Amare/ESPN: "I want to be the featured guy"

[JohnVancouver]

Here it is -

PHOENIX -- The scene was the home locker room, minutes after the Suns had emphatically illustrated they are not who we're used to seeing and certainly are not where they want to be. Amare Stoudemire stood at his locker with his head bowed, looking distant amid a crowd of familiar faces, resembling a sad puppy who had lost his way.

The Phoenix Suns had not only been beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers over the course of 48 excruciating minutes, they had been beat down. L.A.'s precision had been in full effect, its togetherness undeniable, as had been the Lakers' depth and confidence. And so, indeed, had been the good time they were having at the Suns' expense.

"They did look really good out there," Stoudemire said, deadpan. "They were fluid, flowing. Just doing what they do. I remember when we looked like that."

Stoudemire stopped right there.

He knew he didn't need to say another word.

The Suns, 11-5 on the season, still sit near the top of the Western Conference standings. They still have Stoudemire and Steve Nash. Add the usual bandits like Raja Bell, Boris Diaw and Grant Hill, and one would think Phoenix is still the same potent team it's been in recent memory.

Except that is simply not true.

For one thing, the Suns don't have departed coach Mike D'Antoni, who averaged 58 wins the past four seasons. In his place is new coach Terry Porter, whose mandate is to tweak the offense and cater more to Shaquille O'Neal (acquired from Miami halfway into last season) -- but more so to fix a defense that surrendered 105 points per game (24th in the league) and 45.6 percent shooting from the field (18th in the league) last season.

Supposedly, this transition will transform the Suns from all-entertainment status to legitimate title contenders. So say Hill and almost everyone else in Phoenix's locker room.

Almost!

"I hope so," said Stoudemire, who is averaging 22.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 57.4 percent shooting from the field thus far, showing little regression despite the changes. "The goal is bigger than just myself. It's to win a championship. Do everything it takes. But in the process, I'm also trying to be the best I can be, too."

Sorry! But few, if any, can tell what direction Phoenix is headed right now.

In recent seasons, the Suns were considered a top-three team in the West. Now, with the emergence of the Lakers, Utah, New Orleans and Houston, along with omnipresent San Antonio (when healthy), the Suns are lucky if they get mentioned in the top six.

The Suns are running less, and less effectively, than they have in years past. The frenetic pace made so famous by D'Antoni has virtually disappeared during the first month of this season.

Time and again, spacing is an issue because Shaq is clogged in the middle where Stoudemire used to be all by himself. It forces Stoudemire to stay away from the basket more, engaging in predictable pick-and-rolls or just being a perimeter shooter -- when everyone knows his athleticism and aerial assault were what made him arguably the best offensive power forward in the game over the past two seasons.

When asked about his situation, Stoudemire said, "You've got LeBron James who's a featured guy. You've got Dwyane Wade. He's a featured guy. Dwight Howard? They go to him. Chris Bosh? They go to him.

"Bottom line: I want to be that guy. I want to show the league and the world that I feel like my game has improved to that level."

When asked whether he felt Porter's new system was helping that cause, Stoudemire said, "I'm not sure."

When told it wasn't good for him to feel that way, his response: "It ain't great!"

Stoudemire left it at that. So Porter, knowing Stoudemire -- and others -- might have some reservations about the new world order in Phoenix, elected to elaborate for him.

As a player, you should look at the teams you might want to play for. The city you may want to live in. The system you may want to play in. The economy. The cost of living. Everything. It's about what's best for you.

--Amare Stoudemire

"The important thing with Amare is that we have to continue to win games," Porter said. "He's getting touches in the areas he needs to get touches. He just has to be aggressive. I think the last few games he's gotten the ball in the areas he's needed to get the ball. He's gotten the attempts he's needed. We just have to keep working at it.

"I've talked to him a lot about having to grow in other areas of his game in order to be mentioned with guys like Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. Those guys came in and had a presence offensively, but as the years progressed, their defense got considerably better. And Amare has gotten better from day one. So in my mind, I believe he'll be fine."

The thing is, it doesn't matter how anyone but Stoudemire feels, as it pertains to Stoudemire, if the future is what the Suns are concerned about.

