It’s unfortunate, but there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight for the NBA lockout. And there’s only so much we can write about in the interim..
As such, we’ve decided to take a little break. Rest assured, we’ll be back once the lockout is settled. But until then, we’re going to focus on the Cardinals.. 
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The fan polls are closed and the judges have made their final decisions. After two months of prep classes and two days of auditions, which saw more than 150 hopeful contestants try out, Suns.com is proud to reveal the 2011-12 Suns Dancers!
Click here to watch the reveal video showing all the winners
We went through the numerous audition pictures posted on Suns.com, and picked our favorites, which you can see below:
Please note that all photos were taken by Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images.
“The Polish Hammer” Working Out With “The Dream“
The Suns are serious about their big guys becoming better.
According to Paul Coro from AZCentral.com:
Gentry said Marcin Gortat and Garret Siler worked out with Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon for three to three and a half hours per day in Houston over five days. The Suns paid for the workouts, again slipping it in before the lockout hits.
“They feel like it was one of the best things that ever happened to them in basketball,” Gentry said.
Marcin Gortat is quietly progressing as one of the top centers in the Association. His will to work and improve his game is encouraging.
Traveling A Different Route In Philosophy?
My thoughts on Markieff Morris: Markieff is a traditional-sized power forward who will also play outside. He can extend due to the range on his jumper. Has really developed his skill set. Robin Lopez could be on the move after this pick. The polished Kansas product is a part of a change for a Suns team looking to get bigger and stronger inside.
NBADraft.net comparison: Drew Gooden
Strengths: Markieff Morris has improved his value as an NBA prospect with each year while playing at Kansas … Morris is a strong, muscular 6’10 with an NBA body at 21 years old … He does an excellent job at finishing around the rim, using long and effective drop steps for better positioning when dealing in the paint … Shows nice touch on his short, over the shoulder baby hook shot … He’s become extremely efficient from the perimeter, shooting 42% from downtown and looking fluent and comfortable in spot up opportunities … Averaged a block and 8.3 rebounds in just 24 minutes of play, illustrating his high activity level and aggressive nature on the interior … Defensively he plays with focus and passion, using his strength to force tough shots in the post … Both he and his twin Marcus exhibit an aggressive “bullying” demeanor.
Gortat Is Untouchable
I guess Steve Nash was close to becoming Ricky Rubio’s mentor.
The Phoenix Suns’ general posture has been to rebuff trade inquiries for star guard Steve Nash, but the Suns have had discussions this month with the Minnesota Timberwolves about a deal to send Nash to Minnesota in a package for the No. 2 overall pick in Thursday’s draft, according to sources briefed on the talks.
This shows the team is quite high on Aaron Brooks, or Derrick Williams.
However, the rumors were shot down quickly by the Suns President of Basketball Operations.
“We are not trading Marcin Gortat. Period. End of sentence,” Lou Babby said Wednesday morning. “We are not trading Steve Nash. Period. Exclamation point.”
Why would you trade Gortat if you were the Suns? He averaged 15.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game during the final month of the season in Phoenix. Honestly, as untouchable as Nash is, his promising center has to be right there with him.
Don’t Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out, Vince
The Suns have their eyes set on buying out guard Vince Carter, according to Arizona Republic’s Paul Coro.
“Vinsanity” averaged 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game this past season.
The North Carolina product inked a four-year, $61.8 million deal in 2007. He’s in the final year of the contract, which will issue him $18.3 million next season. If it happens, he would be bought out for $4 million.
The Lefty Power Forward Draws Comparisons To Tyrus Thomas
# 13 Phoenix Suns, GM Michael Schwartz (Valley of the Suns, ESPN TrueHoop) – Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
The Phoenix Suns crave the size and athleticism that Thompson will bring us. He will immeidately infuse the team with a defensive and rebounding presence it sorely lacked last season outside of Marcin Gortat, and now that duo will combine to make the Suns respectable in the paint. With Channing Frye providing a change of pace with his big man shooting range, I really like the way our new frontcourt matches up. Thompson will bring energy, athleticism and rebounding right away, and if he ever develops a more consistent offensive game we will have quite the steal at the bottom of the lottery.
Quick Thoughts: Thompson falling to 13 is a steal for the Suns. The 6-foot-9, 230-pound Longhorn will provide a strong defensive presence to the club. Shows good post-awareness and is an above-average shot blocker. Work ethic is a plus. Frontcourt is no longer a weak area, rather a position of strength in the Valley of the Sun. Solid selection for a team looking to surround Nash with athletes that have superb length.
Solid Role Player With Ability From Beyond The Arc
Understanding he probably wouldn’t receive a better deal via free agency, Suns forward Mickael Pietrus, picked up his $5.3 million option for the 2011-12 campaign.
As an expiring contract, he becomes a movable piece if the Suns want to make a trade on draft night (June 23).
“I’d be surprised if Lon (Babby, Suns’ president of basketball operations) doesn’t make a couple deals on draft day or later,” Pietrus’ agent Bill McCandless told The Arizona Republic. “If you have a surplus in one position and a need in another, guess what?
Here’s what AZCentral.com had to offer:
Pietrus waited to decide on the option until Monday afternoon but he is no fool. McCandless said Pietrus will opt in. That does not necessarily mean that he will remain a Sun for the final year of his contract, given Phoenix’s overabundance of wing players. … McCandless met with Pietrus today in Orlando to make the decision on the option, which seemingly was an easy one considering it would be hard for Pietrus to command a $5.3 million salary as a free agent regardless but especially with a more restrictive CBA coming.
The 28-year-old defensive specialist, played in 38 games for the Suns; averaging 7.4 points and 2.2 rebounds.
August 26th, 2011 
CJ 
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