Nash isn't backing off optimism, but a lot of fans are. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Back in Arizona, I was playing ball with old friends last week. During a break between games, talk of the overdue season came up. Here were a couple initial reactions about the Suns:
“It’s gonna be great watching the Suns suck this year.”
“Phoenix has nothing going for them.”
“They’re going to miss the playoffs again.”
Pretty bleak reaction. It’s hard to blame them. My own reason for optimism was partially crushed last week when word got out that Gortat had a broken thumb on his shooting hand. Forget shooting. He rebounds. As a wannabe big man, I can tell you it’s damn hard to board when your thumb is out of wack.
But then again, this whole team, season, everything seems out of wack. Robin Lopez reportedly looks really, really good. Markieff Morris, another Suns twin appears to be the better half. Jared Dudley and Shannon Brown are giving Gentry a pleasant problem at the two-guard. Gentry also said he can’t keep Hakim Warrick off the floor, even if it means playing him at small forward behind Grant Hill.
Will all that add up to a playoff spot? Most “experts” say no. Me? I’ve seen too much of Nash making parts add up to a greater whole to believe something good isn’t in the works. The parts fit, as I pointed out last time.
Most of Planet Orange doesn’t agree with me. I want proof that I’m right, but I doubt I’ll see it tonight against the Chris Paul-less Hornets. Did I spend money to see them in person? Yes. Yes I did. I pay for my team, not the opposition.
I just hope they don’t make me regret it — even if everyone else is saying I will.
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