Vote for Phoenix's Favorite Sun

[Espo]

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#3 Dick Van Arsdale vs. #6 Neal Walk

Dick Van Arsdale: Van Arsdale holds a special place in Phoenix Suns’ history. Known as “the Original Sun”, Van Arsdale came to Phoenix from the New York Knicks with their first pick in the 1968 NBA Expansion Draft. Van Arsdale played 9 seasons with the Suns, appeared in three NBA All-Star Games, and helped Phoenix to their first ever appearance in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics in 1976. He still ranks 5th in Suns history in scoring with 12,060 points, and 3rd in games played with 685. In 1987, Van Arsdale became the first former Suns player to become head coach of the team when he stepped down from the front office to take over for coach John MacLeod, who was fired after 56 games. Van Arsdale led the Suns to a 14-12 record during his time on the bench. He is a member of the Suns’ Ring of Honor, and had his number 5 jersey retired in the 1977-78 season.

Neal Walk: There’s no other way to put it, Neal Walk was a consolation prize for the Phoenix Suns. In 1969, the Suns lost a coin flip against the Milwaukee Bucks for the first pick in the NBA Draft. The Bucks picked Lew Alcindor, who went on to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the all-time leading scorer in the league’s history. With the second pick, the Suns took Walk, a 6-10 center from the University of Florida. Walk didn’t match Abdul-Jabbar’s production, but still turned into a decent center for the Suns. Walk played 5 seasons in Phoenix, missing only 2 games in that span, and averaging 14.7 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.

Vote Here:
http://phoenix.fanster.com/suns/2009/03/20/phoenixs-favorite-sun-round-1-van-arsdale-vs-walk/

 

[Espo]

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#3 Dennis Johnson vs. #6 Truck Robinson

Dennis Johnson: DJ came to the Suns in 1980 as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Paul Westphal to Seattle. Johnson brought strong defense along with quality offensive skills to the Suns. Johnson played three seasons for the Suns averaging 17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists as a Sun. He was also a two time All-Star in a Phoenix uniform.

Truck Robinson: As a low-post presence Truck Robinson helped the Suns appear in the 1979 Western Conference Finals. During his time with the Suns he averaged 18.1 points and 9.5 rebounds.
http://phoenix.fanster.com/suns/2009/03/20/phoenixs-favorite-sun-round-1-johnson-vs-robinson/

 

[Espo]

KJ and Amare advance

No surprise here, Kevin Johnson and Amare Stoudemire are moving on in the Phoenix’s Favorite Sun Tourney.

After falling behind in early voting Kevin Johnson defeated Danny Manning 66% to 34% in the Purple Palace region first round. KJ will go on to face the winner of the 3. Dan Majerle vs. 6. Cedric Ceballos match up (voting opens today).

Amare Stoudemire faced no real opposition from Stephon Marbury as he cruised to with 94% of the vote. STAT will take on the winner of the 3 seed Shawn Marion versus the 6 seed Leandro Barbosa.

 

[Espo]

Majerle vs. Ceballos

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#3 Dan Majerle Vs. #6 Cedric Ceballos

Dan Majerle: As Suns great Cotton Fitzsimmons said on the night Majerle was drafted “you people will regret booing this young man”. They certainly did. In his 8 seasons in purple and orange Majerle made his name and his number 9 synonymous with hustle. In his early years he was a slasher who finished strong at the rim earning him the nickname Thunder Dan. As his career progressed his game evolved and he became a three point sharp shooter. Majerle’s best season was 1993 where he averaged 16.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.8 assist and 1.7 steals a game while helping the Suns reach the NBA finals.

He was inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor in 2003 and has an award named after him “Majerle Hustle Award”.

Cedric Ceballos: CC was a member of the Suns on three different occasions spanning 6 seasons. Ceballos was known for his high flying antics and his fast pace. His best season as a Sun was the 1993-94 season where he averaged 19.1 points and 6.5 rebounds a game. Ceballos also won the 1992 NBA Dunk Competition as a member of the Suns.

