<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>PHOENIX -- All-Star Suns forward Amare Stoudemire had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday and won't play again this season.The operation followed a comeback that lasted just three games. He had missed the first 66 games of the season after surgery on his left knee. Stoudemire In the latest operation, debris caused by wear and tear of the kneecap was removed, the team said. Stoudemire will be on crutches for a week to 10 days and could resume basketball in six to eight weeks."They just cleaned up some stuff," coach and general manager Mike D'Antoni said. "There's nothing structurally wrong."He had microfracture surgery on his left knee Oct. 11, a week after he signed a five-year contract extension worth more than $70 million. He returned to the lineup March 23, scoring 20 points in 19 minutes against Portland. But his production dropped dramatically in his next two games, and Stoudemire's mobility was a problem. He missed the next four games before deciding on arthroscopic surgery.D'Antoni said he wouldn't second-guess the decision to have Stoudemire return less than six months after surgery."There was no risk of him re-injuring his knee," D'Antoni said.Stoudemire's next game could be with the U.S. team that plays in the FIBA world championships in Japan this summer."He'll start rehabbing next week, and I'd imagine his goal is to start getting ready for Team USA," said D'Antoni, an assistant on the U.S. team.D'Antoni brushed aside the suggestion that Stoudemire's absence will hurt Phoenix as it bids for a first NBA title. Phoenix has all but locked up the second overall seed in the Western Conference playoffs."I think we still have a shot," D'Antoni said. "I think we can play with anybody. I think our players are looking forward to showing what they've got."</div>My question is how far will the Suns go without him?
Who knows, whatever happens happens. Depends on the matchup, they won't go far without Kurt Thomas who has been hurt and is the real issue with them losing lately.
One thing is for sure- Steve Nash will make the Suns a threat all on his own. They have a great chance of making it to the Western Conference Finals, but not likely to make it to the Finals, and they're very unlikely to win it all. It depends on the role players.
I say they make it to the West Finals. They are elite even without Amare. Steve and Marion are going to go far but not to the NBA Finals. They need Kurt Thomas though.
Probably WCF, since they have the easier road, they play the 7th seed, then winner of 3rd/6th when the 3rd seed is really a 6-8 seed.
I'm guessing WCF as well. They will get a farily easy schedule as they are the 2nd seed. And how do you think they got there in the first place? They are still the best offense in the League without Amare.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mavsfan1000 @ Apr 5 2006, 11:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>If the suns play the kings, they could lose in first round.</div>I could see that too. But I wouldn't bet on it. The Suns go as far as matchups allow them to go. If they get the Lakers in the 1st round they probably win. If they get the Nuggets in the 2nd round, they probably win, but it could be a tough matchup for them. They don't go to the finals though. They lose in the WCF no matter who they face.
Yeah the Kings looked very impressive against the spurs. They are much better than their record indicates. The suns are very good without Stoudemire though thanks to Diaw.
ummm.....I think that the Suns definatley have the energy to make a good run to the WCF but i dont see them even making a very good series with the spurs to be honest. Experience Experience Experience....and with a 6 9 guy as ur tallest guy on ur floor wont help u either....especially when Nazi is pulling down o boards like crazy!
I am saying they make it to the 2nd round and loose to the Nuggets. Nuggets and them have always had some great games like the qrich tip in in 2OT last year. This year, maybe last, the Nuggets won in another 2OT game. Their games are usually close and I think the Nuggets can beat them because they don't have to worry about Amare. Nuggets win the seris 4 - 3.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Wade3 @ Apr 7 2006, 07:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>They will lose to the Spurs in the Conference Finals 4-2.</div>I don't even think the Suns can get 2 wins off of the Spurs. San Antonio is much much better in the Playoffs. They rest there starters in the season more, so they have more energy when it really matters.
