The game of basketball is a game of rhythm. At its best, it has a flow and grace to it much like music does.
The Phoenix Suns, since 2004, have played the game of basketball like a symphony with Mike D'Antonio and Alvin Gentry as the composers and Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire as the accomplished musicians.
This year, the composer may be the same, but they've re-arranged the orchestra.
The question is, what song will best represent the 2010-11 incarnation of the Phoenix Suns?
When putting the question out on Twitter, fans had some very interesting suggestions. Songs like, "How's it Gonna Be?" by Third Eye Blind, "Down Together" by The Refreshments, "Daddy Wasn't There" from Austin Powers and the obligatory "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.
While they were all good suggestions, they didn't quite capture what I think the 2010-11 NBA schedule has in store for the Suns.
The only song that seems to do this year's team justice is "The Same Old Song" by the Four Tops.
If you're not familiar with the song -- you probably haven't ever listened to an oldies station -- here's a little taste of the lyrics:
It's the same old song
But with a different meaning
Since you been gone
It's the same old song
But with a different meaning
Since you been gone
Precious memories keep a lingering on
Everytime I hear our favorite song
Now you're gone
Left this emptiness
I only reminisce
The Suns may be playing the same style of basketball, but without Amare Stoudemire, the meaning will be much different.
Gone are the days of competing for a title and back are the days of 45-to-55 wins and an early playoff exit (if they're lucky). There is an emptiness at power forward that Amare created when he left for New York (and sorry, there is no way a 6'10" shooting guard can fill it). Fans are just left to reminisce about what might have been and the championship runs that were cut short.
It's not an optimistic outlook, but then again, it's not a horrible one, either. The Suns will be the team they've been for most of their existence, good but not quite good enough. The ride will be fun, like most of the Suns' 42 seasons have been, but it will end in a tragic manner because it's the same old song just a little different meaning since Amare will be gone.