Simmons on the Suns

fordronken · April 22nd, 2003, 12:50 PM

All I can say is "

"

http://espn.go.com/page2/s/simmons/030422.html

9. Phoenix (voted off by San Antonio, 4-3)
And this prediction comes from a guy who wagered on the Suns to win the series in six (at 15-to-1 odds, no less). Every San Antonio weakness -- difficulties defending quality point guards, below-average small forwards, trouble getting Duncan good shots if the other team has size -- are strengths for the Suns. If the stars align going into Game 6, and they head back to Phoenix with a 3-2 lead, I honestly believe they could finish off the Spurs. That's why I backed them. I think they're one of five teams who could win the title this year ... and no, I'm not kidding.

Will it happen? This is the only Round One series that looks like it could go seven games, and we all know that the NBA would never let eight playoff series unfold without at least one of them going seven, even if they have to assign Dick Bavetta to six games in 48 hours to make it happen. And I can't shake the feeling that these Suns are a year away -- this is one of those "get-your-feet-wet" series, like the Kings against the Jazz in '98. So I'll go with the Spurs here. Even if it kills me.

Regardless of what happens, the Suns were directly involved with two of the three most important developments of the season (the other being Yao, of course):

Stephon Marbury
Stephon Marbury's running 3-pointer won Game 1 for the eighth-seeded Suns.

# Stephon Marbury evolving into a viable MVP candidate. Not since Isiah has a point guard been so destructive off the dribble; he's basically doing whatever the hell he wants. Someday, we might remember that Kidd-Marbury trade as the most important trade of the decade. Seriously. And just for the record, I had him right behind Duncan, KG, McGrady and Kobe on my MVP ballot, even though I don't have a ballot (just play along). Remember when we were arguing about The Next Great Point Guard and comparing Andre Miller and Baron Davis? Those guys aren't even in the same ballpark as Marbury. Just an astounding turn of events.

(And what about the parallels between Marbury and Chris Webber, two young studs who were supposed to become superstars, struggled, changed teams not once but twice, seemed unredeemable, and just when we gave up on them, they put everything together in their seventh season? You gotta love the NBA sometimes.)

# A few months ago, Bob Ryan compared Amare Stoudemire to Roy Tarpley and Moses Malone. Rare company. And I agree. Maybe I would throw in a little Shawn Kemp as well, because of the way he dunks on people, but the message remains the same: Stoudemire is the most important forward to enter the league in five years. When he's feeling it, he overpowers you, the same way Shaq does and the same way Moses did back in the day. He's a force of nature.

What does this all mean? Well, the Suns suddenly have the best under-30 point guard, the best under-25 forward not named "Dirk," and one of the best small forwards in the league. Put it this way: They aren't going anywhere for awhile. Just what we needed, another powerhouse in the West.

cheesebeef · April 22nd, 2003, 01:03 PM

one of the best articles I have ever read - I agree we are like the Scaramento team back when they first started to charge - but what will end up separating us from them is this - They have one guy who wants the lost shot - Bibby - we have Steph and Amare (who ain't no ***** like that Beeyatch C-Webb is come palyoff time) - two years and this team wins the title - my prediction

fordronken · April 22nd, 2003, 01:12 PM

Does anyone realize that as soon as next year, Shawn Marion, a potential 20 and 10 guy will be our third option? Stoudemire, in my opinion, has every chance to become a top tier, franchise player. Add in a point guard who can score whenever he wants, dish like anybody else in the league, clamp down on defense, then throw in an all-star small forward who can score 25 points and grab 13 rebounds without anyone ever consciously trying to get him the ball. I love this team.

King A · April 22nd, 2003, 04:12 PM

is this like the most talented suns team ever????

or was there a compareable team back in the days?

jbeecham · April 22nd, 2003, 04:14 PM

And don't forget 2 SG's in Penny & JJ who can go off for 15+ pts any night.

cheesebeef · April 22nd, 2003, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by King A
is this like the most talented suns team ever????

or was there a compareable team back in the days?

