News updates are sent daily. You can unsubscribe at any time.
If Suns are rebuilding, should they trade Nash?
Digg|
Save|
License|
Print|
E-mail|
Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry talks to guard Steve Nash during a game in Phoenix. March 25, 2009.
The Associated Press
Point: Nash still makes the players around him better
Shaq is gone. Assuming Amaré Stoudemire is also dealt, should the Suns trade Steve Nash as well before his contract runs out at the end of next season?
I hope not.
Nash is only three seasons removed from his back-to-back MVP seasons. He still shoots with amazing accuracy. And he makes players around him better. The latter fact, more than anything, is why they should keep him.
If they don't have go-to players like Shaq and Amaré, the Suns will have to resemble their 2005-06 team (when Stoudemire was hurt all year) and rely on a shorter, quicker lineup that relies on ball movement, penetration and great outside shooting. That '05-06 team went 54-28 and reached the conference finals with a rotation of Nash, Boris Diaw, Shawn Marion, Raja Bell, Leandro Barbosa, Tim Thomas and Eddie House. Nearly all of them had career years, and Nash was the reason why.
Nash's game hasn't changed that much since then. His defense is still a liability and his back injuries are bothersome, but he's the type of player who can keep the Suns in playoff contention as they rebuild at the same time.
Bob Romantic
Counterpoint: Trade Nash for whatever you can, build for future
If Amaré Stoudemire gets traded this offseason, there's no point in keeping Steve Nash. The trade of Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland for salary cap relief waved the white flag.
The championship window has closed for this team, and every veteran piece with trade value should be dealt. More than anyone else, Nash would bring back the most desirable package. Wouldn't Portland love to get their hands on him?
Nash might be a fan favorite, but so was Luis Gonzalez. His departure from the Diamondbacks was quickly forgotten when the team made the playoffs in 2007.
Fan favorites will come and go, but winning eventually trumps all else. The trade of Nash might hurt in the short run, but the pieces Phoenix can pick up in return will help expedite the rebuilding process.
Kyle Odegard
Please add your comments, but follow these guidelines to keep this a safe, credible place for discussing the news: