Steve Kerr: Tough Choices

Steve Kerr is the President of Basketball Operations for the Phoenix Suns. He has had the job since June 2007 but he has made a major move that many people see as a gamble. Steve Kerr and the Phoenix Suns traded Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks for Shaquille O’Neal.

Steve Kerr will be criticized thoroughly if this trade does not improve the Suns playoff performance. In previous years, the Suns had problems reaching the NBA finals. This trade supposedly will address some of the issues that the Suns have had in post season play, where defenses are more intense and where the half court game is more important. Nevertheless, Steve Kerr has been the recipient of criticism for changing the Suns’ running style and trading for Shaquille O’Neal in his sunset days as a player.

If Steve Kerr had not made any changes and the Suns faltered again in the playoffs, he would have been criticized for not making any trades. The Suns have had playoff disappointments in previous years and this would be repeating past history.

Steve Kerr has the unenviable job of facing harsh criticism no matter what he does. The limiting factor is that Suns players like Steve Nash and Grant Hill will have only a few more years of being able to play at this high level. It is a small window of opportunity to maximize this Suns talent pool and try for a championship. And reaching the championship level is possibly the only saving grace for Steve Kerr. If the Phoenix Suns play in the NBA championship, Steve Kerr will be hailed for his boldness, brilliance and creativity. If the Phoenix Suns falter in the coming months, Steve Kerr may be looking for employment opportunities requiring previous managerial experience. Steve Kerr’s executive future depends on the Phoenix Suns winning - and winning now.

Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
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[tag]nba, phoenix suns, management, trades, steve kerr, post season play, championship[/tag]