Blast from the past: 1993 Suns role players smack down sleepy Seattle Sonics 105-91, lead Western Finals 1-0

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Dave King

Since the current iteration of the Phoenix Suns is on vacation during these playoffs, we at Bright Side thought it would be fun to relive the Suns' exciting 1993 playoff run with recaps of each game. Today, the Suns and Charles Barkley begin an epic Western Conference Finals series with a win at home over Shawn Kemp's Seattle Supersonics, 105-91.

In a series about to go the distance, the fireworks hadn't even started yet when the Suns took down the Sonics in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

The Sonics had just survived the Houston Rockets in their own round two series - you know,

Suns get fifth pick as Cavs win NBA draft lottery

Source: Yardbarker

NEW YORK (AP) -- Nick Gilbert and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the NBA lottery odds again. The Cavaliers won the lottery for the second time in three years to get the No. 1 pick for the June 27 draft. Gilbert, owner Dan Gilbert's bowtie-wearing son, was on stage again for the victory. He also was there in 2011, when the Cavs won the top pick they used on eventual Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving. The Orlando Magic fell back one spot to No. 2, while the Washington Wizards vaulted from the No. 8 spot to third. The Charlotte Bobcats will have the fourth pick, while the Phoenix Suns will select fifth.

Suns get fifth pick as Cavs win NBA draft lottery

Source: Yardbarker

NEW YORK (AP) -- Nick Gilbert and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the NBA lottery odds again. The Cavaliers won the lottery for the second time in three years to get the No. 1 pick for the June 27 draft. Gilbert, owner Dan Gilbert's bowtie-wearing son, was on stage again for the victory. He also was there in 2011, when the Cavs won the top pick they used on eventual Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving. The Orlando Magic fell back one spot to No. 2, while the Washington Wizards vaulted from the No. 8 spot to third. The Charlotte Bobcats will have the fourth pick, while the Phoenix Suns will select fifth.

Utah Jazz Injury Update: Enes Kanter May Be Out Until August (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

COMMENTARY | Utah Jazz center Enes Kanter, aka the Big Turkey, will likely have to rest his injured left wing through the summer.

NBA Draft: Alex Len possible Suns target with fifth pick

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Seth Pollack

In my opinion, the best option for the Suns with the fifth pick is Victor Oladipo. But according to ESPN's Draft Dude, Chad Ford, "Oladipo is the guy that GMs love in this draft" so he very well could be gone before the Suns new GM gets to make his first-ever draft pick without training wheels.

Of course, I seem to recall hearing the same thing about Damian Lillard who's

Nerlens Noel: Phoenix Suns 2013 NBA Draft profile

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Kevin Zimmerman

Editor’s note: This is the first entry in our 2013 NBA Draft prospect profile series. We’ll be focusing on all three of the Suns’ draft picks by alternating between in-depth...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

NBA Playoff Predictions: Second round standings

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Jim Coughenour

My takeaways from the second round series:

----------

Miami beats Chicago 4-1

After a valiant game one effort the Bulls finally succumbed to the injuries that have plagued them throughout the regular and postseason. It would have been interesting to see how the Bulls fared if they would have had five players healthy enough to suit up for the games. The Heat prevailed with half of Dwyane Wade against half of the Bulls roster, but will the Pacers prove a more dangerous adversary if Wade isn't at full speed?

Indiana beats New York 4-2

The Knicks hero ball style was exposed by Indiana's teamwork and stout defense. Carmelo Anthony, who finished third in MVP voting (really?), managed to

Suns Targeting Athleticism, Perimeter Shooting

Source: Yardbarker

The Phoenix Suns will pick fifth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, their highest selection since 1987 when they selected Armen Gilliam at No. 2 after David Robinson went to the San Antonio Spurs. The draft is considered very flat, which benefits the Suns at No. 5 more than certain seasons in the past. “The guy who goes there might not be much different, or any different, than guys who go in the top three,” McDonough said. The Suns will be the first team from the Western Conference selecting in this draft. “I think generally we need to get more athletic,” Ryan McDonough said. “I think we need more shooting. My philosophy is always to draft the best available player. There are some good pieces in place here. But at the same time, we won 25 games here, so we need to get better across the board.”

