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2006-07 Statistics

PPG
17.4
RPG
9.10
APG
0.6
EFF
+ 21.19

Born: Nov 16, 1982
Height: 6-10 / 2,08
Weight: 245 lbs. / 111,1 kg.
High School : Cypress Creek (Orlando, FL)
Years Pro: 4

2006-07 Statistics

PPG
19.7
RPG
3.30
APG
11.2
EFF
+ 24.53

Born: Feb 7, 1974
Height: 6-3 / 1,91
Weight: 195 lbs. / 88,5 kg.
College : Santa Clara
Years Pro: 10

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If last years playoffs were any indication as to what we can expect from the 2007-2008 Phoenix Suns, the valley has a lot to look forward to. Now I know what you are thinking, "The Suns straight up LOST in the second round of the playoffs to the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs." But take a closer look at that series. Amare Stoudemire provided the defense we will need from him to valuably occupy that center position. Raja Bell and Shawn Marion showed themselves to be a force to be reckon with on defense as well as offense. Barbosa came out of his shell and sprinted his way past all defenders (and critics). And of course, the REAL MVP Steve Nash proved why he is the best point guard of this generation. And please, don't even get me started on the whole "Hurry" situation. Since when is it OK to tackle a player out of bounds? Is this the NBA or the NFL!?

Anyway, all of that is just an ancient memory to a focused Phoenix Suns team looking to strike gold in the 2007-2008 season. Our starting line-up hasn't changed much. We added Grant Hill at the small forward position for some veteran leadership and perimeter shooting. We lost Kurt Thomas, which will bruise up Stoudemire and force him to play solid-no foul defense throughout the season. Boris Diaw has taken a seat back on the bench where he and speedster Leandro Barbosa will contribute "6th man" type numbers this year. A couple of draft picks including University of Maryland stud D.J. Strawberry will benefit a bench that could use a little substance. We also added veteran Brian Skinner, who will be looking at some minutes when Stat is taking rests. Overall it's mostly the same team, and the core of Nash, Marion, and Stoudemire is better than ever.

One of the biggest reasons the Spurs have experienced so much success is because they are used to playing with each other, and they know each other's style of play. This will mark the fourth year that our core will be intact, which, by NBA standards is not bad. There are a few factors that I have looked at that will decide the Suns fate this year.

1) One factor that plays a role every single year is health. Can the Suns stay healthy? Is Grant Hill prepared to play an 82 game season, and furthermore, is he prepared to RUN RUN RUN every single night? Will Stats knee hold up all season (both of 'em)? Will Steve Nash's back problems ail him? If you remember back last season, Nash stated that his back was so bad that at some points he couldn't even walk!

2) Solid play from the bench - With veteran, Hill, at the small forward position, and Nash needing more time off we are in need, more now than ever, of a solid bench. I look for the development of D.J. Strawberry and Marcus Banks to benefit this team real quick. And of curse with Diaw and Barbosa coming of the bench it's like the Suns are playing with 7 starters.

3) Stoudemire needs to develop a post defense - If the Suns have one defensive flaw its at the 5-slot. With the absence of Kurt Thomas, Stoudemire will need to step it up defensively if the Suns are going to make it deep in the playoffs. This means good, solid defense, and no silly EARLY fouls - what got us into trouble last season. The difference between last season and this season is Stat doesn't have the margin of error to collect three fouls before the second half. With Skinner and Sean Marks coming off the bench, it doesn't strike a whole lotta fear into the hearts of opponents!

4) Win it NOW?? Some have argued that this is the Suns' last chance to win a championship with its current core of Nash, Stoudemire, and Marion. Whether that is true or not is up for debate, however, I will say that I think this is their best roster thus far, and this IS their best shot to win it all. I think that we will start off a little slow, just like last year, but once we get rollin' WATCH OUT!

Those are a few of the keys to success off the top of my head. Overall, I am looking for a great season and I can't wait until June!!

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