Suns News: Weeks 12 & 13 (1/6-1/19)

[ShadowHawke]

Deandre:Luka::Sam:Michael

[Split T]

Adams played basically his whole career before I was born, so I’ll mostly defer on that one, but I’d have no problem listing him 1, especially since Amaré played a lot of PF.

1. Adams
2. Amare
3. Ayton(I just have to blackout his final year)

[TOO]

Where we gonna put Nick Richards on the list?

[Wally_West]

Marcin Gortat deserves some love too.

[Superbone]

Adams played basically his whole career before I was born, so I’ll mostly defer on that one, but I’d have no problem listing him 1, especially since Amaré played a lot of PF.

1. Adams
2. Amare
3. Ayton(I just have to blackout his final year)

You're gonna just skip Mark West because he didn't have much of an offensive game?

[Superbone]

Where we gonna put Nick Richards on the list?

He could pass Ayton quickly. On enthusiasm alone.

[Wally_West]

I don’t want to be mean but Mark West was just basically a good back up center who started for us because that was the best we could do.

[Superbone]

I don’t want to be mean but Mark West was just basically a good back up center who started for us because that was the best we could do.

That is mean and inaccurate.

[Wally_West]

I don’t want to be mean but Mark West was just basically a good back up center who started for us because that was the best we could do.

That is mean and inaccurate.

Truth hurts sometimes.

[Superbone]

I don’t want to be mean but Mark West was just basically a good back up center who started for us because that was the best we could do.

That is mean and inaccurate.

Truth hurts sometimes.

What about non-truths?

[Superbone]

Bickley Blast:

The most expensive mediocre team in the history of the sport!

Trade rumors provide both hope and harm for these Suns
https://arizonasports.com/story/3570173 ... hope-harm/

[Mori Chu]

You're gonna just skip Mark West because he didn't have much of an offensive game?

This whole thread is John "Hot Rod" Williams erasure. And don't get me started on Beeg Jake Tsakalidis.

[Split T]

Adams played basically his whole career before I was born, so I’ll mostly defer on that one, but I’d have no problem listing him 1, especially since Amaré played a lot of PF.

1. Adams
2. Amare
3. Ayton(I just have to blackout his final year)

You're gonna just skip Mark West because he didn't have much of an offensive game?

I mean his career best season he averaged 10/9/2…I was a toddler though so I’ll happily listen to an argument. It better be good though because his suns career numbers were 7/6/2….11/10/3 per 36. He looks clearly like a very limited player that only took shots at the rim and was mostly playing because of defense.

[Cap]

Identifying the “best” centers in Phoenix Suns history can be a bit subjective, especially because the franchise has often been known more for great guards and forwards. However, a few names consistently rise to the top based on individual performance, team impact, longevity, and historical importance. Below are three centers who stand out, along with the reasons why—and which one earns the top spot.

1) Alvan Adams (1975–1988)

Longevity & Loyalty: Adams spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Suns, which in itself is rare. He played more seasons in a Phoenix uniform than any other player in team history until recently (he retired as the franchise leader in games played).

Statistical Impact: Adams was the 1976 NBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 19.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals that season. Throughout his career, he displayed a versatile skill set for a big man—he could pass, shoot midrange, and handle the ball better than most centers of his era.

Team Success: In his rookie season, Adams helped lead the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance (1976). He was a linchpin for Phoenix through multiple playoff runs during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Franchise Icon: Adams holds or held many Suns records (e.g., total rebounds, steals, games played). He is synonymous with the franchise’s early success and remains a revered figure in Phoenix.

Why he’s #1: No Phoenix center has combined Adams’s longevity, statistical contributions, and direct impact on the team’s success in quite the same way. He was a unique playmaking center who adapted as the NBA evolved, and he did it all wearing only one uniform.

2) Mark West (1988–1994, 1999–2000)

Defensive Anchor: West was never flashy on offense, but he was a highly effective rim protector and interior defender. Alongside Charles Barkley in the early 1990s, West provided the shot-blocking and rebounding presence in the paint.

High Efficiency: Though he didn’t take many shots, he frequently led the league (or was near the top) in field-goal percentage. His ability to finish strong around the rim made him a model of efficiency.

Key to Finals Run (1993): West was the starting center on the 1992–93 Suns team that went to the NBA Finals. His defensive presence and physicality were crucial in a squad that featured high-powered offensive stars like Barkley and Kevin Johnson.

3) Deandre Ayton (2018–2023)

Immediate Production: Selected first overall in 2018, Ayton brought a modern big-man skill set to Phoenix. Early in his career, he showed a consistent ability to average a double-double (points/rebounds).

