Phoenix Suns: Something Has To Change

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

When you hear the name "Phoenix Suns" you may still think of the run and gun style that was once perfected under the system of the offensive mastermind that is Mike D’Antoni. Unfortunately, those days are long gone, and now we have a team full of old vets, facing a major identity crisis.

That is something the Phoenix Suns will have to fix before the start of next season, if they want to have the slightest chance in the tough Western conference full of young guns that make Phoenix look...well...plain old. We now see names like Paul, Williams, and Parker as the best point guards in the West and no longer see the back-to-back MVP Steve Nash that we once had in Phoenix.

On the other hand, it is hard not to be impressed by the great effort put forth by Shaquille O’Neal this year. Shaq has had an absolutely rejuvenating season and has gotten back to putting up the huge numbers that he’s been known for his entire career.

Another veteran that has not gotten half of the credit he deserves is Grant Hill. He has been the go-to-guy in the closing seconds of close games for Phoenix and he has impressed many fans. We’ve seen him use his athleticism and court savvy this season which we have not seen from him in some time.

The Suns have learned, though, that to be in the playoffs next season they will need much more than that. One thing they realized throughout the season is that it all starts and ends with defense. Although they have tried to ignore that fact for many years, they now have no choice but to face it and improve their effort on the defensive end.

Another important thing for the Suns is staying healthy. Stoudemire is their All-Star and their most valuable weapon. When he’s not on the court the Suns suffer, both offensively and defensively.

So, Amare, do us all a favor and stick with the goggles for now. The Suns will also have to make a few roster changes, because despite great efforts from many players, the team is not getting any younger.

By roster changes I do not mean moving the future of the franchise, which is Amare Stoudemire. That catastrophe was close to becoming a reality this season right after the All-Star Break. Of course, Amare stayed put in Phoenix and even with his injury I think that keeping him was the best move the Suns made.

Much like last season, the Suns are yet to find a quality point guard off the bench to take some minutes from Nash. Deals involving Nash and/or Shaq, I think, make the most sense, simply due to the fact that no one knows when their stock will drop and they will become devalued.

For example if the Suns were to give Nash to a young team that lacks experience, such as Portland for Jared Bayless and maybe even Rudy Fernandez, then that is something Kerr would have to pull the trigger on because it will make Phoenix a better team in the long run.

O’Neal could also provide leadership and give a young team such as New York a solid center. If New York was to offer David Lee or Al Harrington, the Suns should take such an offer into strong consideration because once again it gives the Suns more than just two seasons as a contender. Nate Robinson is a great player that Phoenix could grab in a trade with New York, and many of us have seen how effective he can be off the bench.

As for the coaching staff, I think Alvin Gentry has not disappointed fans or players. To really see what he has to offer we have no other choice but to wait for an injury-free roster to hit the court for Phoenix.

One more thing: If the Suns don't make any of these improvements by next season then we will be witnessing the end of an era in Phoenix, leaving only the thought of what could have been.

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