Suns Targeting Athleticism, Perimeter Shooting

Source: Yardbarker

The Phoenix Suns will pick fifth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, their highest selection since 1987 when they selected Armen Gilliam at No. 2 after David Robinson went to the San Antonio Spurs. The draft is considered very flat, which benefits the Suns at No. 5 more than certain seasons in the past. “The guy who goes there might not be much different, or any different, than guys who go in the top three,” McDonough said. The Suns will be the first team from the Western Conference selecting in this draft. “I think generally we need to get more athletic,” Ryan McDonough said. “I think we need more shooting. My philosophy is always to draft the best available player. There are some good pieces in place here. But at the same time, we won 25 games here, so we need to get better across the board.”

NBA Mock Draft: How do things stack up after the lottery?

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Kris Habbas

It's obviously early in the process, but not too early. We have draft combine information in the books and now we have the order set thanks to the Draft Lottery. That let's think more about how specific players, especially in this draft, might fit with specific teams.

Here's our first 2013 NBA Mock Draft. For more, be sure to visit NBA Draft Insider.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Otto Porter Jr.
6-8.5, 197 lbs. SF
Georgetown, So.
Sometimes luck is on your side and that is exactly the case for the Cavaliers as they won the lottery for the second time in three years since the

Suns to start interviewing outside coaching candidates (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

J.B. Bickerstaff, Steve Clifford, Quin Snyder and Jeff Hornacek are all on the Suns' list of coaching candidates.

Suns Receive Permission To Interview J.B. Bickerstaff, Clifford

Source: Yardbarker

The Phoenix Suns have received permission to interview J.B. Bickerstaff and Steve Clifford for their head coaching vacancy. Bickerstaff is currently an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, while Clifford is under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Suns fired Alvin Gentry after a 13-28 finish and Lindsey Hunter finished the season on an interim basis.

Suns Receive Permission To Interview J.B. Bickerstaff, Clifford

Source: Yardbarker

The Phoenix Suns have received permission to interview J.B. Bickerstaff and Steve Clifford for their head coaching vacancy. Bickerstaff is currently an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, while Clifford is under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Suns fired Alvin Gentry after a 13-28 finish and Lindsey Hunter finished the season on an interim basis.

Former Sun Richard Dumas: Nancy Reagan’s ‘Just Say No’ campaign ‘got me interested’ in cocaine (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

In the spring of 1993, Richard Dumas appeared to be the sort of dynamic young talent prepped to finally put the Phoenix Suns over the top. The franchise was the NBA’s latest hot thing, basking in the popularity of the southwestern suburb boom, falling behind MVP Charles Barkley and appearing set to dethrone a weary Chicago Bulls club in the Finals. The Suns lost in six to the three-time champs, but with Michael Jordan retiring the next fall and a wide-open NBA landscape about to hit, Dumas figured to be the wing element needed to support Barkley on his way to a first NBA championship. Instead, as was the case throughout his childhood and college career, Dumas’ cocaine use got in the way of him contributing to the Suns. He’d miss the entire 1993-94 season, and be out of the NBA by 1996 as a result. In a must-read feature, the Arizona Republic’s Paul Coro recently caught up with the since-recovered Dumas in his hometown of Tulsa : His grades were fine. He never got in a fight. Dumas’ energy outlet was petty crime, busting windows and stealing candy from stores. His idle time turned him to drugs and alcohol. He said he tried alcohol at age 5 and marijuana at age 9. He blames his increased drug use, including cocaine, on former first lady Nancy Reagan.

Former Sun Richard Dumas says Nancy Reagan’s ‘Just Say No’ campaign ‘got me interested’ in cocaine (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

In the spring of 1993, Richard Dumas appeared to be the sort of dynamic young talent prepped to finally put the Phoenix Suns over the top. The franchise was the NBA’s latest hot thing, basking in the popularity of the southwestern suburb boom, falling behind MVP Charles Barkley and appearing set to dethrone a weary Chicago Bulls club in the Finals. The Suns lost in six to the three-time champs, but with Michael Jordan retiring the next fall and a wide-open NBA landscape about to hit, Dumas figured to be the wing element needed to support Barkley on his way to a first NBA championship. Instead, as was the case throughout his childhood and college career, Dumas’ cocaine use got in the way of him contributing to the Suns. He’d miss the entire 1993-94 season, and be out of the NBA by 1996 as a result. In a must-read feature, the Arizona Republic’s Paul Coro recently caught up with the since-recovered Dumas in his hometown of Tulsa : His grades were fine. He never got in a fight. Dumas’ energy outlet was petty crime, busting windows and stealing candy from stores. His idle time turned him to drugs and alcohol. He said he tried alcohol at age 5 and marijuana at age 9. He blames his increased drug use, including cocaine, on former first lady Nancy Reagan.

Draft Lottery: Calling it a Draw with Fate and a Fortune Teller

Source: The Official Phoenix Suns Blog by Greg Esposito

At some point in my life someone once said, “Fate is a fickle mistress, my friend. You never know when she’ll turn on you.” On second thought, I don’t know anyone that wise or eloquent, so I must have read it somewhere.

It’s a quote I didn’t fully comprehend until coming to New York for Tuesday night’s NBA Draft Lottery. As I’ve chronicled on this blog over the last few days, I was in search of my own luck for the Suns in the Big Apple. I wasn’t alone in my crusade either.

As I walked alongside President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby and President of Business Operations Jason Rowley towards the home of

Suns aren’t rushing head coaching search

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Kevin Zimmerman

PHOENIX — The head coaching search for the Phoenix Suns is mightily complicated, moreso than expected. Newly-appointed general manager Ryan McDonough’s chops in the NBA world will truly...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Remembering That George Karl Was A Major Jerk

Source: Yardbarker

On Monday, Ed wrote a nostalgic piece on Shawn Kemp and the Seattle Supersonics taking on Charles Barkley and Phoenix Suns 20 years ago in a Western Conference Finals for the ages. As I’m sure you all know, those 1993 Sonics were coached by none other than current Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl. After [...]The post Remembering That George Karl Was A Major Jerk appeared first on The Sports Fan Journal.

Remembering That George Karl Was A Major Jerk

Source: Yardbarker

On Monday, Ed wrote a nostalgic piece on Shawn Kemp and the Seattle Supersonics taking on Charles Barkley and Phoenix Suns 20 years ago in a Western Conference Finals for the ages. As I’m sure you all know, those 1993 Sonics were coached by none other than current Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl. After [...]The post Remembering That George Karl Was A Major Jerk appeared first on The Sports Fan Journal.

Phoenix Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough is not disappointed after the NBA Draft Lottery

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Kris Habbas

The question now becomes: Who will be available for the Phoenix Suns with the No. 5 Overall Pick? It is not a drastic difference from where they were at No. 4, but one slot could mean the player you absolutely love and the player you really like...

Phoenix Suns picking 5th, but that second first-rounder is the key to the draft

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Dave King

In a draft devoid of that next great superstar, it's not the end of the world to pick 5th. The 5th pick has less pressure to excel than the top 1 or 2, for both the team and the player, and yet might have the same or better upside.

"The guy who goes there might not be much different, or any different, than guys who go in the top three," Phoenix Suns General Manager McDonough said after the Suns learned they would pick 5th.

"We're excited about it," he continued. "We're going to get a good player. There are at least five players. I think there are more than five good players in this draft."

McDonough said they would likely be able to get all the top guys to

NBA Mock Draft: Version 3 (Rotoworld)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Version 3 of our NBA Mock Draft is here. The Cavaliers snuck into the No. 1 spot, the Magic get No. 2 and the Wizards moved up to No. 3.

Babby Fine With Lottery Outcome, Ready for Draft

Source: NBA.com

As President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby sat at a French cafe just feet away from the ABC Times Square studios after the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday night, he looked as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

With fifth pick, can Suns find their next star?