Playoff/Finals Run (2021): A major reason Ayton ranks highly is his role in helping the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021. His defense, rebounding, and improved rim protection took a big step forward in that playoff run.

Upside & Evolution: While he’s still developing, Ayton’s mix of size, athleticism, and soft touch around the basket makes him one of the most talented centers the Suns have ever had, even if his tenure was shorter compared to some on this list.

Honorable Mentions

Neal Walk (1969–1974): The Suns’ first true franchise center, drafted second overall behind Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in 1969. Walk was a solid rebounder and scorer in the early 1970s.

Shaquille O’Neal (2008–2009): Hall-of-Fame name, but only wore a Suns jersey briefly. Despite an All-Star appearance in 2009, his Suns stint was too short to challenge the others in franchise impact.

Why Alvan Adams is #1

While each of these centers left their mark on the Suns in different ways, Alvan Adams stands alone for his blend of:

Franchise Identity: A “Suns lifer” who spent his entire career in Phoenix.
Statistical Versatility: Did everything from scoring to rebounding to facilitating.
Team Success: Integral to the 1976 Finals run and countless playoff appearances.
Longevity & Records: Held numerous franchise records upon retirement and remained a consistent contributor for over a decade.

No other Suns center matches Adams’s combination of production, loyalty, and overall influence on the team’s history. That’s what cements him at the top of the Phoenix Suns’ all-time center list.

That looks very ChatGPT.

[The Bobster]

1-Alvan Adams
2-Amare Stoudamire
3-Mark West
4-Deandre Ayton
5-Shaquille O'Neal
6-Neal Walk
7-Marcin Gortat
8-James Edwards
9-Kurt Thomas
10-Jusuf Nurkic
HM-Tyson Chandler

Mark West did the most with the least, James Edwards did the least with the most.

[Cap]

1-Alvan Adams
2-Amare Stoudamire
3-Mark West
4-Shaquille O'Neal
5-Neal Walk
6-Marcin Gortat
7-James Edwards
8-Kurt Thomas
9-Jusuf Nurkic
10-Tyson Chandler

Mark West did the most with the least, James Edwards did the least with the most.

I’d consider Schleine for the list, though neither could sniff the list on their own.

[AmareIsGod]

Identifying the “best” centers in Phoenix Suns history can be a bit subjective, especially because the franchise has often been known more for great guards and forwards. However, a few names consistently rise to the top based on individual performance, team impact, longevity, and historical importance. Below are three centers who stand out, along with the reasons why—and which one earns the top spot.

1) Alvan Adams (1975–1988)

Longevity & Loyalty: Adams spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Suns, which in itself is rare. He played more seasons in a Phoenix uniform than any other player in team history until recently (he retired as the franchise leader in games played).

Statistical Impact: Adams was the 1976 NBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 19.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals that season. Throughout his career, he displayed a versatile skill set for a big man—he could pass, shoot midrange, and handle the ball better than most centers of his era.

Team Success: In his rookie season, Adams helped lead the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance (1976). He was a linchpin for Phoenix through multiple playoff runs during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Franchise Icon: Adams holds or held many Suns records (e.g., total rebounds, steals, games played). He is synonymous with the franchise’s early success and remains a revered figure in Phoenix.

Why he’s #1: No Phoenix center has combined Adams’s longevity, statistical contributions, and direct impact on the team’s success in quite the same way. He was a unique playmaking center who adapted as the NBA evolved, and he did it all wearing only one uniform.

2) Mark West (1988–1994, 1999–2000)

Defensive Anchor: West was never flashy on offense, but he was a highly effective rim protector and interior defender. Alongside Charles Barkley in the early 1990s, West provided the shot-blocking and rebounding presence in the paint.

High Efficiency: Though he didn’t take many shots, he frequently led the league (or was near the top) in field-goal percentage. His ability to finish strong around the rim made him a model of efficiency.

Key to Finals Run (1993): West was the starting center on the 1992–93 Suns team that went to the NBA Finals. His defensive presence and physicality were crucial in a squad that featured high-powered offensive stars like Barkley and Kevin Johnson.

3) Deandre Ayton (2018–2023)

Immediate Production: Selected first overall in 2018, Ayton brought a modern big-man skill set to Phoenix. Early in his career, he showed a consistent ability to average a double-double (points/rebounds).

Playoff/Finals Run (2021): A major reason Ayton ranks highly is his role in helping the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021. His defense, rebounding, and improved rim protection took a big step forward in that playoff run.

