The Future Is Still "Bright"

[KingLouieLouie]

Guys/gals:

As most of you know....I grew-up in the Detroit suburbs as a Pistons fan, but once I moved out here 3-years ago I gradually began following/rooting for the Suns and then w/in the past 2 years I have since completely switched all my loyalties/interest into the Suns... In fact... I didnt watch one mere second of last year's Pistons championship season (except when the Suns were playing against them)....

Anyways... I understand some still believe that the Suns can defy the odds and still manage to win this series.... Lord... I wish I was just that optimistic.... I usually dont lose faith in this team.. Absolutely never.... But (in Bill Walton's Master of the obvious voice)...it will take a miracle for the Suns to overcome this 0-2 deficit.......

Although.. in "light" of this adversity...I still contend that the Suns future is bright.....

Last year... I posted this on another thread about the Pistons gradual process it took them to finally win the elusive trophy:

http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showpost.php?p=287966&postcount=20

The Pistons began building the foundation when they drafted Isiah in '81 and w/in a couple of years they acquired
Vinnie Johnson and Laimbeer in separate trades....Then, they struck gold when they drafted Dumars, Rodman, and Salley circa '85 & '86.....

They then acquired the likes of Rick Mahorn, James Edwards, and Mark Aguirre through other trades that eventually lead them to those back-2-back championships....

Thats the idea formula to assemble a team right there and having Chuck Daily as their headcoach didnt hurt whatsoever...

Then I followed that up with this post:

http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showpost.php?p=288026&postcount=27

No problem...I followed the Pistons during those years.... It was interesting to see how everything unfolded.... They advanced into the play-offs in '84 and lost to the Knicks in the 1st round (if I remember the details correctly)...During that period, besides
Isiah, Laimbeer, and Johnson they had Kelly Tripucka, Kent Benson, John Long, and a few other core veterans on their squad, but they couldnt get over the hump....

As I mentioned earlier, they draft Dumars, Rodman, and Salley circa '85 and '86 and within a year theyre in the Eastern Conference Finals, but lose both times to the Celtics (including that infamous inbounds Isiah pass that got intercepted by Bird as time was winding down).....

The Pistons then finally got past the Celtics in '88 (I despise the Celtics, but thought it was very classy of McHale to shake hands and offer his congrats to the Pistons after the deciding game and wishing them the best against the Lakers)....The Pistons should have won the Finals in '88, but Rodman had a meltdown in Game 6 and then the Pistons ultimately lost Game 7.... But once they added Aguirre, that made a tremendous difference... Of course we all know how they won back-2-back against the Lakers and Trailblazers respectively...

Similar to how it took awhile for the Pistons to shake off the Celtics, it took the Bulls several years to pass the Pistons and the rest is obviously history....

I was posting the following in response to ASUCHRIS's message, but accidentally closed the window...

The reason why the NBA has gone downhill is the salary/luxury cap BS...

Has it really enabed true competitive balance? No...Since the same teams keep on winning w/out any subtractions in the process..... That afforded teams like the Pistons, Bulls, and others to remain patient in establishing a nucleus and gradually building on it.....

What I posed on another thread is something that should be pondered further....

Was last season a complete aberration? Did they peak too soon?

They have a potential of a decent nucleus with Marion, Amare, JJ, Lampe, Barbosa, Zarko, and Vujanik....

Where does CJ and Jake factor in? As I've been saying for awhile now, I wouldnt be shocked if Jake is traded before the start of next season (packaged with someone) since he does have some redeemable value and probably wont get much playing time next season.....

CJ will always be just a "role-player" who shouldnt have been selected in the middle 1st round.... With Vujanic on the squad next season (and perhaps a FA guard), how will CJ get any
minutes?

And back to the Pistons again....Isiah was the only true "super-star" player they had....You need complimentary players who could give a team depth.... So, yes...acquiring just Kobe (as we discussed on another thread) wouldnt automatically put them into play-off contention.... I'd rather sign 2-3 mid-tier level players than vest so much into just one elite caliber player..

The Suns just need a direction and must settle on it.. I think last year really delusioned everyone.....

