I should have said common or perhaps, not unusual, instead of prevalent. They often mean the same thing but prevalent does suggest prevailing (majority) and that wasn't my intention. Anyway, I'm basically talking about the "fifty and fade" group. IMO, that includes you.
Well I all I can tell you is that you must not pay attention very closely. I never accused the Suns of NOT trying to win a title in terms of an overall franchise goal. I also have NEVER said the Suns at times didn't do everything they could in a particular year to get one. I do dispute ultimately there has been a consistent effort on the Suns part to do that year in and year out. Especially, in the Sarver years.
There is no disputing during some years the Suns at times have made decisions in given years to NOT go after a title for whatever reason. For example to save cap space or gear up for particular season of free agents. That is just a simple fact. I don't fault them for those instances. However, in some years we have seen this franchise make decisions that baffles the fans and media pundits alike.
For example, not using cap space, going after a more expensive coach, giving up draft picks, making one sided trades or going for a player on the cheap...those are all past actions by this franchise that have ultimately sabotaged any chances at a title. To add insult to injury, in those particular seasons, the marketing machine goes into full gear and starts throwing around terms like "entertaining" or "fun" to try and wash it down the fans throats.
I have ZERO doubt the franchise wants a title. I think the Suns have made some legitimate attempts to do everything they can during certain runs. It's how far they are willing to go sometimes is what I question and rightfully so if history is any indication. Plus now the Suns have to deal with a sullied reputation since Sarver took over which doesn't make the job any easier. Simply put, IMO, it's time for this franchise to stop worrying about the boy scout image and as long as someone isn't a criminal or thug...bring the guy in.
While I may not have summed up your position precisely, your position is very much what I'm talking about. I watch every Suns game that I can. Recently that has been every game although I haven't always been that fortunate. Anyway, I just can't understand how someone would accept nine years of suckage for that one championship unless they don't actually watch the games (specifically, the regular season). I'm not saying that this kind of person doesn't exist, just that I can't reconcile that kind of thinking.
That's very easy to explain. The franchise has been around for what 46 years? We are one of of the most winning franchises in all of sports without a title. If you ask most die hard fans they would die for a title.
Let's say over that period of time, we had 4 titles (one about every 10 years) and in between we put up with some horrid teams. I know very few fans that wouldn't take that over the past 46 with ZERO titles with lots of "entertaining" or "fun" teams instead.
I watch most games every single season. I have gotten my fill of entertaining teams and fun teams. 46 years and counting is enough and becomes more embarrassing year by year. The end game for any fan should be a title IMO.
I don't think the Suns need boy scouts and nothing else but I don't want to cheer for people that I just can't stand. Winning a championship wouldn't be worth it to me. They don't have to be people I'd like to invite to dinner every night but wife beaters and rapists and chronic liars hold no appeal to me. Somebody that is a bit of a jerk, that I can handle. Give me Blake Griffin. Someone that thinks they are above the law, I'll pass.
If you read my original post on the topic, I specifically called out that I was not talking about criminals so I am not sure why you even brought that up. I was specifically talking about guys that are perceived as having egos or being jerks and some of them perceived as dirty. Some of the greatest players of all time have that reputation and they have titles to go along with it. I am simply saying, if that is what it takes to get us a title so be it.
You wrote that is what has kept the Suns from winning a title.
You are oversimplifying what I said. There are many reasons but I can say that the Suns have made player choices based on players reputations for the sake of keeping a good image. This has been a factor since the drug scandal years.