Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

Latest Episodes:

LOCKED ON SUNS 6/8/18: Deandre Ayton breakdown with Ryan Kelapire of AZ Desert Swarm Jun 08, 2018

Show notes

On today’s show, AZ Desert Swarm’s Ryan Kelapire joins as we go further in-depth on Deandre Ayton. We broke down strengths and weaknesses of Ayton’s game alongside how he was to cover from a media point of view this past season.

How does Ayton compare to other lottery talent to come out of Tucson? No surprise, but Ryan believes Ayton far and away trumps the likes of Aaron Gordon and Lauri Markkanen.

Also, how about the U of A effect on ticket sales next season? With majority owner Robert Sarver, who’s an alum, it could play a factor if their choice up top comes down to the little things.

We covered all of that and more, as Ayton seems destined to be the chosen Sun at No. 1.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 6/6/18: Live from the Deandre Ayton workout Jun 06, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we quickly break down everything we saw and heard at Deandre Ayton’s post-draft workout press conference.

Both Ayton and general manager Ryan McDonough spoke to the media following the hour-long workout, and all but guaranteed Ayton will be the first name called June 21.

We discuss exactly what that means for the rest of the draft, the Suns’ summer, and Luka Doncic.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 6/4/18: News catch-up and Reddit mailbag Jun 04, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we delve into the terrifying depths of r/Sunsto answer questions about the upcoming summer in a mailbag.

Before that, we quickly address the reports that the Suns have hired both Joe Prunty and Corliss Williamsonas assistant coaches.

Finally, we discuss everything from trade opportunities this summer, draft possibilities at Nos. 1, 16 and 31, and the Suns’ timeline to contention in the shadow of the Warriors’ dynasty.

Thanks to r/Suns for the content this week. And yes, we’ve finally given on the likelihood that Deandre Ayton goes first overall.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 6/1/18: European basketball reporter David Pick on Luka Doncic and scouting overseas Jun 01, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, Brendon brings in the European Woj, David Pick, to discuss Luka Doncic’s performance at the EuroLeague Final Fourin a wide-ranging conversation that stretches beyond just Doncic.

Pick has been as close a source as any to Doncic throughout his journey since age 13 up to this point, now considered a contender to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft. He talks about Doncic’s development, the historic nature of his EuroLeague performance, and why the level of competition against which Doncic played is legit.

We also discuss how European scouting has become less mysterious over time for NBA teams, and how much more the league knows about Doncic than even Dragan Bender, whom the Suns took at No. 4 just two summers ago.

Finally, we drop in on Dzanan Musa, another player performing well overseas who could be in play for the Suns at No. 16, if they target wing offense at that spot. Pick discusses why players competing in lesser leagues and tournaments are still valued so highly in the draft.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 5/30/18: Previewing the offseason with cap maestro Jeff Siegel May 30, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, Jeff Siegel, the propietor of Early Bird Rightsand a blogger across the internet, joins to preview the 2018 offseason from the Suns’ perspective.

We discuss the Suns’ ability to operate above the cap by keeping Elfrid Payton’s cap hold on the books, guaranteeing the salaries of the young players on the roster, and keeping both Tyson Chandlerand Jared Dudley. Jeff elucidates how that would help them be more flexible in 2019.

We also talk about the value around the league of guys like T.J. Warren, Dragan Benderand Marquese Chrisson their current contracts, and how the Suns could clear room using those players as trade chips if necessary.

Finally, Jeff explains the implications of Devin Booker’s next contract, and how the Suns’ cap situation changes based on his signing that maximum deal this summer as an extension or next summer as a restricted free agent.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 5/28/18: Scott Bordow and Kellan Olson discuss the No. 1 pick, plus a draft workout recap May 28, 2018

Show notes

On today’s two-part episode, we’re trying to keep track of all the angles of the Suns’ 2018 draft strategy.

Part one features a conversation between Evan, Kellan Olson and Scott Bordow regarding the battle for the No. 1 pick. Kellan has been one of the loudest voices championing Doncic for the spot, while Scott has been reporting closely on the Suns’ leanings since the season ended.

