Gortat’s motive

Shannon Brown did not see this coming when he signed with the Suns.

Brown signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the thought that the opportunity to play would increase his value. Instead, Brown fell out of the rotation to make room for Michael Redd just as the Suns began playing better.

“It’s very frustrating sitting on the bench,” Brown said. “I’ve put my time in. I’ve earned my stripes. I’ve been through the fire. I know I can play this game. That’s the only thing keeping me positive. It’s not like I can’t do something. I can knock down big shots. I’ve done that. I won’t hate on nobody. I want to see the team successful. It’s just tough for me to sit on the bench, day in and day out, knowing I can help the team.”

Brown averaged a careerhigh 9.0 points per game in 22 games entering Monday night but was shooting 39 percent, his worst shooting since he played 21 games for two teams in 2007-08.

Brown has not been out of the rotation like this since December 2008, when he did not play in nine consecutive games for Charlotte.

Brown said coach Alvin Gentry has asked him to stay ready. Saturday night’s game at Sacramento was an example of how Gentry will reach outside his rotation.

When Steve Nash received four stitches to his cut lip, Ronnie Price finished the first half at point guard and wound up playing the second half’s backup minutes instead of Sebastian Telfair.

It has been a trying time for the Browns. Brown’s wife, singer Monica, was close to

Suns center Marcin Gortat is not saying that he does not believe he deserved to be an All-star. He is just saying he did not expect to be.

“I need a minimum of two years to be considered a true center who is dominating the game and putting up good