Well... I posted that on 02/19/04... So please disregard the CJ and Lampe comments since of course that was obviously a year prior to them both being in the JJAX trade package....

I know it's not a consolation to most since the Suns came so close this season (yeah... I am hesitant in "writing them off"... believe me its very painful for me to do so)...... However..... this team entering the season was the NBAs youngest team without really a "true bench".... Like the Pistons.. they added some depth (IE JJax) to go along with the nucleus that they drafted... They also made some other shrewd FA signings and other trades similar to what the Piston did..... But.. the Suns now have a lot more upside than the Pistons did then... A lot more of a younger team poised to gain even more chemistry...In team that has a few players that are still "works in progress"....

Amare always improves one facet of his game every off-season.. I am certain that he'll definitely emphasize defense this time around and will make considerable improvement....

Q will stop pressing... I feel that he's been trying to force himself too much at times to "live up" to such a lucractive contract that he has.... He'll be more focused next season...

JJ will indeed be returning and of course will be back to full strength....

The Suns will add one piece to the puzzle by either signing or drafting (or if Vujanic recovers in time.. highly doubtful) a quality PG to speel Nash.. which will obviously improve his game.....

Marion..I just dont know... is it that also playing in the Olympics during the Summer even made him more fatigued? Or is it mental because he's allowing the media and the "lack of respect" he proclaims to get the best of him.. I just cant fathom why his level has dropped-off... Perhaps I should give Bowen some credit where its due....

It's just right now the Spurs are at the level where the Celtics were of the mid-late 80s, but soon the Pistons knocked them off.... Then... the Bulls a few years later managed to overcome the hurdle and surpass the Pistons....

I just envision the Suns doing that w/in the next year or 2.... Again.. with a team that possesses so much talent, upside, and will have even more chemistry and will eventually add the necessary components/pieces to go "over the top" and also will gain more league wide (IE officials) respect.. THE FUTURE IS STILL BRIGHT.....

 

[jibikao]

Marion's problem is not his offense. He wasn't even that involved to begin with.

It's Marion's defense on Manu that killed us. Maybe Manu is THAT good. I don't think any Suns can guard him at all. JJ can't and not Marion.


But we can afford Manu to score IF we can stop Spurs from grabbing those offensive rebounds. Now, that's an idea!

Or foul Parker hard when he comes in. Oh wait, we don't foul...

 

[cly2tw]

Marion's problem is not his offense. He wasn't even that involved to begin with.

It's Marion's defense on Manu that killed us. Maybe Manu is THAT good. I don't think any Suns can guard him at all. JJ can't and not Marion.


But we can afford Manu to score IF we can stop Spurs from grabbing those offensive rebounds. Now, that's an idea!

Or foul Parker hard when he comes in. Oh wait, we don't foul...

As good as Manu is, he often needs a screen to get it going. One thing we can try to do is to switch, from time to time. When Marion gets screened by Duncan, then he should switch to defend Duncan while Amare takes Manu over. The same thing against Parker instead of Manu. They scored a lot this way.

 

[jibikao]

As good as Manu is, he often needs a screen to get it going. One thing we can try to do is to switch, from time to time. When Marion gets screened by Duncan, then he should switch to defend Duncan while Amare takes Manu over. The same thing against Parker instead of Manu. They scored a lot this way.

IF Amare steps out...

But we are just not a very good defensive team to begin with. So for us to win, we need to score 130pt on over 70% shooting. That's our gameplan.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

It's just that we must also not overlook the fact that the Spurs are a 2 years removed from winning their last championship....They're "battled tested" and have learned to play with that 'killer instinct" that it takes to close out games...

The Suns can measure themselves up against the Spurs by gaining this valuable experience now and gauge what they must do in the offseason to overcome the Spurs....

Listen...perhaps it's too premature for me to post all of this... Again... I've been EXTREMELY passionate about the Suns all season long...Never whatsoever would "give-up" regardless of how high the odds were.... Its just that I have to somewhat draw the line and be a realist (and with IMMENSE reluctance)....

Oh..I wish/hope/pray the Suns can "prove" my doubts wrong...I've been willing to exchange even the 2 championship title runs I experienced (obviously as a "die-hard fan") with the Pistons for the Suns to finally taste the glory they've longed deserved...and WAY BEYOND overdue because the Suns are truly the CLASSIEST franchise in all of the NBA......

