Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

Latest Episodes:

The Mikal Bridges breakout + Twitter/Reddit mailbag with Kellan Olson Jul 30, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, Arizona Sports' Kellan Olson joins the show to go over all the latest Suns topics. From Mikal Bridges' ascension to Phoenix suddenly selling the NAZ Suns, all the bases are covered in this one.

First up, Mikal Bridges looks like a legit breakout candidate in the Orlando bubble. What did he show us through three scrimmage games, and what should be the expectations for him moving forward? Is Bridges making the decision on Kelly Oubre Jr. easier?

All of our listener questions via Twitter and r/Suns go under the microscope. Evan and Kellan analyze plenty of topics around Oubre, Ty Jerome, offseason scenarios, plus so much more!

You won't want to miss out on this jam-packed, nearly hour-long episode leading into Suns basketball finally returning!

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Suns vs. Celtics scrimmage thoughts with Zona Sports Jul 27, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, Evan is joined by Brandon (Zona Sports) to discuss the Suns' loss against Boston in their second Orlando bubble scrimmage.

Mikal Bridges continues to shine, previewing a huge leap soon. Also, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton handled themselves well once more.

Dario Saric was playing very well until he tweaked his ankle, again showing a better feel offensively. Is Saric in the Suns' plans next season?

Ricky Rubio returned from coronavirus and displayed why he's such a vital piece to their offense, as it relates to ball movement.

On the negative side, Ty Jerome and Frank Kaminsky were net-negatives. This is a huge offseason upcoming for Jerome to prove his worth to the front office.

All of this, plus so much more, as we go over Phoenix's scrimmage from all angles!

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Biggest takeaways from Suns vs. Jazz scrimmage Jul 24, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, Evan is joined by Gerald Bourguet of FanSided to analyze some Suns action! For the first time since early March, the Phoenix Suns were back in action against the Utah Jazz for the first of three Orlando bubble scrimmages.

In a Suns blowout victory, there were plenty of positives we broke down along with our biggest takeaways. From Mikal Bridges' aggressiveness to Deandre Ayton finally exploring his three-point range, plenty to parse through in this one.

All of the following players were put under the microscope: Bridges, Ayton, Devin Booker, Ty Jerome, Cameron Payne, Dario Saric, and Cameron Johnson. Also, head coach Monty Williams had this team very well prepared on both sides of the court against a scrappy Utah squad.

Our usual game recap formats will return once regular season action resumes next week, but, in the meantime, enjoy some live Suns basketball analysis for the first time in months!

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Why the Booker, Ayton, Rubio trio works so well with David Nash Jul 22, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, David Nash returns as Evan parses through his first newsletter piece. Mainly, Evan and David go over how the Suns' newfound trio of Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Ricky Rubio does so well together. Whether it be the eye test or advanced metrics, there's no doubting this 3-man lineup is the bread and butter for Phoenix's improvements.

Finally having stability at the point guard spot has led to Booker and Ayton seeing their own looks found in easier ways. It shows in Booker's career-high true shooting percentage plus the chemistry on lobs between Ayton and Rubio.

What have Ayton's improvements on the margins looked like? Setting screens goes under the radar, but Ayton has seen big growth there thanks to Aron Baynes.

If the Suns want to take the leap forward next year, this trio will need to be firing on all cylinders once more.

Closing out the show, Evan and David go over some pre-Orlando notes featuring Cam Johnson and Dario Saric.

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Lottery Mock Draft with Jackson Frank and Ben Pfeifer Jul 20, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, Evan is joined by draft gurus Jackson Frank and Ben Pfeifer as they do their first mock draft! With the draft lottery still a month away, this was fun experiment to find out where certain prospects land, especially for Phoenix.

After a simulation through Tankathon, where did certain teams land? A few surprise selections happened along the way, too.

For the Suns, this mock broke perfectly for them with three great options available for them. This will be a telling draft, if Phoenix keeps their pick, how GM James Jones operates.

This was a very informative deep dive on the 2020 NBA Draft class, so make sure to tune in as you learn more leading up to October!

