Bright Side Of The Sun

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

2012-05-16T14:53:45Z

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 decides he's healthy enough to continue playing.

"I don't want to speak for him, but I can't imagine he'd want to play anywhere else ... I would be extremely disappointed if he played somewhere else."

Coming off two knee surgeries in the last 9 months and carrying the mantle of the second-oldest player in the NBA (40 years old next season), Grant Hill will not be breaking any banks this summer. Truly, he will just have to decide how big a role he wants to play in the NBA next season.

Speaking (earlier) of Steve Nash, the two of them have developed a kinship with the Suns that transcends the 48 minutes between whistles that all 14 players face. They were unrestricted free agents together in the summer of 2009, facing the prospect of continuing their Suns careers as the Wondertwins versus parting ways to "chase a ring" with another NBA franchise. In the end, they chose to return to the Suns and in retrospect it appears to have been a foregone conclusion.

Now three seasons, three trade deadlines and one lone playoff run later, they face free agency again. Once again, they have the option to return to the Suns as now-really-aging Wondertwins versus parting ways to chase a ring as a role player. Shawn Marion and Eddie House have done this, winning rings despite playing fewer minutes after leaving Phoenix. Boris Diaw might just do it this year as well.

But this time, neither player is as valuable to any other NBA franchise as they are to the Phoenix Suns. Neither is the top free agent at their position, and neither will garner a long-term, high-paying deal due to their age and injury history. Contenders will try to entice Nash with midlevel exception offers ($3-5 million) and Hill with bi-annual exception offers ($2 million). Only Dallas has the unique combination of money and contender possibilities this summer, but their top target is Deron Williams.

Alas, their choice in the sunset of their careers will come down to money/playing time/Wondertwin status on a might-be team versus peanuts/backup minutes/"role player" status on a winner.

Grant Hill, especially, is going to have to chose between a low-paying backup job on a contender versus a well-paid player-coach type of job with the transitioning Suns. He simply did not have a good statistical season in 2011-12 - offensively OR defensively. Despite our eyes and intuition that Grant Hill is a lockdown defender, his defensive numbers did not bear that out. Likely, that's because he always guarded the opponent's best offensive player. But still, "lockdown" is a relative term compared to the rest of the Suns players.

			FG			3PT			FT			Rebounds			Misc
	G	M	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	Off	Def	Tot	Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	PPG
2011 - Grant Hill	49	28.1	4.1	9.2	44.6	0.3	1.1	26.4	1.7	2.2	76.1	0.6	2.9	3.5	2.2	1.3	0.8	0.6	1.8	10.2

Add on the two knee surgeries as bookends to the season, and no other NBA team can possibly feel confident about offering Hill more than the bi-annual exception he signed to join the Suns 5 years (and two contracts) ago.

Lon Babby, for one, feels confident about Grant Hill's decision. And Lon should know, since he was Hill's agent for his entire career before taking over the Suns.

Babby will overpay Hill for his contributions beyond the court as much as what a 40-year old can offer on it. The only real question is whether Hill will retire or not. But even then, he's likely to stay with the Suns in a front-office or coaching capacity. That's my gut feel.

In fact, possibly the best summer option is to bring back Grant Hill to tutor the next swingman-lockdown-defender-team-builder guy the Suns add to the team this summer either through the draft (Jeremy Lamb) or free agency (Nic Batum). Then Grant could truly hand off his cape as he fades into the valley sunset.

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

2012-05-15T14:53:34Z

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 Kobe Bryant and his purple and gold crew get beat, the game itself wasn't all that compelling for NBA fans in general.

Here's the NBA Playoff schedule for Tuesday:

Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT on TNT

The Pacers, like the 76ers, have a very good chance of scoring an upset in this series. To do that, however, they need to win Game 2 and even the series heading back home. Chris Bosh didn't play the second half of Game 1 but the Pacers didn't adjust well to his absence. With Bosh out, probably for the series, they need to do a better job adjusting defensively to focus on LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. This should be a good game.

Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT on TNT

For good reason, no one things the Clippers have chance in this series. The Spurs, however, have been off for over a week and will almost certainly be rusty early. The Clips only chance is to use their momentum and pounce early but they will still need a pretty big lead to hold off a second half run from the Spurs. This should be a good game if you are a fan of execution basketball.

Steve Nash Wins PBWA Award

2012-05-14T20:03:42Z

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 cooperation with the media and fans." The award, along with all that we know about Steve as highlighted in Jim C's piece today, accompanies 2007's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for "outstanding service and dedication to the community." Nash also has a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame.

