Posted: March 27, 2013
As a fan, there is nothing more that I want to see than the franchise I’ve followed since I was in diapers back in a time where the three letters we turned to for on demand entertainment were VHS and not DVR, to bring a championship to US Airways Center. It is a fact that was made even clearer Saturday evening as I watched from the stands as the Rattlers raised their third banner into the rafters. The question is, what is the right course of action to get the team there?
It’s an answer that has been debated more often than, Coke or Pepsi (hint: it’s Coke), or, is The Wire the best television show of all time. It’s one that is simple when you think about it though.
The definition of insanity according to Albert Einstein is: “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If he were an NBA general manager instead of one of the greatest scientific minds of all-time, he would probably be in favor of the strategy the Suns’ front office is implementing.
For the better part of 45 years the Suns have been in favor of the “retool, not rebuild” method. They’ve focused on trades and free agent signings to keep the team competitive. While we as fans have been treated to some very entertaining seasons and over 2,000 regular season wins, the 16 most important wins, in the playoffs, have remained elusive.
That’s not a knock on the history of the organization. Without those teams, those front offices and their success, many of you, present company included, wouldn’t have ever put on the purple and orange. The history of the team is why we’re fans but the hope for the future is what keeps us coming back for more.
For the first time in franchise history the team is truly looking to the draft to rebuild. With 10 draft picks over the next three seasons, and the potential for two lottery picks this June, the second coming if the Lakers miss the playoffs, there is a chance to change the face of the organization for the next decade. The best part is, if you can find a franchise player in the draft, the rookie cap friendly contract keeps the flexibility the team has managed to amass the last few offseasons giving the ability to add complimentary players via free agency.
Goran Dragic has proven this season he is a cornerstone for the franchise. He’s the type of guard that you can use to build around. The next step is to surround him with the talent that he can lead to the next level. The draft is the place to find those strong pieces who can run the floor with the Dragon and make him even better.
The worst kept secret in sports since FOX Sports 1, is losing isn’t fun for anyone, players, coaches, employees and most importantly the fans. This season has been difficult for everyone but, if things play out right, it will help set up the franchise for the future.
Sure, the franchise could do the same thing that has occurred for years in the Valley and reload rather than rebuild. But that same thing never led to a championship. Wouldn’t it be crazy to not try something else and see if it can result in something we haven’t seen before? It doesn’t take a genius like Albert Einstein to figure out the answer is yes.