PHOENIX– The Matrix is back. That is, if it was only for the night. Shawn Marion and many of his fellow Phoenix Suns teammates and alumni were honored before the team’s home opener against the Golden State Warriors.
The last major event here was his Ring of Honor induction back in 2023. During that time, Marion has explained why his Hall of Fame case was taking longer than expected. He cited the ‘politics’ of the league keeping him out.
Nonetheless, the friendly smile walked his way over to a pool of reporters. His animated personality, transparency, and sheer honesty gave reporters six minutes of great stories and perspective.
Going back to the transparency part, he was quite succinct about being patient throughout his potential Hall of Fame nod.
“I have nothing to do with it,” he explained before Saturday’s game. “Everything I've done is signed, sealed, and delivered. They say men lie, women lie. Numbers don't, though, right?”
Shawn Marion’s time with the Suns won’t be forgotten
During his tenure with Phoenix, he was a walking double-double but was a defensive anchor. Even with his 6’7 stature, he was a small-ball four and guarded some of the premier power forwards.
Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and Rasheed Wallace are a few of those examples.
The spry legs of Marion proved to be effective. He was like a pogo stick blocking shots, but his perimeter defense was just as good, if not better.
He consistently averaged over 1.5 steals per game. But steals aren’t truly a good indicator of whether someone is a quality defender or not. Also, the Suns at that time were a team known for their high-flying and high-octane offense thanks to head coach Mike D’Antoni.
Obviously, those teams were ahead of their time, but Marion feels his career would turn out the same, if not better, than his 16-year NBA run.
“I think I can play in every era personally,” he explained. “But definitely, this would be a lot more tailored to me because of how fast it is and me being able to go out one through five. I mean, I was able to do a ton with real power forwards and real centers, not now.
“I'm not saying it's not physical, but they don't post up. Everything is now a face guard, which was catered to me easily then. I probably have way more steals now, way more steals, way more blocks, way more rebounds.”
Article Continues BelowI asked Shawn Marion if he feels his career would be any different if he were to play in the current iteration of the NBA.
"I think I can play in every era personally. But definitely, this would be a lot more tailored to me because of how fast it is and me being able to go out… pic.twitter.com/BNUkDmlLBS
— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) October 25, 2026
Shawn Marion remains grateful to be honored in Phoenix
Before he arrived in the Valley of the Sun, there were a slew of great players. Charles Barkley, Kevin Johnson, and Alvin Adams were only some of the greatest in franchise history.
During his three-and-a-half seasons, Marion played alongside fellow Ring of Honor member Steve Nash. Those years, coincidentally, were the most productive seasons of his career. Despite playing with a Hall of Fame point guard, The Matrix had a pivotal role in the success of those teams.
Throughout his time in The Valley, the franchise always paid homage to the greats. Now, in his retirement, it’s come full circle as someone who’s viewed as a Phoenix Suns alumni.
“I think it's history. To have history around at any given moment is truly special,” Marion said. “I think I pay homage to all the guys who paved the way for me. I've seen all the legends last night.
“I just truly, truly appreciate it of them and of the things that they sacrificed for me to be able to stand here and talk to you guys right now. Of course, I played my part in it, but they paved the way for me, and I'm truly appreciative.”