While this award may seem as no big deal to many of us, keep in mind Nash beat out (among others), Manu Ginoboli of the San Antonio Spurs. Last year's winner of the award was Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant.

It is the small victories, my friends....

Nash, Rivers, Bucks' staff take home PBWA Honors

Nash is the winner of the Magic Johnson Award, given annually to recognize the player who best combines excellence on the court with co-operation with the media and fans. The Phoenix Suns guard was voted the winner over Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Phoenix Suns 2011-12 Player Evaluation: Steve Nash

2012-05-14T18:55:26Z

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 Steve Nash.

Defining the grading criteria for a player of Nash's caliber is a difficult task indeed. He is MVSteve. The Nash Rambler. Captain Canada. Nashional Treasure. Two-Time. PG-13. The One-Eyed Stevie Wonder.

He is a skilled soccer player (adept enough that he probably could have played professionally). He has displayed an aptitude for cinematography. In the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver he lit the Olympic cauldron. He is a philanthropist and a noble benefactor. He was just named the GM of Team Canada. He is the guy they keep talking about in all those Dos Equis commercials. When Steve Nash finally hangs up the high tops, it will not be the end, but merely the beginning for a person who is not just a hall of fame basketball player, but an exceptional person in many facets.

It would be easy to let all these things obfuscate the judgment of what I intend to be a one year report card; a snapshot in a hall of fame career. I will do my best to grade Nash on the season that just ended and not let his career as a whole interfere with my analysis. If you would like to see how I plan to scrutinize Stephen John Nash, as objectively as possible, take the plunge.

Allow me to start the process by detailing some of Nash’s accomplishments this year.

In February 2012, Nash was named to his eighth All-Star Game (in which he played approximately 13 seconds in the first half and did not return in the second - boo). It was his 6th selection as a Sun, which ties him for a franchise record with “Sweet D” Walter Davis.

On April 21, 2012, Nash passed Oscar Robertson for 5th on the all-time career assists list versus the Denver Nuggets. At 9,916 career assists, Nash sits 225 behind Magic for 4th and 418 behind Mark Jackson for 3rd (meaning if he stays healthy he’ll pass both of them next year).

Finished second in the NBA in assists per game (10.7)

Finished 11th in the NBA in field goal % (.532), 33rd in three point fg% (.390), and 4th in free throw % (.894) to narrowly miss extending his league record of 4 50/40/90 seasons.

Finished 21st in the league in eFG% (.581), 14th in TS% (.625), and 38th in PER (20.3).

Hit the game winning shot against the Milwaukee Bucks on his birthday with accompanying footage.

Then still managed to draw the curtains on the season (with the help of an inspired home crowd) with a horripilating scene that will probably cause the words “We Want Steve!” to be indelibly etched into my mind.

Steve was quite the industrious man.

Now let’s take a gander at some of Steve’s statistics (I have included all of his years since returning to the Suns).

Season	Age	Tm	Lg	G	GS	MP	FG	FGA	FG%	3P	3PA	3P%	FT	FTA	FT%	ORB	DRB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
2004-05	30	PHO	NBA	75	75	34.3	5.7	11.4	.502	1.3	2.9	.431	2.8	3.2	.887	0.8	2.6	3.3	11.5	1.0	0.1	3.3	1.8	15.5
2005-06	31	PHO	NBA	79	79	35.4	6.8	13.4	.512	1.9	4.3	.439	3.3	3.5	.921	0.6	3.6	4.2	10.5	0.8	0.2	3.5	1.5	18.8
2006-07	32	PHO	NBA	76	76	35.3	6.8	12.8	.532	2.1	4.5	.455	2.9	3.3	.899	0.4	3.1	3.5	11.6	0.8	0.1	3.8	1.5	18.6
2007-08	33	PHO	NBA	81	81	34.3	6.0	11.9	.504	2.2	4.7	.470	2.7	3.0	.906	0.3	3.1	3.5	11.1	0.7	0.1	3.6	1.4	16.9
2008-09	34	PHO	NBA	74	74	33.6	5.8	11.5	.503	1.5	3.3	.439	2.6	2.8	.933	0.3	2.8	3.0	9.7	0.7	0.1	3.4	1.5	15.7
2009-10	35	PHO	NBA	81	81	32.8	6.2	12.2	.507	1.5	3.6	.426	2.6	2.8	.938	0.4	2.9	3.3	11.0	0.5	0.1	3.6	1.3	16.5
2010-11	36	PHO	NBA	75	75	33.3	5.3	10.8	.492	1.1	2.7	.395	3.0	3.3	.912	0.5	2.9	3.5	11.4	0.6	0.1	3.5	1.2	14.7
2011-12	37	PHO	NBA	62	62	31.6	4.8	9.0	.532	0.9	2.3	.390	2.0	2.3	.894	0.4	2.6	3.0	10.7	0.6	0.1	3.7	0.9	12.5
Career			NBA	1152	993	31.4	5.3	10.7	.491	1.4	3.3	.428	2.5	2.8	.904	0.5	2.5	3.0	8.6	0.7	0.1	2.9	1.6	14.5

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/14/2012.