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

great thread. exactly what cheese and i have been saying since before the playoffs began. didn't expect to win it this year 'cuz it's our "first year." in saying that i mean it's the first year for this collection of players in this system. and they're young to boot. celts didn't win it initially. pistons had to get over celts. bulls had to get over pistons. then there was a void when the best team dismantled. well, for the past 5 years the lakers and spurs have been the championship teams. and the spurs are still at that caliber. so the spurs, in essence, are our hump. i agree that if we get jj and amare resigned that brian will find one or two more pieces that we need. role playing pieces. and they'll win a championship or three.

 

[jibikao]

great thread. exactly what cheese and i have been saying since before the playoffs began. didn't expect to win it this year 'cuz it's our "first year." in saying that i mean it's the first year for this collection of players in this system. and they're young to boot. celts didn't win it initially. pistons had to get over celts. bulls had to get over pistons. then there was a void when the best team dismantled. well, for the past 5 years the lakers and spurs have been the championship teams. and the spurs are still at that caliber. so the spurs, in essence, are our hump. i agree that if we get jj and amare resigned that brian will find one or two more pieces that we need. role playing pieces. and they'll win a championship or three.

This is too optimistic for me.

I may be the only guy that thinks THIS IS IT year for Suns. We may be good enough to get into playoffs but so far, we've only had JJ injured. What if one of the Big Three is injured in next year playoff run?

You can't be that optimistic about everything. If that's the case, how come Charles couldn't get a Ring? Is it because he had that "we'll do it next year" mentality?

We gotta go to Spurs and grab two Ws. That's the only way to prove Suns can win a championship, nothing else.

 

[Chaplin]

I may be the only guy that thinks THIS IS IT year for Suns.

You got THAT right.

 

[jibikao]

You got THAT right.

Don't rely too much on future. Rely what you have NOW.

 

[Chaplin]

Don't rely too much on future. Rely what you have NOW.

Come on. Right now is gravy. This team wasn't built for 2004-2005, it was built for 2005-2006 and beyond. It's awesome that they got this far, but nobody expected it, not even you I'd imagine. This WCF is as big a bonus you can get in the NBA.

 

[jibikao]

Come on. Right now is gravy. This team wasn't built for 2004-2005, it was built for 2005-2006 and beyond. It's awesome that they got this far, but nobody expected it, not even you I'd imagine. This WCF is as big a bonus you can get in the NBA.

I know I didn't expect this. But the team has made a committment to win it all this year. If that wasn't the case, they would they sign Jackson in the first place? Because they think they can push it to the end.

All I am saying is I don't like the mentality of "we'll do it next year". There won't be next year if you are not ready this year. And I hope Suns' players don't have that type of mentality as well after losing to Spurs twice now.

And I won't call it "gravy". If we get swept, I'll be super pissed. We had the #1 record and we need to play like one. I am sure other NBA fans won't think "oh, Suns is just enjoying the gravy". They'll trash us to no end if we get swept (with JJ or without).

My intention to follow Suns' this year is to follow the small-ball, fast-ball philosophy. Nash is the best choice in this type of game. I am not going to root for defense-oriented team 'cause I like to root against the norm. That's how I enjoy my life. Call me weird or not. Mavs already failed that task and now Suns is a SUPERIOR version of 2002-2003 Mavs. I have much high expectation of them so obviously I won't call it "gravy". We HAVE it in us.

 

[Joe Mama]

I'll take this thread a step further. I don't even think it will be the end of the world if the Phoenix Suns don't re-sign JJ. Of course I think they will be much better with him. I think he is important. Whether he's with the team or not I don't see them winning 62 games next year. I doubt they will be as driven on a nightly basis during the regular season, and opponents will be better prepared for them. However I think they could be a better team. What's hurt them more than anything in this playoffs is a lack of quality depth. They don't have a lot of money to spend, but they do have a draft pick in the attraction of playing on a quality team.

That said, I would much rather they re-sign JJ and add to the group already in place.

