As we've learned recently, Phoenix Suns fans place much of the blame on the team's current struggles on management -- specifically, owner Robert Sarver, who purchased the team from long-time owner Jerry Colangelo in 2004.
In an open letter to Suns fans Monday, Sarver expressed empathy with fans who are frustrated with the team's lackluster season, and assured them that the Suns will rise again, just as they did after he initially took over the team.
"The journey back to the top certainly won’t be easy. It will come with its victorious moments and its frustrating ones. But it will come, just as it did shortly after I acquired the team, where we rebuilt from a 29-win season in 2003/04," he wrote.
"Please know, that above all else, you have my word that we will do things the right way, and you and your family will be proud to be Suns fans."
The Suns beat the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday to snap a 13-game losing streak. They currently have a 15-44 record, the third-worst record in the NBA.
"Many of you are disappointed in that lack of success, and for good reason," Sarver wrote. "I can assure you that no one is more disappointed than I am, nor does anyone accept more of the blame.
"It's important you know that we will not rest until we are competing at the highest level once again."
In the last month, the Suns have made significant moves, including firing third-year coach Jeff Hornacek and trading embattled forward Markieff Morris.
Some fans believe the Suns should also look for another general manager. But in his letter, Sarver backed current Suns GM Ryan McDonough, who was hired n 2013.
"Our basketball decisions rest with Ryan McDonough, who I have full confidence in," he wrote. "Not every decision will be the right one, but he will continue to build our team around the young, talented players acquired through the draft and opportunistically in free agency. The best team in the NBA right now (the Golden State Warriors) is a perfect example of that model."