Nash’s minutes per game were down slightly, but I’ll explain later why this is misleading. His field goal percentage (.532) tied a career high. His rebounds (3.0) and assists (10.7) were still pretty commensurate with his career numbers as a Sun.

Where the noticeable dips can be seen are in field goal attempts (9.0), three point attempts (2.3), three point field goal percentage (.390), and points per game (12.5).

In fact Nash’s season turned out very much like I suggested in my early returns fanpost from January 14th.

Nash – Still playing at an all-star level, however, age is every man’s master. Steve isn’t as much of a scorer as he was in his prime and can’t take over games in the fourth quarter like years past. The area of his game that seems as sharp as ever, distributing, is hindered by the lack of dynamic finishers on the team. Nash’s talent is not being maximized by the current roster.

Season	Age	Tm	Lg	G	MP	PER	TS%	eFG%	ORB%	DRB%	TRB%	AST%	STL%	BLK%	TOV%	USG%	ORtg	DRtg	OWS	DWS	WS	WS/48
2004-05	30	PHO	NBA	75	2573	22.0	.606	.557	2.5	7.6	5.2	49.2	1.4	0.2	20.3	20.5	123	111	9.7	1.2	10.9	.203
2005-06	31	PHO	NBA	79	2796	23.3	.632	.583	1.9	11.1	6.6	44.4	1.1	0.3	19.0	23.3	121	109	10.3	2.1	12.4	.212
2006-07	32	PHO	NBA	76	2682	23.8	.654	.613	1.4	9.9	5.8	50.1	1.1	0.2	21.0	22.9	124	110	10.8	1.7	12.6	.225
2007-08	33	PHO	NBA	81	2780	21.1	.641	.597	1.2	9.6	5.7	47.3	0.9	0.1	21.6	22.0	121	112	9.0	1.4	10.5	.181
2008-09	34	PHO	NBA	74	2484	19.5	.615	.566	0.9	9.2	5.2	42.4	1.1	0.3	20.8	21.1	119	115	6.7	0.5	7.3	.140
2009-10	35	PHO	NBA	81	2660	21.6	.615	.570	1.5	9.4	5.7	50.9	0.8	0.3	21.4	22.9	121	114	9.1	0.8	9.9	.178
2010-11	36	PHO	NBA	75	2497	20.8	.601	.542	1.8	10.2	6.0	53.1	1.0	0.1	22.4	21.4	118	114	7.3	0.7	8.0	.153
2011-12	37	PHO	NBA	62	1961	20.3	.625	.581	1.5	9.1	5.3	53.1	1.0	0.3	27.1	19.6	115	110	5.2	0.6	5.9	.144
Career			NBA	1152	36129	20.2	.605	.557	1.9	8.7	5.4	41.9	1.2	0.2	19.5	21.2	118	110	109.9	15.4	125.3	.166

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/14/2012.

Looking at advanced statistics, we can see that Nash’s WS/48 was only .144, which was his second lowest in the last 8 years (the other year can be blamed on Terry Porter), and only good for 76th in the league. His PER was also his second lowest total. His ORtg was his lowest in the last 8 seasons, but his AST% was tied with last year for his highest mark (lending credence to the lack of surrounding talent/players that can score without him argument).

Delving deeper into the data it can be demonstrated that the first and second half of Nash’s season were far from pari passu. Allow me to illustrate.

Over Nash’s first 31 games he averaged 13.9 ppg. Over the last 31 that dropped to 11.0 ppg. In Nash’s first 31 games he scored 20 or more points 8 times. In his last 31 games he only reached 20 once. One time. In fact, he never reached 20 points in his last 24 games of the season. In that stretch he scored 9 points or less in 10 of the 24 games.

His field goals made per game slid from 5.4 to 4.1. His field goals attempted per game dipped from 10 to 7.9. His FG% slipped from .542 to .518 (but let’s face it, .518 is still REALLY good).

What was the reason for this declivitous descent in Steve’s scoring numbers? Here’s one possible ~~excuse~~ reason.

2011/12 Season		2010/11 Season
122	Days	170	Days
62	Games	75	Games
1961	Total minutes	2497	Total minutes
31.6	Min per game	33.3	Min per game
16.1	Min per day	14.7	Min per day
60	Days off	95	Days off
0.97	Days off/games ratio	1.27	Days off/games ratio

As depicted in this ~~expertly crafted~~ comparison, the frequency of Nash’s minutes was drastically increased. What might be the most salient, and telling, portion is the total days off and days off to games ratio. An older player like Nash benefits more from the rest days than a younger player. I believe that at the outset of the season at least one person may have suggested mandatory rest days for Nash (and other players) to help counteract hebetude and exhaustion.

Can we blame some (or all) of Nash’s second half decline on the schedule? I think it is reasonable to think it played at least some role. What this suggests to me is that Nash may be able to duplicate or even improve on his performance from this season next year despite the inexorable march of the calendar since he will face much less stringent demands on his body.

There are a lot of positives to look back on from the season, but a noticeable dip in production as the season whisked along at a frenzied pace. Nash just didn’t seem to be able to keep up.

When the team needed him most, he was unable to provide the offensive spark that could have propelled them into the playoffs. Not to imply that the team’s failures completely lie at his feet, but he is unquestionably the team’s leader and I believe that accountability goes to the top. I would have rather had Nash forcing shots and missing than seen his scoring decline the way it did based mostly on the simple concept of less shot attempts.

I give Steve an A for his first half, a B/B- for the second half, and an overall grade of a B+. What do you think?

Poll

What grade do you give Steve Nash for the 2011-12 season?

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

2012-05-14T17:49:30Z

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 / 6:30 p.m. PT on TNT

The Spurs rolled through the first round and have been resting and practicing for ages. They will be as healthy as any team still playing and with their depth and versatility should have no problem taking care of the Clippers. Tony Parker will make Chris Paul work on the defensive end and wear him down and the Clippers don't have enough size to both San Antonio in the front court.

Prediction: Spurs in five

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Game 1 Monday at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT on TNT

This series has the potential to go seven games. The Thunder has a huge advantage at the point guard spot while the Lakers still have the best two bigs in the game...sometimes. A lot of these games will be determined by how physical the officials allow Metta World Peace to be with Kevin Durant away from the ball. We've seen Durant limited at time when guys play him tough and deny the pass. The Lakers have the tools to win this series but we've not seen them play well enough as a team to think they will.

Prediction: Thunder in seven

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers

Game 2 Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT on ABC

The Heat already hold a 1-0 lead in this series but they will potentially be without Chris Bosh due to an abdominal strain. Indiana has a lot of weapons without Bosh, they should be able to focus their defense even more on LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. The Heat are still the favorites but the Pacers can win this series.

Prediction: Pacers in seven

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics

Game 2 Monday at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT on TNT

The Celtics took the first game of this series, but the 76ers are far more athletic and younger. We already saw Ray Allen and Paul Pierce struggle through the first round and if the Sixers can extend this series by winning Game 2 on the road, they have a very good chance of winning in seven.

Prediction: Sixers in seven

What are your picks?

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

2012-05-14T01:11:08Z

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 Enes Kanter (C) and Derrick Favors (PF) waiting in the wings behind long-time starters Al Jefferson (C) and Paul Millsap (PF). Utah's problem is long-term upside of the current roster, and contract extensions. With Jefferson and Millsap playing at the top of their game, the Jazz barely squeaked into the playoffs and were summarily swept out of them as quickly as possible.

Utah attempted to play Jefferson, Favors and Millsap together by moving Millsap to SF and shifting Gordon Hayward to SG down the stretch and in the playoffs, but that only worked to limited success. They rebounded great, but the defense and scoring were underwhelming. Millsap is too slow to defend SFs and Hayward too slow to defend SGs.

Jefferson and Millsap combine to make $23.6 million next season, but both become unrestricted free agents when the 2012-13 season ends. Both Millsap and Jefferson will want extensions, and both will certainly ask the Jazz to comply this summer.

Millsap's career numbers, per basketball-reference.com

But those extensions will just prolong the waiting game for Favors and Kanter - who were both picked highly in the draft and deserve a chance to play for a fringe playoff team. Favors seems to have the highest immediate upside, and given that Millsap is less effective at SF, it looks like it's time to trade Millsap for some talent on the wing (or for cap space that they can then spend on shooting-guard talent).

