Stoudemire's departure strong possibility after surprising Suns seasonThe Phoenix Suns were a reassuring testament that team chemistry means something,
Christmas giftseven in the me-first world of the NBA. A deep bench and one of the best cast of three-point shooters in league history didn't hurt,
Potpourrieither.
That they came within two victories of the NBA finals surprised just about everyone. If not for an unstoppable two-minute stretch by Kobe Bryant, the Suns might well have forced a deciding Game 7 in the Western Conference finals.
Instead, they held a team meeting on Sunday, then spoke of the joys of the season and the hopes that it was only the beginning. Whether that future includes Amare Stoudemire is the big uncertainty.
Stoudemire said only that he would begin his evaluation process on Monday. Team owner Robert Sarver and general manager Steve Kerr wouldn't address the issue.
PotpourriSuns
coach Alvin Gentry said "you would expect" Stoudemire to opt out of his contract and test the free agent market.
"If you're asking me, 'Do we want him back?' Yeah, we want him back,
Christmas gifts" Gentry said.
Stoudemire, who has spent all eight seasons with the Suns after coming to the NBA directly from high school, is due to make US$17 million in the final year of his contract. He can opt out, and he wants a maximum deal.
"This year's been amazing for us," he said. "We've done a lot, we've grown a lot. We've improved so much within one year. It's definitely been one of the most exciting seasons I've ever had. We definitely want to continue that, so if that's possible that would be great."
PotpourriSarver said he wants the emotion of the playoffs to subside before he, Kerr and the rest of the front office begin to address the Stoudemire issue and others facing the team.
Christmas gifts"The only thing I know is this was obviously his last game for this season," Sarver said. "I don't really have any thoughts beyond that right now."