Joe Mama

 

[Big D]

I too think the future is bright but you just never know when you are going to be able to get back to this point (Conf. Finals) In fact, when was the last time the Suns advanced this far? It's been over a decade. These opportunities can't be taken for granted no matter how bright the future may appear to be. They shouldn't just be happy to be there.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

jibikao:

I know you just began following the Suns because they signed Steve Nash as a FA and are/will always be partial to him (even blaming other players for his faults since you have "Nash Rose Colored Glasses on since to you he's completely "infallible"), so you essentially began following the Suns w/in this past year because of that and perhaps didn't know much about them up until when Nash signed here.....

They weren't build for merely this year whatsoever.......

What did they sacrifice for Jimmy Jackson? A career role-playing guard (CJ), a young center who even though it may be too premature to say this..a player who probably wont ever live up to his full-potential (Lampe), and just a physical-bruising center who happens to be a "dime of dozen" type of player (Vroman)......

You're comparing the '92-'93 era Suns to the present one saying how this team will never advance to this level again (or it will take a decade in order to do so).... This should put a lot into perspective:

Nash: 02/07/74 (at 31 he's improving with age)
Marion: 05/07/78 - (27)
Amare: 06/29/1981 (will be 24)
JJ: 06/29/1981 - (will be 24, and he'll be re-signed this offseason)
Q: 04/13/1980 (25)
Barbosa: 11/28/1982 (will be 23)

That's essentially the long-term nucleus of the Suns and for the most part are signed to extensive contracts.... Also... most of those players still have quite the upside (IE Amare and he'll also sign for a long-term contract once his rookie one expires).......

The remainder of the bench such as McCarty, Voskuhl, Outlaw, and Shirley, are pretty much obviously "non factors" (except Shirley's blogs)....

Also...If Hunter and Jimmy Jackson arent both re-signed during this offseason, they're both pretty much "replacable" through the draft or FA....So, I wouldnt necessarily deem this team as just "built for this year".....

You asked about '92-'93....I'll concede that I was still a "rabid die-hard" Pistons fan then, but did follow a lot of the NBA (especially the Suns since I was enamored with Cotton then and the late 80s - early 90s squads they had assembled)....I welcome/hope for those who followed the Suns during that period like I did the Pistons back then to correct me if I'm overlooking any details.....

'92-93 Suns:
Barkley (30)
Majerle (27)
KJ (27)
Dumas (24)
Ceballos (24)
Chambers (33)
Ainge (34)
Knight (26)
O. Miller (23)
West (23)
Frank Johnson (25)

I know I'm excluding Mustaf, Rambis, and Kempton...however.. they didnt factor in much to the Suns plans...Just served as "bodies" during that time....

Most of their key players at the time were 25-older and were either at their "peak" or in some cases even in their "decline".....

IIRC... the 2 players they were relying on "sustained" long-term success career's never materialized because of matters beyond the franchise's control... Dumas got suspended/banned from the NBA for his substance abuse charges and Oliver Miller could never "stay away from a buffet".....

I believe the other key players from that year contracts were expiring and the Suns opted not to extend them........

Compare to now.....
I know you openly "slam" Barbosa all the time... His game will even improve further this offseason because he'll be under Nash's "tutalage" moreso than ever before....

To reiterate what I said earlier.... Amare will improve his defensive game like he did his FT shooting (to elevate him even further).....

Marion won't be as fatigued (probably Amare is as well) from having an "extended season" because of having to withstand the "rigours" of Olympic competition and all the preperation that surrounds it......

Q will re-evaulate his game this offseason and realize that he must opt to drive inside first rather than settle for some ill-advised 3s.....

And Brian C. and co are in the process of discovering the "missing ingrediants" that the Suns need to address/fill those voids during the offseason and will during the draft and probably sign some mid-tier FA that will be of some benefit.....

For you to criticize those who believe (unfortunately Im among those) that we're all pessimist for deeming this season already being "over" for the Suns, but yet claim that the Suns will absolutely won't reach this level again w/in the near future is being pessimistic to the "highest degree"... Isn't that being VERY hypocritical, don't you think?

