Spurs Given Series in 6

by Dan on May 18, 2007 10:52 PM MDT in Suns News Comment 49 comments

This just isn't my night. I had a huge post written up. It took me forever to write. It was eloquent, talking about the bad things of the series, the good things of the series and everything in between. And what happened? My Internet blew up, then my computer stopped working and when I tried to copy and paste what I wrote into a document I got some error saying the clipboard was in use by another program. I haven't seen that ever. Nice.

Here's the bottom line. I'm a bitter fan right now. I think the Suns were robbed. I do believe they would have won in a fair 7 game series. Unfortunately, it came down to an aging player who has maybe one year left in the league and two men in suits who wanted to prove they were the big bosses. And it was the NBA that caused this whole thing by letting the Spurs get away with everything.

But that's over and done with. It doesn't matter at this point. The Suns are done and the Spurs are moving on. And me? I'm rooting for the Jazz over the next two series. Or maybe I'll just stop watching the NBA for awhile. Do I really want to watch the Cavs/Pistons and the Jazz/Spurs series? Talk about boring.

Anyway, the Suns played their hearts on - especially in the 4th quarter. You could see in Steve's eyes that he wanted it worse than any player on the court. But he just couldn't do it himself. Maybe if he hadn't played 47 minutes in the previous game. Maybe it wouldn't matter if the series would have been fair. But it wasn't, he did and the Suns lost. That's it.

I don't really want to talk about it anymore. But I hope the Spurs fans feel a little silly celebrating this win. I know I would.

I'm done with the NBA for awhile. Oh, I'll be back. It's the Suns. I'll definitely be back. But I think I'm just done for a bit. And if I'm not going to watch much of the next two series, I'm sure the average NBA fan won't either. So, good job, Mr Stern and Mr Jackson. You proved you were the big men in town. But you hurt your business in the process. But hey, at least you got to go home and tell your wives you bossed people around for a few days. That's got to make you feel good.

Go Jazz. Beat the Spurs. But watch out for those knees and the shoves into scorer's table. Those'll get you every time.

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I share your disgust

In fact, whether I come back at all next season is going to depend on what happens to the team. I understand the need to make changes and even the need to be fiscally responsible. But if the Suns no longer resemble the team I've come to love over the past three years, then that's it. No more NBA for me, maybe for good. I can't remember the last time I was this disgusted about something that could so easily have been avoided.

by TexSUN on May 18, 2007 11:04 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

BTW

Said disgust is with the league, not the Suns. They played their hearts out in every game I got to see, and sounds like they did tonight as well. Very proud of our guys. If they're back next year, then I will be too.

by TexSUN on May 18, 2007 11:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel you

I've never felt this disgusted with a sporting league like I feel about NBA now. I kept thinking how the Spurs won this series by playing dirty. In my opinion, when Horry went after Nash in game 4, he just wanted to go after Nash. He (or Pop, Spurs coach, the man with most disgusting intention and appearance in this earth right now) did not expect to take out Amare or anyone. It was just some unreasonable rule that Amare and Diaw got suspended. Anyway, like I said before, no matter what, everyone is going to remember this for the Spurs.

Also, I have been disliking the Spurs for 4 years. I've always hated to hear people praise them for being disciplined but they are just boring. They are boring to me because they have no heart. When I watch Nash play, I feel the heart. But the "discipline" that the Spurs are supposed to have takes the heart away. So they are just boring. Now they have another "reputation" is simply the dirtiest team. I think I can still go to sleep...

by sonicking on May 18, 2007 11:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

retarded

Look, I don't want to pick on you guys. Loosing a series sucks, I know. But when you all say things like: "They are boring to me because they have no heart.", that's just retarded. Call the Spurs boring all you want, but they have heart. THis was a great series, and Steve Nash is far, far better than I thought he was. However, there's no reason to attack the Spurs. Blame Stern all you want, but all the Spurs can do is play. They won the series fair and square.