Shaq goes out of his way to say, "Amare is a helluva player. He's the most athletic power forward I've seen in a while, and he's our main guy." But that hasn't stopped anyone from noticing Phoenix is, as Bell says, "Shaq's team right now. No complaints. We're just all adjusting."

Then there's Nash, the former two-time league MVP, looking bewildered for the first time in years. As point guard, he feels similar concern, despite having the ball in his hands most of the time.

"You're not wrong in that we're not where we want to be yet," Nash said. "We're not running as much as we would like to. We've got some work to do.

"We emphasized going inside and our half-court game for six weeks during training camp and the preseason. That's what you're seeing. If we play too methodically for all 82 games, it's going to wear guys down. No doubt.

"But [Porter] wants us to run. We want to run. Eventually, we'll be fine."


LeBron's not the only superstar who'll have the opportunity to don new colors in 2010.

They'd better be. Because while all this talk has circulated about the potential 2010 availability of LeBron, D-Wade and Bosh, they are not alone on that list.

Asked whether he thinks about his own availability in 2010, Stoudemire didn't hesitate: "Absolutely! You have to look at those opportunities because this is a business and you want to explore every option. I guarantee you every owner will explore their options, especially when a player's contract is up. So it's the same for players. It's definitely the same for me.

"As a player, you should look at the teams you might want to play for. The city you may want to live in. The system you may want to play in. The economy. The cost of living. Everything. It's about what's best for you."

Are you listening, Phoenix? Rest assured, 29 other teams certainly are.

Stephen A. Smith covers the NBA for ESPN.




--- I'm sure that will be spun by some as "make me the center of the offense on every possession or I'm leaving" but I don't think that's it at all. He's being straight - of course he'll look at everything out there when the time comes. And saying so doesn't hurt his position even if he does plan or prefer to stay in PHX.

What troubles me is how frustrated the team sounds and the idea that this is Shaq's team is ... preposterous. That may be what it's been turned into but it's a head-shakingly terrible idea.
Shaq was supposed to add championship-level confidence, presence and rebounding.
Now he's the hub of the offense, Amare and Nash are suffering ...

Depressing. Anyone see anything to be happy about?

[rsavaj]

Hahahaha, well if he wants to be "that guy" maybe he can A)stop being shredded on defense, and B)start outrebounding our frickin 5 foot backup PG.

Seriously, if he keeps up the egomaniacal attitude, then I don't want him back in 2010. We've already gone through this with Marion, but at least he produced like a mad man in 05/06 when he was "that guy".

[MaryvalesFinest]

Suns management should seriously look at trading Amare either for, young talent + draft picks or a solid player/players that can play defense. Maybe package him along with Diaw's bad contract or something.

[Go7enKs]

I hate to agree with Amare because normally when he talks he just says a bunch of crap. But I'm afraid is right this time. Obviosuly, he's wrong in pointing this out in the media instead of within the team. Also it's disturbing to see how Raja Bell is turning his back on this team. Every time he can speak he says something bad. And don't tell me his "This is Shaq's team" wasn't controversial...I think that of all our players Raja Bell is the one who suffered more after Mike left. He just loved Mike and I think he can't stand Porter at all.

[Purple Palace]

Hahahaha, well if he wants to be "that guy" maybe he can A)stop being shredded on defense, and B)start outrebounding our frickin 5 foot backup PG.

Seriously, if he keeps up the egomaniacal attitude, then I don't want him back in 2010. We've already gone through this with Marion, but at least he produced like a mad man in 05/06 when he was "that guy".

Just because Amare is mediocre on defense doesn't mean he shouldn't be the focal point of our offense, that's a joke statement. Amare should be our go-to guy for the most part and occasionally Shaq. Amare shoots nearly 60% from the field, give him the gotdamn ball. 13 shots per game for someone of his caliber on offense is pathetic.

Amare produced like a mad man in 04/05, 06/07, 07/08. Amare doesn't need to be spoon fed baskets like Marion did and look at Marion now, he sucks. 12 ppg/8rpg in 37 minutes.

If you don't want Amare back in 2010 because of his ego then who are we going to build around? We're going to be the joke of the league if Amare is gone because we will not be bringing in a big name anytime soon when we have nothing to attract them with. Besides, his ego isn't even a detriment to this team. It's only a detriment to the mentally weak like Marion who couldn't handle Amare being a better player than him thus being the #1 option over him during his time here.

