The first half of the season has flown by. It seems like just yesterday people were saying that Amare Stoudemire might be good in a couple years. A lot of publications picked the Suns as one of the worst teams in the league. Clearly, this isn't the case. How have the Suns done thus far?
Starting Lineup:
Stephon Marbury: What a difference a year makes. Steph isdistributing the ball, and he is actually playing defense. All his strong points, like slashing and a great ability to create his own shot, remain intact.
Grade: A
Joe Johnson:
JJ may not have been the starting guard for the entire season but he has played enough to deserve a grade. Joe has shown flashes of greatness at times, with a smooth outside shot and a nice mid-range jumpshot. He drifts though much like he did in Boston at times and looks hesitant. His potential hasn't been reached yet.
Grade: C
Shawn Marion:
Shawn has grown each year that he has been a Sun. Coming out of college he was considered a superior athlete with no jump-shot. Now, he can definitely shoot. Shawn is developing an ability to create his own shot and he is still one of the best rebounders for his size in the league.
Grade: A
Amare Stoudemire:
No one knew what the Suns had in Stoudemire. People may have seen the potential, but such early results are really surprising. He has been good, but hasn't played quite as well as he did during November and December. The sky is the limit for him with proper coaching and a continuation of his work ethic.
Grade: B+
Bo Outlaw/Scott Williams/Etc:
Center has been a group project for the Suns this year. As a whole, they have done a pretty good job. Bo provides hustle and defense and Scott provides a little size and experience on the inside. Offensively, the Suns almost get nothing out of the center spot.
Grade: C+
Bench:
The bench has a tendency to come and go. Jacobsen may step it up one night and Scott does at times as well. The bench really was a strong point early on this season but hasn't really produced as of late. That of course has a lot to do with all the injuries.
Grade: C
Overall:
This Suns team has really been a surprise throughout the entire league. If they can stay healthy, if Amare Stoudemire can resume kicking everyone's butt, and if they stay focused as a team, the Suns could make some noise in the playoffs.
Overall: A-
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