 

[jibikao]

jibikao:

I know you just began following the Suns because they signed Steve Nash as a FA and are/will always be partial to him (even blaming other players for his faults since you have "Nash Rose Colored Glasses on since to you he's completely "infallible"), so you essentially began following the Suns w/in this past year because of that and perhaps didn't know much about them up until when Nash signed here.....

They weren't build for merely this year whatsoever.......

What did they sacrifice for Jimmy Jackson? A career role-playing guard (CJ), a young center who even though it may be too premature to say this..a player who probably wont ever live up to his full-potential (Lampe), and just a physical-bruising center who happens to be a "dime of dozen" type of player (Vroman)......

You're comparing the '92-'93 era Suns to the present one saying how this team will never advance to this level again (or it will take a decade in order to do so).... This should put a lot into perspective:

Nash: 02/07/74 (at 31 he's improving with age)
Marion: 05/07/78 - (27)
Amare: 06/29/1981 (will be 24)
JJ: 06/29/1981 - (will be 24, and he'll be re-signed this offseason)
Q: 04/13/1980 (25)
Barbosa: 11/28/1982 (will be 23)

That's essentially the long-term nucleus of the Suns and for the most part are signed to extensive contracts.... Also... most of those players still have quite the upside (IE Amare and he'll also sign for a long-term contract once his rookie one expires).......

The remainder of the bench such as McCarty, Voskuhl, Outlaw, and Shirley, are pretty much obviously "non factors" (except Shirley's blogs)....

Also...If Hunter and Jimmy Jackson arent both re-signed during this offseason, they're both pretty much "replacable" through the draft or FA....So, I wouldnt necessarily deem this team as just "built for this year".....

You asked about '92-'93....I'll concede that I was still a "rabid die-hard" Pistons fan then, but did follow a lot of the NBA (especially the Suns since I was enamored with Cotton then and the late 80s - early 90s squads they had assembled)....I welcome/hope for those who followed the Suns during that period like I did the Pistons back then to correct me if I'm overlooking any details.....

'92-93 Suns:
Barkley (30)
Majerle (27)
KJ (27)
Dumas (24)
Ceballos (24)
Chambers (33)
Ainge (34)
Knight (26)
O. Miller (23)
West (23)
Frank Johnson (25)

I know I'm excluding Mustaf, Rambis, and Kempton...however.. they didnt factor in much to the Suns plans...Just served as "bodies" during that time....

Most of their key players at the time were 25-older and were either at their "peak" or in some cases even in their "decline".....

IIRC... the 2 players they were relying on "sustained" long-term success career's never materialized because of matters beyond the franchise's control... Dumas got suspended/banned from the NBA for his substance abuse charges and Oliver Miller could never "stay away from a buffet".....

I believe the other key players from that year contracts were expiring and the Suns opted not to extend them........

Compare to now.....
I know you openly "slam" Barbosa all the time... His game will even improve further this offseason because he'll be under Nash's "tutalage" moreso than ever before....

To reiterate what I said earlier.... Amare will improve his defensive game like he did his FT shooting (to elevate him even further).....

Marion won't be as fatigued (probably Amare is as well) from having an "extended season" because of having to withstand the "rigours" of Olympic competition and all the preperation that surrounds it......

Q will re-evaulate his game this offseason and realize that he must opt to drive inside first rather than settle for some ill-advised 3s.....

And Brian C. and co are in the process of discovering the "missing ingrediants" that the Suns need to address/fill those voids during the offseason and will during the draft and probably sign some mid-tier FA that will be of some benefit.....

For you to criticize those who believe (unfortunately Im among those) that we're all pessimist for deeming this season already being "over" for the Suns, but yet claim that the Suns will absolutely won't reach this level again w/in the near future is being pessimistic to the "highest degree"... Isn't that being VERY hypocritical, don't you think?

I am very angry over Game 2's loss. I really thought the team KNEW they have to take Game 2 but obviously the defense STILL collapses in 4h quarter. There was no improvement.


I did just follow Suns and I don't know how Barbosa is going to be. And I do hope Suns can get a better PG than him...


I followed Nash to here. He's already giving one of the best playoff performances from a PG. I dare say we won't see that next year. That's why it is so important for the team to realize that they have to grab it this year.

