Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

Latest Episodes:

LOCKED ON SUNS 3/6/18: Heat bludgeon Suns on the second night of a back-to-back, 125-103 Mar 06, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon recap the Suns’ 125-103 loss in Miami. After coming up short in Atlanta on Sunday afternoon, this result was to be expected against a stronger opponent. We examined our main takeaways from this outcome.

Devin Booker once again put together another 30+ point outing, which is his 21st such occurrence in 51 total games. He’s the only player in the league right now who scores 30 greater than 40% of the time he steps foot on the court.

This game was a prime example of Booker showing up yet his teammates failing to produce alongside him, which has been the case in many Suns blowout losses.

Not only did the co-hosts discuss Booker, but also the performances of T.J. Warren, Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss, and many more.

After recapping Phoenix’s 18th loss in their last 20 games, we quickly looked at the reverse standings. If the Suns ended up with Deandre Ayton, does his severe lack of rim protection instincts deter them at all near the top?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LOCKED ON SUNS 3/4/18: Phoenix loses to Atlanta, but it might turn into a long-term win Mar 04, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon recap Phoenix’s 113-112 loss on the road to the Atlanta Hawks. Taurean Prince hit a game-winning three with seconds on the clock, and Devin Booker wasn’t able to answer on the next possession at the buzzer.

Even though Booker had a cold first half that saw him with more turnovers than points, he settled down to help propel the Suns’ offense late when needed most. He finished with 20 points while his running mate, T.J. Warren was scorching.

Warren scored 35 or more for the third time this season as he ended up reaching that threshold alongside 4 rebounds. He was efficient and is creating a nice on-court chemistry with Elfrid Payton.

Speaking of Payton, he recorded his second triple-double in only his ninth start as a member of the Suns. That also includes five double-doubles over that timeframe. The former Orlando Magic guard continues to impress in Phoenix, so will this have an impact on general manager Ryan McDonough decision if this continues?

We discussed that, plus much more (hello, Marquese Chriss!) in a losing effort that could turn into a long-term win if they vault up to a top pick come May 15.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LOCKED ON SUNS 3/3/18: Discussing what a competitive loss to OKC means for the future Mar 03, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we recapped the Suns’ home loss to the Thunder, 124-116. What can we take from the team’s recent competitiveness?

The ongoing debate between Josh Jackson and TJ Warren reared its head again last night as Jackson was, surprisingly, the more efficient scorer and clearly the more impactful defender. Are we going to see a change in role soon for either of these two?

The backcourt of Devin Booker and Elfrid Payton continues to play well and the two are building chemistry on the court. We discussed how our feelings about Payton as a long-term piece have changed (or not changed).

Finally, a recap of the projected first-round draft order. The Suns could have three picks in the top 16 this summer — does their play over the last two weeks alter the perspective on how they should use those assets?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LOCKED ON SUNS 3/1/18: Recapping a fun win over the Grizzlies Mar 01, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we discuss the Suns’ 110-102 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, in which Devin Booker posted his third straight 30-point performance and Josh Jackson notched his career-high with 29 of his own.

What has made Jackson so much more effective lately? Is there more truth than we think about the idea of a player learning and adjusting to the NBA game during his rookie season?

Then, a quick run through some of the other players who helped lead the team to its first February victory last night: Dragan Bender’s defense on Marc Gasol, and Shaquille Harrison’s energetic 18 minutes.

Finally, what does the team’s success without T.J. Warren and Tyler Ulis mean going forward? Is it time to move Warren to the bench? Will Ulis stay in Phoenix next season if a G-League player on a 10-day contract can steal his minutes so quickly?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LOCKED ON SUNS 2/28/18: Marquese Chriss, draft sleepers, and a quick Memphis preview Feb 28, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode, we ran through the quote that Scott Bordow of the Arizona Republic tweeted, in which Marquese Chriss went into detail about his mentality before the All-Star break. We discussed what it might mean for Chriss going forward and what he can do to get right.

We also went back and forth on a couple mid-to-late first-round sleepers in the 2018 draft, including SMU guard Shake Milton and Ohio State forward Keita Bates-Diop. The Suns are in a good position to add an instant contributor with one of their picks from 15-40.

Finally, we gave our thoughts on the Grizzlies-Suns matchup a few hours before tip-off. Each team is trying to snap a gross 10-game losing streak.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LOCKED ON SUNS 2/27/18: Anthony Davis hands Phoenix their 10th straight loss Feb 28, 2018

Show notes

What a game Monday, right? Two former Kentucky Wildcats — Devin Booker and Anthony Davis — put on a show in New Orleans as the Pelicans handed the Suns their 10th straight loss 125-116.

