The Phoenix Suns are cringe-worthy these days, after losing the first two games on a four-game road trip at a time when they desperately need to win to squeak into the Western Conference playoffs.
(We're praying for a miracle tonight against the Tracy McGrady-less Rockets in Houston, before they meet the Manu Ginobli-less San Antonio Spurs Sunday afternoon.)
So the bad news about Amar'e Stoudemire's eye was just another reason to cringe. Though it looked painfully evident that the defense-challenged power forward wouldn't return this year, we still held out hope that he might come back in the playoffs with a new eye and a new attitude.
Now not only does it appear that the Suns will be on the outside looking in when the post-season arrives, Stoudemire will definitely be staring at his right eyelid behind a bandage. His doctor won't even let him attend Suns games because any contact could re-detach his retina.
And the doc says there's no way Stoudemire could come back from this serious injury any sooner than the beginning of next season.
So now's the time to wonder aloud: shouldn't the Suns have gotten rid of Stoudemire when they had the freakin' chance? He's never meshed in the Phoenix lockeroom, and his "focus" has always been a problem. We've always wondered, is this a nice way of saying he's stupid? Or does it mean he won't be coached?
Let us know what you think. Are Suns GM Seve Kerr and owner Robert Sarver a couple of dumbasses themselves for not getting off the STAT train? (It's more the STAB train these days: Standing Tall and Blind).
Just before the trade deadline ended February 19, several teams were interested in Amar'e. Now there's speculation that the detached retina, which was repaired in an operation two weeks ago, is more debilitating than the knee injuries he's suffered and could be career-threatening.
Stoudemire's definitely had his moments as a Phoenix Sun. Averageing 21 points and 8 rebounds this season, he's capable of amazing offensive feats -- he's had 13 games of scoring 40 points or more.
He was expected to seek a maximum contract during the off-season when he becomes a free agent -- that is, he wanted a big raise from the annual $16.3 million the Suns are currently paying him. There was big speculation that though the Suns let the trading deadline pass with Stoudemire still on the roster, they would deal him in the off-season rather than pay him like a league superstar (which he hasn't become in six seasons, two of them injury-plagued).
The Suns can kiss that idea goodby. Now, with the serious eye injury, who'll want to take a chance on Stoudemire (he lacks focus in more ways than one these days)? Kerr and Sarver are stuck with him, so we hope that both his eye and his attitude come around by next season.
