Thank you, Valley Tales readers

I’ll be spending the next few months assisting the Suns with internal storytelling and media outreach in a communications consultant-type role.

I won’t bury the lede: This is the final edition of Valley Tales. 

And I won’t hide why: I’ll be spending the next few months assisting the Suns with internal storytelling and media outreach in a communications consultant-type role. 

It’s a unique opportunity for me to view things from the other side of the table, and to offer my perspective gained from more than a decade as a reporter. It’s also an exciting time for the organization, thanks to the momentum of an 8-0 bubble run, newfound stability at the top with coach Monty Williams and general manager James Jones and ongoing construction of the arena and practice facility.

But now, continuing Valley Tales is obviously a massive conflict of interest. 

The site will remain up, with all stories unlocked and archived. If you have signed up for a year-long subscription — or even if you recently had a $5 monthly charge pop — you can email support@substack.com to receive a prorated refund. 

Please, please, please do this. I do not want to take your money for a product on which I did not fully deliver. 

I could never adequately express how thankful I am for all your continued support as I launched this little newsletter and website. During a chaotic 2020, you gave me permission to continue doing what I love and finish the unprecedented 2019-20 Suns season (and beyond!) on my own terms. 

I loved digging into Cam Payne’s backstory as he revived his NBA career, and shadowing the Fox Sports Arizona television crew while producing bubble games remotely. I loved letting Cam Johnson finish his rookie-season diary here, and getting in-depth breakdowns from draft prospects’ former coaches. I loved interacting with you via virtual watch game-watching parties, a quintessential 2020 activity. 

When it's safe to gather again, I hope to thank many of you in person. 

Until then, be well. 

Gina