Vote Here:
http://phoenix.fanster.com/suns/2009/03/23/phoenix’s-favorite-sun-round-1-majerle-vs-ceballos/

 

[Espo]

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#3 Shawn Marion Vs. #6 Leandro Barbosa

Shawn Marion came to the Suns as the 9th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, and made his mark quickly. Known for his athleticism and “funky” jump shot, Marion also developed into a stellar defensive player. In fact, many people considered Marion to be the most flexible defender in basketball, as he possessed the ability to guard point guards to power forwards. In his career with Phoenix, “The Matrix” averaged 18.7 points per game. He’s one of only three Suns (along with Paul Silas and Charles Barkley) to average more than 10 rebounds per game for his career. He ranks 5th in Suns’ history in games played, 2nd in minutes played, 2nd in rebounds, 2nd in steals, 3rd in blocked shots, and 4th in points. Marion played in 4 NBA All-Star Games as a Sun before being traded to Miami along with guard Marcus Banks in the trade that brought Shaquille O’Neal to Phoenix.

Leandro Barbosa came to the Suns in a draft night trade with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003. The Brazilian Blur’s adjustment to the NBA was a slow one, as the young guard averaged just 7.5 points per game in his first two pro seasons. By 2006, LB had become a feared offensive threat, scoring 18.1 points per game, and winning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award. Barbosa ranks 3rd in Suns’ history in 3-point field goals made and 4th in 3-point shooting percentage.

Vote Here:
http://phoenix.fanster.com/suns/2009/03/23/phoenixs-favorite-sun-round-1-matrix-vs-barbosa/

 

[Espo]

Dick Van Arsdale and DJ advance

Dick Van Arsdale and Dennis Johnson are advancing to round two of the Phoenix’s Favorite Sun Tourney.

The Original Sun Dick Van Arsdale cruised to an easy first round win against the 6 seed Neal Walk with 94% of the vote. Van Arsdale will face Alvan Adams in the second round. Adams defeated Paul Silas to advance.

In the “Cotton Express” Region the 3 seed Dennis Johnson defeated the 6 seed, and coolest name in the tournament, Truck Robinson with 71% of the vote. It will be a Johnson & Johnson in round two as Dennis will take on Eddie.

 

[Espo]

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#4 Paul Westphal Vs. #5 Charlie Scott

Paul Westphal: In 1975, the Phoenix Suns traded their high-scoring star Charlie Scott to the Boston Celtics in exchange for guard Paul Westphal, a 3-year pro out of USC who hadn’t averaged double figures with the Celts. In his first year with the Suns, Westphal became a star, averaging 20.3 points per game and helping the Suns to their first ever Western Conference Championship, and ironically, a date with Boston in the 1976 Finals. Westy would play four more years with the Suns before being traded to Seattle in exchange for guard Dennis Johnson in 1980. Westphal returned to the Suns for the 1983-84 season, which would be his last in the league. In his six seasons as a Sun, Westphal averaged 20.6 points per game, and played in four NBA All-Star Games. After serving as an assistant coach under Cotton Fitzsimmons, Westphal took the reins as the Suns’ head coach in time for the 1992-93 season, which turned out to be a magical one in Suns’ history. Along with acquiring All-Star Charles Barkley in a trade from Philadelphia, the Suns also moved into America West Arena, ended up with the league’s best record, and advanced to their 2nd NBA Finals, before losing to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Westphal coached 3 and a half seasons with the Suns, compiling a record of 191-88 (.685).

Charlie Scott: The former North Carolina Tar Heel great started his pro hoops career in the ABA with the Virginia Squires. After winning the league’s Rookie of the Year Award and twice being named an All-Star, Scott bolted the league and signed with the Suns of the NBA, and kept up his high-scoring ways. Scott led the Suns in scoring for the next three seasons, which were all losing campaigns, and the team shipped Scott off to Boston in exchange for young guard Paul Westphal. In three-plus years with the Suns, Scott averaged 24.8 points per game, which is still a Suns’ record. He also represented the Suns three times in the NBA All-Star Game in 1973, 1974 and 1975.

