Phoenix Suns could go big in Thursday's NBA draft

When it comes to the Suns’ draft situation for Thursday night, it is easier to address what won’t happen:

– They won’t end the night without a draft choice.

– They won’t trade Vince Carter’s contract, opting instead to buy him out for $4 million in the coming days.

– They probably won’t use one of their trade exceptions to take on extra
payroll, which could compromise flexibility expected in 2012. Continue reading “Phoenix Suns could go big in Thursday's NBA draft” »

Amar'e Stoudemire calls Phoenix Suns 'Plan A'

The Amar’e Stoudemire Basketball Academy ended Thursday in Gilbert.
Next, Stoudemire leaves Phoenix for Miami.

As much as that sounds like free-agent foreboding, there was nothing
about Stoudemire on Thursday to indicate that Phoenix has seen the last
of its All-Star power forward. Wearing a camp shirt with purple and
orange lettering, Stoudemire called signing a contract extension with
the Suns this month "Plan A."

"Camp colors are purple and orange and bloodlines right now are purple
and orange, until something changes," said Stoudemire, who plans to meet
teammates Jared Dudley and Earl Clark in Miami for training and
vacation. Continue reading “Amar'e Stoudemire calls Phoenix Suns 'Plan A'” »

Suns' Amar'e Stoudemire playing his way out of town?

During training camp, Suns assistant coach Bill Cartwright talked about
a need for the team’s stars – Steve Nash, Jason Richardson and Amar’e
Stoudemire – to play like stars this season.

Nash often is brilliant offensively, although the burden of being the
team’s only playmaker is draining. In crunch time of Tuesday’s loss to
Charlotte, seven consecutive possessions ended in his hands, with more
failure than success. He is committing more turnovers than ever and
deep team-defense problems start at the top with him. Continue reading “Suns' Amar'e Stoudemire playing his way out of town?” »

Amar'e Stoudemire's contract situation with Suns a non-issue

After a summer of speculation, including some by himself, it has been a fall of serenity around the Amar’e Stoudemire situation.

What situation? That’s exactly it. Stoudemire’s contract predicament –
in which the forward’s deal can be extended or he can opt in or out for
next season – has been a non-issue because of how the Suns have won and
how he has handled matters. From town to town, there have been more of
the same queries with the same diplomatic responses from Stoudemire. Continue reading “Amar'e Stoudemire's contract situation with Suns a non-issue” »

With future cloudy, Stoudemire focused on winning games

The bloodshot right eye, the pronounced redness that spider webs through what should be the white portion of the ball, is the immediate reminder that the comeback from the detached retina is not complete and will not be for some time, just as his conditioning is not where it needs to be after seven months of doctor-ordered inactivity. Continue reading “With future cloudy, Stoudemire focused on winning games” »