[rsavaj]

Hahahaha, well if he wants to be "that guy" maybe he can A)stop being shredded on defense, and B)start outrebounding our frickin 5 foot backup PG.

Seriously, if he keeps up the egomaniacal attitude, then I don't want him back in 2010. We've already gone through this with Marion, but at least he produced like a mad man in 05/06 when he was "that guy".

Just because Amare is mediocre on defense doesn't mean he shouldn't be the focal point of our offense, that's a joke statement. Amare should be our go-to guy for the most part and occasionally Shaq. Amare shoots nearly 60% from the field, give him the gotdamn ball. 13 shots per game for someone of his caliber on offense is pathetic.

Amare produced like a mad man in 04/05, 06/07, 07/08. Amare doesn't need to be spoon fed baskets like Marion did and look at Marion now, he sucks. 12 ppg/8rpg in 37 minutes.

If you don't want Amare back in 2010 because of his ego then who are we going to build around? We're going to be the joke of the league if Amare is gone because we will not be bringing in a big name anytime soon when we have nothing to attract them with. Besides, his ego isn't even a detriment to this team. It's only a detriment to the mentally weak like Marion who couldn't handle Amare being a better player than him thus being the #1 option over him during his time here.

I never said Amare shouldn't be the focal point of our offense, but he keeps saying he wants to be "Ron Artest" and he wants to be "the guy" everyone fears guarding him.

He's been saying stuff like this since his ROOKIE YEAR, and it's obvious he doesn't give a darn about playing on the other side of the court. 3 rebounds is inexcusable.

And of course his ego's a detriment to the team; he's griping publicly about not getting enough shots. That's not our offense anymore, and if he still wanted an offense centered around him, maybe he should've supported Mike D like the rest of his teammates. As of now, he's strictly the best finisher in the league. If he wants to be "the man", he should start playing like it on both ends. Porter doesn't want him to be the focal point of our offense, and that may be a mistake, but that doesn't give Amare a free pass to play like a complete n00b on the other end of the court.

This is Shaq's team now, for better or worse. That doesn't mean Amare doesn't have any opportunities for making an impact. I imagine that if he shows improvement on the defensive end, Porter will reward him on the offensive end.

[SunsWinSunsWin]

Bell disgusts me. His game is declining and he has a big mouth. He should be thanking Porter for still being in the starting lineup. I'm not thrilled with Porter and losing Amare will cause me to boycott the team, but Bell needs to shut his trap.

Amare needs to understand that if he wants to be an MVP caliber player, he needs to show heart. Even if he is not getting all the touches, he needs to still show interest by grabbing at least 11 or so boards a game and focusing on defense. Until he does this, he is just a player who makes great plays, not a great player who makes plays.

I still blame Sarver for this whole mess. This team should have Rudy Fernandez, Rondo, and their 1st round picks this year and 2010. Sarver is killing this team. He cares more about profitability then championships. Jerry C should have known better and not sold the team to a banking investor who obviously cares more about loot, than the teams fans.

Suns need to trade Bell and Barbosa and start playing Lopez more. Lopez will be a good player and he deserves at least 10 to 15 minutes a game. Giving Rudy Fernandez away and those 2 first round picks will be the Suns undoing I predict. I'm very disappointed but what can I do? I'll will support this team until 2010. If we are not major players that year, this team can go to hell for all I care. I'm sick of having my heart broken year after year.

[ma_falaa_50]

I dont see why suns fans are blaming porter. Fact is this Amare has the POTENTIAL to become an MVP. I dont see how he can become an MVP if he begins to focus on 2010 instead of 2008. His rebounding sucks, his defense is atrocius, what more can I say. He needs to realize that outscoring the other team is not the point. I see that when he doesnt score he lags on defense. There is no excuse for that. If a championship is really what he want then he should look at other ways to help the team.

I kinda looked at the Amare for Jefferson trade at a lot differently now. Both Shaq and Amare didnt do crap vs him.

