Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

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LOCKED ON SUNS 1/11/18: Prospect talks on secondary ball handlers and wings Jan 11, 2018

Show notes

On today's episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon discuss more prospects. This time, we look more towards possible names who could be selected, if they end up keeping Miami's first-round pick.

The best fits for Devin Booker could be a secondary ball handler with defensive acumen. We talked about all of the following names in this category: Trevon Duval, Troy Brown, Bruce Brown, Hamidou Diallo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Shake Milton, Landry Shamet, Jevon Carter, Rawle Alkins, and De'Anthony Melton.

This led to a discussion about the red-hot Heat squad, winners of six straight. If the Heat continues to win, should the Suns deal it for a win-now piece? Also, is the 2021 Miami pick Phoenix's "Golden Goose" asset at the moment?

Going back into some prospects, we ended it with two wings who could be possible fits in the 8-12 range: Mikal Bridges and Kevin Knox. If Phoenix continues towards a positionless movement, which sees Devin Booker as the primary ball handler, either one of these names makes sense.

Also, in the beginning, we went over the Suns' injury news revolving around Marquese Chriss (hip flexor) and Josh Jackson (strained hip) for Friday's tilt with Houston on ESPN.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 1/9/18: Halfway Stock Reports Jan 09, 2018

Show notes

On this episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon recap the last 20 games in our second of four stock reports.

We analyzed all of the following players, including Jay Triano: Devin Booker, T.J. Warren, Josh Jackson, Dragan Bender, and Marquese Chriss.

On all of them, we took in-depth analytical dives while looking at their latest trends over certain portions of this stretch. Booker was only apart of 10/19 games with an adductor injury.

So, how did the grades end up?

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LOCKED ON SUNS 1/8/18: Josh Jackson and Dragan Bender break out against OKC Jan 08, 2018

Show notes

On today's episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon recap the Suns' best win of the season, 114-100, over Oklahoma City. In the process, we saw #TheTimeline blossom with career-best performances from Josh Jackson and Dragan Bender.

We dived into both of their performances, alongside Devin Booker, TJ Warren, Tyler Ulis, and the short time Marquese Chriss was out there as well.

Speaking of Bender and Jackson, could these two as plus-passers for their positions really open it up for Booker in the season's second half if it continues to gel? Seemingly Jackson, Chriss, and Bender are all putting it together simultaneously, which is a great sign for the future.

We also debated how important the summer of 2018 is for Phoenix. If the Suns finish with 30-33 wins, do they become more attractive to the top tier of the free agent class? Both of us agreed, though, that trading up in the draft could be in the cards with how general manager Ryan McDonough has laid out his assets moving forward.

How does the Locked On Suns crew see the season's second half going for the Suns now after this past week? Will it sustain?

What do you think, listeners?

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LOCKED ON SUNS 1/5/18: Should the Suns take the James Harden approach in building around Devin Booker? Jan 06, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon recap the Suns’ 103-89 loss in San Antonio. Without T.J. Warren (illness), Phoenix relied upon Devin Booker to carry even more of a heavier workload, which included backup point guard duties with Isaiah Canaan also out.

From the Spurs matchup, we touched on Josh Jackson, Marquese Chriss, Dragan Bender, Tyler Ulis and Booker’s performances.

Also, we discussed Kevin O’Connor’s great article on Booker over at The Ringer. Diving deeper into his points, is building the roster around the 21-year-old much like Houston did with James Harden the way to go?

One interesting stat to follow, Booker now is third (fourth if you still somehow consider Harden an SG) in games where he dishes out 5 or more assists. He has done so 16 times in 31 contests, which puts him on a playmaking-type trajectory many never expected this early. Only DeMar DeRozan (21) and Jimmy Butler (19) have done it more, albeit in more opportunities.

This is a must-listen if you want our last thoughts on #TheTimeline before our halfway stock reports, which take place this weekend.

What’s your grades for the young Suns core parts at the halfway mark, and would you go the Harden path with Booker if you are general manager Ryan McDonough?

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LOCKED ON SUNS 1/3/14: Recapping the loss in Denver, and how important is the 2018 draft to this core? Jan 04, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, Evan is joined by special guest, Bright Side’s managing editor and overlord, Dave King!

This was a fun one, as we recapped the loss in Denver but then we also explored a multitude of topics.When will Greg Monroe be off the roster?Did we expect this jump from Devin Booker in Year 3?If Dave was in general manager Ryan McDonough’s shoes, what would he do to get Booker some help?Has Marquese Chriss finally turned the corner after a career-best 5-game stretch?How important is the 2018 draft class to this core’s future? Would you rather see them win 30 games with Booker or fall off to get a top 3 pick? (Dave brought up how Booker and Deandre Ayton could be a new age Kobe-Shaq and now it’s stuck in my head.)Expectations for the season’s second half with Phoenix

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LOCKED ON SUNS 1/3/18: Suns stun Hawks after 12-point comeback in final minutes Jan 03, 2018

Show notes

On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon recap the Suns’ 104-103 win Tuesday night over the Atlanta Hawks.

