Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

Latest Episodes:

Suns mock offseason with Sam Cooper Jul 11, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, Sam Cooper is back as he joins Evan for our first Suns mock offseason exercise! What ends up happening as they both put on the GM hats for Phoenix?

Who should the Suns keep around? With team options and restricted tags on the table, there's a few decisions to make. Dario Saric or Frank Kaminsky for the backup power forward spot? Will Jevon Carter or Elie Okobo stick around? How about re-signing Aron Baynes, and at what price tag?

Will Kelly Oubre Jr. be on the move this offseason to improve the overall roster balance? Evan proposes a HUGE deal that could be a win-win for both sides, but especially Phoenix.

Then, we dive into our mock offseason completely revealing our free agency signings and other moves made along the way. How improved will the Suns roster look by the end of this?

This was a very fun episode, Suns fans, so make sure to gobble up all of this great offseason information before it officially begins in a few months!

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Analyzing how Anthony Edwards, Devin Vassell and other prospects fit in Phoenix with Spencer Pearlman of The Stepien Jul 08, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, The Stepien's Spencer Pearlman stops by to talk 2020 NBA Draft with Evan. They go over six more prospects who could make sense in Phoenix.

First up, Grant Riller and Theo Maledon are two intriguing guards with different qualities. If the Suns traded back, would either one make sense as a bench piece?

Then, Spencer and Evan dive into Tyrell Terry and Jalen Smith. Terry has a big range on draft boards, but Spencer is worried about him being able to translate his scoring onto the next level with a true lack of size. Meanwhile, Jalen Smith could be exactly what the Suns need if they're looking for a long-term backup center behind Deandre Ayton.

Finally, we close the show with two heavy hitters: Devin Vassell and Anthony Edwards. Could Vassell bring a similar brand of basketball to Phoenix as Mikal Bridges? Edwards is a boom-or-bust prospect who could either be a huge success or get a GM fired soon.

What should the Suns prioritize in the 2020 draft class? Spencer provides his answer in an in-depth episode as we dip our toes back into draft talk!

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What the Suns can do to avoid Devin Booker becoming the next disgruntled star with The Athletic's Mo Dakhil Jul 06, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, Mo Dakhil of The Athletic and Bleacher Report joins Evan as they analyze three key Suns topics. First up, how did the 2019-20 season go for Phoenix via Mo's perspective? Booker showed his worth with more competent teammates, but the development of Deandre Ayton is critical for future success.

What can the Suns do this offseason to improve their roster? Is Kelly Oubre Jr. a future trade chip? Mo explains why Phoenix should push their chips in for Danilo Gallinari in free agency.

Finally, we discuss Devin Booker. There's no need to worry now about Booker's future in Phoenix, Suns fans, but what can the front office do to avoid a worst-case scenario situation? Even though Booker has four years left, the window to improve has officially started. Ayton becoming a star plays a big role in this as well for this rebuild to work.

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Suns mega mailbag with Zona Sports Jul 03, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, Brandon (aka Zona Sports) returns as he joins Evan to answer all of your Suns questions for our mega mailbag! Thanks to all of our listeners via Twitter and Reddit, we were able to go deep on many Suns topics.

From the Orlando restart to offseason talk on multiple subjects, all of the bases are covered in this one.

Who are some optimal trade targets? Is Kelly Oubre Jr. in the Suns' future? Most interesting non-Suns players in Orlando? That's just a sneak peek as Evan and Brandon respond to all of our awesome questions!

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The Athletic's C.J. Holmes on Deandre Ayton's growth + Nico Mannion and Josh Green Jul 01, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, The Athletic's C.J. Holmes joins as we examine three University of Arizona angles with Phoenix Suns ties. First up, how much has Deandre Ayton grown from his college career to now? Is the next step of Ayton's development expanding his range?

Then, we dive into two Arizona prospects who could be intriguing fits for Phoenix: Nico Mannion and Josh Green. Is Ricky Rubio the ideal mentor Mannion? Will Green be able to become an immediate 3 & D contributor on the next level?

C.J. helps explain why both might be getting too overlooked in the pre-draft process right now.