Upside & Evolution: While he’s still developing, Ayton’s mix of size, athleticism, and soft touch around the basket makes him one of the most talented centers the Suns have ever had, even if his tenure was shorter compared to some on this list.

Honorable Mentions

Neal Walk (1969–1974): The Suns’ first true franchise center, drafted second overall behind Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in 1969. Walk was a solid rebounder and scorer in the early 1970s.

Shaquille O’Neal (2008–2009): Hall-of-Fame name, but only wore a Suns jersey briefly. Despite an All-Star appearance in 2009, his Suns stint was too short to challenge the others in franchise impact.

Why Alvan Adams is #1

While each of these centers left their mark on the Suns in different ways, Alvan Adams stands alone for his blend of:

Franchise Identity: A “Suns lifer” who spent his entire career in Phoenix.
Statistical Versatility: Did everything from scoring to rebounding to facilitating.
Team Success: Integral to the 1976 Finals run and countless playoff appearances.
Longevity & Records: Held numerous franchise records upon retirement and remained a consistent contributor for over a decade.

No other Suns center matches Adams’s combination of production, loyalty, and overall influence on the team’s history. That’s what cements him at the top of the Phoenix Suns’ all-time center list.

That looks very ChatGPT.

It is. But I used the pricey $200 a month ChatGPT Pro model, o1 Pro Mode. So it thought a little longer and a little harder. Only the best for the folks here at .net.

[Cap]

The day is coming when AI bots will write better posts than any of us and we’ll all be obsolete.

[AmareIsGod]

Top 10, in order:

Alvan Adams (1975–1988)
Reason: A versatile, loyal franchise icon who spent his entire career with the Suns and anchored their 1976 Finals run.

Mark West (1988–1994, 1999–2000)
Reason: A defensive anchor known for shot-blocking efficiency, contributing greatly to the 1993 Finals appearance.

Deandre Ayton (2018–2023)
Reason: A former #1 overall pick who helped propel the Suns to the 2021 Finals with his improved defense and rebounding.

Neal Walk (1969–1974)
Reason: The franchise’s first true center, drafted second overall behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and a solid early-1970s contributor.

Shaquille O’Neal (2008–2009)
Reason: Though brief, his Suns stint featured an All-Star appearance and a strong veteran presence down low.

Marcin Gortat (2010–2013)
Reason: Provided reliable rebounding and pick-and-roll finishing, quickly becoming a double-double machine.

Oliver Miller (1992–1994, 1995–1996)
Reason: Showed surprising passing ability and solid rebounding, contributing to deep playoff runs in the early 1990s.

Richaun Holmes (2018–2019)
Reason: A high-energy rim-runner who offered spark off the bench with shot blocking and hustle.

Jermaine O’Neal (2012–2013)
Reason: Enjoyed a mini-resurgence in Phoenix, providing veteran leadership and interior presence in limited minutes.

Joe Kleine (1989–1993, 1997–1998)
Reason: A reliable role player who brought size, defense, and steadiness off the bench during playoff-contending seasons.

[JeremyG]

Top 10, in order:

Alvan Adams (1975–1988)
Reason: A versatile, loyal franchise icon who spent his entire career with the Suns and anchored their 1976 Finals run.

Mark West (1988–1994, 1999–2000)
Reason: A defensive anchor known for shot-blocking efficiency, contributing greatly to the 1993 Finals appearance.

Deandre Ayton (2018–2023)
Reason: A former #1 overall pick who helped propel the Suns to the 2021 Finals with his improved defense and rebounding.

Neal Walk (1969–1974)
Reason: The franchise’s first true center, drafted second overall behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and a solid early-1970s contributor.

Shaquille O’Neal (2008–2009)
Reason: Though brief, his Suns stint featured an All-Star appearance and a strong veteran presence down low.

Marcin Gortat (2010–2013)
Reason: Provided reliable rebounding and pick-and-roll finishing, quickly becoming a double-double machine.

Oliver Miller (1992–1994, 1995–1996)
Reason: Showed surprising passing ability and solid rebounding, contributing to deep playoff runs in the early 1990s.

Richaun Holmes (2018–2019)
Reason: A high-energy rim-runner who offered spark off the bench with shot blocking and hustle.

Jermaine O’Neal (2012–2013)
Reason: Enjoyed a mini-resurgence in Phoenix, providing veteran leadership and interior presence in limited minutes.

Joe Kleine (1989–1993, 1997–1998)
Reason: A reliable role player who brought size, defense, and steadiness off the bench during playoff-contending seasons.

Okay, ChatGPT is off its rocker now.

And Joe Kleine played here from 1993-1997 and 1999.