Phoenix Suns Player Review 2011-12: The Venerable But Still Valuable Grant Hill

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Alex Laugan

Grant Hill represents everything the Phoenix Suns stand for. Or at least, what they want to represent on and off the basketball court.

He is classy, team-oriented, and willing to do whatever it takes to improve the team's chances of winning. Somehow, he has transmorgrified himself into a defensive stopper of sorts in the late stages of his career as a way to keep himself relevant despite an inability to consistently make open 3-point jump shots - a staple of the Nash-led Phoenix Suns.

In his postseason "Lunch with Lon" press conference last month, the Suns' head personnel honcho Lon Babby gave a strong indication that Grant Hill will be back with the Suns if he

Tim Duncan goes old school on Clippers in Spurs' Game 1 victory (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Blake Griffin got a lesson on how to play power forward in the playoffs from San Antonio's anchor.

NBA Draft 2012: Why the Phoenix Suns Should Select Austin Rivers

Source: Bleacher Report

Austin Rivers, who was highly touted out of high school, had an underwhelming season. He definitely had some high points, but nonetheless, his draft stock has fallen. It has fallen enough so that the Phoenix Suns might have a chance to grab him, which could possibly be a franchise-altering move. 

Some common knocks on Austin Rivers are his poor shot selection and bad attitude. Given that Steve Nash stays (which is possible), Rivers will fix his problems early on and possibly become a star in the NBA. The perception that he has poor shot selection mostly stems from the fact that he jacks up shots when he gets in trouble on offense.

However, if he can learn to play without the ball, which he will likely do playing with Nash, then he will take fewer bad shots. He has good ball-handling skills, but Rivers has a high enough basketball IQ to know that playing off the ball with Steve Nash will only lead to success. His bad attitude often stems from frustration over bad shooting nights. However, as mentioned above, he will have fewer bad shooting nights with Steve Nash.

Austin Rivers actually has some very desirable traits for the NBA. He can shoot, which will make him very successful next to Nash. He could easily slide into the starting shooting guard spot and score 15-20 points a night just based on the open looks he will get playing with a guard like Nash.

If Michael Redd can succeed with Nash, Rivers can as well. His ability off the isolation will be valuable to any team, and the Suns are no exception. Realistically, the Suns can't play Nash 48 minutes, so when he's off, Rivers will still find ways to score, which is invaluable to a team with offensive players that all require Nash to catalyze the scoring.

His mentality is what really pushes him to another level. Rivers honestly believes he can make every shot, which is why his remedy for bad shooting nights is to shoot more. Although some find this bad, it is actually incredibly important to success.

At the end of the day, confidence is the most valuable trait to have. That is why Perry Jones III will never be the first option for a championship team. He doesn't posses the confidence level of someone like Austin Rivers.

You can teach players how to shoot and run an offense, but you can never teach confidence. Confidence is what makes Kobe Bryant so good. When the game is on the line, Kobe is confident that he can make any shot he takes. That might lead to some ill-advised shots, but it will also lead to wins.

That's what Austin Rivers can bring to the table that some other picks can't. That is what might lead to success. True, it didn't lead to the Final Four in college, but then again, Rivers was only a freshman, meaning that he can still develop enough to lead a championship squad.

The right mentality is actually very hard to find. In fact, as deep as this draft supposedly is, only four or five players actually have the mentality to succeed, and as a result, only four or five players in this draft will make any real contributions to their teams. 

If the Suns pick Rivers, they will certainly have some work ahead of them to mold him into a star. However, he already has the two most important traits of an NBA star: scoring ability and confidence. That's all the Suns can ask for if they want to make it back to the playoffs. 

Read more Phoenix Suns news on BleacherReport.com

Markieff Morris can use this summer to become the Suns’ defensive specialist

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Kevin Zimmerman

PHOENIX — Markieff Morris isn’t one to make excuses. Neither the fact of being a rookie nor having only a slim few weeks of training camp time were anything he could control, and looking...

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Chris Paul is the L.A. Clippers' savior -- but there have been others in the NBA (RealClearSports.com)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Chris Paul joins a list of players who turned struggling franchises around.

Nash Adds Another One to the Mantel

Source: The Official Phoenix Suns Blog by Aaron Seidlitz

Steve Nash knew he was going to the public’s focal point this season when it came to coverage of the Phoenix Suns during the 2011-12 season.

