<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Although Shawn Marion demanded to be traded last summer, Steve Nash said reports of chemistry and attitude problems in the Suns locker room were greatly exaggerated. "It's all behind us now, and it's unfair to talk about things that are private," Nash said. "Last summer, when he wanted to be traded, it put a strange element into the situation. But we embraced him, were sad to see him go and wished him the best."</div> The Miami Herald
I think they were all professional about it, and acted civilized to each othear at least in front of the cameras, but I think there was some animosity. When you have a teammate that publicly said he doesn't want to be there, it puts a damper on the whole team, IMO. I went to a couple of games, and I saw a lot more bickering on the court than I would care to see. It's something I didn't noticed on the TV broadcasts, but I noticed it when I saw them live. They argued about trivial thing such as who's setting picks. After the trade, I immediately saw the team play with a bit more pep, as if the elephant in the room (or in this case, on the court) had just left to Miami. Now with Shaq coming in, every player on the roster actually wants to be on this team, at least publicly. I hated to see Shawn go, but I think it was needed.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Emilio_M @ Feb 19 2008, 12:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I think they were all professional about it, and acted civilized to each othear at least in front of the cameras, but I think there was some animosity. When you have a teammate that publicly said he doesn't want to be there, it puts a damper on the whole team, IMO. I went to a couple of games, and I saw a lot more bickering on the court than I would care to see. It's something I didn't noticed on the TV broadcasts, but I noticed it when I saw them live. They argued about trivial thing such as who's setting picks. After the trade, I immediately saw the team play with a bit more pep, as if the elephant in the room (or in this case, on the court) had just left to Miami. Now with Shaq coming in, every player on the roster actually wants to be on this team, at least publicly. I hated to see Shawn go, but I think it was needed.</div> Interesting observations Emilio, but I don't think it was wise for the Suns to mortgage their future by bringing in Shaq's contract.
I still think the Suns have a bright future. They're poised for titles the next two years. After that, Shaq and Nash's contracts are over and they can go after the latest batch of free agents. They'll still have Amare, Barbosa, Diaw, and Strawberry. I'm more worried about the next coach that has to come in after Shaq and Nash are gone and we need a new system.