Part two features a breakdown of the four most interesting prospects at the Suns’ Monday workout—Anfernee Simons, Hamidou Diallo, Tony Carrand Aaron Holiday. They all fit a similar mold as versatile, multi-skilled guards who could fit opposite Devin Booker.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 5/25/18: Suns host first predraft workout + going over Ryan McDonough's comments breaking down perceived weaknesses of Ayton and Doncic May 25, 2018

Show notes

On today's episode we were live from Talking Stick Resort Arena as we discussed the Suns' first predraft workout, which was headlined by SMU guard Shake Milton. We go over the workout itself and also quickly break down why Milton would be a great fit for the Suns, if he's still available at No. 31.

Also, general manager Ryan McDonough spoke to the media today on plenty of topics but the Deandre Ayton vs. Luka Doncic debate made its way into it. After breaking down perceived weaknesses on both prospects (Ayton's defensive instincts, Doncic's lack of athleticism), we go over what comments stood out from McDonough's media availability. This was the final time McDonough will speak to the media until the week of the draft.

There's one main takeaway: Phoenix is nowhere close to being set on one prospect at the top. The Ayton vs. Doncic debate is legitimate.

(Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic was unable to join us due to his writing deadline afterwards, but he will be on Monday's episode!)

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LOCKED ON SUNS 5/23/18: Talking all things draft with SB Nation's Ricky O'Donnell May 23, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, Ricky O’Donnell of SB Nation joins us to talk about what he learned at the combine, why he favors Luka Doncic (and Jaren Jackson Jr.) over Deandre Ayton, and how he looks at the draft more broadly as an analyst.

We start with a deep dive on Ayton, exploring how to build a successful team around someone so physically imposing and defensively challenged. Then we move on to what makes Doncic a more intriguing team basketball player and why his specific position might not matter.

Then, we talk about some of Ricky’s favorite options for the Sunsat Nos. 16 and 31 based on his scouting and what he saw at the combine, including Robert Williamsand Troy Brown.

We also explore some bigger picture questions, ranging from the decision to stay in school or go to the NBA for fringe first-rounders to how to juggle the way the NBA plays today versus how it will function in the future.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 5/21/18: NBA Draft Combine Roundup May 22, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we finish off the news from the weekend’s NBA DraftCombine in Chicago, and dive deep on a few players who stood out.

From a Suns perspective, the versatile, athletic wings seem to be the starting point at each of their selections, with so many of those guys standing out in this class. The team reportedly spoke with several over the weekend, including Zhaire Smith, Troy Brown, Hamidou Dialloand Bruce Brown Jr.

The list at No. 1 also may have expanded to include Jaren Jackson Jr.we discuss the possibility that the Suns’ lack of interest in Jackson prior to the combine was a smokescreen from Ryan McDonough.

Finally, we broke down two candidates for the 31st pick, Donte DiVincenzoand Josh Okogie, who showed out at the combine.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 5/19/18: FanTable on Deandre Ayton vs. Luka Doncic May 19, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, Evan went solo as he was joined by two knowledgable Suns in Max and David to discuss the biggest debate in recent memory: Deandre Ayton or Luka Doncic?

All three of us watched Doncic against CSKA Moscow so we broke down what stood out during his 16 point, 7 rebound, and 2 assist outing in the EuroLeague Final Four.

What are the main strengths and weaknesses to focus on for both prospects over the next month? Who fits better within their current roster construction?

Not only did we take deep dives on Ayton and Doncic, but we noticed this tweet went out during our debate from Devin Booker related to Karl-Anthony Towns

Reports surfaced earlier on Friday about news of possible friction between Towns and Minnesota, so could the Suns strike while the iron is hot with all their assets this summer? Would Minnesota actually want to do this built around the swap of likely Towns for Ayton?

We covered all of the bases Phoenix could go with their decision atop the draft, so tune in to this one!

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