Valley of the Suns
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Ranking Phoenix Suns players to wear 3 before Trevor Ariza

Khaleel Abdullah|
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 15: Stephon Marbury #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Damon Stoudamire #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers laugh on the court during the game at The Rose Garden on April 15, 2003 in Portland, Oregon. The Trail Blazers won 120-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 15: Stephon Marbury #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Damon Stoudamire #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers laugh on the court during the game at The Rose Garden on April 15, 2003 in Portland, Oregon. The Trail Blazers won 120-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 15: Stephon Marbury #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Damon Stoudamire #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers laugh on the court during the game at The Rose Garden on April 15, 2003 in Portland, Oregon. The Trail Blazers won 120-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 15: Stephon Marbury #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Damon Stoudamire #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers laugh on the court during the game at The Rose Garden on April 15, 2003 in Portland, Oregon. The Trail Blazers won 120-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

#2: Stephon Marbury (6-2, 205 pounds, 2001-04)

Marbury was acquired as the primary piece in the trade that shipped the embattled Jason Kidd to New Jersey.

‘Starbury’ made an All-Star appearance while a Sun and was named to the All-NBA 3rd team, each in 2002-03.

As part of a trio that included Rookie of the Year Amar’e Stoudemire and All-Star Shawn Marion, Marbury made basketball fun again in Phoenix before being sent to New York. Steph averaged 21.3 points, 8.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 39.8 minutes per game while in the Valley.

#1: Boris Diaw (6-8, 250 pounds, 2005-08)

Diaw was brought to the Suns along with two first round picks after Joe Johnson demanded out of the shadow of his big-three teammates, demanding a max sign-and-trade to the Atlanta Hawks.

Phoenix grew to love “3D,” as he was dubbed for filling up the stat sheet, posting near triple-double statistics nearly every night, and for being an al- around player that could play any position on the court.

He was a crucial piece, along with Steve Nash, Marion, and Stoudemire, in the epic playoff battles at the time.

In 258 regulation games in the Valley, he made 52% of his shots and averaged 10.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists. In the postseason he was even better, averaging 14.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game.

Those are the former Phoenix Suns to wear the number 3. Trevor Ariza will be in good company when he suits up this season. As hard as it will be to do, hopefully he can climb to the upper portion of the list.

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