There's a modest celebration going in the Valley of the Sun because Steve Nash has re-upped with Phoenix. But what does Nash's continued presence with the Suns really mean?
For sure, Nash is good enough to single-handedly create open shots for one and all even when the Suns are forced to take the ball out of the net. But in too many games the Suns will be running uphill.
Whereas Phoenix averaged 58 wins per season under D'Antoni's tutelage, and was always a championship contender, last season's Suns won 46 games and missed the playoffs altogether.
Yet the current edition of the franchise will be fortunate to duplicate last year's win total, especially in the ever-competitive Western Conference. Indeed, the best they can hope for is to battle their way into the eighth seed and be quickly eclipsed in the first round of the postseason tournament.
For sure, Nash's prestidigitations with the ball will ensure than the Suns will always be somewhat entertaining. That's okay, even though there are numerous other activities in the area that the locals have traditionally found to be just as intriguing. Like square dancing, playing bridge, frolicking in the Salt River, making sand castles in the Sonoran Desert, and switching on air-conditioning units.
It therefore remains to be seen just how many knowledgeable Phoenix basketball fans will be truly interested in a pale imitation of the Suns' almost-glory years.
