Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

Latest Episodes:

LOCKED ON SUNS 9/26/18: Reporting from training camp with Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports Sep 26, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, Evan and Arizona Sports’ Kellan Olson break down what’s been going on at Suns training camp this week.

It’s a fairly quick episode, looking at what Igor Kokoskov is doing to implement his system in Flagstaff and how the new pieces look.

Plus, instant reactions to the sudden reports that the Suns could end up with Jeff Teague or Tyus Jones as collateral damage from a Jimmy Butler-to-Miami trade.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 9/25/18: Thoughts from a busy Suns Media Day Sep 25, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we reconvene after the bustle of Suns Media Day to share our thoughts on the biggest stories of the day.

First, we discuss the big question looming over everything — who’s this team’s point guard?

Then, we move on to the other takeaways from the Suns’ practice court, including what real veteran leadership looks like, how Igor Kokoskov is similar to some of the best coaches in the league, and expectations for Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 9/24/18: Catching up with Mikal Bridges Sep 24, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we welcome special guest Mikal Bridges of the Phoenix Suns.

The rookie forward talks about his experiences during his first summer as a NBA player, from Summer League to offseason workouts with Josh Jackson and Trevor Ariza.

He also discusses the similarities on and off the court between Villanova and this collegiate Suns’ locker room.

You won’t want to miss this one — we had two special guest drop-ins from a couple other young Suns as well.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 9/21/18: Should the Suns get involved for Jimmy Butler? Sep 21, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we discuss Jimmy Butler’s trade request earlier in the week and whether the Suns could get involved.

Phoenix may not have the goods to outbid the best packages, but they might be the most aggressive in negotiations. Could Josh Jackson be the centerpiece?

But if teams like Philadelphia or Miami get involved, could the Suns swoop in to find a point guard in the shuffle?

All this, and a special announcement for our Monday episode, live from Suns Media Day.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 9/19/18: Judging Patrick Beverley's trade value with Robert Flom of Clips Nation Sep 19, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we sort through the latest round of rumors connecting Patrick Beverley to the Phoenix Suns with Robert Flom of Clips Nation.

Shams Charania of Stadium reported in a brief video Monday that Beverley is “at the top of the Suns’ list” in part as a culture-setter, as well as to plug the team’s obvious hole at point guard. However, Charania also reported the Suns are hesitant to include any first-round pick in their negotiations with Los Angeles.

Robert breaks down his read on the situation, how eager the Clippers are to clear out their clogged backcourt depth chart, and what it would take to pry Beverley loose.

In the end, we break down whether a package centering around a future Bucks’ first-round pick would get it done for Beverley.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 9/17/18: Jimmy Butler's future with Tim Faklis of The Athletic Sep 17, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we dive into the Jimmy Butler situation in Minnesota with contributing writer for The Athletic and A Wolf Among Wolves, Tim Faklis.

Butler met with Timberwolves officials Monday to discuss his future in Minnesota in what Shams Charania went so far as to call a “last-ditch effort” by the team.

Is there any chance the Suns could get involved in trade talks should Butler become available soon? What would the Wolves want?

Tim is here to give his answers, and reveal whether a Josh Jackson/2019 Suns first package gets it done.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 9/14/18: Is the national perception of the Suns fair? Sep 14, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we look at the Sports Illustrated Top 100 and the ESPN NBA Future Power Rankings to understand the national media perception of the Suns.

After a 21-61 season, it’s unfair to say the Suns should quite have the full respect and attention of national writers, but there are certainly signs for optimism that may not be accounted for.

Finally, we look into the state of the Suns’ franchise heading into a new season. Could they truly move up in the Future Rankings and show what a top-10 media market can do for a good, young NBA team?

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LOCKED ON SUNS 9/12/18: The Stepien's Jackson Hoy on Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Elie Okobo and De'Anthony Melton Sep 12, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, Jackson Hoy of The Stepien joins the show for the first time since June’s draft. What did he think of the Suns acquiring Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Elie Okobo and De’Anthony Melton?

First, we kicked it off with Okobo and Melton. Both players have similar measurements, but are polar opposites in terms of what they can contribute right now. How does Jackson view Phoenix’s strategy on this, and which one has a brighter future?

Also, we touched on the possibility of the Suns rolling into this season with Shaquille Harrison, Okobo and Melton as their point guard rotation. Would Jackson be comfortable doing that until a bigger deal arises later on?

Then, Ayton’s defensive potential was a big focus. Does Ayton’s switching ability allow for Phoenix to properly construct an above-average defense around him? His rim protection ability as an anchor will be something to monitor long term, but if he could fill the Clint Capela role, it could go a long way in mirroring possible pre-draft concerns.

Finally, is Bridges the glue that will make Devin Booker and Ayton perform better? If Bridges improves his playmaking ability, does this make Josh Jackson eventually expendable in a star trade? We also talk about the potential perimeter trio of Bridges, Jackson and Melton surrounding Booker and Ayton.

This was a fun one, so tune in!

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LOCKED ON SUNS 9/10/18: The Suns still don't have a point guard and now Devin Booker is out Sep 10, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we break down the latest Suns news, which all seems to be circling around the guard rotation these days.

First, an update on the right wrist injury which took Devin Booker out of the final few weeks of the 2017-18 season and for which he needed surgery on Monday.

Then, a roundup of the latest reporting on the point guard sweepstakes, with the Suns seemingly targeting every extraneous ball-handler around the entire NBA.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 9/7/18: What will it take for Phoenix to land a quality point guard? Sep 07, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we continue the mock trade negotiation theme by picking out five more teams who could have what Phoenix wants.

After haggling through a George Hill deal on Monday with Locked On Cavaliers’ Chris Manning and Goran Dragic on Wednesday with Locked On Heat’s Wes Goldberg, Evan and Brendon have targeted five other point guards who check multiple boxes on their wishlist.

Those names are Terry Rozier, Kemba Walker, Patrick Beverley, Cory Joseph and Spencer Dinwiddie.

Ranked 1-5 beforehand, based on the likelihood said player gets moved, mock trades were made to be as mutually beneficial as possible. Will that mean Phoenix wins or loses most of these negotiations?

Finally, we discussed whether Phoenix can wait this situation out or if they have backed themselves into a corner towards making another move now?

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