Suns State of the Union

[Traxxe]

Since I will be leaving you all through most of the month and will not be available to comment much until I return to Arizona sometime after the trade deadline. I would like to present to you my State of the Team Address:

Sarver decreed the following for the Suns:

1) Make the Playoffs
2) Cut Salary

Management perceived the best chance at remaining a playoff team centered on retaining the ever popular Steve Nash. Nash would also by name and reputation alone increase the value of the Franchise and keep many fans in their seats. So brass sat down with Nash and discussed what it would take to retain his presence in the Valley of the Sun.

Nash desired to see Shaq part ways. More on the sourness Shaq created with his antics would come to light later with the TV debacle and stealing of Nash’s show idea. Nash also wanted first right of refusal on any new direction the Suns were going to take as his extension meant it would be ‘his’ team. If a trade is discussed Nash will weigh in on it before anyting is said and done.

Our perception of our talent was that the Suns would make the playoffs this year with their current roster. If the Suns were off to a terrible start then there would be major trade discussions forthcoming. The start of the Suns was spectacular and far above what had been anticipated. Time has shown though more recently that Suns are a lower tier playoff team which is more in line with initial expectations. This is the status quo management wishes to maintain until two years from now when our cap space is low and we can begin a partial to modest rebuild of the team.

The Suns would like to move Jason Richardson but not for equally bad contracts. Any deal involving Jason Richardson should in no way add cap space. The team is not perceived to be in championship contention so no moves will be made to overcome that hurdle. The salary demands of Sarver are the governing factor that will define any future trades. Also understand that there is little interest right now in Jason Richardson and other players would have to be packaged in order to get a decent return on his investent. Next year when Richardson is viewed as an expiring this may increase his worth to championship contenders. Unless a suitor is found expect Rcihardson to be traded next year.

Stat is anoher story altogether. The Suns want Stat to take his option and then approach an extension at that point and time. Further injuries would help the Suns and other teams evaluate the allstar and improve his cost benefit analysis. I mentioned to you guys many times how there was concern in the organization about Stat’s lacking traditional explosiveness and how he would adjust. At this point peope are becoming more pleased that Stat is becoming a bit more of a finesse player and his overall offensive game was not dependent on his first step explosive ability as it used to be. At this juncture we are in a wait and see mode with Stat. A trade this deadline involving Stat would be unlikely given we are in playoff contention.

Don’t be suprised if the Suns and Nash stick to what they have this offseason. Changes will come in the offseason or definitely by next trade deadline. There may be some movement of pieces that are thus far inconsequential to the Suns season but other than that unless there is a complete team breakdown then do not expect much this offseason.

Eyes on the Status Quo

- Traxxe

[DirtyDez]

Nash's trade value is enormous but i don't see us dealing him. Amare no idea. J-Rich + LB for T-Mac would cut salary and make us better. But would Houston do it?

[lilfishi22]

Nash's trade value is enormous but i don't see us dealing him. Amare no idea. J-Rich + LB for T-Mac would cut salary and make us better. But would Houston do it?

That would be the ideal trade for us, but it's unlikely when there are names like Iguodala being thrown around when TMEC trades are being discussed.

[hunterxaz]

Alvin Gentry after the game, "The only way that you can put it is we just got our ass kicked."

[MaryvalesFinest]

Are the Suns even going to make the playoffs though? Their only like 1.5 games out of the 9th seed

[hunterxaz]

2 1/2 games, actually

[Miklo]

Interesting breakdown Traxxe. I guess this means you will be slacking off in the ESPN fantasy league eh?

Good luck with your travels, and I hope the somewhat depressing outlook you gave improves.

[dantian]

The Suns would like to move Jason Richardson but not for equally bad contracts. Any deal involving Jason Richardson should in no way add cap space. The team is not perceived to be in championship contention so no moves will be made to overcome that hurdle. The salary demands of Sarver are the governing factor that will define any future trades. Also understand that there is little interest right now in Jason Richardson and other players would have to be packaged in order to get a decent return on his investent. Next year when Richardson is viewed as an expiring this may increase his worth to championship contenders. Unless a suitor is found expect Rcihardson to be traded next year.

Stat is anoher story altogether. The Suns want Stat to take his option and then approach an extension at that point and time. Further injuries would help the Suns and other teams evaluate the allstar and improve his cost benefit analysis. I mentioned to you guys many times how there was concern in the organization about Stat’s lacking traditional explosiveness and how he would adjust. At this point peope are becoming more pleased that Stat is becoming a bit more of a finesse player and his overall offensive game was not dependent on his first step explosive ability as it used to be. At this juncture we are in a wait and see mode with Stat. A trade this deadline involving Stat would be unlikely given we are in playoff contention.