So game-in and game-out, the 16-year NBA veteran stood before the media to give his straight-forward, polite and informative take on the game as the leader of his team.

The Professional Basketball Writers Association acknowledged Nash’s effort in this regard on Monday by naming him its Magic Johnson Award winner. The honor is given to the player who best combines excellence on the court with public cooperation off of it.

“It’s a privilege and honor to be recognized by the pro basketball writers, whose passion and skillfulness present the frontline of how our game is understood and perceived by our fans,” Nash told the Arizona Republic’s Paul Coro. “Their role in our sport can’t be underestimated and it’s an honor to be recognized by them along with the past recipients.”

Nash beat out three other finalists for the award, including Minnesota’s Kevin Love, San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili and the Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul. It is the first time Nash earned this particular accolade.

NBA Playoff Schedule And Scores: Lakers Get Pounded; Spurs Vulnerable But Barely

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by SB Nation NBA News

The Philadelphia 76ers did what they needed to do on Monday night and took a game on the road against the Boston Celtics. It was close, 82-81, but they got it done and now that series will almost certainly go long which helps the younger and more athletic Philly team. The other game on the 2012 NBA Playoff Schedule was far less interesting.

The Oklahoma City Thunder stomped the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1, 119-90. While it's always fun for some of us to see

Should Jeremy Lin Stay In New York? Yes, But *Not* With The Knicks (Forbes)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Now that one of the more remarkable NBA debut seasons in recent memory has come to a close, New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is facing a major decision: Should he re-sign with the Knicks, who have given him less than a resounding vote of confidence, or should he [...]

How can the Phoenix Suns improve?

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Michael Schwartz

PHOENIX — Everybody knows the Phoenix Suns need to improve. But the question is with a bundle of cap space, a late lottery pick and no stars aside from a certain 38-year-old free-agent point...

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Nash, Rivers, Bucks win PBWA awards (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (AP) Phoenix All-Star Steve Nash and Boston coach Doc Rivers have won awards from the Professional Basketball Writers Association for excellence in their field combined with cooperation with media and fans.

Majerle Still Making Plays From Downtown

Source: The Official Phoenix Suns Blog by Greg Esposito

Dan Majerle was no stranger to catching a bounce pass or two at US Airways Center back in the day or making the big play from “downtown.” He probably didn’t expect to have to do it again as a fan this past weekend though.

“Thunder”, we can call him that because we know him, became the center of attention in a different downtown venue Saturday night for showing off his catching abilities. During the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Diamondbacks-Giants game at Chase Field the former Suns guard, and current assistant coach, made a one-handed grab of a ball while grabbing something to eat.

While standing in the pool area near the right field wall, Majerle, while holding a plate of food, made the one-handed snag of a Gerado Parra ground-rule double that was smoked and found its way into the stands off of one bounce. Oh, and he did it without dropping anything off his plate.

Not to be outdone, later that evening Suns head coach Alvin Gentry tried to match the feat. He made an impressive grab of his own at the Arizona Rattlers game at US Airways Center just a few hours later.

While sitting behind the wall in the north endzone, Gentry caught an errant pass on the fly (you’ll have to take our word for it as no video is available, we saw it first hand).

We won’t say which one we thought made the better play, mostly because we don’t want to cause any friction, but we’ll say this, we never would have guessed some of the best hands on the team may be wearing suits on the bench.

BONUS: Here’s an animated gif of “Thunder” Dan’s impressive catch and his subsequent hamming it up for the camera.

Steve Nash Wins PBWA Award

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Wil Cantrell

The PBWA is not the Pro Bowlers of Wyoming Association as I first thought. PBWA stands for Professional Basketball Writers Association.

And no, I'm clearly not a member.

Nonetheless, Steve Nash won the Magic Johnson award for combining "excellence on the court with co-operation with the media and fans."

While this award may seem as no bug deal to many of us, keep in mind, Nash beat out (among others), Manu Ginoboli of the San Antonio Spurs.

It is the small victories my friends....

Should Jeremy Lin Should Stay in New York? Yes, But *Not* With The Knicks (Forbes)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Now that one of the more remarkable NBA debut seasons in recent memory has come to a close, New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is facing a major decision: Should he re-sign with the Knicks, who have given him less than a resounding vote of confidence, or should he [...]

Nash Adds Another One to the Mantle

Source: The Official Phoenix Suns Blog by Aaron Seidlitz

Steve Nash knew he was going to the public’s focal point this season when it came to coverage of the Phoenix Suns during the 2011-12 season.

