AzCentral: Interesting Article on Sarver

[Mainstreet]

Mistake with JJ deal will hurt Sarver's profitable run

Dan Bickley
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 27, 2005 12:00 AM

Robert Sarver is a big fan. Problem is, he's just as fanatical in his other line of work.

In pursuit of profit, he pedals like Lance Armstrong. He came to Phoenix with an unblemished record, having never lost a dime in any of his business ventures. And with one rookie mistake, he may have cost the Suns $30 million.

That's enough to dent the ego and the business plan. advertisement




If you're looking for the latest on Joe Johnson's sudden infatuation with playing for an awful team, don't bother. It's not relevant. The only thing that matters is Sarver's mind-set, and to date, nothing significant has changed. The Suns fully intend to match any offer sheet, thereby keeping Johnson in uniform.

Yet Sarver's organization is starting to resemble the Yankees' front office when Mount Steinbrenner begins to rumble, and judging by the skittish voices inside America West Arena, the boss is not very happy.

At a time when the Suns would love a little cooperation, Johnson is in quarantine, tucked away by his agent, unwilling to consider a deal with the Suns. The Hawks will soon deliver their offer sheet, one that could be front-loaded with $18 million or more payable next season. This one's going to hurt.

The six-year, $50 million deal Sarver deemed too expensive last summer could be replaced by a five-year, $70 million deal. Tack on the extra year, and the gamble will eventually cost about $30 million. Investors who jumped on the golden wings of Sarver didn't expect this.

Maybe Sarver deserves a mulligan for mishandling initial negotiations with Johnson. He had just bought the team, pledging more than $400 million. The price tag for Steve Nash was almost $15 million higher than he was told in briefings, and then, Sarver had 20 minutes to make a snap decision.

Shortly after Nash was in pocket, General Manager Bryan Colangelo was hitting him up for a center, Johnson's agent wanted an additional $5 million and money was flying out the window. One can understand the shell shock, the natural inclination to tap the brakes.

But if Sarver is actually thinking about compounding his mistake, he's treading in dangerous waters. Losing Johnson would do far more than cause initial revolt. It would forever stamp his ownership. He would carry the scarlet letter, the man who broke up the best thing to hit Phoenix sports since Randy Johnson's slider and Charles Barkley's mouth.

Obviously, he can't afford to let Johnson walk, even though he'll pay through the nose. And either way, Sarver loses the deal, unbeaten no longer, a rookie owner no more.

Naturally, Suns fans might be worrying about Johnson's priorities. Even with the benefits package - the quick flights home to Little Rock, the chance to be a southerner starring alongside Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in Atlanta - how could anyone leave a team on the cusp of a championship? How could anyone want to play for the Hawks, in a half-empty arena?

None of it matters, and the guess is, Johnson is just playing the game, in sullen hibernation while his agent does the dirty work. His dim outlook on the Suns will change soon enough.

After all, they have Sarver in checkmate, and all that's missing is the dollar signs.

It seems JJ can not be had to talk too and that his agent is doing the talking
for him. This is nothing new, but this article is an interesting take on Sarver's situation and attitude.


As it appears Sarver has an impeccable business record it will be intersting to see how he handles this situation on JJ and maintain his ego. Perhaps some Suns players participating in Nash's charity event this weekend can help break through this impasse with JJ. I understand JJ is supposed to be there.

 

[Mainstreet]

As it appears Sarver has an impeccable business record it will be intersting to see how he handles this situation on JJ and maintain his ego.

This is an interesting article Mainstreet. I guess this is where Sarver's ego and business acumen will come into play. I suspect he will somehow want to rectify his mistake last year in not signing JJ to an extension. This correction is unlikely to happen right now but I bet he's looking down the line.

Sarver strikes me as a man that thrives on one-upmanship. I can only think he is looking to recoup some money and talent in a sign and trade down the line, either this year or next, with JJ or Marion.

I hope it is alright if we talk to ourselves.

 

[coloradosun]

Anybody know how his company's stock is doing after his IPO.

I hope Sarver starts to see this as his recreational activity instead of business.

 

[Gaddabout]

This is the kind of thing that might've happened to Colangelo in the 70s and early 80s when Dial people owned the Suns. Of course, they didn't have free agency back then, but Colangelo was always taking the brunt of it in the papers, even though his hands were tied behind his back.

 

[playstation]

that's the thing though. in the last year, my appreciation of jerry colangelo has grown immensely. his desire to win caused tremendous year-over-year roster turnover, but you knew his heart was in the right place. i don't even know if winning is #1 on Sarver's list of priorities.