Amar'e Stoudemire's Shoulders Must Get Bigger

In last night’s loss to the Charlotte Bobcats, a number of questions were raised as to the future of the Phoenix Suns.  They scored a season low 76, marking their fifth loss in the past six games.  To put things in perspective, it was also their third consecutive loss which has happened twice so far this season.  Last season, they never lost three in a row. 

This is a franchise that has always been an elite Western Team.  Sadly, they always fall short of reaching the next level.  This season has not proved different, as the Suns are now suffering their worst start in the past four seasons. 

They traded a tetchy Shawn Marion two seasons ago inorder to pick up Shaquille O’Neal .  Mike D’Antoni and Steve Kerr (General Manager) thought that a more dominant inside presence would help Amare Stoudemire develop into the MVP that he has the potential to be.    

However, that trade did not work out as once again, the Suns lost to the Spurs in a poorly officiated series that the NBA should still be embarrassed about.  Robert Horry and the Spurs got away with a cheap win, which gave momentum to the Spurs to win the series. 

This season, Mike D’Antoni was replaced by an expressionless Terry Porter.  Jason Richardson was then acquired for a Boris Diaw and Raja Bell.  In my opinion, this was simply a pathetic trade, even a close second to the Brandon Roy-Randy Foye trade by my beloved T’Wolves.

What were the Suns thinking?  For the past three seasons, NBA analysts have criticized the defensive end of the Suns.  The run-and-gun boys from Phoenix have no problems scoring; they used to embarrass defensive formations night in and night out.  But their defense has always been pathetic. 

So why on earth did they trade their best defender, Raja Bell, and a solid post defender, Boris Diaw, for yet another scorer who can’t defend?   Yeah, beats me. 

In an interview right after the trade, former MVP Steve Nash made it known that he could not figure out why they traded his best friend (yeah pretty childish) and did not know about the trade until it happened.     

Now, the Suns find themselves in a tight corner.  They have lost their identity in scoring 100 plus points a game, and their defense has only gotten worse.  I only see one solution for them and it is not their mediocre coach, their ageing point guard, or comedic center.  As much as I love Steve Nash and Shaq,  I think that they have run their course and the Suns need a new identity.  And that lies in Stoudemire.

Amar'e Stoudemire is powerful, mean, fast and deliberate.  Even though these adjectives describe him well, I’m going to use another that sums him up entirely.  That would be "inconsistent."

In acquiring his first all-star start (a joke really, Carmelo Anthony should have claimed the spot), Stoudemire will be playing at the Small Forward role for his first time.  Amar’e coyly stated that he needs his trainer to come work with him on his handles. 

Here’s an idea, how about get your trainer to help you spell out the word "defense."

This is his biggest downfall: his lack of defensive talent.  And if Lebron could improve his jump-shot, Kobe could work on his team leadership qualities and Scott Polard could get rid of those hideous wolverine-side burns, then Stoudemire should be able to put in the effort to learn the basics of defense.  He has no excuses for that. 

Perhaps that $100,000 bonus he received for becoming an All-star Starter could be invested in signing up for little league defensive camps across the country.  The Suns need a new slogan "defense wins games," and Stoudemire needs to make that his mantra.    

But defense has always been his issue.  This season, Stoudemire seems to be shying behind Shaq.  This is what needs to change.  Amar’e has to grab the reigns of the Suns and be a leader.  He has all the potential to be the complete statistic and now has to prove that.

After a great game in Toronto, Stoudemire scored three points and grabbed one rebound against Kevin Garnett and the Celtics.  He played 30 minutes and only scored 3 points!  In his next game, he notched 20 points and pulled down four rebounds against David Lee and the Knicks.  It was also a humiliating loss to former coach Mike D’Antoni and the Knicks. 

Last night, a measly 12 points and nine rebounds summed up Stoudemire's night.  This was against Borris Diaw, the guy who used to back up Amare in Phoenix.  Ironically, the Frenchman dropped 26 and 11 on his nemesis. 

It’s half way through the season and this is the short period that can make or breaks a team’s playoff chances.  As an NBA fan, I want to see the Suns get by the Spurs and I want to see Nash and Grant Hill get a ring. 

Stoudemire is the key to their success.  The Suns need a change and it lies in their 6’10", 249 pound power forward.  The only problem is that he has not realized that yet.  The Suns should not expect less than 20 and 10 from him every night, and he needs to be a force to reckon with on the defensive end. 

He could be a very scary man on the court.  As could the Suns as a team, but right now, he’s playing like a dog with its tail between its legs.  He needs to build up his confidence and take over games like he’s known to do.  Only this time, do it on a consistent level and ensure those wins for the Suns and please, beat the Spurs!