Posted By: Joe Gilmartin
October 29, 2007 8:33 AM

The reason I bring up this personal note is that my first order of business is to thank the hundreds of very thoughtful people around the country, and even the world, who took the time to e-mail condolences on the loss of my wife and wish me a speedy recovery. Those messages meant a lot to me, and I was especially moved by the many touching tributes to Ginger, whose columns in The Republic over the years touched literally thousands of lives. Indeed, some of her columns are still posted on refrigerator doors. I can’t begin to thank you all enough.

But enough about me. You want to know about the Suns. And by way of setting the stage for what about them, I’ll start with a parable. Well, actually more of a goofy story:

Once upon a time a simple soul went to the movies. In fact he sat through four sittings of the same movie day after day, and was particularly absorbed by a scene in which a speeding car almost but not quite makes it through a railroad crossing. When asked why he kept coming back he explained, “One of these times I know the car’s going to beat that train.”

Hey, I said it was a goofy story. But substitute Phoenix fans for the simple soul, the Suns for the speeding car, and the San Antonio Express for just plain train and it’s more painful than goofy.

Think about it!

Suns fans have been sitting through the same playoff “movie” for three years now, and they’re sure that one of these years the “car’s” going to beat that “train”. This year they are more sure than ever, and, for reasons I will explain anon, I’m with them.

But first, a mini-review of past crashes.

In 2004-5, which by no coincidence whatsoever was Steve Nash’s first year, the Suns won 62 games, swept through the first round of the playoffs, and took out Dallas in six games. But they also lost Joe Johnson (orbital bone fracture) and fell to the Spurs in five games.

In Year II of the Nash era Amare Stoudemire was lost for he season (knee) but the Suns still won 54 games and came back from 1-3 to beat Kobe and his non supporting cast in the first round of the playoffs, take out the Clippers in round two, and open the conference finals with a victory over the favored Mavericks in Dallas. But Raja Ball, the team’s stopper and one of its main snipers, went down with a calf injury, and the Suns fell in six.

In Year III (otherwise known in these parts as a year that will live in infamy) the Suns won 61 games and the playoffs opened on a promising note with the Suns beating Kobe and his even less supporting cast in five games, and seized the home court advantage the rest of the way when top-seeded Dallas was upset by the barely seeded Warriors. The Suns split the first four games with the Spurs, but Stoudemire and Boris Diaw were suspended for Game Five for leaving the bench after Roberto Horry folded, spindled, and attempted to mutilate Nash. The seriously depleted Suns still led the Spurs most of the way in Game Five in Phoenix before simply running out of gas, and San Antonio took care of business in Game Six en route to another NBA Championship.

So why do I agree with most local fans that Year IV at long last is the Suns’ year?

Well, to give you the short version first, the Suns are significantly better this year, and the Spurs and Mavericks are merely just as scary as ever. And given that there isn’t a dime’s worth of difference between the three NBA super powers, strengthwise (more like four cents) “significantly improved” rates a slight edge over “just as scary”.

How are the Suns better? Let us count the ways.

Last year at this time there were still some unanswered questions about Amare, Boris Diaw was either over stuffed or under interested, and none of the off season moves were working out. All of the above plus a tad too much la dolce vita during training camp in Italy, and, not surprisingly, the team got off to your basic flying standstill.

This year at this time Amare looked like he’s ready for a breakout year (which considering his other years weren’t too shabby) is reason enough in itself to like the team’s title chances. But there’s more, lots more, most notably the addition of Grant Hill. True, it could be argued he gives the Suns more of what they already had, but he does a lot more than that. For one thing, he raises the talent and savvy levels considerably and makes the league’s most versatile team even more versatile. This is a class and competitive act on the Nash level. Put it this way: If a healthy Hill had been on the team last year the question being asked around the NBA now would be, “Can they repeat?”

Also, Diaw looks a lot more like the player who played so brilliantly his first year with the Suns, and that is a huge plus. How huge? Put it this way: If Diaw had played last year like he did his first in Phoenix that same question wouldn't be being asked.

As for Nash, he not only looks better than ever, but if anything seems even more determined. The two suspensions in last year’s playoffs threw some gasoline on the competitive fire in him that was already hot enough to melt titanium.

In fact, overall, going in to the season this may well be the most motivated, single minded Suns’ team ever. These guys are mad as heck and are going to take it --- the title that is.

Moving right along, you have to figure Bell will be as good as ever, and Barbosa should be even better, the depth is better, and the back end of the bench shows more promise and seems happier.

