A Level of Greatness –

Have you been watching? Phoenix has just won 15 in a row, again.

I’ve read a little about what the sports analysts are writing about them now and am truly amazed that the Suns are playing on a level that they can be legitimately compared to Magic Johnson’s Lakers, or to Jordan’s Bulls. Steve Nash probably will be the leagues MVP for the third consecutive season and join Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell as the only players to win it three times in a row.

Is Nash that good? Yes he is, right now. But, he’ll have to keep up the tempo to convince many that he is playing better than Nowitski, Bryant or Wade. We’ll see how the second half of the season plays out, and I’ll let the ‘professionals’ write more about it.

But, there is something about the Suns that people aren’t talking about--and thats the fact that the Suns players and coaches are good people too. I think the Suns organization deserves an award for this. Not only can they find great ball players but they seem to find people with good characters as well.

Starting at the top: Mike D’Antoni. From the interviews I have seen he loves his family, especially his wife. Suns.com says that every morning he gets up and makes breakfast for his wife and kids and then does a crossword puzzle. That may not seem like much, but to me this is as great as his coaching ability.

Amare Stoudemire. He said that not only does he want to be a great basketball player but he also wants to be a great business man, a great father and a great inspiration for troubled youth. His dad died when he was younger and his mom is still in and out of prison, still he expresses his love and support to his mom at every chance. Despite a rough background he is fiercely committed to his own family and his two kids. He says “I can’t get enough of kissing my kids. It is so special. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Shawn Marion. On a TV 45 interview I saw with him before or after a game he said that his favorite thing about Christmas is going to be with sick children at a local hospital. In addition, he donates lots of money to other worthy organizations. (one unrelated but humorous fact I read about Marion: He has a tattoo on his leg that is supposed to represent his nickname THE MATRIX in Japanese. But, when translated the symbols mean Demon Bird Moth Balls)

Leandro Barbosa. Recently he put on a basketball clinic in his home country of Brazil. He taught kids about basketball and received daily seminars promoting healthy living, leadership, HIV/AIDS prevention, and drug abuse education. He said “It was good for me, and good for my country, and it’s going to be very good for the kids.” Way to go LB!

Steve Nash. You think he’s generous on the court; well you should see what he does off the court. For one, he set up the Steve Nash foundation to help underprivileged kids in all aspects of life. He also recently went on a humanitarian trip to Central America and makes time to visit sick children in local hospitals. At one point he was told to cut back his philanthropy but he refused saying there is much more he could do.

This is only a few of the things that the Suns players do. As you can see it’s not just donating money. Many players donate their time to important causes also. Another factor that makes Phoenix great is the friendships the guys have off the court. You can tell that they love to be around each other because it shows on their faces.

So, the Suns organization deserves a big pat on the back for choosing these guys. Its hard enough trying to put together a talented roster. But to put together a group of players who came to be best friends and are truly unselfishness and kind off the court is absolutely remarkable. As fan, it makes a big difference that the men on ‘my team’ are good people too. Their game off the court takes their game on the court to a whole new level (atleast in my mind).

Here are some pics of my favorite Suns.

Scott

remember this game? who could forget...