Here's hoping your owner brings your team back plus a top 5 draft pick via the Hawks...

by 21Duncan on May 18, 2007 11:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Look no offense

But buzz off. Just shut up. Seriously. Nobody's saying the Spurs aren't a better team. But if you think this series proves that then I can't help you. What I saw was two teams so closely matched they'd need to play each other full strength for seven times to prove which one was better. We didn't get that, and so we'll never know for sure. So go gloat on the Spurs board and leave us alone. Sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but coming on here and calling our users "retarded" is just lame.

by TexSUN on May 18, 2007 11:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spurs

There is a reason to attack/criticize the Spurs for using unfair tactics. I would still put bigger blame on Stern et al. for their stupid interpretation of a stupid rule. However, the Spurs started the whole thing by intentionally trying to injure our top players Amare and Nash. The NBA could have done something to make this a fair series but they chose to ignore it.

Here is where I have a problem with the Spurs.

Re: Horry's body check on Nash in game 4, no Spur expressed any concern for Nash who could have been seriously injured. Given the timing of the foul the only interpretation was to injure a key player. Popovich justified the foul and called it 'just a foul'. The Spurs could have been sportsmanlike and they could have said, "We are sorry for what happened; it happened in the heat of the game" or "Horry was frustrated and he had no intention of hurting Nash". Instead, they chose to justify the foul. Horry went as far as saying that Nash just did an acting job and that his foul was not all that bad.

This is tantamount to extremely poor sportsmanship in my book. The Spurs have been talking arrogantly as if they KNOW that Stern will forgive them (and blame the other side), no matter what.

IMO Both the commissioner and the Spurs were responsible for the way this series took an unexpected turn. We don't need drama; we need good clean basketball. This Spurs team did not put on that kind of show. In fact as I watched the series unfold, I was not sure that Duncan was the best player in the universe.

In a fair series I can accept a loss by a team . HOwever, when one team is given all the advantages, how can others trust him?

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 1:03 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep.

I know what you mean about feeling the heart. And the fact that heart was broken by one stupid moronic dirty play offends everything in my being. I really hope whatever the Suns do in the offseason that they at least keep the team in contention for a title. Nash deserves another chance at it.

by TexSUN on May 18, 2007 11:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

did you here what they said on the tv

like nash had like 14 bruises on his legs or something. I'm disgusted with the nba. I loved the miss calls on this again. But the freethrow missed rebounds really killed us, plus a hot third quarter by the spurs. I also will not watch anymore of the playoffs, detroit, spurs, etc are boring.

by jasonsuns1 on May 18, 2007 11:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

HAHA!

Now you know what it's like to be a Mavs fan, oh wait, you don't, we got raped by the Lig. in the FINALS!

by mbobich on May 19, 2007 12:10 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Mavs choked

The league did not defeat teh Mavs in the NBA finals. The NBA did.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 1:05 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Mavs

It was a typo. What I meant was the Mavs did it to themselves last year againt Miami. They choked.

This year they just could not beat GS. They did not play in a way that would have made them proud even in a loss. The Suns did. We are proud of them and I know they are respected around the league for the way they fought throughout.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 10:40 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can say the Mavs choked...

And I can accept that, as long as Suns fans admit they weren't even good enough to choke in the finals. Because they STILL can't get there. You aren't respected by the Lig. until you GET the championship.

by mbobich on May 19, 2007 11:12 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another Pacific Division Banner!

Man you guys are too much. If you could only have seen (or read) all of the trash your Suns brethren were posting on the Laker forum...

"no Spur expressed any concern for Nash who could have been seriously injured."

I'd post the entire quote but this pretty much sums it up.

So lets see. Raja takes Kobe out with a viscious swing to the neck (and gets a ONE game suspension) and Horry body checks Nash and gets two...And I don't remember seeing the Suns rush to the microphones to condemn their boy Raja. In fact I remember them justifying it with "well Raja got an elbow from Kobe, yada yada yada. There was no "expressed concern" for Kobe who could have gotten seriously injured from anyone on the Suns team.

Well when the table gets turned you guys call out the Spurs for bad sportsmanship--that is poetic.

Then to talk about the arrogance of the Spurs--look in the mirror boys.