And unlike last year, when they were locked into their playoff position very early and thus tended to lose focus at times, they figure to be in the hunt fro the top seed from Day one, and that should more than hold their attention.

The biggest hurdle for them is health, but all teams are in that boat.

There will be times the loss of Kurt Thomas’s rebounding and defense will be lamented on talk shows (probably every time the Suns lose a game), but in some ways Thomas was not really a good fit for Coach Mike’s system. And while there will be the usual grumbling around the league about lack of defense the bottom line is the Suns play better defense against the rest of the league than the rest of the league does against the Suns.

Some of the annual carping about the system has already started. An unidentified scout was speaking for many of the cognoscenti recently when he said, “I love Mike’s system, but it’s not really built for the playoffs.”

To which I have only two words, namely, hog and wash.

Anybody who really pays attention to the NBA knows it wasn’t Coach Mike’s system that did the Suns in the playoffs last year, it was the $%$#$ NBA system.

But seriously, you don’t win 60 games and come within a whisker/suspension of an NBA title without playing decent defense. The key stat in pro hoops is not points allowed, but point differential. Check the leaders in points allowed and you’ll find that most of them don’t score a whole lot of points themselves.

All in all, I don’t know about you, but I can hardly wait to go see that “movie” again. In fact, while the title of my first book about the Suns was, “The Little Team That Could …And Darn Near Did”, the title for the next one will be, “The Year The Car Finally Beat The Train Across The Tracks.”

Comments

Adam Beechen -
Welcome back, Mr. Gilmartin, you've been much missed, and may your return be the final piece of the puzzle to get the Suns across those tracks (to mix metaphors) because the Suns aren't complete without you. I've written elsewhere on these blogs about how much you've inspired me over the years, and it's still true today, so I look forward to your new blogs and, of course, your new book.

Jimmy - Corona Cali
Great blog Mr.Gilmartin, although I feel for your loss, I'm very glad that you're up and running again with your great blogs

Huge Sun's fan! - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Very happy to see you are back, Mr Gilmartin, and continuing to recover! So very sorry for your loss.

I read every blog you wrote last year and look forward to each and every one this year.

Yeah Suns!!

Take care!

Lori Ann - Sedona Superfan
We're blessed to have you back, Sir Joe Gilmartin. I send you my condolences, best wishes, gratitude, and prayers. Be well and keep on writing! you are synonymous with Suns Basketball --- THANK YOU!

John Huebner - Norwood, Colorado
I am glad that you are back. It never fails to boost my spirits to read your comments on Suns basketball. I read your first book about the Suns, and I will read your next. Thanks for your courage!

nbafan -
I'm very excited for the Suns; they're even more talented and the young guys seem to be meshing better this year. It would be good to say that the Suns overcame adversity and got over the hump to win a championship.

I do however think that the continued laments about the amare/diaw suspensions do the team a disservice in portraying them as "sore losers." A lot of teams throughout the history of the game can claim some sort of could've, would've, should've ... but the bottom line is that there are more than a few Ifs involved in the Suns chances last year to win it all, so for my part, I'd rather the team/media focused on their great chance now than look back and wonder what might have been.

LA Wolf - LA
I am ready for a fully loaded Suns team. I think Hill gives us what Joe Johnson gave us. I think the newly inlisted Tucker and Strawberry gives us what we missed from House and Q....

Skinner + Marks + a more confident Diaw + a healthier STAT solidifies our middle enough to where we can speed the game up and stop to play defense when needed. I think depth is that difference that makes a champion team. WHen Barbosa runs out of juice whe can send in more slam dunking sharp shooters who can actually play defense.

This team has a whole new gear..I like this sort of angry Suns attitude.

Remember when the bulls had to learn to play tougher against the Knick and Pistons. That what the Spurs are teaching us.

Kerry - UT
Welcome back, Joe...

The SUNS have shown great potential this pre-season (especially against the JAZZ). I believe you're right, this will be their year.

Valerie - Phoenix
Hey hey hey! This is your welcome back party...probably the first one you've ever had that came in the form of writing in a blog, huh? I'm not funny, I know. But I'm glad you're feeling better. And I am seriously inspired after reading that analogy. Couldn't think of a better way to put it if I had tried. Gooooo Suns...and welcome back!

Garry Brisson - Tempe
Thanks for the article Mr. G and keep up the good work, we really enjoy it .

Jon - Columbia SC
I can't wait for this season to start.I all so can't wait to prove the nay sayers wrong this time for keeps.Thanks for the blog keep up the good work & welcome back!!

dr. mario - chandler
not only the little car that could, but the ferrari that will!!

Rosemarie Treece - Pacific Northwest
I couldn't agree with you more. If they don't have enough collective will as a team this year, then they'll never have it. Run, Suns, run!

Nick Ptak - tempe
Joe Gilmartin I want to congratulate you on your courage with the tragic death of your wife to contemplate even thinking about basketball again. I truly admire you for your perserverance and determination. I think we can learn alot from you and you seem like one of the classiest sports writers I read from. maybe just becauuse I'm a suns fan oh well. you aren't afraid to take very firm stances of important issues that most writers and analysts are afraid to talk about. thank you joe gilmartin and god bless and rest in peace your wife. you are a beacon of hope and strength to us all. sports has a way of making us forget. I dedicate the year to you joe and for your wife. if any suns players are reading this they should dedicate the year to joe's wife and have that under their belly as if they don't have enough firepower. congrats on your new books. keep on writing.

Sean Martin - Malaysia
Welcome back! Boy I sure miss you!

Hanz - Singapore
Hey Joe, good to see you back. Hope all is alright and well.

This will be Suns' year alright! The belief is there, the talent and determination is there, and most importantly, the players and coaching staff are all up for it. I can't wait for the season to start, and for the playoffs!

Go Suns!

Scott Staley - Ex pat from Arizona in Calw Germany
Mr. Gilmartin,

As someone whose been around long enough to have had Paul Westphal as guest of honor at his Boys club Baskeball awards banquet, let me say you are a much a part of the Suns season for me as anyone on the floor. I hope you'll continue inspire us all with your insightful columns for many years to come. Working at the base in Stuttgart, I have to put up with many, many Spurs fans and their accompanying cockyness. I simply can't wait to get even. This IS the year. I'm just sorry I won't be there in person to see it.

Thomas - France
I can't even imagine how hard your summer's been.

But two things: numer one, I live thousand miles away from Phoenix but I allow myself to say welcome back home.

Number two : let's (Steve, Amare, Shawn... and me in front of my TV) get out there and run until the final's game 6 when Phoenix will get the Ring.

And to end this : Go Suns Gooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!

Justin - LA CA
Joe-

Good to see you back. I was very touched by your opening of your blog and I want to say that we are all with you in mind body and spirit. Keep up the good work and GO SUNS!!!

Hunter - Mesa, AZ
Great read. It gives us a reason to keep the hope in the midst of all the naysayers. I have never doubted the Suns once, and I know that they will overcome all the doubt and win the big one for the Valley of the Sun.

GO SUNS!

Richard - Phoenix, AZ
Hey Joe

Great to see you doing well. It is a pleasure to have you back becuase you are the only reporter who writes about the Suns the way they should be written about. I agree that the Suns are going to be going all the way. As you said with Grant Hill that makes them better but also more unpredictable. Look forward to hearing more.

Richard

Steven J. Koek - Suns.com
Welcome back, Joe, see you on Friday night.

JOHN S. - SURPRISE AZ
Mr. Gilmartin, you are an inspiration for all of us. The Suns are alot deeper and yes the Grant Hill project brings class and help for Nash. However, we have to play some form of defense down the stetch in close games, other than the we can outscore you mentality. Also, we have to toughen up and play with the confidence that a class team brings to the floor. We can't be turning the ball over 20 times a game. This is the year for Amare to grow up and play defense, forget Kurt Thomas, we have the guy we need in the middle. Hopefully with Hill now, Steve won't be exhausted running the team alone and can play at least a little defense when he's in there. Barbosa has been through it now and understands he needs to stay in contol during crucial parts of a game. This team has it all they just need to believe it.

Allen - Philippines
Welcome back, Sir Joe! We did miss your blogs. Sorry about your loss. More power to YOU and the SUNS.

SET - Nation's Capitol
Welcome back Joe Gil, and my condolences on your loss. I, like you and the rest of "Planet Orange", truly believe this is the season that the Gorilla (ironic that that's the team's mascot) repels itself off our collective backs! Nashty, STAT, Raja, LB, Mr Hill, 3D, and a refocused Matrix pose a Magnificant Seven unlike any other in the NBA and should have us Suns' fans cheering well into the summer. Thursday, the journey begins...GO SUNS!!!!!!!

Daniel Liguori - Ridge
Hi, Joe you do a great job on Suns.com I agree that with the addition of Grant Hill and the emergenge and hunger of this team that the suns will prevail to a championship. I hope this is the year that it happen. Lets Go Suns!

Fred - Phoenix,Az
Joe,

So good to see you back at keyboard. Clearly it's a place where you are most comfortable. And to boot, you aren't in competition with the "agate marvels of the world"(your words, not mine, I believe). Looking forward to reading your work which has continued to bring a smile to my face for approximately 40 years.

Here's wishing you well.

Mike N - Richmond B.C.Canada
My condolences on your loss. Its good to have you back. We don't get to see the Suns on T.V. very often so I read your blog to find out what really happened. I would like to agree with your prediction, but I saw them in Vancouver last week and I see a big hole with Sean Marks. But Grant Hill got into the flow so thats a good sign and if Diaw picks it up this year you could be right. Of course Nash must be his usual superstar self. Following the Suns gets us through the winter. Keep on writing and Run Suns Run.

Jowett Lim - Penang, Malaysia.
So glad you're back. You are 1 of the best Suns fans have ever seen. Keep up the great job and may God bless you. Let's go Suns!!!!!!

Aaron Selbig - Anchorage, Alaska
Mr. Gilmartin, I had not heard of your tragedy before today and I am truly sorry. I have always enjoyed your writing and am thrilled that you will be back for the Suns' Championship Season (I know you wouldn't miss it).

Jaison - San Jose, CA
Hi Joe, I'm so sorry for your loss, but it's great to have you back. I'm a proud owner of your 1st book, and I'm looking forward to the 2nd after the Suns take the title in '08!

Gilbert Martinez - Chandler
Great Blog! I have followed the Suns as long as you. My first game when I was 9 and I turned 45 last month. With a player like Amare on your team it is hard to bet against them. He is the best athlete the Suns have ever had wear the jersey. I enjoy the Suns because they are a class act when some organizations don't even know what it means. Enjoy them every game because we are truly spoiled. It will be a joy to watch them celebrate here in Phoenix or in this place called the Garden. Something tells me something strange is going to happen but it will be worth the wait.

Antoinette - Phoenix, AZ
Welcome back and I am sorry for your loss. I have been to every preseason home games and I am so happy to see the guys on the court again. I could not wait for the season to start and it starts tomorrow. The best birthday gift ever for me... :) We (the fans) are still here cheering the SUNS on. No doubt, we are ready for the season to begin. GO SUNS!! WE LOVE YOU!!

Dan B - Herndon, Va
Joe, I always enjoy reading your analyses (and believe them ever since the comeback against the Lakers in 06). Welcome back and best to you during this difficult time.

DB

Jake Case - Flagstaff, AZ
Fans of other teams don't realize the feverish hunger that the Suns and their fans will be coming out with this year.

When I heard we had acquired Grant Hill for the veteran minimum, I thought it was a risk but a good one to take. After his outstanding performance in the pre-season, I now see being offered a no-brainer rather than a risk. I also see Stoudemire coming out with a new-found defensive prowess and a marginal three-point threat.

Few people realize Marion is the BEST defensive player in NBA, plus Raja Bell is one of the best defensive guards the league. This year people will actually realize the suns can play defense, even without Kurt Thomas.

I am overjoyed that James Jones has departed. He was supposed to be a "three-point weapon", but he was never used that way. He never had the huevos to step up in the clutch, not to mention that he was a defensive liability. Ever see him try to take a charge? He would flop like a dead fish but the refs wouldn't blow the whistle. Sorry James, you aren't John Stockton.

I am also excited about the two rookies, especially D.J. Strawberry, who has shown incredible improvement in ability and confidence. See that game winning three he hit against the Nuggets? I never saw Jones take a shot like that. And wait a minute. Didn't all the scouting reports say that Strawberry's WEAKNESS was his three-point shot? I'll bet nearly every GM in the NBA is kicking himself for not picking up Strawberry. Of course, Phoenix is the perfect place to utilize his abilities. Now I'm just waiting for Alando Tucker to step up his game. He looked decent in the pre-season, but Strawberry outshined him.

Marcus Banks put on a show in the Summer league with his 30 point performance. I'm not saying that he could be scoring 30 points in the regular season, but we know he is capable of being an offensive threat. I hope he brings his best this year so the Suns can dig deeper into their bench and give the starters some extra rest, which is much needed with Nash's ba

Mary - Mesa
Dear Joe,

May this season bring you comfort. I know Ginger is with us. Go Suns!

CRV - Phoenix
Mr Gilmartin, I am deeply sorry for your loss. You were my favorite Sports Writer with the old Phoenix Gazzette. That was the first article I would turn to as soon as I opened the paper. I remember your Suns playoff trademark "Suns in Six". This article above hits the nail right on the head.This will finally be the year your trademark saying finally becomes reality in the NBA Finals.

Henry - Vancouver, BC
Don't forget Shawn Marion!

Tim R - Kentucky
Mr. Gilmartin, sorry about your loss -I can't imagine how hard it must be to go on. For what it's worth, though, we need you. I've been a suns fan since the beginning (aka Connie Hawkins days). For those of us, like me, who are no longer in the Valley of the Suns -we need truly gifted writers like you to not only report, but instill the unique atmosphere of what living in Phoenix and supporting the Suns is really all about. You are the only one that truly accomplishes that. When I read your articles/ blogs, I feel like I'm really there again.

We all hope the Suns make it across those tracks this year -but either way, the ride will be a lot more fun with you telling the story. Hang in there, Joe, you are important to us. Without you, reading about the Suns is like reading about any other NBA team -you help remind us of how special they are, win or lose.

James Garnette - Wilmington, North Carolina
So glad to see that you are back Mr. Joe. As a longtime fan and owner of 2 old,tattered copies of "The Little Team..", I was concerned that we'd never hear from you again. You've made my day. Welcome back.

Andrew Augustin - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Mr. Gilmartin, i'm very happy, blessed, and fortunate to have you back. I'm sorry for what happened to your wife. My prayers and thoughtfulness goes out to you and your family. I wanted to tell you that the phoenix suns are going to be on fire this year. It was really cheap for what had happen to Steve Nash and the suns last year in the playoffs against the spurs. That game was our win. The way that Robert Horry fouled Steve was uncalled for, but what goes around comes around. The NBA league is going to see that the suns are a different franchise and that they are completely rejuvenated. With the trio Nash, Stoudemire, and Marion the suns are going to be on fire. If they stay healthy and listen to Mike, they will have more than 65 wins for the season, no more than 5 losses in the playoffs, and they will make it to the NBA Finals and become champions!!!!

Dr. Dave Parrack alias "doc" - Glendale, Arizona
Mr G:

Let me begin by saying that my wife and I send out deepest regrets to you for the loss of your wife and will keep you in our daily prayers.

I have been a SUNS fan since I moved here in July 1973 to begin my internship....and when I could afford it after my surgical residency....the #1 check that I wrote from my new surgical corporation was for....surgical instruments? NO Rent for my office ? NO

malpractice insrance? NO

IT WAS FOR MY FIRST SET OF SUNS SEASON TICKETS.

I have always had the utmost respect for you as the ultimate reporter and columnist in a sea of here today gone tomorrow idiots....often making comments to draw attention but that have no logical or statistical basis....you have always been the ultimate professional....

I share your dream that this year groundhog day changes for our boys....

But the game against our eternal enemy the Lakers Friday night was for me a signal that things are still not RIGHT.....we have obviously more talent than them....more pride....but in our own home court for GAME 1 of this season we looked like we either asleep, assumed the game was in the bag, or just DIDN?T CARE....what is that about....I hope that the coaching staff can assess what they did wrong in preparation....and what can they do to get our guys to play with excitement.....THEY LOOKED FLAT ON TV....THE ANNOUNCERS MENTIONED IT....THEY PLAYED LIKE THEY HAD JUST ME EACH OTHER IN A PICK UP GAME NOT LIKE A GROUP OF GUYS WHO ARE HUNGRY....LAST YEAR THE THEME WAS EYE ON THE PRIZE....THIS YEAR ORANGE NATION OR WHATEVER....HOW ABOUT ....LETS PLAY TOGETHER EVERY GAME AND WIN THE NBA....

Good luck Gill with your recovery...Dr. Parrack (former SUNS Urologist)

Brett Major - Tauranga New Zealand soon to be Washington State
Hey Jo, as Mr Hendrix would say, good to have you back on deck. Yes you are correct it is the Suns year. After the on court mugging last year by aptly named big shot Bob. (how come he never fired for us?)We need to do what the Spurs did just sit under the radar. All the media hoopla was on the Suns & Mavs. Cant wait to get to Washington so I can see the Suns live instead of on the internet.

Kim - Arizona
Dear Joe,

After reading through the comments on your blog, I am truly moved by the heartfelt wishes expressed to you regarding the loss of your wife and my mom. And, it is obvious that your readers are very happy to have you back! There are so many people who love and care for you Joe. Always remember that.

Love,

Kim

Jey - Clockwork Orange (and Purple)
Holy geez, Joe! You came back with a vengeance! Glad to have you back.

TrackBack Link