On Super Bowl weekend, it’s only fitting we talk a little NFL. Yes, a hoopster like me still keeps an eye on the NFL! I heard recently that the Colts and Saints have entered negotiations with Manning and Brees to tear up their old contracts, and to ink more lucrative deals for the franchise QBs. Im not sure about Manning, but Brees is under contract to play several more years under his current deal. But the Saints wanted to make sure Brees’ play didn’t go under-appreciated. The Saits pointed out that Brees is the 17th highest paid QB in the NFL, but playing like a top QB.
My initial thought on this was good! A Franchise ought to take care of its franchise player when the player is clearly outperforming his contract. Then I thought a little and wondered why some franchises handle these matters seemlessly, while others botch matters up allowing their star to continue to outperform his contract, while becoming disruntled in doing so. Some franchises even go the exra mile by denegrating their star publicly in the media constantly letting everyone know the star is expendable
Enter the Arizona Cardinals. They’ve been unwilling to re-negotiate their deal with Anquan Bolden for several years. It didn’t matter to Cards that Bolden outperformed his contract. Nor did it matter to the Cards that Bolden is the heart and soul and the team. Niether did it matter that Bolden has been the most productive WR in the NFL over the last 7 or 8 years. Rather than taking Bolden the way of Brees and Manning, the Cardinals have chosen to castigate him allowing him to become disgruntled. Now the media has jumped on to cast Bolden as a malcontent whom the Cards could do without.
Now turn back to the NBA. The Suns have clearly taken a page out the Cards’ playbook. The Suns are on a campaign to run Amare’ Stoudimire out of town . And yes, the’ve clearly enlisted the help of the media to do so. Lately I’ve even heard fans say … “I can’t wait to seem him (Amare’) out of here.” But wait a minute! Did these people forget that Amare’ is a proven scoring machine, a solid rebounder at 8 per game for his career, amongst the highest field goal percentage shooters, and can get to the free throw line at will? So what’s not to like about Amare’ … his defense? Get real. As long as Steve Nash is playing for the Suns, don’t talk to me about defense.
So why are the Suns so critcal of their All-Star? It’s about the money. The Suns don’t want to pay Amare’ the 17 million he’s due next year. So they say he’s not worth it and they point out all the supposed flaws in his game. When the general public hears this, they immediately concur without second thought. Then Amare’ becomes the reason the Suns can’t get over the hump. Then all the public pontification starts about what’s missing in Amare’s game, etc.
But I’ve got news for Suns fans…there’s something missing in the games of all but 2 or 3 of the top NBA stars. Amare’s no different. But with respect to fair compensation, the issue is not what’s missing in Amare’s game. The issue is what other players are being paid by this franchise and around the league. For instance, the Suns paid Shaquille O’neal 20 million last year. They are paying Jason Richardson 12 million this year. Based on these figures, you still think Armare’ isn’t worth 17 million? Plus Amare’ has been nothing short of a warrior for this franchise coming back from 2 career threatening injuries, all-the-while maintaining his All-Star level of play. I wish the Suns would stop castrating the guy’s game , and start looking at the market they’ve helped to create.
No team can afford to get rid of its best player and remain viable (ask Don Nelson). Plus, All-Star caliber “bigs” are just not that easy to come by. And when it comes to Amare’, you can’t find 10 better players in the league. So Suns, how about making your star feel appreciated. Give the man what the market bears.
Or in the alternative, ship Amare’ to Cleveland, Atlanta, Boston, Denver, San Antonio, or Portland. I know what you are thinking, HELL NO! Not to a western conference foe. But hey…if you truly feel he’s not that good a player, what difference would it make?