So game-in and game-out, the 16-year NBA veteran stood before the media to give his straight-forward, polite and informative take on the game as the leader of his team.

The Professional Basketball Writers Association acknowledged Nash’s effort in this regard on Monday by naming him its Magic Johnson Award winner. The honor is given to the player who best combines excellence on the court with public cooperation off of it.

“It’s a privilege and honor to be recognized by the pro basketball writers, whose passion and skillfulness present the frontline of how our game is understood and perceived by our fans,” Nash told the Arizona Republic’s Paul Coro. “Their role in our sport can’t be underestimated and it’s an honor to be recognized by them along with the past recipients.”

Nash beat out three other finalists for the award, including Minnesota’s Kevin Love, San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili and the Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul. It is the first time Nash earned this particular accolade.

Phoenix Suns 2011-12 Player Evaluation: Steve Nash

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Jim Coughenour

sh #13 of the Phoenix Suns high fives fans as he is introduced before the NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs at US Airways Center on April 25, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Spurs defeated the Suns 110-106. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)" height="300" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/4032701/143409248_extra_large.jpg" width="450" />

Here at Bright Side of the Sun we take the words TOTAL COVERAGE pretty dang seriously.

While our beloved Suns are off taking nice vacations, we are still slaving away, attempting to provide you all with first class Suns coverage.

So friends, without further adieu, we present you

NBA Playoff Schedule And Predictions: Surprises In Store For Round 2

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by SB Nation NBA News

Thanks to lockout, the 2012 NBA Playoff Schedule is a bit wacky. We've already had two games played in the Eastern Conference Semifinals while in the West, Round 2 doesn't start until Monday and Tuesday. To get the schedules back on tract, we'll also be treated to back-to-back games in the Spurs vs. Clippers and Lakers vs. Thunder series while the Heat vs. Pacers and Celtics vs. 76ers will play a more normal playoff series.

Here's predictions for the four series and the schedules for the next games:

San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Game 1 Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET

Phoenix Suns still last team to come back from 3-1 deficit

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Michael Schwartz

This week we once again learned how difficult it is to come back from a 3-1 deficit in an NBA series, something only eight teams have accomplished in NBA history. This year a whopping six teams found...

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Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro gains credibility with Game 7 win over Grizzlies (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Clippers' first-round victory over the Grizzlies shows Vinny Del Negro could have some staying power in L.A.

Memphis and Utah Done; Could Millsap And/Or Mayo Be On The Move?

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Alex Laugan

Both LA teams were taken to the brink, but found a way to win their respective Game 7s and move on to the second round to face much tougher opponents.

On the other side of the coin, overachieving Utah and injury-affected Memphis lost their magic in the end and now the offseason planning starts. Each team must answer some organizational questions, and their moves may impact the Suns and therefore the Suns fans.

Utah has talented youngsters Enis Kanter (C) and Derrick Favors (PF) waiting in the wings behind long-time starters Al

Five NBA Players Who Have Been Awarded MVP Three Times (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The NBA MVP is awarded to the player who gives his best performance during the season. MVP awards are also given to the best player in the NBA Finals and All-Star games. LeBron James plays for the Miami Heat, and is the latest NBA player to be awarded MVP. James also received the MVP award in 2009 and 2010. LeBron James has now joined the prestigious list of NBA players who have been awarded MVP three times.

NBA Playoffs 2012 Game Thread: Ich Bin Ein Nuggets Fan

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by East Bay Ray

The first game 7 of the NBA Playoffs is upon us as the Denver Nuggets have fought their way back from a 3-1 series deficit to push the Lakers to the brink, with the deciding game in Los Angeles tonight. In the past, the Nuggets have been easy to dislike, but many of their more objectionable characters (Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith) are gone. Since seeing the Lakers lose fills our hearts with joy, I have no problem fully supporting the Nuggets tonight.

In the other

Channing Frye makes the Suns much better offensively

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Michael Schwartz

By the time I reached the end of my 1500-word odyssey on Suns advanced stats from Thursday, I still could not get over the impact Channing Frye has seemed to make on the offensive side of the ball...

