Off-Season Game Plan: Suns
6/27/2006 1:09:37 PM
Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns have energized the NBA with a run-and-gun style that should only get better with the return of Amare Stoudemire next season.
Getting Stoudemire back in the fold will give the Suns the low-post presence that they didn't have in 2005-2006, but there is some question about just how healthy the big man will be. Microfracture surgery has proven problematic for other NBA stars, like Chris Webber and Allan Houston for example, and Stoudemire's comeback this season was cut short after just three games. Perhaps the Suns are just being extra-cautious with the future of their franchise.
With Nash the reigning two-time MVP still running the show, the frontcourt duo of Stoudemire and Shawn Marion are set to be major contributors. Marion, though, has been mentioned in trade rumours already this summer, with Seattle's Rashard Lewis and Chicago's Tyson Chandler among the names mentioned coming in return.
The Suns aren't quite so anxious to deal, according to coach Mike D'Antoni. "No major pieces are going to go out, and our top six, seven, eight guys are major pieces," D'Antoni told the East Valley Tribune. "Now if San Antonio calls and offers Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili for Steve Nash, we'll trade Steve. But they haven't called."
The thinking is that the Suns would be better off with a cheaper option that might allow them more long-term flexibility when it comes to signing Boris Diaw and Leandinho Barbosa to contract extensions, not to mention the possibility that the Suns could be pressing against the luxury tax threshold. Since neither Diaw nor Barbosa are headed for free agency just yet, the Suns really don't need to worry about dealing Marion. That doesn't mean they won't; it just means that it's not immediately necessary.
One other factor in the frontcourt is veteran Tim Thomas, who raised his game when arriving in Phoenix. An underachiever for much of his career, Thomas has the kind of athleticism that works in the post for the Suns and he's indicated he would like to return. However, a strong finish may have also generated interest for Thomas on the open market and, as much as he fit well with the Suns, more lucrative offers could come from other teams.
If anyone is going to get moved out of the Suns frontcourt, it could be Kurt Thomas, the physical forward who had a hard time keeping up after coming over from New York.
On the wings, the Suns enjoyed a breakout season from Diaw. Unable to crack the Hawks' lineup, Diaw displayed versatility (playing center at times) and athleticism that makes him part of the long-term plan in Phoenix. Raja Bell also had a terrific first season in the desert, hitting three-pointers and playing tough defensively. Barbosa, Eddie House and James Jones all provide strong bench scoring, at reasonable cost, so there is little reason to expect change.
At the point, of course, is Nash. The 32 year-old keeps the Suns offense moving at a frenetic pace and he should continue to excel with Stoudemire taking some defensive pressure off. Finding a backup for Nash isn't a major need, considering Nash playd 35 minutes per game, but one of the Suns' first-round picks could be used on a young guard to potentially groom as Nash's successor.
The other first round selection, provided that the Suns don't package the pair and move up, could go towards another big athlete for the frontline, providing insurance in case Stoudemire is still aching or if Marion and/or Thomas are moved.
After pushing the Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals this year, the Suns have every right to expect those kinds of results, or even better, next season, most likely with a familiar lineup.
GM/COACH Mike D'Antoni
CENTERS
Returning: Amare Stoudemire, Kurt Thomas, Brian Grant (PO), Pat Burke (PO). Free Agents: None
FORWARDS
Returning: Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw, Nickoloz Tskitishvili, Dijon Thompson. Free Agents: Tim Thomas (UFA)
GUARDS
Returning: Steve Nash, Raja Bell, Leandrinho Barbosa, Eddie House. Free Agents: None
DRAFT
21st - Saer Sene, Hilton Armstrong, Rajon Rondo, Kyle Lowry
27th - Shawne Williams, Thabo Sefolosha, Josh Boone, Dee Brown
FREE AGENCY
Payroll: $62M
TRADE MARKET
Marion (three years, $48.6M), K. Thomas (two years, $15.4M)