Don’t be suprised if the Suns and Nash stick to what they have this offseason. Changes will come in the offseason or definitely by next trade deadline. There may be some movement of pieces that are thus far inconsequential to the Suns season but other than that unless there is a complete team breakdown then do not expect much this offseason.

Eyes on the Status Quo

- Traxxe

Hi, Traxxxe,

appreciate it.

1st, seeing how Amare has been adjusting well to his new condition, it'd be a good idea if Nash could decide to emulate Stockton and make Amare the Malone of this team.

2nd, trade JRich to GS for Monta Ellis and let Ellis learn from Nash for a couple years. This should be the fastest way to become a contender again.

[Miklo]

2nd, trade JRich to GS for Monta Ellis and let Ellis learn from Nash for a couple years. This should be the fastest way to become a contender again.

Interesting - have you looked at numbers to see if anything would work? Monta would be just what JRich isn't in our system (though a bit redundant with Barbs), and JRich would fit perfectly into their system - erradic, overpaid, off-court-problem-having swingman. Count it!

[MaryvalesFinest]

These are the few things I found crazy...

Management perceived the best chance at remaining a playoff team centered on retaining the ever popular Steve Nash. Nash would also by name and reputation alone increase the value of the Franchise and keep many fans in their seats. So brass sat down with Nash and discussed what it would take to retain his presence in the Valley of the Sun.

Hasn't worked for me considering I haven't been to a Suns game since they signed Nash and wont be going to one until he retires or is traded, but if most "fans" buy into this all I can do is

Nash also wanted first right of refusal on any new direction the Suns were going to take as his extension meant it would be ‘his’ team.

Insane...

If a trade is discussed Nash will weigh in on it before anyting is said and done.

That's insane, Nash is no Lebron, Wade or Kobe. He's not even the best player on his own team! He's a 36 year old washed up point guard that doesn't play defense and management is basically giving him control of the team?

Our perception of our talent was that the Suns would make the playoffs this year with their current roster.

I seriously don't think the Suns are going to make the playoffs, the same teams as last year all have better chances and so do the young and hungry teams like the Thunder and Grizzlies.

[hunterxaz]

They'll make the playoffs, for sure -- 100% -- count on it. How far they get, is another question in and of itself.

[dantian]

2nd, trade JRich to GS for Monta Ellis and let Ellis learn from Nash for a couple years. This should be the fastest way to become a contender again.

Interesting - have you looked at numbers to see if anything would work? Monta would be just what JRich isn't in our system (though a bit redundant with Barbs), and JRich would fit perfectly into their system - erradic, overpaid, off-court-problem-having swingman. Count it!

Despite Ellis numbers, I believe Nelson would rather build on Curry long term. In that case, JRich with one year on the deal might be a good trade, particularly if we would want to swap something else in addition. It might depend on competing offers though.

[raff]

These are the few things I found crazy...

Nash also wanted first right of refusal on any new direction the Suns were going to take as his extension meant it would be ‘his’ team.

Insane...

If a trade is discussed Nash will weigh in on it before anyting is said and done.

That's insane, Nash is no Lebron, Wade or Kobe. He's not even the best player on his own team! He's a 36 year old washed up point guard that doesn't play defense and management is basically giving him control of the team?

I don't really think this is insane at all. Think about it; Nash is essentially the coach on the floor, and not just because he is the PG. He is a leader, he runs our game on the floor. It makes sense to have someone who is so involved with the game involved in team decisions. I remember reading in an article that was posted not long ago that showed Nash talking about how he sees a need for a big man on the current team (is this right?). Anyway, from memory, and I could be wrong, it was something like that. Obviously that type of asset would be valuable for our team, and having someone in the mix with team decisions with that mind set is not such a bad thing, is it?

[MaryvalesFinest]

These are the few things I found crazy...

Nash also wanted first right of refusal on any new direction the Suns were going to take as his extension meant it would be ‘his’ team.

Insane...

If a trade is discussed Nash will weigh in on it before anyting is said and done.

That's insane, Nash is no Lebron, Wade or Kobe. He's not even the best player on his own team! He's a 36 year old washed up point guard that doesn't play defense and management is basically giving him control of the team?

I don't really think this is insane at all. Think about it; Nash is essentially the coach on the floor, and not just because he is the PG. He is a leader, he runs our game on the floor. It makes sense to have someone who is so involved with the game involved in team decisions. I remember reading in an article that was posted not long ago that showed Nash talking about how he sees a need for a big man on the current team (is this right?). Anyway, from memory, and I could be wrong, it was something like that. Obviously that type of asset would be valuable for our team, and having someone in the mix with team decisions with that mind set is not such a bad thing, is it?

