalystpublicrelations.com

Suns Grant D'Antoni Permission to Speak with Bulls and Knicks

Phoenix Stan — Mon, 05 May 2008 04:01:40 -0000

[Note by Phoenix Stan, 05/05/08 11:15 AM PDT ]

The Suns PR machine has responded to the latest news with this somewhat meaningless comment:

"As we have continued to convey, we value Mike D’Antoni as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns and would like him to continue leading this basketball team. Because he has requested to speak to other teams about their head coaching vacancies, we have granted him permission. We will have no further comment until this process further evolves." - Steve Kerr

How on earth this "process" doesn't end with D'Antoni coaching somewhere else is beyond me. Is there a possible scenario where he returns now after the team has granted him permission to speak to other teams? Talk about a train wreck.

No, this is now about the team spinning this as D'Antoni's decision which it may or may not actually be. Frankly, I don't know that I care.

The divorce papers have been filed and its all over but the splitting of the CD's.

[Note by ZonaFlash, 05/05/08 3:01 PM EDT ]

No kidding. This is how the new ownership does business. We saw the exact same machinations with Bryan Colangelo and Joe Johnson.

9:00pm PST, May 4th:

This in from Sports 620 KTAR

Suns coach Mike D'Antoni has been granted permission to speak with NBA teams, including the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks, according to Sports 620 KTAR.
D'Antoni was previously denied permission to speak with any team, Suns GM Steve Kerr told KTAR last week.

Kerr and owner Robert Sarver met with D'Antoni for a lunch meeting on Friday to discuss his future with Phoenix, but it was reported a decision would not be made until later in the week.

It is likely D'Antoni has not been granted permission to interview with the Toronto Raptors, according to sources close to the subject.

ESPN.com reported Friday that Chicago has emerged as the most likely landing spot for D'Antoni if he leaves Phoenix.

If this report proves true then the end has come. If he's been granted permission to talk to other teams then clearly he's not coming back as the Suns head coach. With two years left on his contract, the Suns can agree to let D'Antoni out of his contract thereby avoiding paying him the $8.5m he's owed.