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NBA MVP Award Winners (NBA)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NBA MVP Award Winners

LeBron James wins 2012 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award (NBA)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

LeBron James wins 2012 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award

Phoenix Suns 2011-12 Player Evaluation: Downtown Shannon Brown

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Alex Laugan

Here at Bright Side of the Sun we take the words TOTAL COVERAGE pretty dang seriously.

While our beloved Suns are off taking nice vacations, we are still slaving away, attempting to provide you all with first class Suns coverage.

So friends, without further adieu, we present you with the Phoenix Suns Season in Review, 2011-12.

Up for discussion today is Shannon Brown.

Last offseason, the Phoenix Suns looked for a shooting guard who would accept a one-year deal to compete for a

Nuggets-Lakers Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) Although George Karl has spent nearly a quarter-century on NBA benches, the Denver coach can't beat down the butterflies when he thinks about the Nuggets' next game.

Karl can't wait for Nuggets' Game 7 vs. Lakers (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) Although George Karl has spent nearly a quarter-century on NBA benches, the Denver coach can't beat down the butterflies when he thinks about the Nuggets' next game.

NBA Free Agents 2012: Phoenix Suns Free-Agent Odds, Stay or Go?

Source: Bleacher Report

In Phoenix this offseason, all of the attention is on two-time MVP Steve Nash becoming a free agent.

Although Nash deserves the bulk of the attention, considering he’s the engine that makes the Suns run at a high level, the Suns still need to address a lot of other players with expiring contracts this year.

Because of those expiring contracts, the Suns will have approximately $23 million in cap space this offseason. The real question, however, is how they choose to spend that cash.

Do they splurge on marquee free agents in an attempt to keep Nash in a Suns uniform, or do they sit on the money and start the rebuilding phase?

Here are the odds of return for every Suns player facing an expiring contract.

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If experience matters, Heat have an edge on Pacers (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

MIAMI (AP) Combined, the players in the current Indiana starting lineup have a total of 90 playoff games between them.

Steve Nash, Saving Canadian Basketball One Cheque At A Time

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Seth Pollack

Steve Nash was officially introduced as the Saviour of Canadian Basketball. Canadian Jesus, Amare might call him. It's a win-win job for Nash. If there's any improvement at all in the Canadian team, Steve gets the credit. If there's no improvement, there's plenty of other things to blame. Go Steve!

According to this gushing article in SportsNet.ca, Nash's main mission will be fund raising so the players can be flown around in first class and afford socks and balls.

Checking in With Channing

Source: NBA.com

Checking in With Channing

New York Knicks Must Sign Jeremy Lin: Fan’s Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The New York Knicks have the ability to keep point guard Jeremy Lin for the near future. But will they? Lin was not quite ready to play when the Knicks faced the Miami Heat in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. But he should be fully recovered soon. Lin is the future of the Knicks. And the Knicks must sign him as soon as possible.

NBA Playoff Schedule And Update: East Coast Ball Is Ugly; Clips And Grizz Hook Up

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by SB Nation NBA News

(SB Nation Arizona) Are we surprised the Los Angeles Lakers can't get their act together and use their advantages to play like (potential) champs are take care of the Denver Nuggets? No. The Lakers have a long history of underestimating opponents and without the Zen Master pulling the strings and controlling the egos it's even less shocking they are facing the first Game 7 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Thursday's schedule also saw former Arizona Wildcat Andre Iguodala sink key free throws to push the

Phoenix Suns: 10 First Steps for Rebuilding After Steve Nash

Source: Bleacher Report

Steve Nash is a 38-year-old free agent looking for a title and seems to be all but gone from the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix must move swiftly and aggressively to ensure the team does not experience a post-LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers-esque collapse.

Phoenix is the fourth-winningest team in NBA regular-season history, so a collapse to the bottom of the standings would most likely lead to a firestorm trading of the team and irritation of the fans.

Now, I should warn you these are moves the team should and could make, not will make. So curb your reaction to some of these deals as, obviously, not all these will happen. Read on for 10 moves the Phoenix Suns could make to keep the team in playoff contention even after the imminent departure of Steve Nash.

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NBA Free Agency 2012: 5 Ways Suns Should Prepare for Steve Nash's Departure

Source: Bleacher Report

Steve Nash has played 10 of his 16 NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns, yet he has never made it past the Western Conference Finals. 

After Phoenix failed to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive season (for the first time since the late 1980s) in 2012, all indications now point to the 38-year-old point guard leaving the valley for a title contender this July. 

