Suns State of the Union
Posted: Sun Jan 3, 2010 5:07 am
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
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
