Well that was a fantastic season wasn’t it Sun’s fans? First, the team exceeded expectations simply by making it to the playoffs. Then to beat the Blazers and Spurs handily to advance to Western Conference finals; Sun’s fans couldn’t be happier right? If one were to take a step back and examine the overall season for the Suns, it has been fantastic. The Suns led the NBA in scoring during the regular season, Amar’e Stoudemire returned to form, Nash played brilliantly even at his advanced age and some young players have begun to develop. However, if one takes a forward looking glance, things are not bright for this team.

The Los Angeles Lakers showed that they can simply destroy the Suns in virtually ever facet of the game. The Suns, who were the best 3-point shooting team in the NBA during the regular season, only shot 5-22 from far way as the Lakers made 8-17 of their 3′s. The 128-107 obliteration of the Suns was unfortunately the beginning of the end for the Suns; at least in their current form. The Suns may win 1 or 2 games in this series when they shoot well, but last night clearly showed they don’t have a chance. Regardless of the horrible officiating that put Grant Hill on the bench in the 3rd quarter and allowed Kobe Bryant to go off for 21 points in the period, the Suns are over-matched.

A run to the finals may have been enough to prove to Amar’e that he could win a title here in Phoenix. However, after last night’s debacle it is evident in my mind that Amar’e Stoudemire will be playing elsewhere next season. The broadcasters on TNT last night were all praising Steve Kerr for this supposed great job he has done. Lest they forget that he failed to lock up his best player? Steve Nash and Grant Hill will both be a year older and a step slower next season. Dragic and Dudley will undoubtedly get more playing time, limiting Nash and Hill to 28-32 minutes a game next season. Channing Frye, also has a player option for about $2 million next season, which I don’t expect he will exercise as he will be looking more in the $4-6 million range next season. Did I mention we don’t have a 1st round pick in the upcoming 2010 NBA Draft? Oh that’s right, more evidence of Kerr’s genius stemming from the Kurt Thomas trade. Louis Amundson, a spark-plug off of the bench will be gone as well. (He only made $855K last season). In addition, we won’t be in the running for any of the major free-agent signings due to our lack of financial flexibility. Unless Earl Clark somehow turns into Kevin Durant the Suns are in big trouble. Envision this starting lineup: Nash, Richardson, Hill, Clark and Lopez.

Next season is going to be tough to stomach on Planet Orange. So sit back, relax and enjoy this series with the Lakers, this may be the last playoff series for some time to come.