Post by Brian on Jan 10, 2007 0:09:35 GMT -5
Solar Eclipse
In mythology, the phoenix was a legendary bird that lived for 500 years in the desert and was reborn in a pyrrhic blaze that consumed both itself and its nest. Nowadays, the term phoenix can be used as a noun to refer to a person or thing so excellent as to have no equal or match. As a symbol, and derived from mythology, the phoenix symbolizes rebirth, especially referring to that of the sun.
How then does this apply to our beloved Phoenix Suns? The 1999 Phoenix Suns exploded onto the BBS landscape like the mythical Phoenix. The Suns marched to a strong and successful conclusion to the regular season, making the BBS playoffs, ultimately losing in the first round. Despite the abrupt ending, last year’s playoff march was a strong step forward for a franchise that seemed on pause until the 1999 season. Season ticket sales doubled overnight, franchise star Chris Webber’s jersey sales catapulted to top 5 in the BBS, and the city was reborn a sports franchise city. Suns commercials featuring Webber vs Godzilla, Lil Finley, and Mighty Mouse further stoked the flames of Suns fans.
During the offseason, the Suns management team was replaced. Departing franchise chairmen Mr. Head of State was replaced by the league office’s nominee Brian. The choice was a puzzling one for both the BBS and the Suns as Brian had reportedly been enjoying his retirement from sports management. The biggest question: had the league evolved beyond Brian’s ability?
At the end of the 2000 season, Phoenix Suns fans fear the answer is… Yes. In fact, this sportswriter was compelled to write this article to bring attention to that which ails our franchise.
While the 2000 season saw some development from the 1999 season, it seemed management was paralyzed by the league’s development. The translation from televised games and highlight reels to firsthand player appraisals seemed to confuse Brian as trade talks stalled, rumors abounded, and the team record plummeted. At one point, management seemed committed to rebranding the Suns to a new image that reflected Brian’s ideal team makeup and “his” people. As trade rumors swirled, it seemed clear that “his” people was either a pipedream or simply a stalling technique as sources within the league reported strong offers for the franchise power forward and the blossoming swing man. Ultimately, as the team’s record plummeted, fan’s blamed Brian’s indecisiveness and cries for new management grew throughout the season. A strong finish to the season saw the Suns just barely squeek into the playoffs, but it was clear to all that the players drove towards postseason play while management buried its head in the sand.
Regular Season under .500, a fortunate playoff series victory over the injury-prone Kings, and a second round exit against a strong, but hardly dominant Clippers team, disappointed fans, sportswriters, and league officials alike. Suns management drafted a capable center in Calvin Booth and signed league castoff Bobby Hurley, but many league analysts saw these as stopgap measures that effectively filled weak positions with mere role players. A rumored trade of TWO future 1st round picks and the 2001 2nd round pick for a low lottery pick for 2001 has been discussed, further confusing fans with the Suns direction. Growing league sentiment contends that the brilliance of the Suns is attributable to the play of power forward Chris Webber and swingman Michael Finley and that management - Brian - is rapidly becoming an obstacle between the Suns and a potential BBS championship.
As postseason play in the BBS continues, this writer waits expectantly for change. As the draft approaches, free agency looms, and the franchise stars rumble under the new management, Phoenix Suns fans are eager to see the temporary solar eclipse, known as Brian, pass into franchise history. Only time will tell, but this writer remains hopeful for new franchise leadership.
In mythology, the phoenix was a legendary bird that lived for 500 years in the desert and was reborn in a pyrrhic blaze that consumed both itself and its nest. Nowadays, the term phoenix can be used as a noun to refer to a person or thing so excellent as to have no equal or match. As a symbol, and derived from mythology, the phoenix symbolizes rebirth, especially referring to that of the sun.
How then does this apply to our beloved Phoenix Suns? The 1999 Phoenix Suns exploded onto the BBS landscape like the mythical Phoenix. The Suns marched to a strong and successful conclusion to the regular season, making the BBS playoffs, ultimately losing in the first round. Despite the abrupt ending, last year’s playoff march was a strong step forward for a franchise that seemed on pause until the 1999 season. Season ticket sales doubled overnight, franchise star Chris Webber’s jersey sales catapulted to top 5 in the BBS, and the city was reborn a sports franchise city. Suns commercials featuring Webber vs Godzilla, Lil Finley, and Mighty Mouse further stoked the flames of Suns fans.
During the offseason, the Suns management team was replaced. Departing franchise chairmen Mr. Head of State was replaced by the league office’s nominee Brian. The choice was a puzzling one for both the BBS and the Suns as Brian had reportedly been enjoying his retirement from sports management. The biggest question: had the league evolved beyond Brian’s ability?
At the end of the 2000 season, Phoenix Suns fans fear the answer is… Yes. In fact, this sportswriter was compelled to write this article to bring attention to that which ails our franchise.
While the 2000 season saw some development from the 1999 season, it seemed management was paralyzed by the league’s development. The translation from televised games and highlight reels to firsthand player appraisals seemed to confuse Brian as trade talks stalled, rumors abounded, and the team record plummeted. At one point, management seemed committed to rebranding the Suns to a new image that reflected Brian’s ideal team makeup and “his” people. As trade rumors swirled, it seemed clear that “his” people was either a pipedream or simply a stalling technique as sources within the league reported strong offers for the franchise power forward and the blossoming swing man. Ultimately, as the team’s record plummeted, fan’s blamed Brian’s indecisiveness and cries for new management grew throughout the season. A strong finish to the season saw the Suns just barely squeek into the playoffs, but it was clear to all that the players drove towards postseason play while management buried its head in the sand.
Regular Season under .500, a fortunate playoff series victory over the injury-prone Kings, and a second round exit against a strong, but hardly dominant Clippers team, disappointed fans, sportswriters, and league officials alike. Suns management drafted a capable center in Calvin Booth and signed league castoff Bobby Hurley, but many league analysts saw these as stopgap measures that effectively filled weak positions with mere role players. A rumored trade of TWO future 1st round picks and the 2001 2nd round pick for a low lottery pick for 2001 has been discussed, further confusing fans with the Suns direction. Growing league sentiment contends that the brilliance of the Suns is attributable to the play of power forward Chris Webber and swingman Michael Finley and that management - Brian - is rapidly becoming an obstacle between the Suns and a potential BBS championship.
As postseason play in the BBS continues, this writer waits expectantly for change. As the draft approaches, free agency looms, and the franchise stars rumble under the new management, Phoenix Suns fans are eager to see the temporary solar eclipse, known as Brian, pass into franchise history. Only time will tell, but this writer remains hopeful for new franchise leadership.