So the 2008-2009 Suns... what happened there?

[ArbitraryWater]

Its pretty weird to have 2 lottery seasons inbetween 2 conference finals (07 was the defacto WCF anyway) with the same roster basically + Shaq.

Was Shaq that much of a detriment?

Any deeper takes on it?

Now the 08-09 West changed quite a bit from 07, it was a lot deeper, but its still odd.

[Kblaze8855]

I will gave you a real answer shortly I just wanted you to know that immediately came to my mind.

[Im Still Ballin]

Amar'e played maybe the best ball of his career when they first got Shaq in the second half of 2007-08. Like 30/10 on 55-60% FG over the last 30-40+ games. At least from a box score perspective.

[ArbitraryWater]

I will gave you a real answer shortly I just wanted you to know that immediately came to my mind.

[1987_Lakers]

I will gave you a real answer shortly I just wanted you to know that immediately came to my mind.

[Norcaliblunt]

Steve Kerr as GM is what happened.

He ran D’antoni out and brought in Terry Porter who was a complete disaster.

Steve Kerr was one of Phoenix’s worst GMs ever. Instead of doing what he did in GS, and expanding upon the trend towards 3 point shooting, spacing, and small ball which Phoenix had revolutionized, he traded for old Shaq.

[sdot_thadon]

Shaq was like thw square peg they shoved into the round hole there. Dropping a post presence into the 7 seconds or less philosophy probably wasn't an ideal fit. Kinda Ike they made a move for the sake of making a move. Amare had also been on the table by that point but they couldn't get a trade done from what I recall. Also some rumblings about Marion being unhappy, can't remember if it was contract or role tho. So maybe they felt it was time to move on from thar group but couldn't get proper replacements for what Marion did for them.

[sdot_thadon]

Steve Kerr as GM is what happened.

He ran D’antoni out and brought in Terry Porter who was a complete disaster.

Steve Kerr was one of Phoenix’s worst GMs ever. Instead of doing what he did in GS, and expanding upon the trend towards 3 point shooting, spacing, and small ball which Phoenix had revolutionized, he traded for old Shaq.

And more obviously this. I had forgotten Dantoni's exit was that soon after Shaq arrived.

[Norcaliblunt]

The deal the Suns should have made was Amare for Garnett.