Sun Setting in Phoenix?

(Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns)

It's more than tonight's 138-133 loss by the Phoenix Suns to the Denver Nuggets.  It's also more than the Suns current 8-9 record that supports my "Sun Setting in Phoenix?" title.  The moment Amar'e Stoudamire left for the New York Knicks, the critics began bashing his decision, saying that we would all see his true talents, or lack there of, without the help of Steve Nash.  I being one of those people, although not as harsh, thought the suffering would be felt by Amar'e alone, and never stopped to consider the affect it would have on Nash and the Suns.  The Suns do have a big man in the form of Robin Lopez, but he is currently injured, and beyond veterans Grant Hill and Jason Richardson, the Suns are not looking as competitive as they did a few seasons ago.

It's clear they can still score in the hundreds with the help of fast breaks and 3 pointers, but they have fallen short for years against teams like the Spurs and the Lakers, even with Amar'e on the roster.  With the Spurs and Lakers being possibly 2 of the best teams out West with their cores still intact, add to that Dallas, Utah and New Orleans all playing exceptional basketball, a 6th spot in the Western Conference might be the best possible outcome.

With all the above, Nash's back problems and his age, the rumors of him being traded begin to make perfect sense.  If the rumors are true, and he is traded to the New York Knicks, reunited with Amar'e and coach D'Antoni, that gives New York a chance at a conference title. That also gives the Suns a chance to rebuild without adding pieces to a team who's leader may be gone via trade or retirement.  Grant Hill is still in great shape and playing excellent basketball, but it is unlikely the Suns organization will try to rebuild around him.  Steve Nash is a Hall of Fame player, that is not up for debate, his career stats and awards solidify that.  However, if Steve Nash has any intentions of winning an NBA title, he will have to say goodbye to the Phoenix Suns and a tough Western Conference, and find himself a spot on an Eastern Conference contender with a solid core.