Phoenix Suns – Page 3 – From Way Downtown

The NBA’s Five Toughest Arenas, 1975

Despite the inexorable march of progress, some places in the league are still tougher to play in than others.

Connie Hawkins: No Harm, No Foul, 1970

One thing Connie Hawkins will do for Phoenix is solidify the franchise overnight. No team can exist for long in the NBA today without a superstar, and Connie Hawkins fills the gap at Phoenix.

Arizona is Full of Convalescents, But Not Many Look as Healthy as John Shumate, 1976

It had been more than half a year since the Notre Dame strongman, the Suns’ No. 1 draft choice, had done any exercise more strenuous than walking his dog.

Paul Silas: Shrewdness in Seattle, 1980

“In order to stay in this league for any length of time, you’ve got to be excellent at something,” Silas said. “Rebounding was my specialty, and I just worked at it.”

Dennis Johnson: Committed, 1985

Dennis Johnson has matured through the seasons. His emotions now do not erupt at coaches, they are channeled into his superlative all-around game.

Has Gail Goodrich Grown Up? 1974

He’s all grown up now, a good guy and a grand player and not about to let the bumps in the road bother him.

Alvan Adams: The Game I’ll Never Forget, 1982

“It’s all like a dream,” said the Oklahoma Kid, rookie Alvan Adams. “I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and it won’t be real.

Lamar Green: I’ll Be There, 1970

Lamar Green remembered: “In came this little kid, and he had his fingers all taped up and his wrist taped. I wasn’t going to say anything, but the other kids started laughing at him, saying who did he think he was, the Hawk or somebody?”

Philadelphia 76ers: A Touch of Class, 1968

Pat Williams is a 28-year-old promotional whiz kid the 76ers stole out of the Philadelphia Phillies’ farm system.

John Shumate’s Roughest Opponent is Death, 1976

[When John Shumate played for the Phoenix Suns, fans chanted, “Shu . . . Shu . . . Shu . . . Shu,” But the chant lasted only briefly. Shumate’s rookie season was delayed for health reasons. Then, after Shumate made an impressive comeback during the 1975-76 season, the Suns brass dealt “Shu”Continue reading “John Shumate’s Roughest Opponent is Death, 1976”