Questions answered in sports “mail bags” are normally quick-hitting and/or specific. That’s because they’re easy to answer, and usually require no more research than already prepared knowledge and opinions.
Kudos to NBA.com’s David Aldridge for tackling a much more challenging prospect: identifying the top 12 players in each franchise’s history. The idea came courtesy of one of Aldridge’s readers, who asked him to rattle off the best 15-man roster for each NBA team. The long-time scribe responded with lists of 12 to better accomodate franchises that have been around too short a time to sufficiently flesh out 15-man teams.
His list for the Suns went as follows: Dick Van Arsdale, Connie Hawkins, Neal Walk, Alvan Adams, Paul Westphal, Walter Davis, Kevin Johnson, Tom Chambers, Dan Majerle, Shawn Marion, Steve Nash, Amar’e Stoudemire.
Now before the enraged bellows of “Where’s Barkley??!!” ensue, you should know that Aldridge self-imposed a “one team per guy” rule. That means Sir Charles is stuck with Philadelphia in this exercise.
Here are some other candidates that, for various reasons, didn’t make the list:
Charlie Scott: The former ABA superstar did more than his fair share of damage in a Suns uniform (three seasons, three All-Star appearances, 24.8 ppg, 5.3 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.7 spg), but didn’t find himself on Phoenix’s — or anyone’s — list. He wore a Suns jersey longer than any other team’s, but either 1) got lost in the shuffle or 2) Phoenix’s record with Scott (104-148) was a factor in his process of elimination.
Larry Nance: Though he played the first half of his career and won the first-ever NBA Slam Dunk Contest in a Suns uniform, Nance was placed Cleveland’s all-time 12 over Phoenix. It’s a shame and a head-scratcher, because Nance’s best season averages in scoring (three), rebounding (two), steals (four) and shooting (four) took place in the Desert.
Jeff Hornacek: Much like Nance, Hornacek’s best years occurred in the first half of his career in a Suns uniform. In order to properly flesh out Utah’s roster, however, the former sharpshooter was placed on the Jazz’s list. The argument for that: two NBA Finals appearance and his jersey hanging in the rafters of Vivint Smart Home Arena. The argument against it: his lone All-Star appearance, best numbers and a major part in a symbolic franchise turnaround all occurring in Phoenix.