Enjoy hoisting up another Pacific Division Banner. Your Suns are indeed the best team in that division. How's the fishin in AZ anyways?

by get over it on May 19, 2007 2:19 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Raja

Actually Raja was criticized for his clothesline foul. He got suspended and he even said that it was stupid thing to do on his part, that he had hurt his team by doing it. We heard no such comments by Horry (of course we know he could not have hurt his team. He scores about 2 baskets in each game). In fact Horry said Nash was acting, and Pop saw H's dirty play as just a foul. Shame on the Spurs. I hope they lose to Utah in the WCF.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 10:43 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

fish

Don;t eat the fish hee; too much mercury. Better stick with local product!- I mean after the Spurs are eliminated from best of 7 series.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 2:29 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Mad Fish Disease

I'll stick with fish out here off the Central Cali Coast--Beef scares me more...

I'm hoping the Jazz win as well. I'm certainly not a Spurs fan.

by get over it on May 19, 2007 2:45 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

No use being angry

I don't think there's any doubt that the suspensions were lame, but who knows what would have happened. It's over and the Spurs won. Good luck to them. Now we've got three days to be pissed because 07-08 starts on Tuesday at the Lottery. I'll have my jersey on. I hope you have yours on too. We all need to be crossing our fingers. A sixty-one percent chance is pretty good, but it could definitely use some help.

by rosewood on May 19, 2007 4:37 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

The Better Team DID Win

Sorry, Suns fans. The better team did win. You can cry about the poor officiating all you want. One game does NOT make or break a season. Continuing to whine and cry will only hurt your chances for next season. Blaming it all on your interpretation of poor officiating will do nothing to correct your problems. To move on you must become a better team--concentrate your efforts on correcting the problems on your team. Amare said it best--Nash continues to whine. I've gained more respect for Amare and lost respect for Nash because of their after-game comments. Thanks for finishing off the Lakers. You have a tremendous team, but you need to listen to Stoudamire--MOVE FORWARD quit worrying about what might have been. The officiating did not cost you game 6--your players whining about game 5 officiating is what cost you game 6. This is your problem--I think it starts with coaching--if the coach continues to whine about it, your players will believe it. You played a tremendous game 5--just came up short--it had NOTHING to do missing players. Your other players stepped up like champs. Game 6 was owned by the Spurs, yet your great players were in there (but Nash was still whining and INEFFECTIVE). Have a good off-season. We are moving on.

by GoSpursGo on May 19, 2007 8:20 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I am

SICK AND TIRED of Spurs fans coming here and talking about whining! Really?! You? Spurs did play great, yes, but for the love of God, could you Spurs fans stop complaining about how Suns players whine. Have you every seen your team play? Every fucking call it's whining and crying about the calls. So what if they don't cry after the games? Do you really think that makes you a classy team?! It's the attitude that you play with that tells you more about a team, and Spurs whine and cry and play dirty. You can talk all you want about playing agressive, but there is a big difference. So don't talk about how Nash is complaining after the game. He said: i give Spurs credit, they played great, but we will never know if game 5 would make a difference! And he's right. You can keep repeating to yourself and others how you deserved to win, but that is only because deep down you too realize that the outcome could have been different. The only reason Nash talking about it after the game bothers you is, because you know it's true and you want to forget the way you got this series. And Nash has more class than your entire organization. Just because you say nice things after the game does not mean you're a classy team.

by Whaat on May 19, 2007 9:34 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reply to I AM

If you're sick and tired of the Spurs fans coming here, you should filter your site a little better than you do. As far as whining goes, YOU and YOUR FANS win the Oscar on that one. You are continuing on the Nash whining--"Game 5"--get over it--it's OVER and done with. But, if you continue to whine you will ruin your entire next season. The Suns are a good team--not a GREAT team--but the second best in the NBA--no doubt about that. A GREAT team would have risen out of their supposed adversity. A good team plays great (at times), which you Suns did. You have nothing to be ashamed of--Even Stoudamire realizes WHY he came off that bench--he never whined about the suspension. IF you want to become a great team, your fans will back you--and that does NOT mean throwing stuff from the "peanut galley" onto the court. It's too bad it happened, especially on national TV. Shows the kind of people some of you are. Classy is the Spurs. Admit it--Nash flopped. Was he fouled? Yes.--what is dirty? No. He flopped trying to inspire his team (which NEEDED inspiration). GREAT teams don't need that type of play to inspire them. I think Nash (who I use to have the ultimate respect for) is desperate for a ring--tried everything in the book (except scoring in game 6) to win one. Funniest thing--the hit he put on Parker was twice as hard as the bump Horry gave him and Nash never went down. My, my my. Nash is going to have to do a lot of soul searching this off-season. He is a damn good player--he just needs to step up and be a GREAT player. Although it pains me to compliment Mark Cuban, he did the right thing in getting rid of Nash. Now, go forth young man, teach your fans how to be HUMANS, instead of animals; teach your team how to be classy, not whiners; teach your coach how to quit finding things to blame the losses on; and have a better season next year.

