Eric SorensonShawn Marion is ready to party like it’s 1999.
Hard to believe a skinny, lanky small forward from UNLV via junior college Vincennes University is still doing his thing in the NBA some 17 years later. He was selected ninth overall in the ’99 draft.
Many consider Shawn Marion one the Phoenix Suns best draft picks in the last 30 years. “The Matrix” lasted nearly nine seasons here in the desert before the “bad marriage” as he put it eventually came to end with a mid-season trade to the Miami Heat.
After winning an NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, Marion is hoping to add another after joining LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and the crew this summer in Cleveland.
With his career winding to a close many wonder if Marion will eventually land in the Suns Ring of Honor after he hangs up the hi-tops once and for all.
“That’s not up for me to decide,” Marion told Sports360AZ.com after the Cavs’ practice Monday afternoon at GCU. “I had a great career here. It’s sad to see [my career] coming to an end.”
He continued self-reflecting flashing his classic smile.
“Sooner or later we all have to retire.”
Whenever Marion does decide to call it quits he’ll look back on a long and extremely productive pro career. His totals are close to 16 points and nine rebounds a game. That funky release still boasts a near 50% field goal clip and over 80% at the line.
Marion, who has been slowed by a strained left hip flexor, is hopeful to play when the struggling Cavs take on the Suns Tuesday night at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Regardless, Phoenix will always hold a special place in his heart.
“It started here for me,” he explained to Sports360AZ.com. “I saw the city grow. They watched me grow. I love it out here.”
“Trix” has made 22 starts this season for first-year head coach David Blatt averaging just under six points and four rebounds.
