The Official Suns Eyes On the Prize Thread

[Da Bloody Bird]

Let me start this out by saying point blank that the Suns are going to win the NBA Championship this year. I don't know how many wins they'll have or if Amare will be the same this season but believe by playoff time the Suns will have chemistry so unheard of the Championship will be theres to lose. Go Suns
http://www.nba.com/media/suns/adb_italy_amare_jams.jpg

[Spider TX]

I too think they will win it all. Not much to base that on since they havent played much defense yet, but just that hunch.

[azcat4]

This is the year. They are going to be 9 or 10 deep, allowing everyone to be fresh come playoff time. If Nash and Marion can avoid injury, and Amare comes back even 75%.. it's over. The championship is theirs.

I'm so excited for this season. I can't wait. Go Suns!

[DaOutLawEdgeJames]

Just as long as we dont have any injuries then we will play for the title

[native az]

Unless they can rebound the ball well, and play defense the Suns will never have a title.

[NightHawk11and81]

I don't honestly care about it, but I will say the Suns play the perfect style to win in the Not Basketball Association. That's exactly why if the Suns come on, I'm changing the channel immediately.

[NightHawk11and81]

Unless they can rebound the ball well, and play defense the Suns will never have a title.

Come on, native, you don't have to play defense! This isn't college, this is the Not Basketball Association!

[Joe84]

I've been waiting for over 10 years for the Suns to have a REAL center, until they do, and until this team plays defense better than the Cardinals, they WILL NOT even advance to the finals.

[azbmxican]

Keep on hatin cause the Suns will win!!!

[native az]

Keep on hatin cause the Suns will win!!!

I love the Suns but I have seen a disturbing trend since Sarver has taken over, and it is that they won't spend money to resign our top players.

Championships come to teams that can get stops on the defensive end and the Suns have proven over and over again that they can't do that.

[NightHawk11and81]

I've been waiting for over 10 years for the Suns to have a REAL center, until they do, and until this team plays defense better than the Cardinals, they WILL NOT even advance to the finals.

Joe, again, in the Not Basketball Association, defense is NOT a requirement for success.

[Spider TX]

I love the Suns but I have seen a disturbing trend since Sarver has taken over, and it is that they won't spend money to resign our top players.

Championships come to teams that can get stops on the defensive end and the Suns have proven over and over again that they can't do that.

What top player are you referring to that he didnt offer to pay? I know you arent talking about Joe Johnson because they were willing to pay him what the Hawks did.

[Da Bloody Bird]

Sarver was willing to shellout the money but Johnson chose to go to ATL. Johnson's loss he never win a championship in ATL as he would of easily in PHX. He basically wanted to be the only superstar on his team. Besides the loss of JOhnson no other Sun has left because Sarver wouldn't pay market price Tim Thomas wanted way to much $ to come of the bench so Sarver fine lay off the fella. Go SUNS

[Spider TX]

and Tim Thomas is very very far from a top player. I sure hope that guy wasnt referring to him, because he was a good role player, but sure as hell not a great player.

[dillon1]

I've been waiting for over 10 years for the Suns to have a REAL center, until they do, and until this team plays defense better than the Cardinals, they WILL NOT even advance to the finals.


When was the last time the Suns had a real center? Who?
AA?

[native az]

What top player are you referring to that he didnt offer to pay? I know you arent talking about Joe Johnson because they were willing to pay him what the Hawks did.

This is the typical I know nothing abou the Suns post. Sarver low balled JJ during the season before his contract was going to be up. Kind of like they did with TT, and now Boris. The Suns offered all 3 well under the marekt value for guys at their position putting up similar numbers.

You watch, we will soon here how Boris Diou is not a team guy and does not want to be here. Just wait.

[native az]

Sarver was willing to shellout the money but Johnson chose to go to ATL. Johnson's loss he never win a championship in ATL as he would of easily in PHX. He basically wanted to be the only superstar on his team. Besides the loss of JOhnson no other Sun has left because Sarver wouldn't pay market price Tim Thomas wanted way to much $ to come of the bench so Sarver fine lay off the fella. Go SUNS

How many championships do we have????????

TT wanted way to much? They low balled him and now he will come back to bite us playing for the Clipps.

[Spider TX]

First, Joe Johnson had never done much to deserve the big extension during the season, and then he may have been worth it after performing, in which the Suns finally offered, and he left.

Tim Thomas was in no way worth what he got. The offered enough money for a guy who has never done much, and frankly didnt do a whole lot for the Suns aside from hit a couple big shots, which should not mean they should be paid some enormous amount, when they are not worth it at all. Would I have liked to see him come back and continue his role, sure, but sure as hell not at the money he got. He was never great, and won't be.