[667Club]

Basically the last hope you have for a shot at a title is to trade Stoudemire for a geat SF or SG or two good ones. Because in 2010 once Shaq is gone, the windows is shut for a long time especially if you resign Stoudemire as your go-to player. Package him with barbosa for Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun prince maybe ^^

[SunsWinSunsWin]

Basically the last hope you have for a shot at a title is to trade Stoudemire for a geat SF or SG or two good ones. Because in 2010 once Shaq is gone, the windows is shut for a long time especially if you resign Stoudemire as your go-to player. Package him with barbosa for Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun prince maybe ^^

HAHA. Rip and Prince for Stoudemire and Barbosa. What are you smoking!!!!???

[MaryvalesFinest]

Basically the last hope you have for a shot at a title is to trade Stoudemire for a geat SF or SG or two good ones. Because in 2010 once Shaq is gone, the windows is shut for a long time especially if you resign Stoudemire as your go-to player. Package him with barbosa for Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun prince maybe ^^

HAHA. Rip and Prince for Stoudemire and Barbosa. What are you smoking!!!!???

Yeah at the end of last season the Pistons probally would have done that trade but the way both of them are playing now I doubt it, but now with the Pistons talk the Suns should consider trading Amare for Rasheed Wallace and Amir Johnson. That way the Suns can just play this last season or last two years out and try to win the championship before they blow everything up and Wallace plays great defense to help them at that and Johnson is a upcomming young player with great defense to replace Amare, may not be as offensively gifted but plays better defense anyway...

C-Shaq/Lopez
PF-Wallace/Diaw/Johnson/Amundson
SF-Barnes/Hill
SG-Bell/Barbosa/Tucker
PG-Nash/Singletary/Dragic

Not a bad lineup actually and the Pistons probally would do that trade.

[scootfu602]

Seriously, if he keeps up the egomaniacal attitude, then I don't want him back in 2010. We've already gone through this with Marion, but at least he produced like a mad man in 05/06 when he was "that guy".

People are going to regret saying that when he leaves. But hey, I guess we could build around RoLo and Dragic.............
He is the center piece and should be treated accordingly. Him "turning into a Ron Artest type player" isn't going to happen over night. Keep in mind this is the first season he has ever really benn tought any kind of "D". These things take time, for all those that still critisize his defensive abilities.
****PLease don't go Amar'e

[HootieRules]

The guy averages 20+ points a game, shoots near 60% and is a really good free throw shooter for his position. He's improved every year (both offensively and defensively), works hard at his game, overcame a horrendous knee injury and above all else he's just damn fun to watch play basketball. He's a special player and even if he remains a below average defender for the rest of his career he may still win an MVP or two. He has said time and time again his main goal is to win a championship. He's honest with the media and says he can be the focal point of a team that wins a championship and some of our fans not only throw him under the bus for this but make comments like they don't really care if he leaves in 2010. Some of you need to pull your head out of the gutter.

[Mr. Sun]

Didn't Marion want to be the man also? Look at him now.

Sheeeeeesh.

[b-ball forever]

It'd really suck to lose Amare due to the stupid direction our franchise has been taking under Steve Kerr. I hope he stays, but IF he's really gonna walk then it's best we trade him before we get nothing in return.

There are a hell lotta other teams clearing up capspace for 2010, so gambling on attracting big name FAs then is a MASSIVE risk, specially considering those other teams are the big market guys.

The only other BIGMEN currently worth trading him for are (they'd HAVE to be good at defense :

-KG/Duncan (for 1 last shot at the title), but neither Boston nor SanAN would wanna give up those guys after everthing they've done for their respective franchises.
-Dwight, but he's too good for Orlando say to yes.
-Bosh. Not a great defender, but he's still got more upside then Amare. He's at around the same level as STAT, Toronto might consider.
-The other bigman worth trading him for is a 100% Elton Brand, but he'd have to prove he can fully recover and get back to being he Clips version EB first since he's in a bit of a slump at the mo.


We wouldn't have to do a bigman swap tho. We could also add on a quality 2 way SG (again, THAT PLAYS DEFENSE).

An interesting idea would be Amare/Barbosa for Danny Granger/Troy Murphy/1st round draft pick (didn't check if works on the trade checker, but should be pretty much a'ite.

