The Suns have started to run again, and that's a good thing. For basketball as well as Phoenix.
But before I expand on that, it's time to visit with Phoenix Stan of Bright Side of the Sun fame. He & I played a word association game. I gave him a word, he responded...
Behind Enemy Lines: Phoenix Suns
Amare...
Eye don't know wheye he's still not great This was the season that I really expected Amare to bust out. He went into the year talking about the need for a change and his desire to be a great defender. He even started really strong but that only lasted about 10 games before he went into a serious funk. A 20 and 8 funk but that's a funk for Amare and what he's capable of.
Just before the all-star game Amare talked about turning it up for the stretch run and pointed out that he's done that before in his career (which is true). Next thing you know his retina detaches and he's done for the season. Hopefully he's learned a lesson there about giving 100% every night. I doubt it though and that's the main reason why I think the Suns won't extend him with a max contract which puts the odds of him being in a Suns uniform come next October at about 50% and by next February at about 15%. Shaq...
Twitter meister We all know now about The Big Rejuvenation and the season he's having but what I've learned about Shaq now that he's been here a full year is what a brilliant marketer this guy is. I really believe that everything he does is calculated. He's very aware of his image and his legacy and is much more of a complex character then I ever really appreciated.
On the court, I have my doubts if he can keep up with the Run and Gun pace that the Suns played for the 1st four of the Gentry era. After the loss to the Celtics we did hear Shaq talking again about defense and the need for getting his touches.
The very next game against the Bobcats the pace was turned down just a bit. The Suns pushed on misses and stops but if the early offense wasn't there they did slow it down for Shaq to arrive on the scene and in some cases finish as the trailer barreling down the lane (which is quite enjoyable to watch) or pulled into a half court set inside / out set. Kobe...
Ass tasting (see also above) I am really so tired of the Shaq - Kobe drama and I am pretty sure they are too. That is all I am going to say about Kobe who is no longer the best player in the game despite what Alvin Gentry says.
Playoffs...
Those were good times The Suns best chance at making the playoffs are Dallas. They might just implode faster then we do but I wouldn't put money on it. Right now it's a coin flip and only 51% of Suns fans today think they will make it.
Score...
Strippers
You mean the club right? Because with out Nash and Amare this one will be over fast.
*****
I cannot help but wonder if we've seen the last of the golden fastbreak at the Suns... they just aren't what they were. That all falls on the shoulders of one solitary person: Steve Kerr. Whether the change is a good thing or not remains to be seen, tho' it's not looking good. To be fair, they hadn't won a title in their 7 second days...
Recap: Kerr comes in as the new GM, and trades Shawn Marion for Shaquille O'Neal, a move that I'm sure both the Suns and Shawn Marion wish had never happened... tho' I'm sure Shaq's not displeased given the way the Suns are currently moving their offense.
Now, at the time all and sundry assured us that this was not Steve Kerr's idea, but was something that was pushed by then coach Mike D'Antoni. If you believe that, I have some prime real estate in the Everglades for you. So, the Suns had to change their entire basketballing philosophy, something that's left both Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire somewhat 'non-plussed' (and considering other possibilities)... but even so: under D'Antoni's guidance, they came quite close to beating San Antonio, but didn't. Bye-bye Mr D'Antoni, hello Terry Porter.
Wait, I blinked. Porter's gone, and Alvin Gentry's in... and we're reminiscing about the 7 seconds or less days. That is, 'cept for Shaq.
I know I am - reminiscing... I really miss that team. It's not Shaq's fault he's slowed, nor Amare or Nash's fault that they aren't playing a high-speed offensive style.
Thanks Steve. As an LA Lakers fan, I'm grateful.
Steve, damn you. As an NBA fan, you screwed this up.
Aaaaaaaanyway, Phoenix comes to LA, and I think this is going to be a match-up that Kobe's happy about. Sans Amare/Nash, Phoenix will play a slowed down game, and LA will have simply too much.
You won't have to worry about LA being lackadaisical: Bryant will have the troops well-focused on administering a beating to his former team-mate, "media beat-up" or not.
Whilst Shaq's big body will ensure that PHX get points, and Leandro Barbosa's playing well, offensively and defensively the Suns will lack the ability to stop LA. And Kobe's nemesis - Raja Bell - no longer resides within a Phoenix uniform.
Oh well, thanks for coming Shaq.
Today, butt-tastin's on the other side.
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Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 