Just roll with me on this for a minute.

I've been struggling in my own mind lately with a notion that I can't seem to articulate very well, so maybe you can either help me out or set me straight.

I am caught up in this notion that I'd rather have a number of PGPFWEs (pretty good players from winning environment) than a single SSFLE (superstar from losing environment).

In order to avoid personal attachments clouding this issue ("but I really LIKE player A so I want him on my team regardless of what you call him!"), I am writing this post without the use of any individual player names.

(Hint: This is a case where the post is intended to instigate discussion more than anything)

Why do I even care about this? I'll tell you.

There's been a lot of comments and posts lately regarding this trade or that trade.

The most heated discussions generally arise from this basic problem.

Some of the BSotS folks would rather have a lot of interchangeable parts, a lot of PGPFWEs, so they can watch Alvin Gentry mix and match to his heart's content. The premise here is that if you have a bunch of smart players, enough difference-making plays will occur during the game that will result in a win.

Other folks would much rather hang their hat on a big name who can make the All-Star team, a guy who can command a double or triple team, a guy who can put the team on his individual shoulders and carry the Suns to the promised land.

Those folks would suggest a trade of 3-4 PGPFWE for a single SSFLE.

Having a superstar is certainly the proven way to go. Of the last 20 championships, 18 of them have been led by a league Top-5 Superstar at the time (Pistons and Celtics the exceptions).

The problem with this latter plan is that those winning superstars are almost never available via trade or free agency at the top of their game. This summer was an exception in Miami, but they haven't proven anything yet. Before that, it was Shaquille O'Neal to LA in the mid 90s, and then the HEAT in 2004. What other SSFWE has been traded or signed in free agency? Let me know if I'm missing something.

So, what kind of superstars ARE readily available via trade, at the peak of their careers? Malcontents already on a max contract. And those whose stats are inflated in a losing environment.

This last group of players I affectionately call the SSFLE (superstar from losing environment).

Lets vote. And talk about it.

(note: saying you'd rather acquire a SSFWE - superstar from winning environment - is NOT an option in this discussion)

Poll

WHAT would you rather have, and WHY?

• A plethora of PGPFWEs (pretty good players from winning environment)
• A single SSFLE (superstar from losing environment)
• This is the most stupid poll ever conceived. Moron.

  486 votes | Results

The Phoenix Suns in the FIBA World Championship just keep on rolling, as Goran Dragic and Slovenia and Hedo Turkoglu and Turkey each won a nail-biter in Wednesday’s action. Turkey’s 79-77 victory...

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The Phoenix Suns in the FIBA World Championship just keep on rolling, as Goran Dragic and Slovenia and Hedo Turkoglu and Turkey each won a nail-biter in Wednesday’s action. Turkey’s 79-77 victory...

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The Suns have been holding informal workouts and scrimmages for a few days now but today was the first time my schedule allowed me to attend. And boy was it nice to see the fellas (and some friends) back on the court.

I ran in Steve Nash earlier in the day but he didn't participate in the scrimmages with Robin, Grant, Channing, Josh, Clark, Lawal, Jones and Matt Janning. Also there was Zabian Dowdell, Sean Marks, Cezary Trybanski and a couple of other fellas.

Oh, and this guy Amare Stoudemire showed up to get some work in. Nice to see him. Former Suns and current Knicks assistant coach Phil Weber showed up as well.

Notes - and take these with a GIANT grain of salt. These are very informal workouts and very early in the season and a very small sample size:

• Robin Lopez has been working on his low-post offense. He went right through Trybanski with a power move and had some nice hooks in the lane. He stayed after to work more with Coach Cartwright. He was moving well and didn't break anything (or anyone).
• Jones and Lawal both have decent potential to do some damage in the post as well, something that Lou Amundson never showed. Both played with energy and hustle you expect. Lawal is more explosive athletically and Jone is more experienced and polished. Should be fun to watch those two develop.
• Good to see Josh Childress up close for the first time. He has incredibly fast hands and his 'fro isn't at super size right now.
• Channing took some three's but overall seemed relaxed. No need to rush back into full-speed too fast, that's how you get hurt.
• Earl hit some nice mid-range J's and put a sweet move on Sean Marks. Yeah, I know but still...
• Janning looked good. His shot was falling and he had a couple of nice steals. Here's an interview with him from today:

Matt Janning Excited For Opportunity To Earn Roster Spot With Suns - SB Nation Arizona
Matt Janning is from Minnesota where the winters are brutal and the summers are hot and humid; but nothing like an August in Phoenix. He might still adjusting to the hundred-plus degree "dry heat" but is already comfortable on the court with NBA legends like Steve Nash and Grant Hill.

[Note by Seth Pollack, 09/02/10 8:19 AM MST ]

I wasn't able to stick around and talk to Amare because of the D-backs game but Paul did:

Former Phoenix Suns star Amar'e Stoudemire returns, reflects
Amar'e Stoudemire stepped back in US Airways Center Wednesday, holding no grudge in sharing his thoughts on his departure.

azcentral.com blogs - Coro's Suns dish - PaulCoro - More from Amar'e
Phoenix Suns update: Amar'e Stoudemire's return to and reflections on Phoenix were chronicled in an article you can read here. But there was more of what Stoudemire said on Wednesday afternoon.

For all the excitement that Hedo Turkoglu expressed about representing his country at the FIBA World Championship this year, he sure hasn’t played like it through three games. Although Turkoglu...

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