Nash CAN break down and everybody knew it. It's already fortunate enough that Nash didn't get injured so far and he has been trying to prove he is the MVP even though most people don't think that way. He's playing at a level that is ABOVE norm from a PG. Amare has also been excellent on the offensive end and he seems to correspond VERY WELL with Nash.

You don't have "christmas" every day you know. How many games did Amare miss last year? How many games did Amare miss this year? We are VERY fortunate that we have very few injuries so far especially for a team that really only uses 6-7 men rotation.

I do know this team will be a playoff team for a long time but would they be good enough to grab that ring that hasn't been done even once in Suns' history? Being in the playoff and actually winning it is two totally different things.

I just think we HAVE IT this year. I sense the momentum and the media/NBA seem to like Suns a lot. Would we get the same hype next year? Hard to tell. Opportunity is present in front of you, would you seize it or let it go? That's the question I hope Suns can answer themselves.

 

[elindholm]

I too think the future is bright but you just never know when you are going to be able to get back to this point (Conf. Finals) In fact, when was the last time the Suns advanced this far? It's been over a decade. These opportunities can't be taken for granted no matter how bright the future may appear to be. They shouldn't just be happy to be there.

That's all too true. I don't think the Suns are "just happy to be there," and I expect them to fight until the end, but I am concerned that this might be the best chance they get. In future seasons, their gimmicky approach won't be such a surprise, and opponents will be geared up for it from the very beginning. And aside from Stoudemire and Johnson (if they retain him), I don't see much room for improvement among the other players in the core. Also, remember that the Suns were virtually injury-free this year, a run of good luck that no team can count on. Remember the 1993 Barkely Suns that ran to the Finals and then never were able to get out of the second round after that.

I'm really hoping that they can find a miracle -- or three -- in this Spurs series, because there's no guarantee that they'll get this far again.

 

[Chaplin]

I too think the future is bright but you just never know when you are going to be able to get back to this point (Conf. Finals) In fact, when was the last time the Suns advanced this far? It's been over a decade. These opportunities can't be taken for granted no matter how bright the future may appear to be. They shouldn't just be happy to be there.

That's all too true. I don't think the Suns are "just happy to be there," and I expect them to fight until the end, but I am concerned that this might be the best chance they get. In future seasons, their gimmicky approach won't be such a surprise, and opponents will be geared up for it from the very beginning. And aside from Stoudemire and Johnson (if they retain him), I don't see much room for improvement among the other players in the core. Also, remember that the Suns were virtually injury-free this year, a run of good luck that no team can count on. Remember the 1993 Barkely Suns that ran to the Finals and then never were able to get out of the second round after that.

I'm really hoping that they can find a miracle -- or three -- in this Spurs series, because there's no guarantee that they'll get this far again.

See, I don't agree with that. If you have the talent, you'll go far. The Spurs have played the same game for years and still gets deep in the playoffs.

 

[jibikao]

I too think the future is bright but you just never know when you are going to be able to get back to this point (Conf. Finals) In fact, when was the last time the Suns advanced this far? It's been over a decade. These opportunities can't be taken for granted no matter how bright the future may appear to be. They shouldn't just be happy to be there.

That's all too true. I don't think the Suns are "just happy to be there," and I expect them to fight until the end, but I am concerned that this might be the best chance they get. In future seasons, their gimmicky approach won't be such a surprise, and opponents will be geared up for it from the very beginning. And aside from Stoudemire and Johnson (if they retain him), I don't see much room for improvement among the other players in the core. Also, remember that the Suns were virtually injury-free this year, a run of good luck that no team can count on. Remember the 1993 Barkely Suns that ran to the Finals and then never were able to get out of the second round after that.

I'm really hoping that they can find a miracle -- or three -- in this Spurs series, because there's no guarantee that they'll get this far again.

Bingo, this is the exact feeling I have right now and I hope those young players realize THIS. I wasn't putting some of you down by saying we are done after this season but opportunities don't come every year. When is the last time a team suffers few key injuries and become the 3rd best turnaround team and win literally almost all individual awards (besides Final MVP)?? Luck has a lot to do with it. I am telling you. And don't take luck for granted.