Source: Yardbarker

PHOENIX Now that the Phoenix Suns have converted 57 losses into the fifth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, lets jump ahead to the next crucial question. Will the player they select at No. 5 provide sufficient help to prevent them from landing in this predicament next season? Well, based on the anticipated bounty that could be available in 2014, many Suns fans wouldn't mind the team having another early lottery pick next year. But while many draft watchdogs expect little from the 2013 yield, Suns general manager Ryan McDonough seems to have no interest in doomsday prophecy. I think that in every draft, there a few star players, McDonough said Tuesday shortly after the fourth-seeded Suns officially dropped to fifth in the draft pecking order via the lottery. At the end of the day, Im confident well get somebody good. Although McDonoughs observations hold up pretty well when scrutiny is applied to draft history, identifying those few star players may be trickier this year. Kentucky freshman center N

With fifth pick, can Suns find their next star?

Source: Yardbarker

PHOENIX Now that the Phoenix Suns have converted 57 losses into the fifth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, lets jump ahead to the next crucial question. Will the player they select at No. 5 provide sufficient help to prevent them from landing in this predicament next season? Well, based on the anticipated bounty that could be available in 2014, many Suns fans wouldn't mind the team having another early lottery pick next year. But while many draft watchdogs expect little from the 2013 yield, Suns general manager Ryan McDonough seems to have no interest in doomsday prophecy. I think that in every draft, there a few star players, McDonough said Tuesday shortly after the fourth-seeded Suns officially dropped to fifth in the draft pecking order via the lottery. At the end of the day, Im confident well get somebody good. Although McDonoughs observations hold up pretty well when scrutiny is applied to draft history, identifying those few star players may be trickier this year. Kentucky freshman center N

VotS Live: 2013 NBA Draft Lottery Edition

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Kevin Zimmerman

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Suns to Select Fifth in 2013 NBA Draft

Source: NBA.com

Lottery press release

2013 NBA Draft Lottery Results: Suns get No. 5 Pick

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Jacob Padilla

Well, so much for Nerlens Noel. The Washington Wizards jumped up to No. 3 in the draft, which means the Suns dropped down to No. 5. On the Bright Side, we avoided the worst case scenario of falling all the way to No. 7.

As Sean broke down a week-and-a-half ago, the No. 5 pick was the most likely scenario. Jim went out on a limb and called the Suns getting the fifth pick in an email conversation as well.

It would have been great to win the top pick, or even to move up from four. But with the lack of stand-out talent at the top, picking five in this draft isn't too much of a loss

NBA Draft Lottery 2013: Phoenix Suns to pick 5th

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Kevin Zimmerman

The most likely odds had Phoenix Suns choosing fifth in the 2013 NBA Draft — that was at 35 percent — and that’s where they fell on Tuesday in the draft lottery. The Suns came into...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

What Each NBA Team Needs - Suns

Source: Yardbarker

As the field for the NBA Finals is now down to 4 (Indiana, Miami, SAS, Memphis), the hopes and dreams of the other 26 teams have faded quickly. Some of them (Clippers, Knicks, Nuggets, OKC) left the playoffs too early, some of them (Lakers, Brooklyn) never materialized what they thought was a great team, and others (Minnesota, Philadelphia) were hit by the injury bug and never got to see their team perform at expectations. So as 4 teams compete for the ultimate goal, let’s go over what each team needs, in order to reach the conference finals next year. We’re going to go over a few teams each week as we approach the NBA draft. Group L - Should we hit the restart button? 29 – Suns Steve Nash had the unprecedented ability of taking decent athletes and making them seem like solid players, and taking good players and making them seem like stars. Is Shawn Marion good? Sure. Is was Amare good? Sure. Joe Johnson? Yep. Quentin Richardson? Nope. Channing Frye? No. The l...