by GoSpursGo on May 19, 2007 9:58 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Better team?

What a joke! The Suns outplayed the Spurs major part of the series. The Spurs retaliated by trying to injure key players on the Suns team.

We will never know which team really was the better in this series because of the unfair suspension of two key Suns in game 5. In all probability the Suns would have won the home game, lost to SA on the road (as they did last night) and game 7 would have decided which team was the better team. It would have been the Suns' home court advantage vs. the Spurs experience. The question of 'better team' will forever be buried.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

not related to previous spurs fan...

though i am one. kind of a recent addition, to basketball in general, so i can't speak too knowledgably about any of this. but here's what i have learned and do know:

> what it takes to get to any playoff, never mind which game in
> the score of last night's game
> and how to surf for more info.

winning is terrific, pride in one's game is better. and from what i can tell, the suns played a great game.

i'm glad the spurs won, i'm happier they had great competitors.

by NuBAfan on May 19, 2007 8:47 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Spurs fan

For once, a sensible post by a Spurs fan. Thanks.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 10:47 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

NuBAfan

My response was directed to you for the good post, and to the other Spurs fans who take delight in coming here to rub salt in our wounds.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 4:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

understood, yw and...

i meant what i said. as for salt-rubbing, it's not that i'm above that, i just saw no reason for it.

but as for us coming to your site, remember, there are two ends to the court! come on over when you want. fair is fair.

by NuBAfan on May 19, 2007 9:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

D'Antoni

I think that Mike D'Antonio got outcoached this series. I mean Suns were the hottest team in the league as usual, but when it came to this series I felt that he should have went with the starting line up that got him to this point. The Suns are too fast for the Spurs. The high pick and roll killed us all the time. If a certain play works all the time why not run it until it gets stopped. But for some reason D'Antoni went away from that, why? And in Game 5 he knew his team was gonna be shortbenched and gased so why didnt he play Jalen Rose? I dont know? So is Marion a free agent this year? Is he gonna be another Joe Johnson? Well another off season full of wonders. Well Good Luck & Happy Fishin'. GO SPURS GO

by SpursFan on May 19, 2007 9:27 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I think you're right

He didn't realize that Pock-a-vich was going to send in the bruisers to take out players. D'Antoni should have realized the Spurs were getting old and needed to cheat to win. The only way D'Antoni got outcoached was by not playing dirty like Pock-a-vich did. Other than that, he did awesome.

Why don't you Spurs fans go gloat somewhere else? Especially since you didn't show up anywhere on the net until the Spurs actually got into the playoffs...typical fair-weather fans...

by Dan on May 19, 2007 9:51 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

We're still here

We showed up here when we started playing the Suns. Before that, we were on our own blogs. No reason to interrupt you guys. But, we did win, so now we'll gloat. You can cry all you want, it won't help. And unless you shut the site down, you can't stop Spurs fans from using your site. Don't worry, it'll only last a day or two more. Then on to the Jazz sites.

by GoSpursGo on May 19, 2007 10:00 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't stop it

But you just prove our point...classless individuals supporting a classless team. So go ahead and post all you want. It just leaves a lasting memory of what type of individuals you are. For me, it's more fun celebrating with fellow fans rather than gloating. Seems like you only gloat when your team is so boring there is nothing you can talk about them.