I don't even think those three guys I named have as much control of Nash on their team as he does. It's just a sad situation that management can't even make any trades because he wants a say...

[raff]

I don't even think those three guys I named have as much control of Nash on their team as he does. It's just a sad situation that management can't even make any trades because he wants a say...

It doesn't necessarily have to be a sad situation. I don't think Nash would be alright with a trade that made the team worse. I'm sure he would want a competitive team, and could stop something that would result in otherwise.

[Sreister]

That's insane, Nash is no Lebron, Wade or Kobe. He's not even the best player on his own team! He's a 36 year old washed up point guard that doesn't play defense and management is basically giving him control of the team?

I'm not sure how you can say that he's not the best player. Washed up? There IS more to basketball than defense. I respect your opinion that he isn't you're favorite player, but numbers do NOT lie.

PPG: Up 4 points from his career average. (18.4)
Assists: Up 3 assists per game from his career average. (11.2)
FG%: Up 5 percent from his career average. (53.95)

And he is 36, like you said. Pretty amazing. You have to admit. I could go into Chris Paul, and how Nash has more assists per game, and only trails him by 2 points per game. But I won't.

But, I'll counter my own argument and argue that he doesn't play defense. Ok, fair enough. He doesn't. Neither does anyone else on the team. Darn. Moving on.

So I'll go to Basketball IQ. Who is the brains of the team? Who would you trust with a team? My vote, and so many others would be that Nash would be a overwhelming favorite amongst not only Suns fans, but anyone with any sort of basketball knowledge.

Nash is by far thought to be the heart and soul of the team. The team goes, as Nash goes. Take Nash away and insert a Mike Conley or any other average PG and are we a playoff team? I don't think so.

Anyway, this is getting redundant as I know that you won't agree. All I'm getting at is given this team, I'd trust Steve Nash to run the Suns more than, anyone in the organization. Which brings me to what I initially made out to say.

The man KNOWS basketball, talent is not an issue when it comes to basketball decisions. It's how much you know the game, the team, and what's best for THIS team. Period. End of discussion.

[DBrimstone]

I agree with MVF on the insanity of letting Nash be the GM. Seriously, how do you let a guy who whined so much about trading Diaw and Raja run the team? We'll never trade any of his friends because then he wouldn't have anybody to hang out with. It just so happens that he's friends with everybody. There's no chance of the most obvious trade scenario of packing J-Rich with LB cause him and LB are best buds. They take trips to China for charity and play soccer together. No ok there. No trading Amare. They've been pals for too long. This post bothered me beyond all reason... But thank you Traxxe for reminding us just who owns the team and what we're in for. I hate the message, not the messenger.

[RaisingArizona]

Yeah I kinda of imagined that. Too bad we cant ship off jrich for anything but a bad contract in return.

[Qwigglez]

Obviously they are letting Nash be the GM of the team. Sucks that no imminent departure of Jason Richardson is happening.

[harshey1388]

i can see why some ppl would have a problem with Nash having so much control but MVF.. this is for you.. you CLEARLY complain the most about the management, how we dont get young talent and just keep giving the potentials away. am i wrong? so you have an issue with Nash having a say in trades and such when you clearly dont like the other 2 morons making the moves (kerr & sarver) granted kerr has SEMI redeemed himself i like the fact that nash would like to "weigh" in on any potential teams.

i can understand when you have an issue with ppl getting to controlling in mangement aka don nelson, mike D and ppl such as that but nash has always been LOGICAL with all the moves that he thought were wrong or right for that matter. yes he hated to see his best friend go but ALL of us spent the most of last year saying man i wish we still had raja... yes he did have injuries and washed up a little but i can for a fact say that we would have liked to have raja keep trying here than have J Rich.

idk i personally dont see an issue with this at all, he's smart and cares about the game and his team and teammates, but then again thats just my opinion.

That's insane, Nash is no Lebron, Wade or Kobe. He's not even the best player on his own team! He's a 36 year old washed up point guard that doesn't play defense and management is basically giving him control of the team?

I'm not sure how you can say that he's not the best player. Washed up? There IS more to basketball than defense. I respect your opinion that he isn't you're favorite player, but numbers do NOT lie.

PPG: Up 4 points from his career average. (18.4)
Assists: Up 3 assists per game from his career average. (11.2)
FG%: Up 5 percent from his career average. (53.95)

thats the best stats ive seen of a washed up 36 year old back to back MVP... hmmm