Originally posted by Chaplin
Come on BC, respond--let's get ready to RUUUUUMBLEEEEE!!
Hey Chap, I'm really enjoying the different points of view in this post.
As G.M., then Managing General Partner, Jerry has the right to lead the team in whatever direction he's comfortable with. And, as a Suns fan for over 30 years, I have the right to be frustrated with that direction. I'd rather not be, but I am.
Back in the '70's they called the Suns a "finesse" team. Now it's called small-ball. Either way, it's operating from a position of weakness. Every game, every season, an uphill battle.
It affects the players, the coaching staff, the fans, the Press, makes it easier for our opponents, and most of all, influences the Refs. Weak teams don't get the calls.
I especially disagree with the Suns approach of putting the team's 5 best players on the floor with the game on the line,
regardless of position . . . rather than the best player at
each position.
The Suns had one Cinderella year early. For the rest of their history, the closest they came to becoming a contender was when Cotton was allowed to bring in some fresh ideas (namely Charles Barkley).
My favorite Suns team had the league's prototype Power Forward, Maurice Lucas (the enforcer); the league's first 6'10" Small Forward, Larry Nance; and a backcourt of Walter Davis and Dennis Johnson. With a solid Center, that team was a dynasty waiting to happen.
Instead, Coach John MacLeod couldn't handle creative, Championship caliber ballplayers, and Mo and DJ were gone. And so were our dreams of building a contender.
With the exception of the Barkley/Fitzsimmons years, the Suns have been a "pretty" team -- put on a good show at home; don't embarass yourself on the road; and make an appearance in the post-season. But unlike the Utah Jazz market, ours is too saturated to prosper with a "good enough is good enough" approach.
Now here we sit with 3/5 of a contending team -- Amare, The Matrix, and Marbury at PF, SF, and PG. All we need is a decent shooting 2-Guard and a role-playing legitimate Center (not a superstar, as some alluded to earlier in this thread). And a decent bench. And using each player within their natural positions, to get their best performance, night after night.
To get other teams trying to match up with us, rather than vice versa.
If used properly, the Suns can take that next step now. And I'm excited about it!
A basic 8-man rotation of White and Jake at Center; Amare, Marion, and is it Cabarkapa at Forward; with Marbury, Johnson, and Penny at Guard. And with Scott Williams returning as 3rd Center; and the rest of the team filling in for injuries, foul trouble, spot minutes, blowouts, etc. . . .
We could turn this around over the next month and build a contender for years to come.
Or, as someone said, White could wind up in Big Jake's spot on the bench. Then Amare, Marion, and JJ can ruin their careers, and get pissed off, playing out of position.
Here's hoping the Suns do the right thing!