Utah's other problem is that starting PG Devin Harris also has only one year left on his contract. In fact, only Favors, Kanter, Hayward and Burks are under contract beyond the 2012-13 season. Utah very nearly had 2 more lottery picks this spring, but now have none. Their own was lost when they made the playoffs, and Golden State was just bad enough to keep theirs from going to the Jazz.

Despite losing those picks though, the Jazz are clearly in a youth movement. They are very talented with young players at 4 positions. Do they prolong the inevitable and fight for the playoffs again with Jefferson, Millsap and Harris? Or do they cut bait and go young? The Suns themselves pushed for the playoffs and came up just short. Would the Jazz try the same thing for the second year in a row?

The Suns don't have the young point guard to trade Utah in exchange for Millsap, though. But the Jazz somehow don't have a first-round pick this year either. They could trade Millsap to the Suns for cap relief in a one-sided trade, and then sign a point guard or a wing on the open market. Would you trade this spring's #13 pick for Millsap and the Jazz's lower lottery pick in 2013?

Of course, Millsap would need to be extended. Is he worth $8-9 million a year for 3-4 years? Because that's what he would expect.

As for the Grizzlies, their issue is money. They already extended Randolph, Gay, Conley and Gasol to big money. They can't possibly even match a reasonable midlevel offer to OJ Mayo this summer. Mayo is still only 24 and is just scratching the surface of his talent.

Mayo's career numbers, per basketball-reference.com

But is he worth a long-term contract to the Suns? And to beat out other bidders, the Suns would have to offer more than midlevel.

Is he worth, say, 4 years for $32-36 million ($8-9 million per season)? He's young and certainly a better scorer and passer than any wing player the Suns currently have, and could easily score 20 per game next to Nash and/or as a primary offensive option.

The Suns could sign him with their cap space. Or, is he worth a sign-and-trade involving fellow restricted free agent Robin Lopez? Here, we would be trading a good backup center for a good scoring guard. I know you can't have enough size, but the Jazz just proved this season that size is not good enough without scoring.

So, Suns fans, what say you on Millsap and/or O.J. Mayo?

NBA Playoffs 2012 Game Thread: Ich Bin Ein Nuggets Fan

2012-05-12T23:00:18Z

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 remaining Western Conference series, LA's Clippers have also blown a 3-1 series lead after dropping game 6 to the Grizzlies last night, 90-88. Game 7 will be back in Memphis Sunday, and a Grizzlies win would lead to a rematch of last season's first round Grizz upset of the Spurs.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the second round tips off tonight as the eighth seed Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off their surprising series win over the injury-riddled top seeded Bulls, meet the Boston Celtics in a matchup that was once one of the league's premier rivalries. No Larry Bird or Dr. J in this one, but the Celtics ~~Old Three~~ Big Three continues to deliver, and Celtics defense held the Hawks to 82 PPG in their first round series win.

Game times and more after the jump.

Tonight's games:

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics, 5PM MST, TNT
Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers, 7:30PM MST, TNT

Links and Stuff

Clips Nation: Grizzlies 90, Clippers 88 - Heading Back To Memphis
Kevin Garnett is playing the "I'm being disrespected" card, objecting to charges that he's a dirty player. Since we all know Garnett for his Channing Frye junk punching ways, I'm unmoved by his protestations. Kevin Garnett, The Superstar The NBA Forgot
Chris "Birdman" Andersen is under investigation for involvement in child pornography. He has not been arrested or charged with a crime, and his lawyer says he's the victim of extortion. I really hope he's not guilty of anything here. As much as I like joking about his freakish appearance, I'd hate to think he's capable of this. Andersen is on leave from the team and won't play tonight.
Everybody's favorite mental health care advocate, Metta World Peace, will return from his suspension tonight.
Lakers first year head coach Mike Brown's job is on the line, opines former Laker great and current ESPN commentator Magic Johnson. Said Magic, "Mike Brown will not be coaching the Lakers if they lose this game. There would be so much pressure on Jim Buss and the Laker organization to get rid of him."
George Karl coached in Seattle during Soundgarden's prime. The legendary Seattle band is back with this song from "The Avengers" soundtrack. It's not quite vintage Soundgarden, but the chorus is great. "Like the Suns we will live to rise again." At least that's how I hear it.

