Phoenix Suns

 ________________________________________________________________________________________________

 09-10 season                                                           Cap Room: -2,398134                                Best Bench Player: Goran Dragic

5th place Overall                                                      Luxury Tax: No                                             Power Rankings: 18

3rd in Conference                                                    Best Player: Steve Nash                             Owner: Robert Sarver/400M

Western Conference Finals                                       Coach: Alvin Gentry                                     Team Value: 452 million

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Starting 5      

                                                 PG  Steve Nash PR#5                              SG Jason Richardson PR#17                                                                                                                                               

                                              SF Hedo Turkoglu PR#14                      C Robin Lopez PR#23                     PF Channing Frye PR#25                                                                                                                                                     

Bench Grade: A

PG Goran Dragic SG Josh Childress SF Jared Dudley, Grant Hill PF Hakim Warrick, Earl Clark, Taylor Griffin, Gani Lawal C

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can we still make the playoffs without Amare Stoudemire?

When you think suns basketball you think two things Steve Nash and high tempo offence. There is no doubt Steve Nash is still a top notch point guard in the NBA. His vision is unmatched by any other pg. But what Amare did is give this team an option in the post. He was one of the best at finishing around the basket. The front court will likely consist of Channing Frye and Robin Lopez. Two good role players with Fryes three point ability and Lopez rebounding and blocking shots. Hedo Turkoglu was the big addition but I honestly do not like him for the suns system. If they are going to play him at three he is not a player who runs the floor well. He is much more of a half court guy who is a great shooter and passer. And finally Jason Richardson I believe has lost a few steps. He is not the explosive player he once was. He can still be effective with his shooting and ability to get to the basket. So the Suns do have pieces. But without Amare not only do they lose their finisher around the basket but a guy who could simply take over and create for himself when Nash was out. No one with the exception of Jason Richardson has the ability to create their own shot. And although Nash does not appear to age he is 36 and playing big minutes and having everything on his shoulders will take a toll. So my answer would have to be no. The Suns will not make the playoffs.