Are you kidding me? You must not be a Suns fan very long - Barkley (MVP), KJ, Majerle, Dumas, Ceballos, Ainge, Tom Chambers, Oliver Miller, Mark West (1993)
KJ, Hornacek, Majerle, Chambers (avg. 27/per), Mark West, EJ(off the bench), Ty Corbin, Mark West (1988)
Kidd, Chapman, KJ, Nash, McDyess, Robinson, Manning (1998)

To name a few in the modern era (or since I started watching - circa 1988)

Don't get me wrong, I like the pieces we are putting together, but most talented ever- not yet - not by a long shot.

Joe Mama · April 22nd, 2003, 05:48 PM

Boy, that article really puts a smile on the face of this Phoenix Suns fan. There's at least one national sports writer who likes Marbury.

I do agree that the Phoenix Suns could win the title this year if all the stars fell into alignment. However I would never say it to a national audience without expecting to be laughed at. And I understand that.

It's exciting to see the Suns getting some national attention like this. I just hope they can at least stretch this series out, so all of the attention isn't gone in a few days.

Joe Mama

King A · April 23rd, 2003, 01:30 AM

no, i knew these teams. i mean i didn't got to watch them since i'm 21 and in germany, so i was quite satisfied when the tv repeated the '93 finals during the lockout and i got to tape them.

but what i meant was like: the most talented team from an "give 'em time and all will be rocking the nba hard"-perspective. like that there's so many talent that needs time to get out, but when, this could be the best suns team ever

BEERZ · April 23rd, 2003, 11:20 AM

I would argue that this team "COULD" be the best the suns have had...

The 93 team was damn good, that one will be tuff to beat...

I didnt know Chambers played with Sir Charles...?

But, when the young guyz on this team hit their prime, watch out...

We dont only have the big 3 in Steph, Amare, and Matrix. But Joe Johnson is only 20 years old, a lottery pick, that seems to be extremely talented... He is our future SG, he can score, dribble, pass, and shoot. The guy plays defense, is tall, and can play PG, SG, as well as SF...

He is a natural SG, but I would love to use him to back up Marion and Steph in the furure...

Ok the best team..? Not yet, but get me Ben Wallace with the other four guys I mentioned and then well talk

Joe Mama · April 23rd, 2003, 11:56 AM

I just went back and read this entire article. I might not agree with some of the minor specifics, but overall I couldn't find one meaningful part of it that I disagreed with.

Joe Mama

cheesebeef · April 23rd, 2003, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by King A
no, i knew these teams. i mean i didn't got to watch them since i'm 21 and in germany, so i was quite satisfied when the tv repeated the '93 finals during the lockout and i got to tape them.

but what i meant was like: the most talented team from an "give 'em time and all will be rocking the nba hard"-perspective. like that there's so many talent that needs time to get out, but when, this could be the best suns team ever

Oh I agree - this not only could be the best Suns and most talented Suns team ever . . . IT WILL BE. It's just not at that level yet.

AZ4Life · April 23rd, 2003, 09:05 PM

Wow - just think if we had a consistent, strong center in the starting 5 like Theo Ratliff or Mutombo clogging the lanes - how scary would this team be then??!!

Too bad some players' contracts (emphasis on Gugliota) won't make it happen.

Starting Five
PG - Starbury
SG - JJ/Penny
SF - Matrix
PG - Studamire
C - Voskhul/Big Jake

thegrahamcrackr · April 23rd, 2003, 10:22 PM

u just call mutumbo and ratliff consistant strong centers???

how many games has ratliff missed in the past 3 years?? what about mutumbo this year? he might have been good, but I mean 85 year olds arent really consistant. Watch a NJ game and you will regret saying you ever wanted him.

AZ4Life · April 24th, 2003, 12:59 PM

graham - i listed those two centers because those were the first two that popped into my head. i don't really watch any basketball other than the suns and as of now, the lakers/wolves series (to see what kind of a matchup the suns will go against next round

)
I know these guys have been plagued by injuries, especially Mutombo but they have the bulk and height that we desperately are missing at the center position. What are some decent Centers that are going to be FAs this coming offseason? Any chance we could acquire any of them...

thegrahamcrackr · April 24th, 2003, 01:38 PM

brad miller is the only decent FA...but we wont be able to sign him. Jake should do just fine if he gets the PT, especially if we can rotate our more athletic players in for a faster tempo. Ratliff missed probably like 80% of the games since he was injured back when he played for Philly.