And what a win it turned out to be.

After being down 12 after a lethargic performance the first 42 minutes, Phoenix flipped the switch led by Devin Booker, T.J. Warren, and Marquese Chriss yet again.

We discussed Booker’s ascension even more and discussed how he will be kept out of the All-Star game (he can’t if this keeps up, right?). Since his return, he’s averaging 31-4-5 with elite efficiency.

Also, we touched on the Denver game tonight. Will Josh Jackson get some burn after Booker and Warren played heavy minutes? Jackson was a DNP-CD for the first time.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 1/1/18: Suns fall to Sixers after valiant comeback attempt led by Booker, Warren, and Chriss Jan 01, 2018

Show notes

On today's episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon recap the Suns' 123-110 loss to Philadelphia. Even though it ended in a double-digit loss, the Suns erased an 18-point deficit to take the lead in the fourth quarter.

Devin Booker, T.J. Warren, and Marquese Chriss were discussed after strong performances. After possibly the best 3-game stretch of his career, is this finally sustainable for Chriss?

In the second half of the show, we discussed the draft's point guard crop. Names we touched on: Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Collin Sexton, and Trevon Duval. We both agree that Doncic is the best-case scenario while Young and Sexton are great fits, too.

Also, we did a quick preview of the Suns-Hawks game and discussed why Dennis Schroder isn't a smart pairing next to Booker long-term if traded for.

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LOCKED ON SUNS 12/30/17: Suns are winners of 5 of their last 7 after defeating the Kings Dec 30, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon Phoenix's win over Sacramento, which puts them at 14-23 on the season. With their next three against Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Denver, the Suns have a chance to be sitting at 9th out West if the chips fall how they may over the next week.

We focused on the performances of Devin Booker, Marquese Chriss, and T.J. Warren. Warren scored 26 which means the Suns are now 8-0 when he scores 25 or more points. Plus, is this Chriss' best two-game stint as a pro thus far?

After recapping the game, we dove into the dominant night Mo Bamba of Texas had. Evan made his case as to why Bamba would be a fit alongside a veteran backcourt of Kemba Walker + Booker. Also, how do Bamba, Deandre Ayton, and Marvin Bagley rank right now over the last few weeks since we discussed prospects extensively? The answers we gave might surprise you.

Also, we touched on this year's Bright Side Night, which is reaching a record amount this year. If you haven't donated yet, check out BrightSideOfTheSun.com for more information on this awesome tradition Dave King has put together (NBA.com/Suns/BrightSide).

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LOCKED ON SUNS 12/27/17: Devin Booker returns as the Suns beat the Grizzlies again Dec 27, 2017

Show notes

On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon dive into everything surrounding Devin Booker’s return to the Suns’ lineup. He picked up right where he left off before missing nine games with a left adductor strain, scoring 32 points and leading the Suns to a two-point home victory.

How did he fit into the rotation that Triano crafted in his absence?

We revisited Alex Len’s hot streak and wondered where Len ranks on this team. How has he been so consistent, and how has he improved? Is he perhaps more valuable to the team than T.J. Warren?

Finally, we considered the addition of Isaiah Canaan and the impact it has had on the rest of the lineup, especially the second unit. His play has been a key factor in Dragan Bender’s recent emergence, which continued last night against Memphis with a game-winning assist.

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Locked On Suns Christmas Special: Revisiting Evan's one-on-one with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski Dec 25, 2017

Show notes

Merry Christmas, everybody!

On today's special episode, we are going to go back toward right before training camp for a special interview.

Before Evan took over as the new host of Locked On Suns, he had a chance to speak with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowksi about all things Suns on his own platform, BrightSidery.

For our nearly 40-minute discussion, we did a complete State of the Suns, looking at their current crop of young players (Devin Booker, Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss, etc.) and then-head coach Earl Watson.

Woj is a big believer in Josh Jackson, so his recent struggles should leave you feeling a little better after hearing him discuss the former Kansas Jayhawk.

A quick reminder if you never heard it the first time around, Woj does not have a Skype account. This means, at points, his audio could be a little murky because I had to record off of the TapeACall app, but for most of the time, it was completely fine to me.

Happy Holidays, Suns fans, and enjoy this flashback one-on-one discussion with Woj and me!

Note: Brendon and I will bring you our thoughts on the last two games, including the recent Mike James / Isaiah Canaan news in our next episode tomorrow, so stay tuned!

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