The question has dogged the Suns for two seasons now–will Amare stay or go?
Be it through trade or free agency, there has been endless speculation about Stoudemire’s geographic future....
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The question has dogged the Suns for two seasons now — will Amare stay or go?
Be it through trade or free agency, there has been endless speculation about Stoudemire’s geographic future....
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Today, we begin a series of Suns player evaluations. We're going back to school using the old A-F grading system, weighing numbers, opinions, and all that cannot be captured in a statistic -- the value each player added to the Suns improbable run to the 2010 Western Conference Finals.
(Photo by Max Simbron)
Entering the 2009-10 season, the Phoenix Suns faced many, many, many question marks. To name a few:
Would Robin Lopez be able to win himself some playing time? And could he establish himself as an inside presence?
Could Jason Richardson shake off his personal troubles and become the big time scoring threat he had built his career upon?
Would Taylor Griffin realize he's balding and just shave his head?
And another vital question mark, related to one Goran Dragic.
What could the Slovenian Sniper contribute to the Suns? The simple concern among many of us was that if he couldn't back up Steve Nash somewhat effectively, then, well, there would be bad trouble in the desert. And what options would the Suns be left with? No way could Kevin Johnson once again return for a comeback (sarc). Would the Suns move LB over to the point? Had Smush Parker retired? What were Earl Boykins' contract demands like?
No, not viable long term options when faced with 82 games of basketball warfare ahead.
A Defining Season?
Not only was Goran Dragic's performance linked to potential Suns wins and losses, but it was also linked to Steve Kerr and the Front Office's tenure. The trading for, negotiating, and money spent in getting Goran out of his Euro contract in 2008 was a huge risk, but one which the front office was willing to take.
Fan and expert opinions were all over the map, but what we learned from the Dragon this season was that he would control his own destiny. He would be given the chance to prove he belonged in the NBA as Steve Nash's backup. Over and over before this season we heard him and others talk about confidence, how playing with it was vital to the youngster's success, how Dragic fed off of the support of his teammates, coaching staff and front office .
While Terry Porter kept Dragic on a short leash and most likely set his development back a year or two, Alvin Gentry showed both confidence and patience in the young Slovenian. He was given time on the court, along with the encouragement to play through mistakes -- positive reinforcement if you will -- instead of "do it right or sit."
PHX Seth did a concise piece on Goran, complete with season highlights, so I needn't take you back there. Instead, here are some numbers to sink your teeth into:
2009-10 Goran Dragic Stats
POINTS PER GAME
ASSISTS PG
TURNOVERS PG
7.9
3.0
1.6
POINTS PER 36
ASSISTS PER 36
TURNOVERS PER 36
15.9
6.0
3.1
FG%
3 PT FG%
FT%
45%
39%
73%
PLAYOFF POINTS PER GAME
PLAYOFF ASSISTS PER GAME
PLAYOFF TURNOVERS PER GAME
7.6
2.3
1.0
PER (40 MTS)
eFG%
TS%
14.84
53%
56.6
Key: Per-rating of a player's per minute productivity eFG%-effective FG%, adjusting for 3pt FG worth more than a 2. TS%-true shooting percentage, taking into account 2 point FG's, 3's and FT's (Stats courtesy of hoops data and basketball reference)
So Goran Dragic ... While the numbers aren't jumping out at us so much, I'm going to step out on the limb and say that I don't much care about them now. Goran needs to shoot higher than 73% from the charity stripe, but he'll figure it out. His 45% from the field lumps him with fellow guards like Ramon Sessions, Arron Afflalo and Thabo Sefolosha (among similar attempt totals).
Among WC sophomores, Goran ranked second in efficiency per 48 minutes along with assists per game. My favorite stat, in comparison to other WC sophomores: Goran made more field goals in only 8 more attempts (222-491) than Jerryd Bayless (200-483) ... HA HA, Jerryd! And finally, of the 13 WC sophomores, only Russell Westbrook and O.J. Mayo played more games than Dragic (82-80).
This season, Goran proved he can hit from beyond the arc at a very respectable 39%. He proved he could dish, he proved he could break some ankles and finish. He proved he could defend -- not All-NBA just yet, but the improvement is there. But the most important thing about Goran Dragic is his mind. He is a coach's dream. He is humble yet determined. He works his ass off, he does what he's told, there is no ego, only a desire to improve. And once he can consistently make his teammates better -- getting them the ball where they can produce -- coupled with more playing time, you're looking at an All-Star. I said it. Goran Dragic = future All-Star.
It is not to say that Goran is the finished product, that he was great all season -- he, like everyone else, had his forgettable moments -- but overall, Goran was solid virtually all season. He spelled Nash and showed excellent poise during crunch time this postseason. Nothing spells I can play better than dropping 23 points in the 4th quarter in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. In San Antonio.