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Ben Pfeifer of The Step Back analyzes LaMelo Ball, Obi Toppin, and more prospects Jun 29, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, The Step Back's Ben Pfeifer joins to discuss six more prospects in-depth related to their fit in Phoenix.

First up, Desmond Bane checks the sharpshooting box Suns GM James Jones desires. Could the TCU guard be able to add more gravity alongside Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton? Also, would Colorado's Tyler Bey be able to fit as a secondary rim protecter with some added offensive equity?

In the second segment, Evan and Ben put Leandro Bolmaro and Aaron Nesmith under the microscope. After Phoenix tried to acquire Luke Kennard, is it possible Bolmaro could provide a similar fit over time?

Finally, we go over the two heavy hitters on the podcast: Obi Toppin and LaMelo Ball. Should Suns fans be scared off by Toppin's defensive concerns? Phoenix is one of the best fits for Toppin, but Ben says buyer beware on the Dayton big. Why is Ball our No. 1 prospect? We go over that while also analyzing why he would help out Booker and Ayton tremendously.

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Talking Orlando + offseason scenarios with David Nash and Max McCauley Jun 27, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, David and Max are back in your podcast feeds! The duo who ran the awesome 7SOL pod joins Evan on Locked On Suns to discuss the Suns from all angles.

First up, we begin with the big fella Deandre Ayton. How important is his defensive development to the long-term growth of this rebuild?

Then, we dive into Orlando hitting on all of the following players: Mikal Bridges, Devin Booker, Cameron Johnson, Ty Jerome, and Ayton. Who has the most to gain during this 8-game sample size for Phoenix?

Closing the show, we discuss all the options Phoenix has on the table for another important offseason. From free agents at power forward and point guard to potential trades, David and Max help decide what makes the most sense. Also, has Kelly Oubre Jr. played his final game with the Suns?

Suns fans, make sure to tune in to this jam-packed, extra long episode filled with amazing content!

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UPROXX's Jackson Frank on six prospects who could land with the Phoenix Suns Jun 24, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, UPROXX's Jackson Frank stops by the show to talk 2020 NBA Draft with Evan. the two go over the following prospects in-depth: Onyeka Okungwu, Cole Anthony, Poku, Patrick Williams, Tyrese Maxey, and RJ Hampton.

Could Okungwu fit alongside Deandre Ayton, or are the spacing concerns too much to overcome? Is Cole Anthony a legitimate option for the Suns?

Patrick Williams and Poku could be the missing link to finally finding the answer at power forward. Which one would fit better in Phoenix?

Tyrese Maxey slots in well next to Devin Booker in a combo guard role, but does RJ Hampton's negatives scratch him off the list completely?

Stay tuned for more draft coverage as we will bring on one guest per week to discuss leading up to Suns basketball resuming!

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How Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges further developed in 2019-2020 with FanSided's Gerald Bourguet Jun 23, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode, we dive deep into the Suns' core of Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges. Where steps in their developments did they take in 2019-20? FanSided's Suns insider Gerald Bourguet joins to explore what went right.

At this point, nobody should put a ceiling on Booker. Not only did Booker take a huge jump in efficiency, but his defensive effort and playmaking continued to improve. What's the next realistic step for Booker entering Year 6?

Ayton is the anchor of the Suns' defense, and that showed throughout his 30-game sample size. After huge question marks surrounding his defensive ability, Ayton quieted doubters doubling his block percentage. Phoenix also was noticeably better whenever he was on the floor. However, there's still one step missing from Ayton's game that needs to be improved upon in 2020-21.

Bridges has a huge opportunity in Orlando to step up in Kelly Oubre Jr.'s absence, and he was making the leap before the season was put on pause. The former Villanova Wildcat is well on his way to becoming an All-NBA defender very soon, too. What's a realistic step for Bridges to take entering Year 3?

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Kelly Oubre Jr. a no-go for Orlando Jun 19, 2020

Show notes

A major domino fell this week as it was reported Kelly Oubre Jr. would not travel to Orlando with the Suns, instead taking the time to rehab his torn meniscus. We break down how the miscommunication between Oubre and the team happened, what it means, who stands to benefit most on the court, and whether it makes it more likely the Suns explore a trade this offseason.

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