One of the great tragedies in basketball history will happen if Steve Nash stays with a rebuilding Phoenix Suns team.
Minnesota Timberwolves (18-18) vs. Phoenix Suns (14-20) at US Airways Center
Loyalty is, in most circumstances, one of most endearing human virtues. Yet, there are times when loyalty can be foolish. Such as when Kevin Garnett refused to push for a trade to a contender until his team had already shopped him in trade offers, when he was well past his prime. Such as when Glen Taylor refused to part ways with Kevin McHale, even though the franchise was ready to go in a new direction.
Steve Nash has been loyal to the Phoenix Suns for much of his career, despite the fact that owner Robert Sarver has essentially sold away the team's chances to contend for a title. Nash will be a free agent at the end of the season. Back in 2009, Nash signed a two-year extension with the Suns, despite signs of the team's impending drop.
If the Suns do not do the honorable thing and trade Nash, hopefully he will leave at the end of this season for greener pastures. He deserves another shot at a title.
Tonight, the Wolves will finish up a back-to-back-to-back against Nash and the Suns after a drubbing from the Los Angeles Lakers.
What is the difference between having the flu and having flu-like symptoms?
Projected Starting Lineups
C: Nikola Pekovic vs. Marcin Gortat
PF: Kevin Love vs. Channing Frye
SF: Wesley Johnson vs. Grant Hill
SG: Luke Ridnour vs. Jared Dudley
PG: Ricky Rubio vs. Steve Nash
I guess its easy to understand why many Wolves fans clamored for Josh Childress, given Minnesota's current group of wing players. That contract though? No thanks.
Last 5 Games
Phoenix Suns: (4th in Pacific, 7 gms behind LAC; 13th in West, 4 gms behind 8th seed)
Wed, Feb 15: Loss to Atlanta 99-101
Fri, Feb 17: Loss at LA Lakers 99-111
Sun, Feb 19: Win vs. LA Lakers 102-90
Mon, Feb 20: Win vs. Washington 104-88
Wed, Feb 22: Loss vs. Golden State 104-106
Minnesota Timberwolves: (4th in NW; 10 1/2 gms behind OKC; 10th in West, 1 gm behind 8th seed)
Sun, Feb 19: Win vs. Philadelphia 92-91
Mon, Feb 20: Loss at Denver 101-103 (OT)
Wed, Feb 22: Win vs. Utah 100-98
Tue, Feb 28: Win at LA Clippers 109-97
Wed, Feb 29: Loss at LA Lakers 85-104
He's been spending most his life living in a gangsta's paradise.
Injuries
Phoenix Suns:
Markieff Morris - Probable with a sprained thumb
Minnesota Timberwolves:
Kevin Love - Questionable with flu-like symptoms
It's the Balkan Bulldozer vs. the Polish Hammer
Noteworthy Stats
- Steve Nash is currently 1st in assists per game (10.9) and assists per-48 (16.4). He is 5th in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.95) behind Louis Williams, Tony Parker, Chris Paul and Jose Calderon
- Phoenix has not lost to the Timberwolves since a home loss on January 16th, 2009
- The Suns have not missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since 1987-88
- Only three teams - Detroit, San Antonio and Cleveland - have had fewer technical fouls this season than the Minnesota Timberwolves (20). New York leads the league with 44