This season, Goran became dependable, played with confidence, consistent energy, and often led the second unit to some impressive comebacks with his relentless play -- he never gave up on a loose ball and he never sulked when his shot wasn't falling. Goran is a gamer. The scary thing about the Slovenian Sniper is this: he's only going to get better. Playing behind Steve Nash will tend to have that effect on you. His desire and determination will propel him. An organization's support and confidence will also help the youngster a whole lot, too. Once his basketball IQ increases with experience (and it will), and once his defensive acumen catches up with his offensive game (he's getting there), this kid will be a complete player, and heir to the Steve Nash throne.
Whoa, whoa, whoa…astrology and basketball? Nonsense. Stupid. Completely irrelevant to be sure, and yet just a bit interesting in the case of Amar’e and his decision impending…
Amar’e is a Scorpio, the most "intensive, obsessive and turbulent sign in the zodiac" according to numerous astrology sources. Now I’m not one to go for the astrological approach in determining past, present or future occurrences, but for the sake of entertainment and a wacky perspective, I’d say this sign’s traits might describe Mr. Stoudemire quite accurately.
From tarot.com, a breakdown of the beloved Scorpio’s characteristics, also referred to as "The Scorpion", (with further breakdown of Amar’e):
1. The Scorpion is one intense little creature, with enough poison in its own tail to disable or kill a much larger opponent.
Let’s consider this for a moment. Amar’e is certainly intense, and the proverbial poisoned tail might just be his infamous elbows, but there is more to the story. I think he’s proven that he’s more than capable of killing (defending against) larger opponents. However, he’s also capable of killing his fans’ respect by asking them with grammatical abandon what to do about his future, and killing their hopes if he dissents and ignores popular opinion. Don’t let the door hit you, in other words…
2. But the problem with this kind of built-in biological weaponry is that it must be mastered in order to be used most effectively.
Amar’e is still young enough to build on his already undeniable skills. The question is whether or not his skills would improve or waver staying with or going away from the Suns. It’s about his career, after all. It’s not selfish of him to consider another team at this point in his life, not even a little bit.
3. You Scorpios can use your "stinger" for self-defense, using your powerful emotional awareness to render your opponent harmless.
Emotional awareness – now that’s something. Do you think, as I suggested above, that Amar’e is really emotionally aware of what he’s doing to fans at the moment? Are the fans really thinking about what they might do to Amar’e? If we boo him out of the city, will that hurt his self-esteem? If he leaves does that mean Suns fans will question theirs (not me, but you never know). Self-esteem is extremely important, ne mandatory, for a basketball player. I realize it is pretty ridiculous to talk about emotions and basketball (although I do believe there is slightly more emotion in basketball over other sports – especially baseball), but the "stinger" concept brings to light a provoking thought: Amar’e has been prone to bursts of emotion (i.e. points scored that make the BBGF squeal with delight) and sudden surprises (where’d the ball go? …why aren’t his legs moving?) that can bring a house down or raise its roof. I mean, what else can he possibly do that he hasn’t done to us already? Awareness my shoe.
4. But there is a sexual component of poisonous tail also, and until you learn to control those strong urges, you may find yourself in uncomfortable situations.
I actually have no comment on that one…not any that I would feel comfortable posting. Maybe we can translate "sexual" into "lust": lust for the game or for opportunity. Commenters go.
Amar’e has an appealing horoscope forecast for the summer; let’s see if it aligns itself with reality come July (my personal comments are bolded):
Hungry for Change
A world of opportunities may open this month, as brilliant ideas can lead us in unexpected and exciting new directions professionally (duh). There's a lightning storm of discovery coming as expansive Jupiter enters innovative Aries on June 6 and joins inventive Uranus two days later. This is an uncommon convergence of wisdom (Jupiter) and originality (Uranus) that is bound to shake a lot of us out of our ruts. I wonder if Jupiter and Uranus could be subbed for teams (like Suns, Miami – etc.).
Restlessness is likely now, and there's nothing wrong with being hungry for change in this dynamic atmosphere. In fact, the sun's presence in mobile Gemini until June 21 is another cause of itchy feet and wandering minds. It can be especially difficult to concentrate on routine matters that will feel more and more boring. Breaking old work habits, though, can bring some interest to a current job (job?) as the desire for stimulation can overcome the need for safety. Considering jumping ship is reasonable, although it's wise not to give up what you've got unless you have a very clear idea of where you want to go.
And with energetic Mars moving into perfectionist Virgo on June 7, it's vital to manage whatever is done with the highest degree of skill and efficiency possible. The wilder your idea, the more important it is to have it grounded with a mastery of the skills needed to turn it into reality.
I think about Free Agency Everyday. Should I Stay in Phoenix or should I leave? This the question of the Summer. What do you guys think?
Which got me thinking. As the biggest online Suns community, we have a duty to step up to the plate and put on a full-blown fan campaign to influence the outcome of the biggest decision the Suns and Amare will make.
The People Will Be Heard!
But there's not much time. We have between now and July 1 to raise a ruckus.
Step 1 - Are you down for some ruckus raising in order to keep Amare with the Suns?