And don't worry, Diaw won't be going anywhere, and will get his money, just has to show it a bit longer. The Suns have plenty of money for their players, that was the intention during the offseason when they didnt draft or really bring anyone in, which still baffles me.

[native az]

First, Joe Johnson had never done much to deserve the big extension during the season, and then he may have been worth it after performing, in which the Suns finally offered, and he left.

Tim Thomas was in no way worth what he got. The offered enough money for a guy who has never done much, and frankly didnt do a whole lot for the Suns aside from hit a couple big shots, which should not mean they should be paid some enormous amount, when they are not worth it at all. Would I have liked to see him come back and continue his role, sure, but sure as hell not at the money he got. He was never great, and won't be.

And don't worry, Diaw won't be going anywhere, and will get his money, just has to show it a bit longer. The Suns have plenty of money for their players, that was the intention during the offseason when they didnt draft or really bring anyone in, which still baffles me.


Unfortunately the NBA is a pay on potential league so JJ got what the market would pay him, same with TT.

I will bet you a beer at Cards stadium that Diaw is gone after this year.

[Spider TX]

There is no way Diaw will be gone. They already know what good he is for the team, and they arent far away at all on an extension. It will not be long into the season when he gets that extension.

[native az]

There is no way Diaw will be gone. They already know what good he is for the team, and they arent far away at all on an extension. It will not be long into the season when he gets that extension.

The report is they are 4million apart a year on the extension. Boris is asking for 12 and the Suns have reportedly offered 8.

[azcat4]

How recent is that report? Last I heard, Diaw wanted 10 million over 5 years. I hope his price hasn't gone up.

[native az]

How recent is that report? Last I heard, Diaw wanted 10 million over 5 years. I hope his price hasn't gone up.

Tuesday, this week.

[Da Bloody Bird]

I so look forward to the Suns season starting something positive to watch every week. **** Start the season already so I can see Amare throwing it down in Brands face.

[Da Bloody Bird]

Bell get ready to closeline Kobe
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i25/shollatz/kobe_bell_knockdown.jpg:toothorn:

[M0J0]

Yep and Steve can get ready to hug his twig and berries

HERE WE GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://photos.imageevent.com/deedub1639/face/23141787.jpghttp://photos.imageevent.com/deedub1639/face/captpnu11304270535lakers_suns_basketball.jpghttp://photos.imageevent.com/deedub1639/face/captpnu11604270542lakers_suns_basketball.jpg

[Da Bloody Bird]

Nash one his two MVP trophies by being a team player

http://www.basket-plus.com/nba/plej-of_2006/slike/Nash_MVP.jpg

[az602]

Too bad we lost to the Lakers. Just like a Cards collapse...after the first quarter everyone was flat..

Our center is Kurt Thomas. By most accounts a good defensive center. Didn't see much of it last night though. He looked slow. I had my doubts about Leandro (The Spaz) Barbosa, but he was the ONLY one who consistently hit his shots. Gotta be able to hit the basket to play for the Suns. C'mon boys hit the basket!!

[kevmoley]

Too bad we lost to the Lakers. Just like a Cards collapse...after the first quarter everyone was flat..

Our center is Kurt Thomas. By most accounts a good defensive center. Didn't see much of it last night though. He looked slow. I had my doubts about Leandro (The Spaz) Barbosa, but he was the ONLY one who consistently hit his shots. Gotta be able to hit the basket to play for the Suns. C'mon boys hit the basket!!

I hope tonight is better...about to leave to go eat and then game... Lets Go Suns !!

[M0J0]

Nash one his two MVP trophies by being a team player

This is just too easy but hey I'll play...

Kobe and one of three trophies that matter.... :toothorn:

http://photos.imageevent.com/deedub1639/face/bryant01.jpg

[az602]

This is just too easy but hey I'll play...

Kobe and one of three trophies that matter.... :toothorn:

http://photos.imageevent.com/deedub1639/face/bryant01.jpg

Nobody likes Kobe except the sports media. He's a dirtbag with no class. Just like Bonds, the sports media wants to crow about his achievements, while the crowd boos him. If it wasn't for Shaq, Kobe would have nothing.

[M0J0]

Nobody likes Kobe except the sports media. He's a dirtbag with no class. Just like Bonds, the sports media wants to crow about his achievements, while the crowd boos him. If it wasn't for Shaq, Kobe would have nothing.

I'm not even going to get into the personal attacks on the guy. He absolutely has made some mistakes.. It's likely that if you look at some of the players on your favorite team you will find that they too have their share of problems.

As far as liking the guy, he's my favorite player. If he is so unpopular why is his Jersey consistantly one of the top sellers? Get over it. You can be bitter all you want. You can't take the three trophies from the guy no matter how much you want to magically go back in time and take Shaq off of the team you can't. Speculation of what would happen if shaq were not on the team cuts both ways. I'll argue that without Kobe Shaq doesn't have those three rings either.