So go ahead. Prove my point. Post on here all you want.

by Dan on May 19, 2007 10:25 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

'splain please?

how can a team be both dirty and boring?
this is a serious question. i really don't understand.

for instance, wayne gretsky (sp?) was a class hockey player, yet i would hear from bruins fans (i'm in the no'east) how boring he was hence made his team boring. but i enjoyed watching him play.
in the past, the few times i did watch NBA, i enjoyed barkley but then i would hear about how overly aggressive/dirty/or whatever he was hence making his team aggie/dirty/etc.

forget the different venues, they certainly didn't play in the same styles. so how can the spurs be both dirty AND boring?

by NuBAfan on May 19, 2007 11:10 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boring

If boring wins championships, maybe the Suns should be boring and they might even get to the Finals one time.

by SpursFan on May 19, 2007 11:43 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

A bit o' history

The Suns HAVE made the finals, TWICE....but I'm sure you only draw vague memories from the latter (1992-93, Suns-Bulls).

The other one, which your ABA-merging-team wasn't part of, was the '76 Finals (Suns-Celtics).

Suns got busted on one call: the Celtics attempted to call a timeout...signaled or it, screamed for it....when there were none left.

Being Boston Garden, the land of (back then) the most corrupt reffing in all the NBA...purposely IGNORED...the timeout signal.

Calling an illegal timeout (i.e. none left) results in a technical foul and free throw.

At that point in history, I'm not certain, but I think they gave the ball to the team shooting the T...not the transgressors.

---
Anyways, quit pretending you have any clue about the NBA or its history and glue your dick to Duncan's three-ringed hand, and pray they don't win a fourth title...he just might decide to wear his fourth by piercing something.

flim springfield

by DrStrom on May 21, 2007 4:50 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I have been critical of Dantoni throughout the season for not playing the bench more. Any good manager (in the case a coach) knows that a key employee could be lost, and prepares by training someone else to fill in, before the calamity happens.

Dantoni did not do it during the season. In the playoffs the bench players were not ready to fill in. Still, he could have tried Rose, Pike, even Banks at some point. Dantoni is afraid of making any changes and has no confidence in the players he signed. The Suns have paid for his mistakes dearly.

I despise Popovich for his use of unfair tactics, but he is a better coach. His team is always ready to perform better in Q3. He makes adjustments during the game and he uses all the resources he has. That is why the Spurs have had more success.

Dantoni stubbornly sticks to his ways no matter what. He will have to make some changes in his management of the team if the Suns are to win a title in the near future.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 10:52 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

go warriors

Well now that the suns and warriors are out of the finals there isent anypoint watching the playoffs anymore. Spurs are boring and dirty, Pistons are ok but not that fun to watch, and im mad at the Jazz right not but they ok. i guess i just want LeBron to score 70 and 20 assists 4000 rebounds that would be tight.

by gabecruz on May 19, 2007 10:29 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Never liked the Jazz, but...............

I hope there is justice in the Universe. I hope the Jazz will eliminate the Spurs in the WCF. Detroit may even win the title if the Jazz is in the NBA finals.

What an excellent recovery by Jerry Sloan's team. Toward the end of the season I did not think the Jazz had any chance of going beyond round 2.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 10:53 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

All Suns Fans should boycott the NBA playoffs

How many times did Bowen hack Nash last night?? Aren't slaps to the hands and arms fouls?? Now, I know how the Kings fans felt a few years back after those old men zebras robbed them in the conference finals against L.A.

The Suns are a better basketball team than the Spurs. However, the refs and that midget bastard Stern made it impossible for them to prove it on the court. Neither Amare nor Diaw took part in the altercation between that hoodlum Whorey and Bell-Nash. The coaches pushed them both back to the bench. So, why were they suspended????

The Suns are one of the few teams that acutally plays basketball these days. Shoot, drive, pass, and play real defense, instead of constantly holding the opposing player. When will the refs realize that people want to actually see professional basketball skills displayed, into a hackfest reminiscent of a local YMCA hoops fest?

I'm done with the NBA for the rest of the post season. I encourage all other Suns fans to similarly hit stern where it counts--no, not like Bowen did to Nash, since the Napoleanic Stern is a eunuch--but, in his ratings and pocketbook. Evidently, the League wanted to see another wrestling match between the Pistons and Spurs in the Finals.

Nash and Amare!!

by TNSunsFan on May 19, 2007 11:15 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

No NBA rest of the season

I will not be watching the remaining playoff games this season.

