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| Thursday, March 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Colangelo hired Johnny Kerr, another Bulls transfer, to coach the first Suns team, but took over as coach himself two seasons later and led the team into its first playoff experience. He also replaced Butch van Breda Kolff in 1973 for a season. In 1987, Colangelo led a group of investors in the purchase of the franchise for a reported $44.5 million. His group joined with the city of Phoenix to build the existing America West Arena in 1992. He appointed his son, Bryan, to the position of general manager in 1989, but remains the team's CEO and has a strong influence on all personnel decisions.
Trades, Free Agents and Draft Picks
The Present But now -- with Wednesday's injury to Kidd (a broken ankle) against Sacramento that takes him out for the season -- those hopes are dashed! What a crushing blow for a team that has been smitten with injuries all season! Of course, Gugliotta's also done for the year and Longley is out for the immediate future. Skiles might have patched a force together without Googs and Big Luc -- but without the services of the dynamic, creative Kidd, the Suns have all but set. I was very impressed with the Suns as I watched them fly up and down the court against Miami in early-March. I came away feeling that this was a team with upset potential in the playoffs ... something that has been lacking with the franchise since the '93 season when the Suns went to the NBA Finals before losing in six games to Michael's Bulls. After being ousted in the first round for the last four seasons, I thought this might be the year. It's a bleak, cold day in Phoenix today -- even though the weather report says "sunny and warm." Skiles faces the task of working out new roles for his players, patching new pieces into the lineup and rebuilding team confidence. It's a big job for the rookie coach, but Skiles is an upbeat, resourceful sort who will look the challenge right in the eye and get the best results possible. He will have to give Hardaway more ball-handling and play-making responsibilities. Penny is capable of both, but it may impact negatively on his own scoring. Skiles will also have to get consistent production out of Kidd's backup, Randy Livingston, who shows signs of fulfilling the hope many had for him when he first came in the league with Houston. Hopefully, he'll get Longley back at 100 percent before too long and get Luc to step up his game; and get a bit more from Marion, Rogers and Robinson -- who are already playing very well. Former All-Star point guard Kevin Johnson was brought out of retirement on Thursday to help out, but he skipped all of last season and it's unclear what he can bring. But, unfortunately for Phoenix, there's just no replacing Jason Kidd -- the best point guard in the league.
The Future The Suns have an excellent scouting group led by Dick Percudani, which includes veteran NBA observer Al Bianchi and the two Colangelos. That group has done a marvelous job over the years coming up with sleeper draft picks that have had consistent success in the NBA. Marion is another example of their good work. Then, there's also the geographical factor that works in the team's favor. Players like to live in the Phoenix area, and many stay there after their playing days are over. That helps the Suns in signing free agent players. There's also a positive in the creative ways -- within cap regulations -- that Jerry Colangelo has found to offer lucrative contracts to players whom he regards as significant to team success. He has also been a man of his word, in whom players develop a deep sense of trust. Bryan possesses the same qualities. And I like Skiles. He's a no-nonsense type, who knows the game and works at his craft. He'll only get better as a coach. But the present and the future, which looked so promising for Phoenix just a day ago, is suddenly not as bright.
The Suns are back to square one. | ALSO SEE Suns' Kidd out for regular season with broken ankle Suns beat Kings but lose Kidd for rest of regular season Injured Gugliotta officially drops off U.S. Olympic team Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: 76ers Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Bulls Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Raptors Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Wizards Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Jazz Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Clippers Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Kings Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Trail Blazers Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Pacers Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Hawks |