[az602]

I'm not even going to get into the personal attacks on the guy. He absolutely has made some mistakes.. It's likely that if you look at some of the players on your favorite team you will find that they too have their share of problems.

As far as liking the guy, he's my favorite player. If he is so unpopular why is his Jersey consistantly one of the top sellers? Get over it. You can be bitter all you want. You can't take the three trophies from the guy no matter how much you want to magically go back in time and take Shaq off of the team you can't. Speculation of what would happen if shaq were not on the team cuts both ways. I'll argue that without Kobe Shaq doesn't have those three rings either.

Dwayne Wade.

I'm not bitter, I think Kobe's an ******. I don't want to take anything away from him. I don't care if he wins the MVP, Finals, and Lombardi Trophy. He's still an ******. As far as his jersey selling, apparently a lot of people like *******. Cause he's so gangster....the sports media loves him, but they love Barry, too. Cause there's a story there...they touted him as the new Michael Jordan. Oops. Don't blame me because a bunch of sheep love an ******.

[M0J0]

Dwayne Wade.
Cause he's so gangster....the sports media loves him, but they love Barry, too. Cause there's a story there...they touted him as the new Michael Jordan. Oops. Don't blame me because a bunch of sheep love an ******.

Who is gangster? Kobe..... You have to be kidding. That is part of the reason that I like the guy. He's not gangster.. He doesn't have his posse rolling with him to the game. He's not driving around with an AK in his car. That's AI, KG, Starberry, and the Pacers... I don't like those guys.

Cause there's a story there...Don't blame me because a bunch of sheep(fans) love an ******.
He's not an ******.

In your statement don't leave out "AWESOME PLAYER." The media loves him because he can play. If he sucked he wouldn't be a story. There are better stories out there than KB.

Laker fans love the guy because he helped get them 3 rings. I think KB is no worse than other players. If tables were turned and he were on (insert team here) and he brought them three rings the fans would love him in (insert city here). That's how fans work. You can argue that fans should be concerned about a players behavior off the field, that's a different arguement.

[az602]

Who is gangster? Kobe..... You have to be kidding. That is part of the reason that I like the guy. He's not gangster.. He doesn't have his posse rolling with him to the game. He's not driving around with an AK in his car. That's AI, KG, Starberry, and the Pacers... I don't like those guys.


He's not an ******.

In your statement don't leave out "AWESOME PLAYER." The media loves him because he can play. If he sucked he wouldn't be a story. There are better stories out there than KB.

Laker fans love the guy because he helped get them 3 rings. I think KB is no worse than other players. If tables were turned and he were on (insert team here) and he brought them three rings the fans would love him in (insert city here). That's how fans work. You can argue that fans should be concerned about a players behavior off the field, that's a different arguement.

Sorry, i don't like him. I think you'll find YOU are in the minority. Besides being morally corrupt, he's got an attitude problem. And he's second in whining to the refs. Only the Amazing Ginobili does a better acting job. He's a spoiled, selfish brat, and I don't have to like him if I don't want to.

You don't have to like Nash either, but I do. So save your persuasion for some Kobe bandwagon fans. FTR I hate Shaq, too!

[Da Bloody Bird]

