Nathan Scandella (personal)

Suns Fading

A lot has been made in the last year about the Phoenix Suns slipping from their previous status as an elite NBA team. I wouldn't disagree, although I still think they're pretty good. However, the common perception is that Shaq is over-the-hill, the Shaq trade didn't work, the Suns aren't at their best when Shaq slows them down, etc., etc.

Now, I understand that people love little guys. Big guys, they love to jump on, at any opportunity. There's a reason why Steve Nash won his first MVP award, despite Shaq clearly deserving it more that year. And it's not racism. Shaq is a big, behemoth of a man. Everyone assumes that Shaq's size automatically means he should be a superstar. Apparently, those people haven't watched some of the Sonics' old big men. Anyway, little guys like Nash are revered for succeeding in a big man's game. But, I would contend that the Suns' fall from the top of the Western Conference has as much to do with Nash's decline, as it has with Shaq's.

In the playoffs last year, Shaq did what Shaq did all of last year. Anyone disappointed with his performance (including his output this year) isn't realistic about a 36-year-old who weighs well over 300 pounds. But, I believe that the Suns lost to the Spurs last year largely because of Nash's performance, or lack thereof. Nash averaged 16 points and 8 assists. Not bad numbers, but not Nash-like either. He shot 45%, which would be good for most, but not nearly as good as his shooting percentage in recent years. His three-point field goal percentage was even worse, at a paltry 30%. Again, those aren't bad numbers, but neither were Shaq's. The point is that both players have now fallen significantly off the unbelievable pace we're used to seeing from them.

This year looks like more of the same. Both Nash and O'Neal are putting up solid numbers, but not superstar numbers. In the Western Conference, you still really need two (or more) superstars to come out on top.

A couple games ago, the Suns lost to the Blazers, in a game where Nash shot 5-14, scoring 15 points, while dishing 11 assists, and turning the ball over 6 times. His counterpart, Steve Blake shot 8-15, totaling 22 points, 10 assists, no turnovers, and 4 steals. I'm partially glad I didn't see this game - despite Brandon Roy's heroics - because watching Steve Nash getting outplayed by Steve Blake would have been heartbraking. And, I'm a Maryland guy!

Steve Nash, for about four years in Phoenix, played the point guard position as well (offensively) as just about anyone has ever played it. And he's not young, either. But, sadly, it's clear to me that his best days are behind him. Which is too bad, because he and Shaq have been two of the most fun players ever to watch.

Posted at 11:47PM Dec 21, 2008 by Nathan in Sports  |  Comments[0]