The Sun shines on the Pacific

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Summer, according to the Dictionary, is the season between spring and autumn, or in basketball terms, simply the off-season. Since the end of play last June we had the Draft, some free agents signings, the betting scandal (Did I really have to mention it on my first Suns column?) and as usual plenty of rumors, that - as usual - turned more or less into nothing: Kobe is still in L.A., KG is still in Minneapolis and I believe none will actually move.

On this Sunday morning, what’s better than sitting on the Pacific (Division) shore and have a look ahead at the next season. Here’s what happened so far in the Pac 5, including a “Chance of Improvement from last year regular season wins total” for each team:

• Suns (61-21) Our beloved Suns signed Grant Hill (great move by Steve Kerr), got plenty of cash, traded away Kurt Thomas and a first round pick for a luxury tax rebate, drafted Alando Tucker and D.J. Strawberry. Still need a big man and evaluate if either D.J. or Banks can be a decent back up for the one and only Steve Nash. Chance of improvement from last year wins total (20%). Hey! 61 wins were the 3rd highest total in Franchise history (right behind 62-win seasons of 1992-93 and 2004-05).
• Lakers (42-40) L.A. retained Kobe, resigned Mihm and Walton and upgraded a bit at PG replacing Smush with Derek Fisher. I can’t see much help coming from the Draft as top pick Crittenton is at best a back up. Chance of improvement (20%). Don’t forget they were really awful (9-15) over the last two months of the season still, they are better than just a .500 club.
• Warriors (42-40) Golden State had possibly the best Draft of any team in the League. They lost J. Richardson but got Marco Belinelli (a great shooter), Brandan Wright and resigned M. Pietrus and still maintained the core of their players intact. I really believe they could be one of the most improved teams in the West and that nice run in the 2007 Playoffs should be a nice lift to open the new season. Chance of improvement (50%) as I definitely foresee a 50-win season in the Bay.
• Clippers (40-42) Basically last year’s team. No big moves (in or out). Al Thornton could be a good pick but more or less I think they stand where they were last season. Of course a few players could be better next year as i.e. I still expect a better season from S. Livingston. Chance of improvement (15%). They’re better than they used to be, but in the end they’re still the Clippers.
• Sacramento (32-49) By far the worst team in the Division and I don’t think they’ll get any better. First rounder Spencer Hawes could be Brad Miller clone and should help; other than that their only addition will be Mikki Moore (signed from the Nets) who could help under the boards. Chance of improvement (less than 10%) and you never know which Ron Artest will show up

So far the Pacific divison hasn’t changed much with only Golden State possibly much better (on paper) than last year. The biggest new player coming in the Division so far is our own Gran Hill. The Suns will ride through the Regular season once again, winning the division for the 4th straight year, and getting ready for the playoffs. Winning more than 60 games will be difficult as the Suns went 36-16 against the West and in case you didn’t notice the West got even better (just think Portland and Seattle), not to mention the great (28-13) road record.

The Suns are still shining on the Pacific even in the Summer: The warmer half of the year. Go Suns !

Yours truly, Steve Fan

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