Lovable Loser No More: Richardson Finally Enjoying Playoff Success

Filed under: Suns, Trail Blazers, Playoffs

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Long before Rip City would turn on its resident squad and Phoenix would so authoritatively take the lead in this first round series, Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry was asked about the excitable Portland home crowd his team was about to face.



He praised their fervor. He acknowledged their reputation. But, in the end, he would not give them the unofficial title of best NBA city.



"I think Golden State is the best, to be honest," Gentry said.



Everyone shrugged. The topic was interesting, to be sure, but irrelevant considering the postseason context. Jason Richardson could relate.



For the first six seasons of his career, that was him as a player.



He put up big numbers on bad Warriors teams, earning the loyalty and favor of the Bay Area crowd while being well aware that true league-wide respect would never come while being part of a losing program. That existence, it's safe to say, is no more.

 

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/04/23/lovable-loser-no-more-richardson-finally-enjoying-playoff-succe/