Booker nearly posted his first career triple-double in historic fashion as he tallied 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting 50% from the field. However, Davis trumped him with an even more dominant performance. The Brow collected a stat line of 53 points, 17 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

Maybe the most impressive thing Davis did last night was foul out three Suns players in the process. Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss, and Alex Len all played 25 minutes or less due to Davis’ dominance.

Outside of the Booker-Davis duel, I also touched on how the rest of the roster looked but more specifically Elfrid Payton, T.J. Warren, Josh Jackson, and Bender.

With Brendon not available, I actually ran this episode solo so he threw in his two cents throughout.

I had to ask the question about Davis, though. How would he look next to Booker in Phoenix? Would you trade the No. 1 pick for him if Davis ever asked out this summer? As I mentioned in today's episode, I totally would. I have a hard time seeing how that duo fails if they are together for 7-10 years.

In the end, I quickly discussed a sleeper prospect to watch out for with the Miami pick and that’s Creighton guard Khyri Thomas. On my big board, which will be updated and released later this week, sits right outside the lottery at No. 15.

Make sure to subscribe on iTunes, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LOCKED ON SUNS 2/25/18: Our takeaways from Phoenix's latest loss Feb 25, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon recap the Suns’ 106-104 loss to Portland.

From the litany of topics we dissected included a quick chat about Devin Booker returning to his normal role, and increasing his perimeter output. How has Elfrid Payton changed the floor spacing for him?

With another 30 point effort last night, Booker now has 17 such instances so far this season. Another interesting note to follow here is that in three games with Payton as his backcourt partner, Booker has attempted 11 3s on average.

Also, we looked at another change that took place in their guard rotation. Shaquille Harrison, who is on a 10-day contract from the NAZ Suns, once again took Tyler Ulis’ usual minutes. Harrison even saw crunch-time minutes and nearly converted a game-sealing steal on Damian Lillard, who finished with 40 himself including a game-winner with 0.9 seconds.

Are we approaching the end of Ulis in Phoenix? If so, how did we get here from last April? His contract next season is not guaranteed, so it’s plausible that they have already decided to move in a different direction.

Make sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more Suns draft coverage as March Madness begins in a few weeks.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LOCKED ON SUNS 2/24/18: Discussing another double-digit loss to the Clippers and Deandre Ayton Feb 24, 2018

Show notes

In today’s episode, we discussed the Suns’ 128-117 home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night, as well as a report implicating Arizona coach Sean Miller in the FBI’s NCAA corruption investigation.

The Suns had a hollow 117 points trying to claw back from an early 20-point deficit (sound familiar?) at home against the Clippers. They allowed 65 combined points to Tobias Harris and Lou Williams, once again showing a complete lack of defensive energy. And it was one of the worst games in a while from the Dragan Bender-Marquese Chriss frontcourt.

What gives?

And what does the investigation mean for Miller and Deandre Ayton, and for college basketball going forward?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LOCKED ON SUNS 2/22/18: Will Kawhi Leonard's fraying relationship with the Spurs lead to action by Phoenix? Feb 22, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon discuss the latest reports out of San Antonio via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

As the relationship between Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs has seemingly headed south related to his recovery on a season-long quad injury, this opens the door for Leonard possibly wanting out this summer.

If that’s the case and he’s the next to follow in Kyrie Irving’s footsteps in terms of the next superstar asking out, is this the perfect time for Phoenix to swing for the fences? What's the best trade package Phoenix could offer San Antonio this summer?

Also, we discussed three prospects in-depth after our Kawhi discussion: Wendell Carter Jr., Mikal Bridges, and Michael Porter Jr. Evan believes Carter Jr. could have been in the discussion to be a top-five selection if he never played alongside Marvin Bagley III.

As we found out earlier today, Porter Jr. has been medically cleared by doctors after his back surgery in November. How does this change our boards, if at all?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LOCKED ON SUNS 2/21/18: Aaron Gordon joins the list of potential Suns targets Feb 21, 2018

Show notes

In today’s episode, we discuss Sporting News writer Sean Deveney’s report on Aaron Gordon’s pending free agency, in which he names the Suns as a potential suitor.

Deveney points to the fact that Gordon attended college for one season at Arizona as one reason Gordon might be interested in a return to the state. On the other hand, the Suns stack up as an interesting match because of their ability to create tons of cap room compared to the rest of the league.

Does the pairing make sense? What does the rumor tell us about the Suns’ place in this summer’s free agency market?

Finally, we discuss the top stories to watch as the Suns begin the final third of their season on Friday night at home.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Locked On Suns – Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected