GSH
05-29-2005, 09:46 AM
If they really want to improve next year, the very first thing the Suns should do in the offseason is take the freakin' microphones off the baskets in America West Arena. Don't you wonder whose brilliant idea that was? Take a kid with a lot of talent and athleticism (and an attitude) right out of high school, throw him directly into the NBA... and then use him like a circus sideshow act.
Tim Duncan would never have been the kind of person that Amare is. But he definitely benefitted from having David Robinson, and the rest of the Spurs' organization, around when he came into the league. Watching the way David Robinson gave up the spotlight, for the benefit of the team's success, was probably the best example any player has ever had. And having a coach that demanded discipline and team excellence helped Duncan get the most out of his incredible talent. And this year, when Pop limited Tim's minutes through the regular season, there was never even a hint of dissatisfaction. Tim didn't complain because his individual numbers were down - he was focused on the job of winning a championship... along with the rest of the team.
Amare Stoudamire came to a team that put microphones on the baskets, so that the crowd could cheer his thunderous dunks. But apparently no one has ever bothered to mention that they still only count 2 points. Amare puts up great individual numbers, and he will get plenty of credit for his accomplishments. He doesn't need the baskets miked up to call extra attention to his performance. What he could use is a little David Robinson and Gregg Popovich in his life. But where is he going to get that in Phoenix? It should be a little scary for Phoenix fans to realize that Stoudamire is going to be the team's leader, and he actually cares how loud his dunks are.
Tim Duncan would never have been the kind of person that Amare is. But he definitely benefitted from having David Robinson, and the rest of the Spurs' organization, around when he came into the league. Watching the way David Robinson gave up the spotlight, for the benefit of the team's success, was probably the best example any player has ever had. And having a coach that demanded discipline and team excellence helped Duncan get the most out of his incredible talent. And this year, when Pop limited Tim's minutes through the regular season, there was never even a hint of dissatisfaction. Tim didn't complain because his individual numbers were down - he was focused on the job of winning a championship... along with the rest of the team.
Amare Stoudamire came to a team that put microphones on the baskets, so that the crowd could cheer his thunderous dunks. But apparently no one has ever bothered to mention that they still only count 2 points. Amare puts up great individual numbers, and he will get plenty of credit for his accomplishments. He doesn't need the baskets miked up to call extra attention to his performance. What he could use is a little David Robinson and Gregg Popovich in his life. But where is he going to get that in Phoenix? It should be a little scary for Phoenix fans to realize that Stoudamire is going to be the team's leader, and he actually cares how loud his dunks are.