The two-time MVP has been the heart of the Suns for the past eight years, and would be sorely missed by a team that is a lock for the lottery without him.

So, how can the Suns avoid a seemingly inevitable collapse next season without No. 13? 

Join Bleacher Report as we take a look at five ways the Phoenix Suns should prepare themselves for the departure of Steve Nash this summer. 

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NBA Rumors: Will a Two-Year Deal Keep Steve Nash in the Desert?

Source: Bleacher Report

Adam Kennedy of Hoopsworld has reported the Phoenix Suns will offer two-time MVP Steve Nash a two year deal and try to retain the services of it's star player.

The Suns have long said they want Nash to stay in the desert but will a two year deal keep him there? Nash has said he wants a three-year deal and will explore all options during his free agency. That doesn't seem to bode well for the Suns.

Nash has been a vital part of the Phoenix organization for the last eight seasons and still hasn't won a title at the ripe age of 38. Nash definitely still has the talent but he realizes father time is not on his side.

Phoenix is not a title contender and will not be anytime soon, barring several high profile moves. Nash wants a title and Phoenix can not get him that, it's that simple.

Just the feel of the last home game of the season indicated to me that Nash was gone. It felt like his last hurrah and the end of an era. That is why a two-year deal will not keep Nash in Phoenix.

Read more Phoenix Suns news on BleacherReport.com

Where Should Steve Nash Go?

Source: Bleacher Report

In the background of the ever-exciting present playoffs (or in the case of the Eastern Conference, the dreary, injury-riddled playoffs from hell), there is a certain still-effective point guard who's likely on his way out of Phoenix. As teams drop out of the race and look forward to 2012-2013, the Steve Nash sweepstakes should gain steam. Here are the potential landing spots for the best shooter/passer combo player in basketball. 

 

New York Knicks

I don't know about this option. While it makes sense in terms of positional need, New York lacks the money and medical staff. Per the latter, I'm only talking results. Why would Nash want to leave the best trainers in basketball for a situation in which his guard predecessors blew out their knees?

 

Miami Heat

Another team without money, another team that lacks a point guard. I like this fit slightly better than New York, but I certainly do not love it. Nash needs the ball in his hands to be effective. While Nash would run a splendid high screen and roll with Chris Bosh, where do Dwyane Wade and LeBron James fit in? 

 

Indiana Pacers

A small market, but one with plenty of cap room and upside. Darren Collison is "capable" at the helm, but that term is so often code for "mildly disappointing." The club is currently looking to sign Eric Gordon; that, combined with a Nash inking would vault them into contender status. This is my favorite fit.

 

Dallas Mavericks

Here's a quality backup plan if the Mavs whiff on signing Deron Williams. Mark Cuban lost out when he let Nash leave the first time, and would likely welcome Dallas' former point guard back. Can you imagine the pick-and-roll Steve could run with Dirk? Granted, they used to do it all the time, but both players have grown skills since their old days as running buddies. 

Read more Phoenix Suns news on BleacherReport.com

Lin, Woodson futures head Knicks' offseason list (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) Mike Woodson wants to return and he wants Jeremy Lin back with him.

Phoenix Suns 2011-12 Season in Review

Source: NBA.com

Phoenix Suns 2011-12 Season in Review

The New York Knicks? Gone till November (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Let's start with what we know: The 2011-12 edition of the New York Knicks was the best team the franchise has put on the floor in 12 years. You can argue that a fact like that doesn't say a whole hell … Continue reading →

Steve Nash Will Reportedly Be Offered 2-Year, $20 Million Deal to Stay with Suns

Source: Bleacher Report

The Suns are putting on the full-court press in an attempt to hold on to their All-Star point guard.

In anticipation of Steve Nash's free agency, Phoenix has reportedly offered him a tempting package to stick around, according to Hoopsworld's Alex Kennedy:

 

Sources say Phoenix will likely offer Steve Nash two years, $20 million. However, I think Nash leaves money on the table to join contender.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) May 10, 2012

 

But is a meager two-year deal really enough to compel Nash to stay? And moreover, will the Suns be competitive enough next season to even be tempting at all?

Kennedy doesn't think so. He added: 

 

Nash wants to win now. He has made it clear that he wants to be on a competitive team. Unless the Suns make big changes, I think he leaves.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) May 10, 2012

 

What It Means

Nash is 38 years old. He knows he doesn't have many opportunities left to win an NBA title, so locking himself up on the Suns for the next two years could be a colossal mistake.