Phoenix Suns 2011-12 Player Evaluation: Downtown Shannon Brown

2012-05-12T14:58:23Z

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 starting job. The "one-year-deal" part limited the Suns' chances at real star power. The 2011-12 season was a "bridge" year - a year to tide the team and fans over until enough contracts expired to allow the Suns to start over. One-year deals were the only deals being offered.

The Suns set their sights lower, and positioned the opportunity as a perfect one for a player who wanted to step out of someone else's shadow and prove himself worthy of a bigger role in future seasons, and a bigger contract to go with it.

Enter Shannon Brown.

As Brown said to Paul Coro, beat writer for the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com: "I know one of the things about me they were saying this (past) summer, 'Aw, he can't play out of the (Lakers') triangle. The triangle made him. He can't play out of the triangle.'"

Brown wanted to prove he could do more than dunk in transition and carry Kobe Bryant's water bottle. He is young and freakishly athletic, but hadn't proven to the league's evaluators that he could do more than exhibit a little flash and dash for 10 minutes a game when Kobe rested.

Brown's first season as a Phoenix Sun had its peaks and valleys, but overall had to be categorized as a success for both Brown and the Suns. Shannon Brown is not a savior or a future all-star, but in 19 starts he did average nearly 16 points a game on 43% 3-point shooting. And in stark contrast to the rest of the Suns' roster, Brown created 41% of his points all on his own, without the benefit of an assist from Steve Nash.

We all remember Shannon Brown took a while to get comfortable in the Suns' system. Without the benefit of an offseason program or voluntary workouts with the guys or even a full training camp, Brown was plopped into a 20+ minutes/night shot-creating role next to a struggling point guard.

In the season's first half, his favorite play was the dribble-dance-fallaway-jumpshot in which he somehow managed to close the gap between him and the defender rather than expand it. He was simply trying too hard, and in his moments of confusion he fell back onto the game of his "big brother" Kobe Bryant.

Late in the first half of the season he lost his job to Michael Redd before getting it back by default thanks to Redd's inability to seize it.

But as the season progressed, so did Shannon Brown. After the all-star break, he dribble-danced less and drove to the basket more. He realized the value of catch-and-shoot. He became a smarter player, and stepped up his game even more when Grant Hill got injured.

Brown started the Suns' last 17 games during the toughest stretch of the season. He managed to score 16 points a game, and sunk 43% of his 3-point shot attempts while playing between Steve Nash and Jared Dudley. He did not contribute much in other areas though, with a 1:1 ratio of turnovers to assists, few rebounds and average defensive ability despite his athleticism.

"I came out and showed people that I can play the game of basketball," Brown said. "I'm just tying to continue to get better as a basketball player and I think I'm going to do that each summer."

Brown says he wants to return to Phoenix next season, but this time he wants a better contract. To give him that longer, richer contract though will require the Suns to project Brown even further than he showed last season.

Without projecting any more improvement, you're looking at a guy who can be a spot-starter that will contribute 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. He is a streaky shooter with average basketball IQ and average defense. He won't lose a game for you, but likely won't win one for you either. That's not a rich, multi-year contract player if you ask me.

For his part, Brown wants to be back in Phoenix even while hedging his bets because the Suns have likely not given him any kind of promises.

"I like it here," Brown said of Phoenix. "I like everything about it. I like the team. I like the facilities. I like the city. The fans. I like everything about it. I don't mind being here again. At the same time, I've got to keep that balance in my mind. It's a business. My plans might not fit other people's plans so I have to prepare for anything."

He is basically Plan C. Or D. Not a real starter or savior, but definitely a backup plan among second-tier guard options. He knows the Suns system, and has proven his ability to produce no matter who surrounds him.

But the Suns are no longer in the business of handing out long contracts like candy. They are going to be smart and conservative going forward.

Is Brown a better option than Eric Gordon? Heck no.

Is Brown better than OJ Mayo? No.

Is Brown better than, say, Alonzo Gee? Probably, maybe. Gee is taller, plays better defense and his teammates love him, but he can't score or shoot the 3-ball.

Is Brown better than Jamal Crawford? Yes, a thousand times yes. While Crawford tends to lose the faith of his teammates, coaches and front office personnel (I mean seriously, saying you "need" to be in Phoenix while standing among your current Portland teammates?!?!), Shannon Brown has been a model citizen.

I happen to know someone who knows someone who works with Suns players, and that person swears Brown is one of the nicest guys on the team.

It's all about expectations. It's not a bad thing to bring Shannon Brown back. It's only bad if you give him a lot of money and/or expect him to earn a regular starting role on a contender. But his two championship rings prove he can earn a regular backup role on a contender.