Vote Here:
http://phoenix.fanster.com/suns/2009/03/24/phoenixs-favorite-sun-round-1-westphal-vs-scott/

 

[Espo]

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#4 Tom Chambers Vs. #5 Maurice Lucas

Tom Chambers: The leagues first ever unrestricted free agent, Chambers left Seattle and signed with the Suns in 1988. He had his best year as a Sun and an NBA player in 1989 where he averaged 27.2 points and 7 rebounds per game. He also holds the Suns single highest scoring performance by a player as he scored 60 points against the Sonics.

Maurice Lucas: An all-time NBA great power forward Lucas became a member of the Suns in 1982 when he was traded to Phoenix from the Knicks in exchange for Truck Robinson. Lucas averaged 15.4 points and 9.7 rebounds a game as a member of the Suns. His physical play helped the Suns make the 1984 Western Conference Finals.

Vote Here:
http://phoenix.fanster.com/suns/2009/03/24/phoenixs-favorite-sun-round-1-chambers-vs-lucas/

 

[Chris_Sanders]

Gee you're an imbecile but dammit, you're right on this one.

Still an imbecile though.

I expect an apology to be posted for this soon. Absolutely unacceptable.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

He is in the opposite spectrum, suggesting that he is intelligent. You are saying that you are ok with being stupid because a person that you dislike is intelligent? Weird.

Same here.

 

[Espo]

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#4 Jason Kidd Vs. #5 Jeff Hornacek

Jason Kidd: came to the Suns in a trade from Dallas that helped turn one of the potentially darkest seasons in Suns’ history into a playoff campaign. It was the 1996-97 season, and the Suns had started 0-13. Charles Barkley had been traded to the Rockets, and two of the key pieces the Suns acquired from Houston, Sam Cassell and Robert Horry just weren’t fitting in. The Suns swung a deal that sent Cassell, A.C. Green and Michael Finley to Dallas in exchange for Kidd, Loren Meyer and Tony Dumas. In games in which Kidd played, the Suns were 23-10, and they snuck into the playoffs before being eliminated by Seattle in the first round. Kidd ended up playing 4 and a half seasons with the Suns, leading them to 5 straight playoff appearances. While with the Suns, Kidd averaged 14.4 points, and 9.7 assists per game. He played in 3 NBA All-Star Games as a Sun, and twice led the league in assists.

Jeff Hornacek: was a little-known 2nd round draft pick by the Suns in the 1986 NBA Draft out of Iowa State. But in his six seasons with the Suns, he became one of the most popular players in franchise history. Hornacek became a starter his 2nd season in Phoenix, and helped the Suns to four straight playoff appearances, including a memorable run in 1990, when they knocked off the heavily-favored Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games, before bowing to the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. Hornacek was traded to Philadelphia in 1992 in the deal that brought Charles Barkley to the Suns.

Vote Here:
http://phoenix.fanster.com/suns/2009/03/25/phoenixs-favorite-sun-round-1-kidd-vs-hornacek/

 

[Chris_Sanders]

That match up is really tough.

Ultimately I would go with Kidd but not by much.

 

[Espo]

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#4 Shaquille O’Neal Vs. #5 Joe Johnson

Shaquille O’Neal: is the one of the all time great centers in the NBA (as if you needed to be told that). As a member of the Suns O’Neal has rejuvenated his career. In almost two full seasons Shaq has averaged 15.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks a game. Along with his on court contributions he has added a jovial attitude to the locker room not to mention his “random acts of Shaqness”.

Joe Johnson: Acquired from the Boston Celtics during the 2001 season Johnson early on in his career showed flashes of brilliance. As a member of the Suns he averaged 13.3 points, 3.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game. His best season in purple and orange was 2004-2005. He averaged 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds.

Vote Here:
http://phoenix.fanster.com/suns/2009/03/25/phoenixs-favorite-sun-round-1-shaq-vs-jj/

 

[arwillan]

That one's tough. JJ was great as a player, but wanted the money more than he wanted to be a part of the suns organization.

