Suns fans are always quick to recognize the guys who play hard and with passion night in and night out.
Jared Dudley was one of those guys for four-and-a-half seasons, hitting threes, playing defense and diving for loose balls with unbridled passion. He was happy to be a Sun, and the fans were happy because he showed it.
The 6-7 forward is back, recently signed as a free agent. In an article penned for The Players' Tribune, Dudley expresses he couldn't be happier.
"The Suns were looking for a guy to work with their exciting, young talent they have coming through, and both the team and I felt like I was a perfect fit. Don’t get me wrong: I’m still going to contribute, but I’m also going to leave a mark off the court as well. I’m here do things the right way because there was just no other way to do it. This is a really exciting time to be a Phoenix Suns fan. I know I can have a major role in this team’s success not just this year, but also five years from now. That’s my goal."
The veteran's vision runs parallel to that of Head Coach Earl Watson, who wants his players to buy into the full program of the team rather than just a night-to-night quest for wins. Dudley has first-hand experience from his previous stint with Phoenix, when he experienced the kind of team success and camaraderie few get to enjoy during an NBA career.
In his article, the former Dan Majerle Hustle Award-winner recalls his fondest memories of former teammates, including Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal and Grant Hill. Dudley re-lives the Suns' run to the 2010 Western Conference Finals, which he said featured "some of the best weeks of my life."
The ensuing seasons sent the Suns in a younger direction, and Dudley was traded in 2012. Ironically, the same general manager that dealt him -- Ryan McDonough -- is now bringing him back to help groom the young talent gathering in the desert.
Dudley can't wait to get started.
"Phoenix is where I want to be.
"It’s the place where I became the man I am today, and I owe this city a lot. I can’t wait to give back to the community and to be out in the city to greet the fans. I want to build memories that go beyond basketball for the city of Phoenix.
"I couldn’t be happier to be home.
"Now let’s go to work."