I am already looking forward to the Suns next season, but they deserve some rest and time with their families.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 4:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Off-season

Well, since the time is now, we should probably start talking about the off-season. Draft aside, I think we all know Marion is likely gone. The question is what can we get for him? If we're trading and looking to slash money that means we have to trade with a team under the cap, preferably way under the cap, who can eat up a higher salary. That means our prospective teams are:

Memphis, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Milwaukee, New Jersey, Orlando, Washington, and Toronto.

On this list, you can almost certainly scratch off:

Chicago-they have too many young players that need to get paid for them to take on Marion

Toronto- they're scarcely under the cap and have nothing we'd want that they'd give

Orlando - plenty of space but a) they only have Dwight howard and b) they may just blow all that space on Vince Carter. They could be useful in a three way if they don't buy VC.

This leaves us with: Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis, Milwaukee, Washington, and New Jersey. Let's look at them:

Atlanta - Some solid options here. A couple of good SFs. A Marvin Williams/Josh Smith + Lorenzen Wright for Marion deal sounds fine to me. I doubt they'd give us any more future picks, however, which is a negative. If their '07 pick does turn out to be the third, I'd bet we could get that from them in addition, if we gave up our later picks. Of course, I think only a fool would give up a top 2 pick.

Charlotte - Sign and Trade! Gerald Wallace has a player option at 6M and no way he's settling for that. If Charlotte can sign him for 10-12M the Suns could grab him for a 4-6M dollar loss. I believe we could also get them to take away Banks' contract if we give up a first rounder. We might be able to get Herrman in return. Marion/Banks 24th pick for Wallace and Herrman. Hell yes. I'm in love with Gerald Wallace.

Memphis- They've got all the space, but not a lot to offer. We could trade Gasol for Marion straight up, but I'm not sure why we'd do that. Maybe Marion and Banks + 24 and second round pick for Gasol. But then I don't really know how Gasol would fit in. If we end up with the #4 pick and they're at #2, I don't think its out of the question that we could offer Marion, the #4 and #24 and #29 for the #2 i.e. Kevin Durant. I'd do that in a heartbeat, and Memphis needs a lot of players so maybe they would too. If nothing else they could be a useful threeway trade partner with all that space.

Milwaukee - lots of space if they don't sign Mo Williams. Still some if they do. Only: what would we want? Bogut? Too slow and we'd have to give up Marion and picks. They're likely just a three way partner.

Washington - If Antawn moves on, unlikely, then they can deal with us. I'd seriously consider a trade for Caron Butler. But I think Antawn is staying put. Who else will pay him 16M?

New Jersey - I assume Vince is leaving, which means they'll have space and Richard Jefferson might be available. That's a 4M cut for a great player. I'd take it.

The Suns could also trade straight up to any team, under the cap or not, so long as they get back 13.2M in return. That's only 3.2M cut, so we'd need another trade to get under the LT, but there are a couple of intriguing options.

Marion for Kirilenko - This was way more likely a month ago when Kirilenko looked entirely out of place in Utah. Now he looks a bit more comfy. Still it's worth taking a look at. A 2.9M dollar cap cut for one of the top three defenders in the NBA. Yes, yes, yes.
Marion, Banks, #24 and #29 for Rashard Lewis and Chris Wilcox. I'd take this any day if the Sonics would do it. Likely though we'd have to send Marion, JJ and 24 and 29. I'd still do it.

by rosewood on May 19, 2007 11:37 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

What about a trade of

the Hawks draft pick (if they aren't in the top 3) and Marion for a #1 or #2 draft pick? Would anyone do that?

by Dan on May 19, 2007 12:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oden for Marion and Horford?

I just can't see any team giving up Oden or Durant for that. I mean, these are Lebron level players, both in talent and fame. So if a team is going to trade a chance at them, they'll have a lot to explain to their fans. I think it will take at least three or four players i.e. Marion and all three picks or Marion, Barbosa and the #4. At which point, we'd have to take a player back b/c I don't think any team can eat that much salary (22M). Something like, if Memphis has the No.1 for instance: Marion, Barbosa, and the #4 for the #1 and Stromile Swift.