Shaq has been just as much a part of the suns decline lately as he has been a part of their staying alive in the playoff chase. I can't blame him for this all not working out the way we dreamed it would.

Toss-up IMO. I voted JJ simply because i like him better as a player.

 

[Espo]

Westphal and Chambers advance

As the first round of the Phoenix’s Favorite Sun tourney draws to a close Suns greats Paul Westphal and Tom Chambers grabbed two of the final four spots in the second round.

Westphal unanimously defeated Charlie Scott with 100% of the fan vote. Westphal will take on the Somebody Up There is on our Side Region number one seed Connie Hawkins in round two.

Tom Chambers also scored the easy victory defeating Maurice Lucas with 82% of the vote. Chambers will take on Walter Davis in round two of the Cotton Express Region.

 

[Espo]

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#2 Alvan Adams vs. #3 Dick Van Arsdale

How They Got Here:

Alvan Adams: Was a first round winner against the number 7 seed Paul Silas. Adams had the lowest margin of victory in the Somebody Up There Is On Our Side Region for the first round. Adams won with 62% of the

Dick Van Arsdale: The Original Sun cruised to an easy first round victory. Van Arsdale defeated the 6 seed Neal Walk by a whopping 96%. Van Arsdale’s victory was the second highest margin of victory in the first round of the entire tournament.

The Analysis:

Greg Esposito: Van Arsdale proved in the first round that he is still a fan favorite in Phoenix. His dominating victory over Neal Walk was impressive while, Adams seemed to struggle a bit with Paul Silas.

Although Van Arsdale is the fifth highest scorer in Suns history (12,060) and third all-time in games played (685) Adams is still the better Sun. Adams ranks first in games played at 988, minutes played at 27,203, rebounds 6,937 and steals 1,289. He also ranks second in assists with 4,102.

Vince Marotta: It’s a tough matchup between former teammates. Both were beloved by fans in the early days of the Suns, and both have stayed active in the organization long after their playing days are through. It’s really a tossup.

The Picks:

Greg Esposito: Although Van Arsdale showed a strong fan following in round one, I think Adams, based on his career accomplishments as a Sun, will win by a very small margin.

Vince Marotta: Adams has a slight advantage because his career was more recent. Van Arsdale retired in 1977, while Adams played until the late 80’s. Despite that, Van Arsdale should advance since his off-court roles as interim coach, general manager and color commentator have kept him in the public eye more than Adams after-basketball roles have. The Original Sun wins by a hair.

Vote Here:
http://phoenix.fanster.com/suns/2009/03/26/phoenix-favorite-sun-round-2-adams-vs-van-arsdale/

 

[Espo]

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#1 Connie Hawkins vs. #4 Paul Westphal


How They Got Here:

Connie Hawkins: The Hawk took care of business in his first round pairing defeating opponent Gail Goodrich, the 8 seed, with 91% of the fan vote.

Paul Westphal: The former Suns player and coach had the biggest victory of the tournament so far defeating the 5 seed Charlie Scott in a shutout.

The Analysis:

Greg Esposito: Westphal had a huge victory in round one, but this seems to be the end of the road for him. Although he averaged over 20 points as a Sun and played in 4 All-Star Games, Connie Hawkins is an all-time great. Hawkins is a name synonymous with excitement when it comes to Phoenix Suns basketball. Hawkins helped lead the Suns to their first ever playoff appearance by averaging 24.5 points and was a 4-time NBA All-Star as a Sun. Add that on top of the fact that Hawkins is in the Basketball Hall of Fame and a Suns Ring of Honor member, and it seems like Westphal is completely overmatched.

Vince Marotta: Not so fast there, Esposito. Paul Westphal played in more games as a Sun, has a higher per game scoring average (by one tenth of a point), also played in 4 NBA All-Star Games and is a Suns’ Ring of Honor member. Plus, he played on the first Suns team to advance to the NBA Finals, and coached the second Suns’ team to accomplish the feat. Westphal might have the strongest Suns’ resume in the tournament.

