Since Sarver took control of the franchise in July of 2004, the Suns have posted a .658 winning percentage (348-181), played in three conference finals and have made the playoffs in five of the six seasons. It's tough to claim an owner doesn't want to win with results like that.
The argument that he's cheap is a tough sell when you realize every season prior to this one the Suns have paid the luxury tax. That, and their payroll has traditionally been in the top half of the NBA the last seven years.
Ruined the franchise? That claim is also a stretch. Refer to the winning percentage and conference finals above and then go ask a Clippers, Timberwolves, Bobcat or even a Knicks fan if they'd be happy to trade their last seven seasons for the Suns' seasons. Most of those teams' fans would trade those seven seasons, their team owner and their first born for what Phoenix has seen.
That isn't to say things are perfect for the Suns. Sarver has had his fair share of issues including trading draft picks, firing coaches, and changing front office personnel. But is it really enough to foster the disdain, hatred and contempt that fans seem to have for him?
The answer is no, but I have a theory as to why he's fallen so far out of favor with Suns' fans. I like to call it the Ted McGinley Conundrum.
