What a year it was for the Phoenix Suns, and what a year for Quentin Richardson in 2004-2005.
I first watched a Phoenix Suns game during the 2004-2005 season, when the run-and-gun Suns really got going. I obviously wasn’t the only one hooked, as many NBA fans had to take notice when this ridiculously up-tempo team took the league by storm. Growing up in the Northwest, I didn’t catch many Suns games, but when they were playing the Seattle Sonics (RIP), I got to watch a full game. Needless to say, I was hooked.
From Nash pushing the ball up and down the floor, to watching Stoudemire and Marion throw down amazing dunks, it was can’t-miss action. But for some reason, there was another player on the floor that really caught my eye. Quentin Richardson.
And here’s another Q-ball!
Quinten Richardson made the Phoenix Suns even more fun than they already were.
Was there ever a bad shot? It seemed that he did actually believe in bad shots, which was any attempt in front of the 3-point line. He was ahead of his time. Surely, Quentin watches the new style of basketball where everyone on the floor has permission to shoot from long range. Coaches have no problem if you’re five feet behind the 3-point line. Richardson has almost certainly yelled at his tv, “Even Baynes gets to shoot 3s!”, as he throws his hands in the air.
During the 2003-2004 season while on the Clippers, Quentin Richardson had permission to shoot from deep, as he averaged 5.2 3s per game. But then he joined the Suns, rather than having permission to shoot, it was expected. Just shoot. When you get it, shoot it. D’Antoni’s insistence on it was music to his ears, and Q-Rich increased his 3PA from 5.2 to 8.0 per game. He was having the time of his life, as was I, eagerly waiting for him to fire away with complete confidence.
In the 2004-2005 season, Gilbert Arenas, Kyle Korver, and Ray Allen jacked up 562, 558, and 556 3s, respectively. Quentin laughed at their lack of confidence and put up 631 3s, 69 more than Arenas. He tied for the league lead in made 3s with Korver, one of the best shooters the NBA has ever seen.
When I think back to those fun, exciting Suns teams, it’s hard for me to believe that he was only in the mix for a year. Honestly, I’m just thankful that Richardson got the chance to play with the Suns. It was the perfect match. With Nash’s creativity and passing ability, and a coach that insisted on playing fast and shooting from long range, you have to believe Quentin never had a bad day at work. He was an integral part of the 2004-2005 Suns and played a key role in ushering in this new era of basketball.
While I eagerly await the Suns opportunity to take part in playoff basketball again, it’s fun to reminisce about the good ole days. Here’s to Q-Rich, and his part in turning me into a Suns fan (*taps head).