Discouraging Days in Phoenix

How it feels to be Phoenix: Imagine Brandon Roy wearing this…

While the season ahead might look a bit bumpy for Blazers fans, it’s got to be downright discouraging for the folks in Phoenix who love their Suns.

After years of humble service and countless hours of thrilling basketball, the Suns lost Steve Nash, who, by virtue of simply being on the court, made any game watchable. Worse, Phoenix got nothing in return. Worse still, Nash went to the Lakers.

Which, of course, in Wednesday’s game, we saw.

For me, the move represents a great test of fandom: what happens when a player you love goes to a team you loathe? Indeed, it’s so awkward seeing Nash wearing purple and yellow that he looks like a different person (and the haircut doesn’t help). I don’t think I can root for his success…

I can’t imagine what the folks in Phoenix must be going through—especially since there’s not much of anything worthwhile going on in their own gym.

Sure, with the 12th pick in the 2012 Draft, the Suns selected Kendal Marshall, a point guard who last year at North Carolina averaged 8 points and 9.8 assists. Unlike Damian Lillard, however, Marshall will not be tossed directly into the fire, as this summer Phoenix re-signed one-time Nash pupal Goran Dragic, who figures to start.

The Suns also added Michael Beasley and Luis Scola, neither of even put Phoenix at the cusp of playoff contention.

On the Blazers’ end, expect a game-plan similar to Wednesday’s: lots of guys towards the end of the bench getting minutes. After-all, cuts must be made.

And if you listened to Wednesday’s PRS Post, you’ll know where I stand: firmly in the Adam Morrison camp. As Sean Highkin put it, “I’m all in.”

Because really, what’s to lose? With or without Morrison, the Blazers’ bench remains pathetic. But the upside truly outweighs the risk. Morrison, a guy with Northwest ties and a fiery, heart on the sleeve competitiveness, has the potential to become a fan favorite, exciting spark plug, and terrific comeback story.

And in a year that figures to have it’s share of bad news, Morrison could be a welcome bright spot.

Oh, and speaking of bad news, in case you haven’t heard, former Blazer and current Sun (and offseason Portland resident) Channing Frye was diagnosed with an enlarged heart last month, and is expected to miss the season. Not only a class act and all around fine human being, Frye is one of the rare professional athletes who see the world as bigger than sports. Here’s hoping him good health, a speedy return, and a long, fulfilling career.

TIP-OFF: 7:00PM