PS: Although I don't really agree with the gimmicky approach part. lol We've been doing this since day 1. If anything, we have no depth and we suffer a key injury.

 

[Chaz]

That's all too true. I don't think the Suns are "just happy to be there," and I expect them to fight until the end, but I am concerned that this might be the best chance they get. In future seasons, their gimmicky approach won't be such a surprise, and opponents will be geared up for it from the very beginning. And aside from Stoudemire and Johnson (if they retain him), I don't see much room for improvement among the other players in the core. Also, remember that the Suns were virtually injury-free this year, a run of good luck that no team can count on. Remember the 1993 Barkely Suns that ran to the Finals and then never were able to get out of the second round after that.

I'm really hoping that they can find a miracle -- or three -- in this Spurs series, because there's no guarantee that they'll get this far again.

What is their "gimmicky" approach? They are playing who they have.

They try some gimmicky stuff on D because of their lack of size. Is this what you mean?

 

[KingLouieLouie]

One crucial factor that I must add (that has been overlooked thus far) is how most of the Suns WCF rivals are on/will be on the decline during the next couple of years either because either their rosters prominently consists of players who are "over-the-hill" already/beyond their peak or have several key players whose contracts are expiring and wont be able to retain since they're WAY over the cap.....

San Antonio:
Tim Duncan: 04/25/1976 (28) He's starting to "wear down" more and most of his injuries are the types that will linger for the remainder of his career and eventually really limit his play....

Bruce Bowen: 06/14/1971 (will be 34).. Probably only has 1-2 years left.....

Brent Berry: 12/31/1971 (33) Isnt he signed to either 1-2 year deal? He also is on the "downslope" of his career in spite (despite for the Suns) his sudden spurt of dominance this series....

Manu Ginobili: 07/28/1977 (will be 28) He's already reached his peak and I just don't see him really improving his game further....

Nazr Mohammed: 09/05/1977 (will be 28 as well before next season) Hasnt he mainly had health problems that limited his game throughout his career? Plus, "what you see from him is what you get".....

Rasho Nesterovic: 05/30/1976 (will be 29)... He's had a few lingering injuries as well and wont "build on his game"....

Only Tony Parker and Beno Udrih are out of the rest (the ones who I didnt mention..who for the most part dont factor in for the Spurs) are the ones with any potential "upside", but dont counter the "upside" that the Suns have with most of their "key" players....

Seattle: This pretty much "sums" everything up right here:

No talks are currently scheduled between the Sonics and Lon Babby, Allen's agent, but Walker expects them to begin soon.

"Ray said on Friday that he'd be open to discussions going forward to the June 30 day before the Collective Bargaining Agreement expires," said Walker, who explained the impetus for getting a deal done with Allen before he becomes a free agent July 1 (barring a lockout).

"Because we want to get him signed. Nothing more complicated than that. Given what he did in the postseason, I guess this is stating the obvious - we'd like to get it done to have it done."

Beyond Allen, up to nine other Sonics players could be free agents. Guard Ronald "Flip" Murray and forwards Reggie Evans, Vladimir Radmanovic and Damien Wilkins are restricted free agents, giving the Sonics the opportunity to potentially match offers made to them by other teams. Guard Mateen Cleaves and center Jerome James and Vitaly Potapenko are restricted free agents. Guard Antonio Daniels and center Danny Fortson can opt out of their contracts and become free agents, something Daniels is expected to do.

Just a team in major flex and somewhat turmoil... Pretty much an extensive "rebuilding process".....

Mavericks:
Darrell Armstrong: 06/22/1968 (will be 37)
Shawn Bradley: 03/22/1972 (33)
Erick Dampier: 07/14/1975 (will be 30)
Marquis Daniels: 01/07/1981 (24)
Michael Finley: 03/06/1973 (32)
Devin Harris: 02/27/1983 (22)
Josh Howard: 04/28/1980 (25)
Dirk Nowitzki: 06/19/1978 (will be 27)
Jerry Stackhouse: 11/05/1974 ("an older" 30)
Jason Terry: 09/15/1977 (will be 28)
Keith Van Horn: 10/23/1975 (will be 30)

Only Daniels, Harris, and Howard really concern me in the long-term... The others are beginning to "slow down" some or won't improve their game.....