What Each NBA Team Needs - Suns

Source: Yardbarker

As the field for the NBA Finals is now down to 4 (Indiana, Miami, SAS, Memphis), the hopes and dreams of the other 26 teams have faded quickly. Some of them (Clippers, Knicks, Nuggets, OKC) left the playoffs too early, some of them (Lakers, Brooklyn) never materialized what they thought was a great team, and others (Minnesota, Philadelphia) were hit by the injury bug and never got to see their team perform at expectations. So as 4 teams compete for the ultimate goal, let’s go over what each team needs, in order to reach the conference finals next year. We’re going to go over a few teams each week as we approach the NBA draft. Group L - Should we hit the restart button? 29 – Suns Steve Nash had the unprecedented ability of taking decent athletes and making them seem like solid players, and taking good players and making them seem like stars. Is Shawn Marion good? Sure. Is was Amare good? Sure. Joe Johnson? Yep. Quentin Richardson? Nope. Channing Frye? No. The l...

Clippers won't offer Del Negro new deal as coach (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Vinny Del Negro is out as coach of the Los Angeles Clippers after a season in which the team won its first division title but lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Draft Lottery: Signs and Exorcising Decades Old Demons

Source: The Official Phoenix Suns Blog by Greg Esposito

New York City. The Big Apple. The concrete jungle. Also, the place I finally got to tell one of the Suns’ greatest nemesis of the last two decades just how much he’s hurt me and the rest of the Phoenix faithful.

Let me take a step back though. This entire trip to New York City has become an exercise in luck (and also an exercise physically with all the walking you have to do). Since my arrival yesterday, I’ve wandered the city in hopes of finding signs that tonight could be a special night for the Suns franchise. Within minutes of walking into Times Square, mere feet from the studio the entire draft lottery will take place at, I

Kendall Marshall’s rookie year ended better than it started

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Matt Petersen

When the Suns spent last year’s lottery pick on Kendall Marshall, many thought he would — at worst — be the backup point guard to Steve Nash or, later on, Goran Dragic. Instead Marshall...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Dwight Howard is displeased with Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni because of course he is (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Dwight Howard, reportedly, is not happy with is coach. This is not a recycled column, though most of Howard’s complaints are. The free agent center was granted an extended, private discussion with Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak following the typical, season-ending interviews with both Kupchak, and Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni. According to the quite trust-o-ble Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles , the former Orlando Magic big man expressed frustration with D’Antoni’s coaching style, putting some doubt into Howard’s expected return to Los Angeles during this offseason. Here’s the noise : According to sources with knowledge of the situation, part of the discussion between Howard and Kupchak centered around Howard's frustration with D'Antoni -- particularly how the center felt marginalized as the coach looked to Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions and discounted Howard's voice.

NBA Draft Lottery: Phoenix Suns get 10th chance to win lottery - best odds since 1987, highest pick since 1988

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Dave King

Tonight, the Phoenix Suns try to get lucky and move up in the draft for the first time since 1987. There are two ways to move up - via the lottery system, or via trade. The Suns have benefited from the lottery system only once (1987, Armen Gilliam) and have rarely drafted higher than their record-based slot.

The Suns did acquire Atlanta's future #1 pick in 2005, which finally conveyed to Phoenix in 2008 as 15th overall (Robin Lopez). But they have never made a draft-day trade to move up to get a player they liked.

The Suns also acquired the

Dwight Howard is displeased with coach Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni because of course he is (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Dwight Howard, reportedly, is not happy with is coach. This is not a recycled column, though most of Howard’s complaints are. The free agent center was granted an extended, private discussion with Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak following the typical, season-ending interviews with both Kupchak, and Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni. According to the quite trust-o-ble Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles , the former Orlando Magic big man expressed frustration with D’Antoni’s coaching style, putting some doubt into Howard’s expected return to Los Angeles during this offseason. Here’s the noise : According to sources with knowledge of the situation, part of the discussion between Howard and Kupchak centered around Howard's frustration with D'Antoni -- particularly how the center felt marginalized as the coach looked to Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions and discounted Howard's voice.

NBA Draft Lottery 2013: The Suns finally set themselves up

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Kevin Zimmerman

Time: Tuesday, May 21, 5:30 p.m. PST TV: ESPN Finally, the Phoenix Suns have found themselves not only in the lottery, but in a good position to win it. The NBA Draft Lottery kicks off at 5:30 p.m....

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Five Big Questions for the Sacramento Kings (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

COMMENTARY | Against what once seemed like impossible odds, the city of Sacramento has somehow managed to retain its beloved Kings.