The Picks:

Greg Esposito: Hawkins rolls to the easy victory as his Hall of Fame credentials carry him.

Vince Marotta: Hawkins is a legend, there’s no denying that. But if you consider the entire body of work (God, I sound like Joe Lunardi now), Westphal should squeak out a win.

Vote Here:
http://phoenix.fanster.com/suns/2009/03/27/phoenixs-favorite-sun-round-2-hawkins-vs-westphal/

 

[Espo]

Sweet 16 is set

With Shaquille O’Neal and Jeff Hornacek’s victories the Sweet 16 of the Phoenix’s Favorite Sun Tournament is set.

O’Neal defeated the 5 seed Joe Johnson with 80% of the vote. O’Neal will take on the one number seed of the Seven Seconds or Less Region, Steve Nash, in round two.

Jeff Hornacek also took care of business in the 4 vs. 5 match up in the Purple Palace region. Hornacek defeated Jason Kidd earning 68% of the fan vote. Hornacek draws Charles Barkley in the sweet 16.

The entire Sweet 16 is:

Somebody Up There Is On Our Side Region:

1. Connie Hawkins vs. 4. Paul Westphal (Voting open now)

2. Alvan Adams vs. 3. Dick Van Arsdale (Voting open now)

Cotton Express Region:
1. Walter Davis vs. 4. Tom Chambers (Voting opens Friday, March 27th)
3. Dennis Johnson vs. 7. Eddie Johnson (Voting opens Friday, March 27th)

Purple Palace Region:
1. Charles Barkley vs. 4. Jeff Hornacek (Voting opens Monday, March 30th)
2. Kevin Johnson vs. 3. Dan Majerle (Voting opens Monday, March 30th)

Seven Seconds or Less Region:
1. Steve Nash vs. 4. Shaquille O’Neal (Voting opens Tuesday, March 31st)
2. Amare Stoudemire vs. 6. Leandro Barbosa (Voting opens Tuesday, March 31st)

 

[slinslin]

I'm sorry, but no way Jeff Hornacek should have beat Jason Kidd...just like Kevin Johnson should have gotten at least 90%+ against Manning.
Eddie Johnson shouldn't beat Larry Nance.

I am missing Clifford Robinson on the list and also Grant Hill, hope he retires as a Sun.

Really when I think about it Clifford Robinson really got snubbed, in all those years with Jason Kidd on our team, Cliff was the 2nd most valueable player on this team.

 

[Mulli]

I'm sorry, but no way Jeff Hornacek should have beat Jason Kidd...just like Kevin Johnson should have gotten at least 90%+ against Manning.
Eddie Johnson shouldn't beat Larry Nance.

I am missing Clifford Robinson on the list and also Grant Hill, hope he retires as a Sun.

Really when I think about it Clifford Robinson really got snubbed, in all those years with Jason Kidd on our team, Cliff was the 2nd most valueable player on this team.

In a "favorite" poll, Horny should win easy against Kidd. Agree with you about Manning and EJ.

 

[slinslin]

And why is that?

Kidd has had great years in Phoenix, is holding a bunch of club records and has always been good to the fans as far as I am concerned


Kidd was a much more exciting player than Hornacek, and won a lot more awards. The highlight of Hornaceks Suns career afterall was being traded for Barkley. He made 1 allstar team.

 

[elindholm]

It's impossible for me to understand how anyone can get excited about what is, literally, a simple, uninformed popularity contest -- much less get agitated over the results.

 

[Mulli]

And why is that?

Kidd has had great years in Phoenix, is holding a bunch of club records and has always been good to the fans as far as I am concerned


Kidd was a much more exciting player than Hornacek, and won a lot more awards. The highlight of Hornaceks Suns career afterall was being traded for Barkley. He made 1 allstar team.

I just like Horny more.

Is getting "agitated" about things one has no control over so impossible to understand on a sports message board?

 

[Andrew]

KJ or Chuck is gonna win.

 

[slinslin]

KJ won't win, he barely beat Manning. Nash will win easily but like Eric said it doesn't matter anyway.