Last month, in an interview with USA Today's J. Michael Falgoust, Nash said, "I definitely can be a starter for three years but I want to play at a high level. If I enjoy it, I'll sacrifice. And if I sacrifice, I can continue to play at a high level."

That's two strikes against Phoenix. Not only are the Suns failing to offer up three years, but they haven't proven to be a legitimate contender. There could be a team out there willing to give him more security than two years.

 

What Comes Next

It's hard to believe Nash won't see what else is out there—especially on teams that are capable of contending for an NBA title.

Nash doesn't want to stick around on a team that finished in third place in the Pacific Division at 33-33, well out of the hunt for a playoff berth. He wants to win, and at this point, there's no promise that the Suns will afford him that opportunity.

They just might not be good enough to be tempting, no matter how much they pay him.

Read more Phoenix Suns news on BleacherReport.com

NBA Playoff Schedule And Update: Bye Knicks, Celtics And 76ers Poised To Advance

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by SB Nation NBA News

(SB Nation) The New York Knicks managed to do something in the 2012 NBA Playoffs that they hadn't done since 2001, they won a game. Unfortunately for them, a combination of injuries and their roller coaster season meant that one game would be all they could manage against the Miami Heat. Miami now advances to face the Indiana Pacers in a second-round test that will be no calk walk.

The Memphis survived to fight another day by defeating the Clippers with a strong defensive effort

Phoenix Suns Player Evaluation: Josh Childress

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Omaha Sun

In the summer of 2010, the Phoenix Suns negotiated a sign-and-trade for former Atlanta Hawks swingman Josh Childress who was just returning to the NBA from a two-year stint overseas. Childress had earned a reputation as a quality sixth man during his years in Atlanta and many saw the acquisition of the 6-foot-8 wing as a great move. He was expected to provide slashing, rebounding an some lock-down defense on opposing guards and small forwards.

Unfortunately, that isn't exactly how it turned out. Two years into the five-year $33.50 million

The 2011-12 Phoenix Suns through advanced stats

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Michael Schwartz

Thanks to the NBA’s great new stat tool, today we will delve deeper into the 2011-12 Phoenix Suns’ season with the help of advanced stats. The first half/second half discrepancy The...

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Steve Nash Will Reportedly Be Offered 2-Year $20 Million to Stay with Suns

Source: Bleacher Report

The Suns are putting on the full-court press in an attempt to hold on to their All-Star point guard.

In anticipation of Steve Nash's free agency, Phoenix has reportedly offered him a tempting package to stick around, according to Hoopsworld's Alex Kennedy:

 

Sources say Phoenix will likely offer Steve Nash two years, $20 million. However, I think Nash leaves money on the table to join contender.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) May 10, 2012

 

But is a meager two-year deal really enough to compel Nash to stay? And moreover, will the Suns be competitive enough next season to even be tempting at all?

Kennedy doesn't think so. He added: 

 

Nash wants to win now. He has made it clear that he wants to be on a competitive team. Unless the Suns make big changes, I think he leaves.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) May 10, 2012

 

What It Means: Nash is 38 years old. He knows he doesn't have many opportunities left to win an NBA title, so locking himself up on the Suns for the next two years could be a colossal mistake.

Last month, in an interview with USA Today's J. Michael Falgoust, Nash said, "I definitely can be a starter for three years but I want to play at a high level. If I enjoy it, I'll sacrifice. And if I sacrifice, I can continue to play at a high level."

That's two strikes against Phoenix. Not only are they failing to offer up three years, but they haven't proven to be a legitimate contender. There could be a team out there willing to give him more security than two years.

What Comes Next: It's hard to believe Nash won't see what else is out there—especially on teams that are capable of contending for an NBA title.

Nash doesn't want to stick around on a team that finished in third place in the Pacific Division at 33-33, well out of the hunt for a playoff berth. He wants to win, and at this point, there's no promise that the Suns will afford him that opportunity.

They just might not be good enough to be tempting, no matter how much they pay him.

Read more Phoenix Suns news on BleacherReport.com

Adams Named to Academic Hall of Fame

Source: NBA.com

Adams honored

Steve Nash named GM of Canada Basketball

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Michael Schwartz

It’s common for NBA stars to play the part of de facto GM, demanding their team acquire better players or risk losing them. Before signing perhaps his last NBA contract this summer, Steve Nash...

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