Monday, April 18, 2005

Are the Suns Burning Out?

By Daniel Collins

The Phoenix Suns have been the most exciting, breath-taking, and any other awe-inspiring adjective you choose for the better part of the 2004-05 regular season. The same style they have used to run roughshod over the entire league (except against the Spurs, of course) will lead to their demise in the postseason.

As young as the legs of Amare Stoudamire, Shawn Marion, and "Q-Dog" [Quentin Richardson] are, that by no stretch means that those legs are fresh. The torrid pace at which the Suns have played has been reflected in their recent defeats, as well as their victories.

They came back to beat the Lakers by sinking almost 20 three-point field goals. Night in and night out in the postseason, rest assured, that will not occur. In fact, up until Saturday night's thrashing of the Sacramento Kings, the '05 Suns have not resembled the juggernaut of the West they are supposed to be.

The 60-plus victories the Suns have accumulated this season is one part talent and one part a reflection of the watered-down level of talent in NBA. Especially when you take into account that Phoenix resides in the same division as the Clippers, Lakers, and Warriors.

The Suns will avoid having to face Denver in the first round and draw the coldest team in the league in Memphis. Past that, the Suns' reliance on the three-pointer and their complete lack of defense will spell their doom, as the Spurs march toward the Western Conference crown.

Miller's Time

Infamous for cutting out the hearts of fans across the NBA Nation, no player in the league has displayed more of that same visceral organ than Pacers guard Reggie Miller. World renowned for his deadly accuracy, as well as his sailors tongue, Miller has cemented his legacy this season as one of the all-time greats of the NBA.

In a season that will be forever maligned in Pacers/NBA history by the "Malice at the Palace," Miller once again became the face, heart, and soul of the franchise. The Pacer for life proved to be the Elmer's that kept this Eastern Conference power from a complete collapse.

Though Miller's numbers will not astound you for the season (14.8 ppg, 2.2 apg, 33% 3pt.), Reggie has stepped up yet again as the playoffs approach. For the month of April, Miller has increased his scoring average to 19 points an outing, as well has bolstering his 3-point percentage to 44 percent.

The Pacers very easily could have found themselves in the draft lottery with the losses of Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson to suspensions, as well as their leading scorer in Jermaine O'Neal. For most players, the ultimate dream is to go out on top by winning a championship in their final season. For Miller, that goal may be a bit too lofty. However, the class, dignity, and effort put forth by Miller as a leader this year should prove to make his journey into the sunset one with little to frown about.

LeBron Must Go

LeBron James has undoubtedly had a season worthy of MVP consideration. Averaging 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game, James has most assuredly ascending into the upper echelon of the NBA's elite.

While all of those personal stats are all fine and dandy, and will bolster his throwback jersey and Sprite Remix sales, his team has crumbled around him. While James is not ready to be the leader that Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson once were, he is ready to be the face of the future of the NBA. The problem is, he will never be able to 'be the man" in Cleveland.

Throw into the equation that the Cavs are now pushing the panic button just trying to back their way into the postseason, hometown or not, King James must fins a new castle.

Despite the mounting losses that sealed Paul Silas' demise, Brendan Malone has done an even more abhorrent job getting his players ready to go down the stretch. At this juncture, the only name that would be able to keep James in Cleveland is Phil Jackson. Seeing as how there isn’t enough talent between the Indians, Browns, and Cavs combined to put together a champion in sports, Phil will abstain courteously.

For the King and the Zen Master, it's time to start spreading the news...

Contents copyright © Sports Central