Chat with Sarver today 2:30

[sunsfn]

Today you can chat with Sarver.

http://www.nba.com/suns/

 

[Errntknght]

Here's the transcript...

Bill (Arizona): Hey RObert, are you at training camp in Tuscon? If so, how are we looking so far in the first few days?

Robert Sarver: Actually I just got here today, and I will see the team scrimmage for the first time tonight. But the feedback I'm getting from the coaching staff and basketball staff is that we have some great new players and we're very excited about the prospects for this season.

Ashley-Flagstaff: Why did the Suns decide to hold camp in Tucson this year instead of Flagstaff?

Robert Sarver: Because the Flagstaff facilities were occupied and unavailable to us this year.

Karl (Phx): Much has been made of some of the newer facilities around the league, and new amenities in the locker rooms and such. Do the Suns have anything like this or is anything new Coming?

Robert Sarver: Last year we did some remodeling in our locker room, including the addition of clubhouse room for players, with computers, television, small kitchen and pool table. Last season we also completed a number of improvements in the arena, including the popular B-Level Lounge, the new Casino Arizona Pavillion, LED signage and new state-of-the-art HDTV scoreboard. This season, we're adding the Verizon Gorilla House, which is located in the upper level and is a 6,000 sq-foot, bi-level family entertainment fun zone.

Jay (Phx): Hey Robert, I was wondering what your role is, or what you do at training camp?

Robert Sarver: Make sure I eat well! (Laughing). That's a good question, I don't have much of a role, now that I think about it. Well, I get to meet and know some of the newer faces on the team and help welcome them to the organization and make them feel good about being a part of the Phoenix Suns. Other than that, I just really watch practices and get to learn more about the team and have the chance to bring my family up for the last scrimmage on Saturday night, so they can meet the team. It also serves as a way for me personally to get fired up about the season about to start.

Dustin, Gilbert: Mr. Sarver, What was your career path? How has it prepared you to fulfill your role as owner and what have you learned so far?

Robert Sarver: I started in business at age 22. I've spent the last 22 years owning and operating commercial banks, investing in real estate, and sitting on the board of directors of public companies and charitable organizations. My experience has taught me alot about managing people and how to motivate and retain them. This is an important part of any business. In the banking business we do a lot of marketing and focus on customer service. These are also two very important components of a successful sports franchise. I've also learned how to surround myself with very capable employees. I've learned being an NBA owner is a blast. It has exceeded my expectations. I've learned about media and advertising in the sports business, which is new to me. I've learned that while attending the games it's better to act more as an owner than as a fan.

steve (awesomeland aka phoenix): i love you. post this. Can you make a music video of your chicken dance?

Robert Sarver: Ha-ha (Laughing). A music video?!!! Actually I would rather not. It wasn't my most flattering moment and I regret it. However, there is a song called the Chicken Dance that my kids like to listen to at a diner we go to in San Diego.

Jim (Oakland): Robert, all of the magazines and anaylasts are saying the suns have lost a step by the departure of Q and Joe, what do you think?

Robert Sarver: It reminds a bit of last year, when we weren't predicted to do very well and then went out and had a great season. I think people are underestimating the talent of some of the people we've brought in, how better we will be defensively, how deeper our bench is, and the continued improvement and growth of Amare Stoudemire. I think their views will be proven to be wrong.

Chaplin (Los Angeles): Moving on past Joe Johnson, what can you say about his "replacements"? I'm very intrigued by Boris and Raja, and am still in the dark about James Jones. What do you think they can bring to the Suns' balanced attack?

Robert Sarver: Raja Bell brings us a good defender as well as an excellent three-point shooter. Last year he shot 40-percent from three, without getting near as many open looks as he'll get with the Suns. Boris brings us a very tall, good defensive point guard who sees the floor well and can handle the ball. Our coaching staff is very high on James Jones' prospects. He has an excellent long-range jump shot and can play good defense. Everyone seems to have forgotten about Jimmy Jackson. Remember the job he did last year in the playoffs against Dallas, filling in for Joe while he was hurt. Sometimes when there is change people are more focused on the change versus the strengths that are occuring.

Nick (Phoenix): Robert, I think that you handled the Joe Johnson situation admirably. What is your biggest concern as we start this new season?

Robert Sarver: Hmmm. Biggest concern? It would be that we do have a number of new players and often that takes time for them to get used to playing together.

Julio Chavez (phoenix): do u think that the group of players that we got has what it takes to win a Championship this year? (Go Suns)

Robert Sarver: I think they do. Having said that the league is very competitive. I do feel that we are better defensively and we are deeper than we were last year and that this year's team is in a better position to win the championship because of those two factors and another year of experience under Amare's belt.




Robert Sarver: Phoenix fans, you guys are the greatest. I can't wait for the season to start. My foam finger will be going crazy this season and I think we're all gonna be in for one fun ride.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

Nice to hear some remorse about his actions last season.



Btw Chap, you just couldn't use your real name could you

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Nick (Phoenix): Robert, I think that you handled the Joe Johnson situation admirably. What is your biggest concern as we start this new season?

Robert Sarver: Hmmm. Biggest concern? It would be that we do have a number of new players and often that takes time for them to get used to playing together.

That was me!

 

[George O'Brien]

That was me!

Good question and a good answer. I'm more concerned about operational chemistry than talent right now.

 

[JS22]

Hey, Chap got a question in as well.

 

[Chaplin]

Nobody would know it was me if I used my real name! (well, only a few of you would)

 

[Neo]

Nobody would know it was me if I used my real name! (well, only a few of you would)

Kaiser Soze?