Trade talk is so intense about Amare Stoudemire ("Stat") in Phoenix right now that it is overshadowing the All Star Game, which is taking place in our fair city this weekend. I have found that whenever a player in any sport starts begins to use phrases that they are "happy," "looking forward to another year," etc., that means someone is out shopping. The player, their agent, the team, whatever, someone has the cart on the street and they're looking for the best deal. So despite all the All Star hoopla this weekend, this news has cast a definitive pall over the Slam Dunk Competition, and the All Star Game itself. Every time a reporter sticks a mike into someone's face who is connected with the Suns (or the game itself), the subject invariably comes up.

Late last night, rumors began to run amuck that Coach Terry Porter is on his way OUT. Let me be the first to hold the door. And I wish I could do the same for the owner, Robert Sarver. I long for the former owner, Jerry Colangelo, and I wasn't a huge fan of his, but the man had the know-how of the game. He was an excellent businessman and he UNDERSTOOD basketball from the court to the front office. Sarver is one of those young team owners who is a little too sure of himself. Mark Cuban comes to mind. They darn near sit on the bench with the players and make fools out of themselves, disrespect the game and in the meantime, lose game after game and some of the best players we've ever had: Joe Johnson, Shawn Marion, Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, etc.

But not the fans. Phoenix Suns fans are different. We may turn away in disgust from time to time, but we have seen this team through some very difficult times. It's hard to believe that in the course of few short years, we went from being a team to be reckoned with to being one which causes many to scratch their heads and say, "WTF??!!" But there is hope. I just pray that someone comes to their senses and makes the right moves for a change!

Just as the Phoenix bird rose from the ashes, we fans too, believe that the Suns shall rise again!