Yep.

Try to let that sink in for a bit.  When you really analyze the seasons, the direction of the franchise, and the overall NBA landscape…it couldn’t be more clear. 

Lets take a look at the past 10 years or so regarding the team record, expectations, and the outcome.

• 1999-2000:  The Suns had a record of 53-29 and lost in the Western Conference Semi’s.  Jason Kidd, Penny Hardaway, Cliff Robinson were big performers and it was an overall good season.  No one expected the Suns to run away with anything, but we were a solid team and made some noise in the playoffs.
• 2000-2001: A record of 51-31 and lost to the Kinds in the first round.  Believe it or not, our defensive rating was 1st in the NBA and our offensive rating was 22nd.  Again, a solid team, but there was clear dominance by the Lakers, Kings, and Spurs so the expectations were low.  However, a fun team to watch.
• 2001-2002: Jason Kidd was shipped out of town along with any hope of making the playoffs.  Frank Johnson took over and Shawn Marion was beginning to emerge as a bonafide player in the league.  Unfortunately, the Suns missed the playoffs and the direction of the team was in question.
• 2002-2003: The Suns had a record of 44-38 under new point guard, Stephon Marbury.  Rookie Amare Stoudemire turned some heads with this play.  Though we made the playoffs, we lost to the Spurs in the 1st round.  Expectations were low considering how young the team was and it was Marbury’s first year.
• 2003-2004: Not a good year.  We finished 29-53 and Mike D’Antoni took over mid-season for Frank Johnson.  We began to see a change of philosophy for the team, but it was clear that the Suns were heading in a new direction with the unloading of Marbury.  Though it was a difficult year missing the playoffs, there was some hope and excitement for the future with Amare and Shawn.
• 2004-2005: Enter Steve Nash and the offensive explosion.  Expectations were low, overall, but the Suns went 62-20 losing in the Western Conference Finals.  Basketball was fun again.  Nash MVP.  Next year…
• 2005-2006: Riding the wave of excitement, the Suns hopes were somewhat dashed with Amare going down with a knee injury for the season.  Newcomer Boris Diaw filled the gap and the Suns had arguably one of the most magical seasons in franchise history shattering all expectations and getting to the Western Conference Finals losing to the Mavs.  Nash again MVP.  Next year…
• 2006-2007: Officially picked to win a title by many experts.  Not disappointing, the Suns finished 61-21 and being favored for the Western Conference Crown.  Many feel if not for a Robert Horry shove, the Suns could’ve beat the Spurs and run away with a championship.  Weaknesses and deficiencies begin to come to the forefront.  Next year…
• 2007-2008: The year of Shaq and Kerr.  Trading away an unhappy Shawn Marion for Shaq mid-season turned some heads.  The Suns found a way to mix SSOL with Shaq and were favored to beat the Spurs in the first round in 5-6 games.  Tim Duncan had different thoughts, and his three dashed many hopes for the Suns and their future.  Next year?
• 2008-2009: Now, in the 2008/2009 season, things are a bit different.  We can no longer rely on “next year.”  Not only because the Suns are getting older, but because of the business side of things like contracts, deficits, profits, etc.  The Suns are in a transition phase, and there is no denying it.  3 games back for a playoff spot.

Now, instead of “next year” there is uncertainty, doubt, worry, excitement, anger, and anticipation.  With the solid win last night against Denver, hope still springs eternal.  The next 12 games could produce, in my opinion, four possible outcomes.  So, why are these the most important games in 10 years?  It’s because each possible outcome directly affects the Suns future for the next 10 years.  The Suns are on a proverbial bubble; not the one of being over/under the hump, but rebuilding and making another run…again.

Possible Outcome’s

1. The finish to this season could be one of the most magical in Suns history (Suns make playoffs, maybe win a series)
2. The finish to this season could conclude one of the most difficult seasons in Suns history (Suns miss playoffs, headed for lottery)
3. After a tumultuous year, a solid finish, and hope for next year (Suns make a solid run, barely miss playoffs, but played with heart until the end)
4. Blow up (Suns lose heart, hope, and drive – miss playoffs by a long shot)

REGARDLESS, of the outcome there are a few things that won’t change:

• Our bench has made a strong case to become solid role players for years to come (Amundson, Dudley, even Dragic)
• We will be good next year even if we lose some key players (Nash? Amare? Shaq?)
• Alvin Gentry should be coach of this team, especially if the decision is to go with a youth movement/rebuild
• Resentment/anger for missed opportunities

BUT, if the Suns end up not making the playoffs and are eliminated with several games left, the direction of the franchise is much more cloudy and muddy:

• Nash, Amare, Shaq could all be gone
• Rebuild time, and it could be similar to the post-Barkley era for a number of years
• Suns support could decrease, and anger for management/owners increase leading to an overall change of the franchise

HOWEVER, if the Suns pull off a magical run (and I believe with every fiber of my being they will) things might not change as much as we think:

• There is reason for a couple of our star players (mainly Nash/Amare) to stick with this team.  With a key free agent pick-up/trade, the Suns could still make noise in the West next year under Gentry
• The Suns rebuild/transition process could be more seamless in the off-season
• We can pick up another starter/contributor for another run next season and be legit contenders based on our finish

Suns are on the rise again in Phoenix

This stretch of games will directly affect the Suns for years to come. 

It is my belief the Suns will rise to the occasion and show how resilient they are…and it will be one of the most magical, memorable, and exciting seasons in Suns history.