Start, Bench, Cut is a very popular game that is played among sports fans. It usually involves three players from different eras who played the same position. For example, you may see a post on social media that says, Start, Bench, Cut, Larry Fitzgerald, Cris Carter, or DeAndre Hopkins. Now who out of these three great wide receivers would be the starter, the one coming off of the bench, and the one who is cut off of the team. It is mean’t to be very difficult.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In this edition of start, bench, cut. The choices will be between point guards who have played for the Phoenix Suns. Start, bench, or cut, Jason Kidd, Kevin Johnson or Steve Nash. These are three great point guards who are judged in this scenario off of their time in Phoenix. Who would you start, bench, and cut?
Start: Steve Nash
Apr. 25, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash in the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Steve Nash may not be the best overall point guard of the three but he did have the most impact as a Phoenix Sun. Nash was the point guard of a golden era in the valley. The 2000’s Suns teams that he led will always have a special place in basketball fans’ hearts. Nash also won back to back most valuable player awards while with the Suns.
The team success along with his individual numbers make it very hard to start anyone over him. Nash in his second stint with the team averaged 16.15 points and 10.9 assists per game. Number 13 was also very efficient during this time as he shot 51% from the floor, 43% from three, and 91% from the free throw line. Shooting at least 50% from the floor, 40% from three, and 90% from the line is a very impressive feat in one season. To average those splits over eight years is down right incredible.
Bench: Kevin Johnson
Unknown Date 1994; Dallas, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Phoenix Sun Kevin Johnson (7), wait during a time-out against the Dallas Mavericks at Reunion Arena during the 1993-94 season. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Johnson had a very successful NBA career. Johnson played 12 seasons with the Suns and averaged 17.9 points and 9.5 assists per game. He also shot 49% from the floor. The Suns made the playoffs eleven out of the twelve years that Johnson wore the uniform.
This includes two trips to the western conference finals and one trip to the NBA Finals. Johnson’s team success and individual numbers put him in elite company and he cannot be cut.
Cut: Jason Kidd
May 8, 1999; Phoenix, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; DIGITAL — Suns guard Jason Kidd watched the game slip away late in the 4th quarter during game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden in Portland, 5/8/99. The Suns lost 95-85. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY NETWORK
Jason Kidd is one of the greatest point guards of all-time. Kidd’s greatest memories as a player came on other teams. He led the New Jersey Nets to back to back NBA Finals appearances. He won a championship with the Dallas Mavericks. Kidd has some great moments here in Phoenix but nothing like Nash and Johnson.
The Hall of Famer was a Sun for four plus seasons. During those years he averaged 14.4 points, 9.7 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game. Those stats weren’t enough as the team only made it out of the first round of the playoffs once during that time. When looking at his entire career, Kidd may be the best of the three but as a Sun he didn’t get it done.
Do you agree with this order of start, bench, cut?