Phoenix Suns 2012-13 Player Review: Hamed Haddadi

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Jim Coughenour

First, let me qualify the rest of this review by disclosing that not much was expected from Haddadi. Hamed was a throw in for a trade that sent Sebastian Telfair to the Toronto Raptors for a second round draft pick. The only reason he played as many minutes as he did, which wasn't many, was due to injuries and leaves of absence to players above him on the depth chart.

I just felt it was somewhat obligatory to preface the rest of this scathing analysis by offering that Hamed's bar was pretty low. Somehow he still managed to crawl under it.

Judging Haddadi based on improvement

As the chart depicts, Haddadi

Barkey Blasts Spurs! Twenty years ago today, Charles Barkley hits winner, Phoenix Suns drop Spurs to win Western Semis

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Dave King

Since the current iteration of the Phoenix Suns is on vacation during these playoffs, we at Bright Side thought it would be fun to relive the Suns' exciting 1993 playoff run with recaps of each game. Today, the Suns and Charles Barkley end the Spurs season with a game-ending clincher by Barkley. One of the greatest moments in Suns history.

May 20, 1993: Suns beat Spurs 102-100 on Barkley jumper, win series!

Boxscore - courtesy of basketball-reference.com

The Phoenix Suns couldn't find a way to win either of their first tries in San Antonio, shooting less than 42% each time and generally wishing

Suns hope for lottery luck, but it's not a necessity

Source: Yardbarker

NBA followers obsessed with the most easily imagined form of roster upgrading have staggered their way to Draft Lottery Eve. So, with the Ping-Pong balls warming up, do you know where your team is? If youre a fan of the Phoenix Suns, you probably know that your team enters Tuesdays talent-acquisition-positioning party as the fourth overall seed. The Suns are rolling in on the battered wings of the second-worst season in team history, and they are offering president of basketball operations Lon Babby as the TV face of the franchise at the actual event in New York. With Kentucky center Nerlens Noel and Kansas guard Ben McLemore looming as possible choices with the first pick, perhaps Babby will attempt to manufacture some good fortune Monday night by retiring to his room at 11:09 p.m. At fourth in the Ping-Pong pecking order, the Suns have an 11.9 percent chance of rising to No. 1. But if they end up at four, a quartet of national draft-oriented websites predict theyll select a player from Indiana. Three of

Suns hope for lottery luck, but it's not a necessity

Source: Yardbarker

NBA followers obsessed with the most easily imagined form of roster upgrading have staggered their way to Draft Lottery Eve. So, with the Ping-Pong balls warming up, do you know where your team is? If youre a fan of the Phoenix Suns, you probably know that your team enters Tuesdays talent-acquisition-positioning party as the fourth overall seed. The Suns are rolling in on the battered wings of the second-worst season in team history, and they are offering president of basketball operations Lon Babby as the TV face of the franchise at the actual event in New York. With Kentucky center Nerlens Noel and Kansas guard Ben McLemore looming as possible choices with the first pick, perhaps Babby will attempt to manufacture some good fortune Monday night by retiring to his room at 11:09 p.m. At fourth in the Ping-Pong pecking order, the Suns have an 11.9 percent chance of rising to No. 1. But if they end up at four, a quartet of national draft-oriented websites predict theyll select a player from Indiana. Three of

Former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo punched a Bulls fan during the 1993 NBA finals (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

While we hold out hope that the path charted by newly hired general manager Ryan McDonough will produce a winner sooner rather than later, there wasn't much to celebrate about the Phoenix Suns this season, we're sorry to say. In lottery-bound times like these, with the present a bummer and the future uncertain, it's understandable for fans (and the media who serve them) to harken back to more successful days gone by — like, for example, 1993, which was both the heyday of the Charles Barkley/Kevin Johnson/Paul Westphal crew and a nice, round 20 years ago, which makes for easy commemoratin'. With the members of that team reminiscing about how they came together and what they accomplished, it's only natural to check in with the man who signed the checks — Jerry Colangelo, who'd been with the Suns since its inception in 1967, put together a group that purchased the franchise in 1987 and, after years of fits and starts, built a winner in the desert. In a chat with Paola Boivin of azcentral.com , Colangelo recalled the Suns' path to the 1993 NBA finals against the Chicago Bulls, the franchise with which the Chicago Heights product had gotten his start in the NBA as a scout and marketing director and the juggernaut that had won back-to-back titles in the previous two seasons. In the midst of all that recollection, the former Suns owner (he sold to Robert Sarver in 2004) and current director of USA Basketball shared a surprising story from the Chicago Stadium stands:

NBA Draft Lottery: Fate, Luck and Star Trek

Source: The Official Phoenix Suns Blog by Greg Esposito

Captain’s log, May 20th 7:17 am Phoenix time…

Sorry about that, guess I still have Star Trek: Into Darkness still on my mind. And apparently so does the rest of North America as the movie brought in over $84 million over the weekend.

We’re not here to talk about movies though. We’re here to talk about men who make $84 million in over five years and not one weekend (or in some cases much, much less). Over the next two days this will be your ticket to an inside look at what it’s like to travel to the NBA Draft Lottery in New York City. Call it a humble brag if you must, but I am lucky enough to be one of the few

Jared Dudley sees role reversal, plateau in production

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Matt Petersen

When Phoenix traded Boris Diaw to Charlotte for Jason Richardson back in 2008, it received Jared Dudley as an extra throw-in as part of the deal. What the Suns didn’t know: they were getting...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Solar Flares - Open NBA/Suns Thread - On coaching opening, lotto luck, etc

Source: Bright Side Of The Sun by Dave King

It's lotto week!

The last couple of weeks have provided Suns fans with next to zero news, despite this being one of the Suns' most important offseasons in franchise history. Clearly, new GM Ryan McDonough is not all about flash and sound bytes. He'd rather just pick the right people - coaches and players - to move this franchise forward.

Lotto

Tuesday night, Suns fans will finally find out what all this angst for the past few years has brought on the Suns franchise. While it's just about random bouncing balls, fans will undoubtedly apply the results to some version of 'karma'. If the Suns lose ground (ie. pick 5-7), then the franchise is now cursed. If the Suns

Grading Each Draft of the Danny Ainge Era

Source: Yardbarker

Danny Ainge has been around the game of basketball for a long, long time. He enjoyed a successful 14 year career in the Association and when he finally called it quits in 1995 he was able to call himself a two-time NBA champion and a one-time All-Star. Ainge's retirement was short-lived however as the former second round draft choice found himself back on an NBA sideline in 1996. Rejoining his old team, Ainge became the head coach of the Phoenix Suns that year and he would remain in that position until his sudden resignation cut his ties with Phoenix for good. A few years passed and in 2003 Danny Ainge decided to return to the NBA. It was then that he would join the Boston Celtics' front office as their Executive Director of Basketball Operations and thus, an era was born. Despite winning the 2008 Executive of the Year award, which ultimately got him promoted to President of Basketball Operations, Ainge has received a lot of heat since taking on his new role within the Celti...

Grading Each Draft of the Danny Ainge Era

Source: Yardbarker

Danny Ainge has been around the game of basketball for a long, long time. He enjoyed a successful 14 year career in the Association and when he finally called it quits in 1995 he was able to call himself a two-time NBA champion and a one-time All-Star. Ainge's retirement was short-lived however as the former second round draft choice found himself back on an NBA sideline in 1996. Rejoining his old team, Ainge became the head coach of the Phoenix Suns that year and he would remain in that position until his sudden resignation cut his ties with Phoenix for good. A few years passed and in 2003 Danny Ainge decided to return to the NBA. It was then that he would join the Boston Celtics' front office as their Executive Director of Basketball Operations and thus, an era was born. Despite winning the 2008 Executive of the Year award, which ultimately got him promoted to President of Basketball Operations, Ainge has received a lot of heat since taking on his new role within the Celti...

The noise that bothers Michael Beasley

Source: ValleyoftheSuns.com by Kevin Zimmerman

Stability hasn’t been there for the Phoenix Suns. The franchise has essentially required turnstyles just to keep their coaching and front office staffs in relative order. And for Michael...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]