PHOENIX SUNS

Shawn Marion says Phoenix will always have a special place in his heart

Jun 5, 2014, 12:23 AM | Updated: 12:23 am

LISTEN: Shawn Marion, Former Suns Forward

The Phoenix Suns selected Shawn Marion out of UNLV in the first round of the 1999 NBA Draft.

Marion spent 8.5 years with the Suns, represented them in four All-Star games and ranks in the franchise’s top five in field goals, three-pointers, rebounds, steals, blocked shots and points.

However, Marion has only one championship ring, which he earned as part of the 2011 Dallas Mavericks that knocked off LeBron James and the Miami Heat in six games.

Entering free agency for the first time since 2009, Marion joined Burns and Gambo Wednesday on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM and said he doesn’t necessarily plan on retiring as a Maverick.

“That’s not what I said, I didn’t say that,” Marion stated. “I said that I didn’t know where I was going to retire (in the league), because I can’t dictate what’s going to happen this summer, I can’t control anything.

“If it happens, it happens, but what I said was I was going to retire (after the playing days are over) in the Dallas community.”

Marion, 36, appears to have some fuel left in the tank after averaging 10.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 76 starts for the Mavericks last season.

“I want to play a couple more years,” he said, adding that his preference is to re-sign with Dallas, but he’s open to other locales. “My ultimate goal is to win another championship, so it’s wherever I feel is the best chance to win another championship.”

Regardless of where he lands, the Valley will always be special in Marion’s heart.

“I definitely love Phoenix, I have a place there and I’ve got a lot of friends there still,” he said. “I watched the city grow. I was a part of the city when it was growing and maturing. It was a great run.”

Phoenix Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

8 hours ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

12 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

16 hours ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: How the Suns lost to the Spurs before they stepped on the court

Burns & Gambo react to the Phoenix Suns stunning loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and try to figure out why it happened.

2 days ago

Shawn Marion says Phoenix will always have a special place in his heart