Phoenix 113, Seattle 102

PHOENIX, Jan. 9 (AP) -- Even on a so-so night, the Phoenix Suns had enough to wear down the Seattle SuperSonics.
Shawn Marion (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/shawn_marion/index.html) had 29 points and 15 rebounds, Steve Nash (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/steve_nash/index.html) added 27 points and 11 assists, and the Suns beat the fading Sonics 113-102 on Tuesday night for their seventh consecutive victory.
"Not great basketball,'' Suns coach Mike D'Antoni (http://www.nba.com/coachfile/mike_dantoni/index.html) said, "but we did our job and lived for another day.''
The Suns overcame career bests of 29 points and 21 rebounds by Seattle's Nick Collison (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/nick_collison/index.html) to hand the Sonics their fifth loss in a row and 12th straight defeat on the road, two shy of the franchise record.
"Statistically, that's three times probably my average,'' Collison said. "It was a good game personally, but you have one guy have a great game like that and we still lose by 15 (actually 11), it doesn't make things feel very well.''
Marion had 19 points and nine rebounds in the second half, when the Suns finally took control of the game.
"We didn't place enough importance on what we were doing in the first half,'' Nash said. "I think it was a wake-up call to be down two at the half, and we picked it up.''
Leandro Barbosa (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/leandro_barbosa/index.html) scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter for Phoenix, winner of a franchise-record 15 in a row earlier this season. Ray Allen (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/ray_allen/index.html) scored 25 for Seattle.
After giving up 60 points in the first half, the Suns held the Sonics to 14 in the third quarter.
"I think we were just talking a lot better on defense,'' Marion said. "We were limiting them to one shot, then getting out and playing Suns basketball.''
Seattle coach Bob Hill (http://www.nba.com/coachfile/bob_hill/index.html) would love to have that kind of game from Collison more often.
"That's the best game I've ever seen Nick Collison (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/nick_collison/index.html) play,'' Hill said. "He seemed to be playing much higher. He did everything, scored the ball, rebounded. If we could start getting that, it would be pretty nice.''
Nash had a simple explanation for Collison's big game.
"I think we just underestimated him,'' Nash said, "and he outhustled us to be honest.''
The Suns, with the longest active winning streak in the league, took the lead for good with a 16-2 run at the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth.
After trailing virtually the entire first half, Phoenix outscored Seattle 12-2 to start the second half to go up 70-62 on Marion's' 3-pointer with 9:21 to play. But the Sonics scored the next 10 to regain the lead 72-70 when Johan Petro (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/johan_petro/index.html) dunked 5:29 from the end of the quarter.
The Suns, though, ended the third with a 10-2 spurt to lead 80-74 entering the fourth. Phoenix scored the first six of the final quarter to go up 86-74 on Marion's basket with 10:31 to play.
Seattle cut the lead to 106-98 on Mickael Gelabale's (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/mickael_gelabale/index.html) layup with 2:17 to play, but Barbosa sank an 18-footer, then made his third breakaway layup of the quarter to put the Suns up 110-98. Marion's 3-pointer sealed the victory.
Hill said he was "thrilled'' by his team's effort but thought the Sonics grew tired at the end, something that often happens to Phoenix opponents.
"I think the game is fun when you play them, so you kind of get into it,'' Collison said. "It's easier maybe to run up and down. But if we all had odometers on our feet I'm sure we ran up and down a lot more miles this game than any other game, so it does wear you out.''
Collison - whose previous career bests were 21 points and 15 boards - dominated play inside against Amare Stoudemire (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/amare_stoudemire/index.html) and nearly had his career high in points by halftime, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds as Seattle took a 60-58 lead. Nash kept Phoenix close with 20 first-half points on 8-of-10 shooting, 4-of-5 from 3-point range.
The Sonics jumped ahead 17-6 and led the rest of the half.
After Stoudemire missed two free throws, Collison's reverse layup put Seattle up 60-55 with 26 seconds left in the half. Nash's 3-pointer with 8.2 seconds left cut it to 60-58 at halftime.
Nash finished 11-for-15, 5-for-7 on 3-pointers. Notes: Seattle has two victories over teams that currently have a winning record - the Lakers and Indiana. ... The Sonics' franchise-record road losing streak of 14 was set over two seasons, ending on Dec. 1, 1976. ... Phoenix is 25-3 since a 1-5 start. ... Collison had eight offensive rebounds. ... The Suns' eight losses are the fewest of any team in the NBA.

[Da Bloody Bird]

11am @ ABC (11am@ABC) SUNS will face LJ and the Cavs. Go SUNS

[WhyNotTheCards?]

11am @ ABC (11am@ABC) SUNS will face LJ and the Cavs. Go SUNS

I thought this would be number 17 in a row?!

[AZFAN777]

James Jones has really stepped up lately now that Kurt Thomas went down with injury. It's great because we really need that extra guy in the playoffs that we can rely on to come in and hit shots.
Also, most don't know it but James Jones gives the best quotes of anyone on the team. Last week after the Suns beat Seattle he said he had to go cuz he wanted to experience "the real starbucks" before they closed and then after beating Cleveland yesterday, Junior dropped this little Gem:

“When Steve is running the show like that, and we’re hitting our shots, the other team doesn’t really have much control over the game,” Suns forward James Jones said. ”They’re reacting to what we do, and it’s too late. When we have the guns all firing, who do you stop? Which way would you like to lose? That’s why when we don’t play like this, we feel bad because we know it’s there.”

Not cocky, just confident. I love it!


As per the above argument about Kobe. I despise the guy, because he never misses. Ofcourse other teams fans' are going to resent him. You cant let the Lakers be close to you at the end of the game because you know Kobe will hit the shot 9timesoutof10. I dont think he's 'gangsta' or whatever that means. I think he's a bad person because he cheated on his wife (which he admitted) I mean, everyone acted like it was cool that he cheated on his wife, as long as he didn't **** that girl. I'm glad he didn't **** the girl, but it's still not cool to cheat.

Bottom line is all the personal crap aside, nobody can deny that this dude is one of the best BASKETBALL players ever.