Houston:
If you want a team that was "solely" constructed with the intentions of "winning it all" this year... that would apply to the Rockets....

Only T-Mac "Save Me, Save Me" and Yao will be factors in the NBA over the next 2-year since most if all of the other "top players" are well into their 30s and are injury-prone....

Sacramento:
Really only Mike Bibby will play a huge role in the long-term success of the Kings....

Denver:
"'Melo", Eduardo Najera, and Martin are the only ones who will make a long-term impact for the Nuggets.... Nene and Camby both constantly battle too many injuries to maintain a true "high level" of play....

Memphis:
A team stacked with too many "mid-tier" players who are primarily "role" type players... None that can really counter even a more improved Amare (and the others).....

I know I conveniently only focused on the other 7 teams to advance into the play-offs.....

Lakers are obviously surrounded by too much turmoil.. will take them another 2-3 years to "sift" through the rubble and overcome all their on/off-court related issues.....They must find a coach first of course....

Timberwolves have a team of players that are most well into their 30s.. Garnett, Hassel, and Hudson are in the mid-upper 20s and are pretty much at their peak... Plus, that team will be dismantled during the offseason anyways....

Portland, Utah, LA Clippers, and Golden State will pretty much remain at the bottom for several years to come....

It will take New Orleans about 2-4 more years (that's being generous) for that franchise to "taste" the play-offs...

So, I would say that the Suns future is a lot "BRIGHTER" compared to those other WC teams for certain......

Just add a quality reserve PG (through draft or FA) to "spell" Nash (or hope that Barbosa improves) and see Amare improve his game even further with Q not pressing as much, Marion being completely refreshed..etc... this is only just begun my friends, but with better results.....

Edit: I know many (including myself) don't want to resort to this "line of thinking" considering that the Suns still can overcome the Spurs (although I obviously have already condeded with immense reluctance).. My heart tells me its possible, but my mind thinks otherwise..which has over-ruled my heart's decision....

 

[Chaplin]

I think you're underrating Golden State.

 

[Joe Mama]

I think you're underrating Golden State.

I think he underrated most of those teams.

If anything I'll bet the Western Conference is stronger next year

Joe Mama

 

[KingLouieLouie]

I think he underrated most of those teams.

If anything I'll bet the Western Conference is stronger next year

Joe Mama

I was not necessarily just focusing on strictly next year, but for the next 2-3 years over-all......

I just believe that the Suns have better "longer-term" future outlook compared to the others in the WC....

Only time will tell of course, but the original major premise of this thread was to state firmly that it wasnt "now or never" for the Suns...that all the teams in recent memory for the most part had to gradually build themselves into a championship team (IE Pistons and Bulls).... It's just a cycle that each franchise goes through.... Build a solid nucleus/foundation and then gradually add all the essential elements/components to eventually win.... The Suns are now in the "adding those spare parts"/"players with upside will improve" mode stage...Whereas most teams starting w/in the next 2+ seasons will be in the decline stage (if they arent already)....

 

[Cheesebeef]

The Spurs are going to be the team to beat for the next 4 years - however, that doesn't mean the future isn't blindingly bright for us. We're gonna be going to war with that team every year from here on out - but with their guys just rounding into their prime (Duncan and Ginboli) and Parker seemingly getting better every year, to say that they are almost finished is giving them way too little credit - especially with the way they've been able to draft and make trades throughout the years.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

The Spurs are going to be the team to beat for the next 4 years - however, that doesn't mean the future isn't blindingly bright for us. We're gonna be going to war with that team every year from here on out - but with their guys just rounding into their prime (Duncan and Ginboli) and Parker seemingly getting better every year, to say that they are almost finished is giving them way too little credit - especially with the way they've been able to draft and make trades throughout the years.

Exactly. With their current roster I think your 4 year mark is pretty dead on (not favorites, but contenders). They will make trades to shore up holes without anyone noticing -- just like always.

The trick for the Suns is to build on this years group via FA and the draft. The team has to resist its constant itch to make major changes. Just add around the edges. I can only hope that we start to get some FA discounts again.