Personally, I'd take that trade in heartbeat (and I think memphis would too). I get goosebumps just thinking about Oden and Amare together. Plus, with the size we'd get with Swift, we'd have a frontline of Swift, Amare, Oden, and KT. That's just intimidating. Think of our starting lineup: Nash, Bell, Jones, Oden, Amare. KT, Swift, Diaw, and whomever we pick up at 24 and 29 (or combine them to get one pick i.e. #20 [Javaris Crittenton!]) coming off the bench. Sweet jesus. We'd be the Detroit of the West.

Plus, I don't think it's impossible that we could trade Diaw for a more perimeter oriented player, as long as we find a team that's weak in middle. I would love a Diaw + 24 + 29 for Corey Maggette or Diaw + 24 +29 for Caron Butler but I don't think those deals are happening. A more realistic scenario would be: a sign and trade for Morris Peterson, bringing QRich back from NY, Ricky Davis from Min (yikes) or some kind of combo deal to get Maurice Evans (whom I love).

But just to dream here are my two dream, but possible, rotations for next year:

Starting: Amare, Gerald Wallace, Bell, James Jones, and Nash. Bench: Diaw, Horford, Barbosa, KT. (difficult but possible)
Starting: Amare, Oden, Bell, Nash and Morris Peterson. Bench: Swift, KT, Alando Tucker (#29) and James Jones.

Of course, I'd love Maggette over Peterson in scenario two but well, even my dreams won't believe that.

by rosewood on May 19, 2007 5:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great ideas and specifics!

I agree that Marion will likely go. I wouldn't forget Diaw on the trade mix/bait as well.

I like the idea of Gerald Wallace the best. Gasol, I don't think fits on this team at all and while AK47 has some talent, the last thing we need is another soft Euro w/ bad hair.

The Sonics deal would be great too but I doubt they would do it...The ATL might be a possibility too.

I was also going through the draft predictions was was wondering if there wouldn't be some way to get our hands on Durant. We won't know until the lottery of course but we clearly don't need/want 3 1st round picks and a package of Marion and/or Diaw and lower picks to either of the top two teams might just work. The Celtics in the #2 spot for example have enough young players that they may give that up for more proven vets.

Interesting stuff. Can't wait.

by Phoenix Stan on May 19, 2007 12:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Durant

I would go all out to get him. I would not trade Nash or STAT for him, but all other Suns and draft picks can be used in different combinations to get Durant.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 4:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Marion

It's going to be tough to trade him. He's very expensive and won't have outstanding numbers with a lot of other teams. Also, he can still be a huge part of next year's run. He's extremely good as what he does and most concern is over his contract, but, again, that goes both ways if he stays or goes.

Diaw's not "trade bait" -- he simply has to go. But, who would want him at that price tag? Same with Marcus Clanks.

The lesson to be learned from this series is that we can have a defensive-oriented big man in the middle and still run and score. It's been said before, someone needs to get the rebounds in order to run. If memory serves, Thomas has got a player option on his contract this year. I'm concerned about his age, but if he stays he'll give a good 20 to 25 minutes a game.

The other lesson here is not to worry so much about the regular season. The year that the Red Wings won 60 games, they went out in the first round. The next year Scotty Bowman used the regular season to experiment with lineups, got the fifth seed, and won the Stanley Cup. Hopefully, D'Antoni takes a page out of that book.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on May 20, 2007 11:18 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well Said

EXCELLENT comment. I changed my opinion of Stoudamire, lost the tremendous respect I had for Nash, after the comments by those two. Nash usually is a class act, but not now--Stoudamire was a jerk earlier, but he had classy remarks to say after the game. He'll probably be the only Sun that can move on past this and improve next year. I agree--we'll take him as a "classless, hooligan Spur."

by GoSpursGo on May 19, 2007 12:35 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Karma is so funny...!