Danny Granger is a MASSIVELY underated player due to playing on the Pacers, he's basically Shawn Marion with sick shooting that can handle the rock and create his own shot!
Dude can play the 2/3/4 spots, his jumper is money from both mid-range and 3 point distance, he's a top quality defender and shot blocker, he's one the best at moving without the ball in the NBA. On top of it he's still young and still has upside...
And Troy Murphy would be a good fit next to Shaq with the range on his jumper.

The trade Fixes our quality depth at the 2 spot issues, makes us more versatile, and also gives us a chance at drafting a quality PG like Jennings next offseason.


I'd rather we go back to running, so Amare/Nash get happy and stay tho.

[MaryvalesFinest]

It'd really suck to lose Amare due to the stupid direction our franchise has been taking under Steve Kerr. I hope he stays, but IF he's really gonna walk then it's best we trade him before we get nothing in return.

There are a hell lotta other teams clearing up capspace for 2010, so gambling on attracting big name FAs then is a MASSIVE risk, specially considering those other teams are the big market guys.

The only other BIGMEN currently worth trading him for are (they'd HAVE to be good at defense :

-KG/Duncan (for 1 last shot at the title), but neither Boston nor SanAN would wanna give up those guys after everthing they've done for their respective franchises.
-Dwight, but he's too good for Orlando say yes.
-Bosh. Not a great defender, but he's still got more upside then Amare. He's at around the same level as STAT, Toronto might consider.
-The other bigman worth trading him for is a 100% Elton Brand, but he'd have to prove he can fully recover and get back to being he Clips version EB first since he's in a bit of a slump at the mo.


We wouldn't have to do a bigman swap tho. We could also add on a quality 2 way SG (again, THAT PLAYS DEFENSE).

An interesting idea would be Amare/Barbosa for Danny Granger/Troy Murphy/1st round draft pick (didn't check if works on the trade checker, but should be pretty much a'ite.

Danny Granger is a MASSIVELY underated player due to playing on the Pacers, he's basically Shawn Marion with sick shooting that can handle the rock and create his own shot!
Dude can play the 2/3/4 spots, his jumper is money from both mid-range and 3 point distance, he's a top quality defender and shot blocker, he's one the best at moving without the ball in the NBA. On top of it he's still young and still has upside...
And Troy Murphy would be a good fit next to Shaq with the range on his jumper.

The trade Fixes our quality depth at the 2 spot issues, makes us more versatile, and also gives us a chance at drafting a quality PG like Jennings next offseason.


I'd rather we go back to running, so Amare/Nash get happy and stay tho.

That actually is a great trade for both teams, the one with the Pacers except replace Barbosa with Diaw so the Suns could get rid of his bad contract.

Amare + Diaw to the Pacers for Danny Grander + Troy Murphy and a 2010 first

Sign me up for that.

[b-ball forever]

^^If we trade Diaw we don't have anymore capable bigman backup, when Shaq goes down we'd be screwed...

Unless we follow it up with a Barbosa/David Lee swap

[MaryvalesFinest]

^^If we trade Diaw we don't have anymore capable bigman backup, when Shaq goes down we'd be screwed...

Unless we follow it up with a Barbosa/David Lee swap

Yeah but Diaw has a horrible contract, if the Suns could get rid of it they should go for it. The Suns would be getting Murphy and Granger back plus the Suns still would have Shaq, Lopez and Amundson they should be set.

C-Shaq/Lopez/Amundson
PF-Granger/Murphy/Amundson
SF-Murphy/Barnes/Hill
SG-Bell/Barbosa/Tucker
PG-Nash/Singletary/Dragic

[scootfu602]

^^^Am I reading this correctly? Hill is a 3rd string deep bench player with Murphy coming in trade....WOW....Trade Amar'e and throw Hill Deep on the bench. That's the way to win a championship

[b-ball forever]

@ Maryvale

That wouldn't be bad under Mike D'Antoni, but in Terry Porter's system :

Shaq/Lopez/Diaw
Murphy/Diaw/Admunsun
Barnes/Hill/Tucker
Granger/Raja/Tucker
Nash/Singletary/Dragic

>>>>

Shaq/Lopez/Murphy
Murphy/Admunsun
Barnes/Hill
Granger/Raja/Barbs
Nash/Barbs/Singletary

(Which is the rotation he'd run)