Marion playing at an elite level

[SweetD]

Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 7, 2005 12:00 AM



[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]With 26 years of age and six years of NBA experience, Shawn Marion is at a point where many NBA players hit their peaks.

Marion arguably is having his best season since the Suns took him with their ninth pick in 1999, when they opted for his athleticism and instincts over the more popular Corey Maggette.

Just don't argue that with Marion
"To be honest, I'm doing the same things I've always been doing," Marion said. "My best year was my third season, but we've got a long way to go."

In that season, he averaged 19.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.8 steals. This season, Marion is averaging 19.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 2.0 steals - an increase in each category.

But there's more.


• He has been Western Conference Player of the Week twice.


• He is the team's best rebounder and defender, even as he has been thrust into matchups with power forwards and centers.


• He is the shortest (6 feet 7) and lightest (228 pounds) player among the NBA's top 20 rebounders.


• He is the only player in the top 10 for total rebounds, steals and blocks.

"To say Shawn has improved is saying something, given his age and years of experience," Suns President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo said. "He really seems comfortable with this cast. He probably is playing the best basketball of his career."

Marion is having a career year on the boards, almost two rebounds better than last season. He shook off last season's career-low shooting (44 percent) and got back to 47 percent. His turnovers are down.

Coach Mike D'Antoni said he is an underrated player, and biggest reason for Phoenix's 28-4 record.

"I think I've had forward progress from Day 1, when I stepped into the league," Marion said. "Sometimes, I don't get credit for it. As long as I get my respect from my peers, that's all that matters.

"At the end of the day, I'm a double-double man. If I was a big man doing that, it would be blown up."

Nobody in the league can do what Marion gives the Suns. He enables them to play a fast-breaking style that spreads the court while not sacrificing too much on the boards or on defense.

He can create points when a half-court set breaks down and creates many of Phoenix's chances to run with deflections and tip-outs as much as steals and rebounds.

Just a few months ago, Marion's name was smack in the middle of Tracy McGrady trade talk.

On Wednesday, McGrady was colder than Flagstaff while Marion closed out Houston with 13 of his team-high 22 points in the fourth quarter. That stretch included three mid-range jumpers, two drives and a three-pointer.

He is 20 for 30 from the field in the past two games, including 6 for 12 on three-pointers.

"Everybody has been playing great ball and Steve (Nash) has been getting the ball to us," Marion said. "There is no answer to our fast-paced offense when we are making shots."[/font]
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[SweetD]

and to think we tried to traid him last year for TMac. Right now with this team he is a much better fit then TMac.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

and to think we tried to traid him last year for TMac. Right now with this team he is a much better fit then TMac.

Edit that, we almost traded JJ and Marion for T-Mac.

Wow sometimes the best trades are the ones you don't do.

 

[elindholm]

Edit that, we almost traded JJ and Marion for T-Mac.

I doubt it. The rumor was that that's what the Magic were asking for, but not that the Suns were ever close to offering it. Even before Marion's game bounced back this year, almost everyone on this board felt that both him and Johnson would be an overpayment for McGrady. My guess is that the Suns brass felt the same way.

 

[jibikao]

If we have T-MAC instead of Marion and JJ, Suns should be a .5 team by now... LOL

Marion is just as important as Amare and Nash. He allows us to play fast-ball without losing too much defense.

You see, another reason why Suns is so successful this year so far is that people don't complain who take more shots (unlike the obvious example Wolves). Everyone knows their job and everyone takes turn to shine. There are ups and downs for each player but in general, we have at least 3 "hot" hands which should be good enough for us to win "normal" games.

Marion made a big sacrifice to guard PFs. He didn't complain and he did a marvellous job so far.

I really want to see Marion make it to the all-star. I hope all the coaches choose him, Amare and Nash. Marion getting 2 Player of the Week is a good sign that people do recognize his greatness.

Jimmy

 

[Billythekid]

Marion is the most underrated player in the league. Like he said himself, he's doing the things he's always done. I always feel Marion is way too under appreciated, for all effort he puts out on the floor, this guy should rarely cop a bagging. He's the best rebounding small forward thats been in the league for years and i like that his game, is a game all of it's own. He really plays his own style, but if i had to compare him to anyone, i'd mix Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen.

It's great to see he's getting the praise, and i hope he comes into heavy consideration for defensive player of the year.

He's been super this season.

 

[Joe Mama]

I actually have to disagree with Shawn Marion a little bit here. He really is playing on a different level this season. First of all his confidence in his jump shot has returned. You can just see that he believes when he pulls up for that little 10 foot shot put shot that it is going to go in, and much of the time it does. he has also been much better about going to the basket.

You guys know that I've complained a lot over the last few years about Shawn Marion's maximum contract. Now that the Phoenix Suns team salary is under control, he is playing better, and the team is playing better I will not complain about Shawn Marion or his salary.

Joe Mama

 

[George O'Brien]

The complaint about Marion was that even when his shot was working, he was a "complimentary player" and only super studs should get max contracts.

This year the Suns are loaded with complimentary players and it works just fine. Marion gets to do what he is good at and does not have to carry the team offensively. There may be more talented players, but none more perfect for the Suns.