Bob Young of the Arizona republic reports that Penny Hardaway has a new attitude this season. After a summer of soul-searching, he's at peace with the player he still can be. And he no longer wants to be traded out of Phoenix.

Hardaway claims he doesn?t care whether he starts or backs up shooting guard Joe Johnson and will accept whatever role is bestowed upon him. "It was a big deal last year," he said. "This year, I just want to win games. . . . I want to win for the Suns. It doesn't matter if I start or not. Of course, I would love to start, but if it doesn't happen, that's fine."

After 2 injury-riddles seasons, Hardaway hasn?t had much to be thankful for. When the Suns missed the playoffs last season for the first time in 13 years, he felt like much of the blame was placed on himself. "It was a bad season for the team," he said. "But it seemed like I got the entire focus of the blame. It made it seem like, 'OK, if you get Penny Hardaway out of the lineup, you'll win.' "

Last season?s disappointment led to a coaching change with Frank Johnson taking over for Scott Skiles. The Suns are in rebuilding mode which could leave veterans like Hardaway and Tom Gugliotta out in the cold. Johnson met with Hardaway earlier this summer to discuss his role in the coming season. Hardaway will have the chance to compete with Joe Johnson for the starting role.

"The biggest thing it comes down to for me is that I was trying to impress everybody else and let them know I can still play, and make them think that I deserve to be here," Hardaway said. "And it has backfired. . . . "I've done a lot in this league, no matter what anybody says. I just had an unlucky break and got hurt. "I did some soul-searching, and I know where I am as a person and a player. I'm just going to have fun."