What Do the Suns Need to Be Contenders?

[Risensun]

This year has been a crazy year for Suns fans. Plenty of ups and downs with fans at the worst of times calling to blow up the team, and fans at times calling the Suns contenders. I personally have stood by my stance that we would be title contenders if a defensive post player was brought in via the Wallace contract such as Camby or Kaman.

How many changes would have to be made in order to contend? Or has this ship sailed? What do you think?

[Biff]

Healthy team. Amare to elevate his game to even another notch. J-Rich to keep shooting 50% from 2's and 45% from 3's. Lot's of heart. And probably some injuries to other teams. If the Lakers aren't healthy, we have a chance, but I still think they can beat us even if they aren't 100%.

Edit: Nevermind you meant next year.

[Jdiddy701]

I'm talking about this year. IMO, I think Suns are contenders right now. I think they have the chance to beat the Lakers with Robin Lopez. IF Suns and Lakers would meet up in the playoffs, The Suns can win. One key: Our bench needs to play like they've played from past games and we'll win. Lakers bench sucks. I'm not worried about our starters. Nash, Amare, Jrich, and Hill know how to win. The question is, does Lou, Frye, Dragic, Barbosa, Dudley, and even Clark, have the same mindset as the Suns starting 4 (5, I don't know If I consider Lopez a winner ) We don't need Lopez on offense, but on defense he better make Bynum/Gasol work for their points, and I think he will.

I think this Suns team is the team to beat in the West. Yeah I said it. Overall, I would take this Suns team over any team in the West. They have the talent to match up against any team in the West. Amare's been unstoppable and I doubt anybody can guard him. Also I believe Suns play good D (not great but good) to survive in the playoffs. ESPN/TNT/Charles/JasonTerry need to shutup and watch us.

[RaisingArizona]

We're contenders with a healthy Nash&Rolo, a motivated STAT, and a consistent bench. We just need Nash and Rolo to get healthy for playoff time and we're legit contenders. I really think we could take any team out the way we're playing as of late.

[impulsenine]

Robin. Lopez.


That's it.


Although bringing in Lebron for the vet minimum at SF would be cool, too.

[MaryvalesFinest]

They need to rebuild if they want to be a contender, right now it's a middle of the road playoff team. Might be able to pull an upset in the first round but who seriously thinks this team can make it to the finals?

Right now this team is hanging by the strings, no one knows what's going to happen to Amare and if they lose their leading scorer and rebounder, arguably best player that's going to make an impact. Not to mention Hill and Nash are going to be another year older, Hill's production has gradually dropped ever since the first year he came to the Suns and he probably will do the same next season, Nash hasn't been the same since the all-star break, he can't hit wide open shots and looks like an old man trying to play with young guys in their 20's and teenagers. This year they surprised us all but what about next year?

Even with the same team I have a hard time seeing this team come out at .500 and that's IF Amare still stays and the teams keep intact. Look at the other teams in the west, Paul is going to be back healthy, Yao is going to be back healthy, Grizz are young and will improve just like the Warriors, Clippers, Wolves and Kings. All those teams are young and have no where to go but up while the Suns are relying on old guys to carry them. The bench maybe young but the stars arn't, if Amare walks I have a hard time seeing a 37 year old Nash lead this team into the playoffs with the west getting better. Time to move on rebuild, it happens to every team eventually...

[ma_falaa_50]

the suns just need to stick with the fundamentals. make the easy pass, box out, control the glass, communicate on defense, work on defensive rotations. I dont like seeing amare and channing on the floor because these 2 guys are very bad at rotating and rebounding is also a concern.

[hunterxaz]

The Suns are back to being an elite Western conference team, so they're definitely in contention for the title right now.

We don't need to rebuild when we're in the middle of competing for a title. Kerr has made nice moves that put us in the elite pack while also developing younger down the road talent (Dudley, Lopez, Frye, Dragic) so we still have a great unit. Nash is the #1 point guard in the NBA and has shown no signs of slowing down, and he's signed with us for 3 more years. Amare also will re-sign with us, and we should lock him up for max years so he can be part of that younger core.

[DirtyDez]

A real head coach would help. Also an upgrade at SF. Plus some luck.