Phoenix Suns Get Another Mid-Season Shakeup

By now, everyone's heard about the Suns latest big trade, picking up Jason Richardson, Jared Dudley and a second-round pick from the Charlotte Bobcats for Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, and Sean Singletary.

But what does it mean for the team? First of all, it's another sign the Suns are nowhere near the team they were as last as of the middle of last season.

Gone is Boris Diaw, a favorite of former coach Mike D'antoni, and Raja Bell, one of the Suns few established defensive presences.

In comes Jason Richardson, the Bobcats leading scorer and former mainstay in Don Nelson's run and gun attack in Golden State, and Jared Dudley, a gritty, if not overly talented forward.

Richardson brings the Suns something they have sorely needed early this season, and that thing is? I never thought I'd say this, but...offense.

The Suns switch in offensive styles under new coach Terry Porter has been anything but seamless. Points are down, and turnovers are way up, even by two-time MVP Steve Nash.

J-Rich's ability to create his own shot, get to the rim, and shoot the three, will all be a tremendous help to Phoenix's half court attack, and overall offense, as seen already in his 21-point performance in last night's win over the Magic.

Bell and Diaw will still be missed, as Bell was always good for some solid D, and Diaw was often an instant spark off the bench. The Suns though are weighing those losses against the offensive resume Richardson brings them.

Dudley's impact is not quite as obvious as Richardson's. He will likely be in rotation with Matt Barnes and Grant Hill at SF, and possibly help offset the loss of Diaw with some minutes at the 4.

Dudley does not have an outside shot by any means, and doesn't score particularly well either, but his effort is certainly there, as first seen in his days at Boston College.

Unfortunately, even with Jason Richardson's numerous accolades, his acquisition might not mean all flowers and rainbows in Phoenix. Over time it could prove difficult for him to share the already crowded Suns stage with Amare Stoudemire, Nash, and Shaq.

Stoudemire has already gone on record this season about his frustrations with the team, professing his strong desire to be "the man."

Amare's ability and willingness to co-exist with another star will be vital to the Suns going forward, and certainly to any hopes they have of being a major factor in the playoffs.

This move can certainly be agreed upon as a good if not great trade for the Suns. The last time Steve Kerr pulled the trigger on a high profile swap, there was hardly such a consensus.

Also, not to be lost in this equation, is the Suns acquisition of a second-round draft pick; that's right, they ADDED a draft pick, instead of giving one (or all of them) away, light they've been highly prone to do in past.

The most important thing to take away from this move is that Jason Richardson will help the Suns offense immediately, and could possibly even propel the Suns back to being one of the top teams in the West.