ducks
09-15-2005, 05:00 PM
Sarver says new Suns will score even more
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 15, 2005 12:00 AM
Welcomed by 300 familiar foam "No. 1" fingers, Suns managing partner Robert Sarver shared a tenet of his corporate experience Wednesday.
"In business, people wait until the story's finished and then judge whether it's good or bad," Sarver told Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale board members, donors, employees and volunteers.
He would like fans and followers to adhere to that in the case of his Suns. That is not the way of pro fans or media, particularly after a tumultuous summer that saw Joe Johnson's odd departure and the addition of nine players. advertisement
Even Sarver and the basketball staff already have proclaimed the Suns to be better. Phoenix addressed defensive and rebounding deficiencies with Kurt Thomas, Raja Bell and Brian Grant while becoming deeper with versatile additions like James Jones, Boris Diaw and Eddie House.
Sarver said the staff expects the Suns can average three points more than last season, when they averaged a league-best 110.4 points. The last NBA team to average 113.4 points is also the last Suns team to reach the NBA Finals (in 1993).
Sarver said the new players bring a brand of intelligence and work ethic to the team, which heads to camp in 18 days. He expects a contract extension for Amaré Stoudemire to be completed by then, if not by next week. Stoudemire worked out Wednesday at America West Arena.
"I think our team will be better," Sarver said. "I rely on the coach and GM for that and they're jazzed. The team is going to be a little different. The thing people need to remember is we've got some pretty smart people in the basketball organization and they're looking for the same thing everyone else wants."
Sarver was keynote speaker for an "Angels for Kids" breakfast that raised more than $100,000, an event record.
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 15, 2005 12:00 AM
Welcomed by 300 familiar foam "No. 1" fingers, Suns managing partner Robert Sarver shared a tenet of his corporate experience Wednesday.
"In business, people wait until the story's finished and then judge whether it's good or bad," Sarver told Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale board members, donors, employees and volunteers.
He would like fans and followers to adhere to that in the case of his Suns. That is not the way of pro fans or media, particularly after a tumultuous summer that saw Joe Johnson's odd departure and the addition of nine players. advertisement
Even Sarver and the basketball staff already have proclaimed the Suns to be better. Phoenix addressed defensive and rebounding deficiencies with Kurt Thomas, Raja Bell and Brian Grant while becoming deeper with versatile additions like James Jones, Boris Diaw and Eddie House.
Sarver said the staff expects the Suns can average three points more than last season, when they averaged a league-best 110.4 points. The last NBA team to average 113.4 points is also the last Suns team to reach the NBA Finals (in 1993).
Sarver said the new players bring a brand of intelligence and work ethic to the team, which heads to camp in 18 days. He expects a contract extension for Amaré Stoudemire to be completed by then, if not by next week. Stoudemire worked out Wednesday at America West Arena.
"I think our team will be better," Sarver said. "I rely on the coach and GM for that and they're jazzed. The team is going to be a little different. The thing people need to remember is we've got some pretty smart people in the basketball organization and they're looking for the same thing everyone else wants."
Sarver was keynote speaker for an "Angels for Kids" breakfast that raised more than $100,000, an event record.