The Suns lost... how sweet it is. Looking at the team in the final seconds having to come to terms with the season about to officially be over was worth millions. And don't give the Suns or the Spurs any credit to shaking hands after the series, that's just going to happen, they still hate each other. The dirty suns just got a taste of they're own medicine. Such hypocrites, whining babies, and some dumb players. If you are going to leave the bench when you know you shouldn't you deserve to sit out a game, which is the rule. I hope the loss took a dump on your weekend. The fans deserve it, they are just as bad as the team. When you cheer for a player falling to an injury you show no class nor respect for the game. The suns will never make it to the finals because they lack that respect, they believe they are above it. Sorry to say, but you guys haven't made it to the finals with this team and never will. Eye's on the prize... ha more like eye's on the pool, they got a long summer ahead of them.

by Nashisamuppet on May 19, 2007 8:49 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Karma

Muppet, you have just created a certain Karma for yourself. I don't think that will affect your team- you are just a tiny insect. However, the Spurs Karma will come back to them some day. Your silly posts just go to show what Dan said- you are a classless fan of a classless team.

by Vash01 on May 19, 2007 10:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Spurs are as bad as the Suns

Listen 'pal', this is PURPLE and GOLD blood. Our team might of been bumped out in the first round, but I saw game in and game out and even before the series what your team was capable of, which is dirty play. Moving picks, on such a consistent basis it is ludicrous to even deny such acts (dirty play does not only consist of a very physical foul/act, but should also encompass breaking of the rules, which means the screener should not move, nor rotate his body while in the act of contact with opposed player) this is seen time and time again, you of all people should now know that the refs might see something, but choose not to call it. Call it what you want, it happens and it is not right, the suns in essence are cheating the system and the game of Basketball, they take advantage in a negative aspect. You should not carry this with a badge of honor, because that is a game of cowards, those who cannot play without breaking said rules.

Bell's clothesline to Kobe during game 5 in Phx... that was by far much, much worse than what Robert Horry laid out on Nash. Intent to harm an individual, that can only be one of the most unsportsmanlike acts that can be conducted in the game of Basketball. For a one game suspension and an attack such as that was a gross misconduct, because let's face the facts, he wrapped his entire arm around his neck and slammed him down to the ground. Don't be so blind, and quick to forget these images.

Nash kicking Kobe in the groin during game 4 in the first half. If you don't have Tivo or a DVR, you could only see so much as to what occurred. I was capable of replaying the play a number of times, and also in slow motion. The obvious play was Nash delivering a deliberate kick to the groin. You could obviously see that as he was in the air, he already had carried most of his momentum after the jump, there is no physical need to maintain such balance nor air time with a swift kick as you knowingly reach the opposing player coming in for a block ('dirty' players used this years ago, also a variation of that move can be associated with Reggie Miller and his infamous kick to the opposing player as he takes his jump shot). This kick happened right when he reached Kobe, and you can notice that there was some good force within that kick, and as you all know, Steve Nash is also known for his soccer skills. I wouldn't be surprised if he had the ability and wherewithal to do such a dastardly act and knowingly deceiving the officials.

:07 or less... yeah what a book! I must say, when you have a team that was in the 7 seed against a team in the 2 seed giving you a run for your money all the way to a game 7 and you still attempt to insult and mock that team, it shows the true colors of the establishment and the players themselves. Yeah, and one thing, I have no respect for those who show no respect and what they did was beyond disrespect, but a pussies way of trying to be a man for they're shortcomings in the playoffs last year against Dallas.

But, no I don't think the team is dirty... Maybe despicable would suit them better... one thing, I hope you understand this, but you guy's still haven't one a title with this team. Now you have had one of the best teams with some actual talent compared to most of the league in the last few years, what I'm getting to is that your team has just lost its window of opportunity... or will so shortly. You keep blowing it in the playoffs, and it's going to leave you with nothing in the end, and you know why you keep losing in the playoffs... you just don't want to admit it.

by Nashisamuppet on May 19, 2007 11:54 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

this is gonna keep me up

"nashisamuppet"...

but WHICH muppet would he be?

any ideas?

P.S. eat my cornhole in a way that's exactly not like Euler's number, bitch.

That's fancy book learnin' for saying "nashisamuppet, go fuck yourself".

P.P.S. Fozzy Bear? nooo....not him, Nash ain't him.

P.P.P.S. but I'm pretty DAMN SURE that Tim Duncan is the "quasi-Beaker: wide eyes, long head..but in contradiction with helping, he just meep meep meeps every time he doesn't get his way.

flim springfield

by DrStrom on May 21, 2007 5:07 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs