Think the Suns have had a challenging, frustrating season? Gordan Giricek has them beat.

He spent the fall in Utah, unhappy with his playing time and ultimately locking horns with cantankerous, inflexible coach Jerry Sloan when he spoke his mind.

He spent the winter in Philadelphia, expecting a new start and an expanded role only to find out he was little more than a salary cap slot in the Sixers plans. He sat even more, stewed even more as his confidence shrank.

So by the time he was bought out of his contract and signed a free agent deal with Phoenix two weeks ago, Giricek’s goals had been reduced to not making waves and finding a way to stay in the NBA beyond this season.

And after a rough first week shaking off cobwebs and finding his way around town, the 30-year-old shooting guard with a quick smile and affable personality is beginning to find a comfort zone – and a comfortable role – with a team that has been looking for what he has to offer.

After breaking out of a shooting funk with 18 points against Memphis Tuesday, Giricek had 17 of his season-high 23 points in the second quarter Saturday, when the Suns turned a tight game into a laugher in the space of six minutes to beat Sacramento.

It was like a prayer answered for Giricek – not only playing, but playing meaningful minutes with a chance to contribute and show his talents.

“When you feel confident, part of the team and the game, then I think everything is possible,” he said. “You don’t think about what you are doing, you just go for it. That’s what I was missing the last few years – sometimes I didn’t trust myself and my abilities.

Looking for a 3-point shooter and disappointed when veteran Brent Barry spurned them in favor of returning to a San Antonio team that just traded him, Phoenix saw Giricek as the next-best option as a long-range shooter.

Giricek has made six of 10 3-pointers in the last two games, but even he admits it’s not a strong point of his game. “I was always more of a driver and a medium (range) jump shooter than 3-point shooter,” he said. Then if I am in rhythm then of course you can make 3’s – you have more confidence.

But he gives the Suns another spot-up option, slasher on offense and a pesky, if not polished, defender – not to mention their best chance all season for a balanced, eight-man rotation heading into the playoffs.

“He can score,” Phoenix coach Mike D’Antoni said. “He’ll put the ball on the floor and make some plays. I think he’ll get better and more comfortable because he hasn’t played for awhile. It was a good pick up.”

For ‘Gira,’ the chance to play in a less restrictive style with creative teammates is bringing back the joy of the game.

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“I’m doing some things I haven’t done for years,” he said. “The crossover (dribble) on the fast break? I don’t know the last time I did it. Moves are coming back to me and I’m starting to play on instinct. When I see open space I just to it – the way basketball should be played. If you are thinking and not just going, you make more mistakes. I appreciate this team believing in me and making me comfortable, and I’m trying to earn their trust.”

It wasn’t instant karma. After scoring 11 points in 20 minutes against Denver last week, Giricek saw his playing time drop to 11 minutes against Utah and only five against San Antonio – when he missed three first-half shots before getting a quick hook.

But two nights later against the Grizzlies, the Suns got a big lead early and D’Antoni could afford to give Giricek 31 precious minutes. He responded with 18 points on 9-for-14 shooting along three rebounds and two assists to begin a three-game upswing.

“We knew he could score,” guard Steve Nash said. “It’s taken him a few games to get his feet wet .but he’s got his confidence going. He’s giving us depth and shooting and options. It’s another weapon for us.”

And for Giricek, confidence is everything – and something that has been tested often.

“In Utah, I would play OK and then not play for like five games in a row and you start to doubt yourself … maybe I am doing something wrong?” he said. “When I was traded to there Utah I had a great time (in the beginning), but the last three years was different.

“I was used to being a bigger part. Then I wasn’t, and I couldn’t deal with it because I knew I could help and I wasn’t being used properly. Coming here, I didn’t want to think too much was going to be better – I was thinking Philly was going to be better, but then it was worse because I didn’t play at all. I decided I would just take everything as it comes and so far it’s great.”

Phoenix’s up-and-down, European style suits his talents and mindset.

“We play team basketball and for everyone, they have open ability to show their talents,” he said. “If you miss a shot, you get back on defense and try again. I’m trying to earn their trust and show that I am very happy to be here and hope I can stay for a long time.

COPYRIGHT 2008, EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE. Used with permission.