Phoenix Suns Handed Another Outdoor Game
It was announced today that for the third consecutive preseason, the Phoenix Suns will host an outdoor preseason game on October 9 of this year.
While a nice idea, there are still flaws about the NBA's process with this event, which serves to demonstrate the areas in which the National Hockey League could teach them a few things.
I realize that they are trying to follow in the massive success the NHL has had with its own outdoor games. However they have yet to host the game anywhere but Phoenix - I know it's October, but it's warm in other cities at that time, too. Couldn't Jerry Jones host this one?
Also, they're playing an outdoor game, but it's a meaningless exhibition during the preseason, one that carries no bearing on the standings. At that rate, you might as well let them face the And-1 squad.
Most importantly, though, these two teams might not be as good in October as they are now. Dirk Nowitzki and Amare Stoudamire both have early termination options in their contract that take effect this summer, and either one could wind up changing teams.
There's also the smaller but equally important matter of free agents like Brendan Haywood and Channing Frye, as a departure of either could alter the makeup of their team enough to make for an awkwardly lopsided game.
Phoenix has lost the first two of these games, and may again be on the wrong end of the score this fall, but without a little more creativity and effort by the league - and some monetary expenditures by Dallas and Phoenix - does it even matter?
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