| Suns’ Front Office Just Fine Sans Colangelo Authored by Jeremy Killey - September 18, 2006 - 2:32 pm
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So, when the architect of the current success and excitement of the Phoenix Suns, Bryan Colangelo, chose to jump ship in mid-season and join the Toronto Raptors as General Manager, it’s little wonder that all involved in the Suns’ organization barely batted an eyelash. Colangelo’s talent and success over the last couple seasons are undeniable. But the Suns are where they are because they are a tremendous organization, top to bottom. He surrounded himself with talented people who helped him look good as any successful manager does. Now, those talented people handle the reins of this tremendously talented team on the threshold of a championship.
So, how has their first test gone? The 2006 off-season has proven that the Suns were left in more than capable hands with decisions being made by owner Robert Sarver, coach and GM Mike D’antoni, with assistance from David Griffin, Mark West, and a tremendous team of scouts. Not to mention the ultra-professional presence of Bryan’s father Jerry still casting his considerable influence over the team. The result has been a significant improvement of a team that has advanced to the Western Conference Finals in each of the last two years despite significant injury issues in each season.
The off-season started out in what may have appeared to be a negative way. Tim Thomas took advantage of his stellar half season of play accepting a tremendous contract offer from the LA Clippers and snubbing the Suns offer. While this may have appeared to be a loss for the Suns, one must look closer and ask, was it really? After all, the Suns’ offensive system and two time MVP Steve Nash make players look considerably more productive than they might be elsewhere. Thomas is a prime candidate for a drop off when removed from this system. Would it have been wise to invest significant years and money to a bench player that the team hoped wouldn’t even play? After all, Amare Stoudemire is due back and will take more than his share of minutes in the Suns’ frontcourt in ‘06-07. The new Suns’ front office decision to let Thomas walk was their first good move of the off-season. As important as Thomas was to the ‘06 playoff run, he just wasn’t worth the cost in the long run to retain him.
The draft came next and once again appeared to be a poor night for the front office newcomers. In fact, it became a boon of tremendous proportions. They traded away both of their draft picks, refusing to commit three year guaranteed contracts to young players in a weak draft that could offer nothing in the short term and questionable amounts in the long term. Realizing that they possess three first round picks in what some are calling the deepest draft in NBA history next season, they chose to steer clear of rookies on the roster. With an organization having to pay three All-NBA performers, and extensions due for players with All-NBA talent, fiscal responsibility is paramount. The three year mandated guaranteed contracts for rookies did not fit in this season. Moving the picks was sheer genius made to look even better when considering they unloaded Brian Grant’s contract in one of the trades.
This brings us to the free agent acquisitions which have been nothing short of brilliant. Eric Piatkowski was added first. A tremendous veteran spot up shooter who will ably fill in for the departed Eddie House off the bench. He is bigger, a better defender, and just as capable of lighting it up from three point land as House. In a system that provides wide open treys like chickens produce eggs, Piatkowski will be a perfect fit.
The Suns then negotiated a bargain basement deal with Marcus Banks who instructed his agent to get a deal done with Phoenix regardless of the cost. And why not? Banks has shown tremendous potential offensively and defensively and will also thrive in the run and gun system the Suns use. And the opportunity to learn by backing up the great Nash will only serve Banks and the Suns well for the future while giving Nash the solid point guard back-up that’s been lacking the last two seasons. Look for Banks to have a break-out Most Improved Player of the Year type season and Nash to be more fresh come playoff time. Like Raja Bell of a year ago, this signing could well go down as the sleeper free agent signing of the off season.
The Suns have also locked in solid, made for the system players in Sean Marks and Jumaine Jones. Each are tremendous shooters, proven winners, willing to play their roles for championship caliber teams with Marks having played with San Antonio and Jones having played for the 76'ers Finals team. While Marks’ impact will likely be limited, Jones has the offensive, defensive, and rebounding skills to give the Suns all that Tim Thomas provided a year ago.
The front office also managed to extend Leandro Barbosa whose skill set seems limitless. He may be the quickest player off the dribble in the NBA, can drain the three with league leading accuracy, has developed a tremendous mid-range game, and has the ability with his length and quickness to harass passing lanes as well as any guard this side of Allen Iverson. Locking Barbosa in for the long term was yet another brilliant move.
There is one significant matter of business yet to be addressed however. That would be extending the contract of the ‘05-06 Most Improved Player of the Year Boris Diaw. While rumor has it that the two sides are far apart currently, one can assume that locking in Diaw remains a top priority of the Suns’ new regime. If precedent has taught us anything, it’s a safe bet that Diaw gets signed long term because it’s the right thing to do. After all, the Phoenix Suns front office has shown that life without Bryan Colangelo will be just fine. No one player is bigger than the organization and that appears to include management. The summer of ‘06 has proven that the Phoenix Suns decision making team is not only competent but potentially brilliant. |