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Talking Suns with Locked On Fantasy's Josh Lloyd Jul 18, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, Evan was a guest on the Locked On Fantasy show to talk all about the Phoenix Suns. A lot of ground covered in this 15-minute conversation related to player expectations down in the Orlando bubble.

How will Phoenix try to play spoiler to other squads, even with a less than 1% chance to make the play-in tournament? Will stars sit out eventually, or will they go for it all the way to the end for development purposes?

If Kelly Oubre Jr. doesn't play, what impact should we expect from Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson? Also, how will the backup guard spots look? Be prepared for more Point Book and a shorter rotation, at least early on.

All of this, plus so much more, as Josh and Evan chat all about the Suns!

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Crossover special with Locked On Grizzlies Jul 16, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, Mark King of Locked On Grizzlies joins Evan for our latest crossover previewing bubble action in Orlando.

For Memphis, what a surprising run it's been. Ja Morant's transition from rookie to star immediately has vaulted the Grizzlies into the No. 8 seed. Also, Jaren Jackson Jr. looks like the perfect compliment to Morant for an inside-out duo. We also hit on two former Suns: De'Anthony Melton and Josh Jackson.

How important are these games for Phoenix? Not only does it help their young core, but Devin Booker will take full advantage of this stage. Speaking of Booker, is there real worry among Suns fans he could leave eventually? Also, we touch on why Jackson didn't work out in Phoenix, and a lot of it has to do with the prospect refusing to adapt in the NBA.

All of this, plus so much more, in our newest bubble crossover!

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Crossover special with Locked On Kings Jul 15, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, our bubble crossover specials continue on as Locked On Kings' Matt George joins to analyze where both Sacramento and Phoenix have fared so far this season.

From the Kings' perspective, De'Aaron Fox looks like a future superstar but there's plenty of questions elsewhere. From Marvin Bagley III's health concerns and inconsistencies to Buddy Hield's drama, what does the future look like in Sacramento?

In Phoenix, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton are the certified pillars but the help from Monty Williams to this roster has been evident from Day 1. What do the Suns need to do in order to take the much-needed leap forward to playoff contention in 2020-21?

Also, Evan and Matt talk through the Luka Doncic angle. Would both teams have been better off if they didn't pass on Doncic? From the Suns' viewpoint, Ayton has calmed many of those doubters while Sacramento is still kicking themselves hard with Bagley III.

Finally, what are the expectations for both of these squads in the Orlando bubble?

All of this, plus so much more, in a jam-packed crossover special!

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Crossover special with Locked On Spurs Jul 14, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, our second of five bubble crossover specials as Jeff Garcia of Locked On Spurs joins Evan to break both teams down.

What's the future look like in San Antonio? For the first time in years, the playoffs are very unlikely for the Spurs. Does this mean DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge could be moved this offseason to fully reset around their new young core? What are the expectations for San Antonio down in the Orlando bubble?

From Phoenix's point of view, Evan explains why the Devin Booker rumors are ridiculous at this stage. The Suns are on the clock for the next 2-3 years to improve a lot, but no reason to fire up false claims on Booker.

Also, how has Monty Williams done this season as he helps lead Phoenix into a new era? In Orlando, the Suns have the chance to play spoiler. However, their playoff mentality has already begun.

This was another fun bubble crossover, Suns fans, so make sure to tune in as we prepare for basketball resuming soon!

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Crossover special with Locked On Pelicans Jul 13, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, our first of multiple bubble crossover specials. First up, Jake Madison of Locked On Pelicans joins as we analyze both New Orleans and Phoenix.

In the Bayou, there's high hopes for the Pelicans. From Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to David Griffin, all of the pieces are falling into place for NOLA to be a consistent playoff threat for years. What's the expectations for New Orleans in this Orlando bubble format?

Then, we move on into Suns talk as Jake peppers Evan with some questions. How has Monty Williams adjusted his style compared to his days in New Orleans? What happened after the Suns' hot start to the season? Will former Pelican Cheick Diallo stick around in 2020-21? All of this, plus so much more, on Phoenix!

This was a fun episode, Suns fans, so make sure to tune in throughout this week for even more bubble competition analysis!

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