Can you believe we are just days away from actual Phoenix Suns basketball? Yeah, me either. I’m still getting used to the fact that the NFL is back, and now we get that plus the MLB Playoffs AND the Suns’
first preseason game all this week?! This is peak sports season.
Thanks for hanging in there with us during what felt like the longest summer of all time. Here’s to hoping this doesn’t feel like the longest season of all time. Here are a few notes as we head into the actual games.
1. Devin Booker’s happiness level
This will sound dumb, but it is something many will be monitoring. Devin Booker’s happiness. His body language. His growth as a leader. All of the above.
Yes, this is approaching that “overthinking/overanalyzing” territory, but if the Suns start slow or there is any adversity, we all know which rumors will surface.
Booker has been adamant about wanting to remain a Phoenix Sun for life, but it’s a storyline we need to prepare for, as the media will do what they always do. Booker didn’t smile much during any of the media day stuff, but who cares? Let’s just measure how he looks on the court and his growth in areas this team will need to be successful, both short-term and long-term. Just brace yourselves for the noise from SAS, Kendrick Perkins, and co.
2. Nigel Hayes-Davis rises into a key role player? STARTER?
Nigel Hayes-Davis has turned some heads with how he carried himself on media day. He is a seasoned pro with a chip on his shoulder, looking to prove he belongs in the league after getting a taste of success overseas.
There could be something cooking here. He could be that diamond in the rough that breaks out in a way that many outsiders may not see coming. There is a clear need for a “four” who can do a little bit of everything (on both ends). That alone opens up the “opportunity” floodgate for a breakout season from Hayes-Davis.
He is coming off an impressive run in the EuroLeague, and I expect that momentum to carry over. The question is, how much of that carries over? Enough to be a useful bench piece, or does he have a higher upside and impact than we think?
3. Jalen Green’s in-between game & improvement
Jalen Green’s quotes about working on his in-between game sparked another thought for me. Outside of improving efficiency and how versatile he is offensively, what is the next step in his game?
Yes, he must make defenses pay when they give him the green light to take a mid-range jumper while they chase him off the three, but prevent him from attacking the rim. Offensively, it will be about getting his shot where he wants it and making the right reads in real time.
For me, the starting point of his improvement has got to be on the defensive end. Making strides with tenacious on-ball defense and using his athleticism to be a competent team defender in helpside and rotating quickly. If he can make strides on both ends of the floor — even gradual improvements — that is a major win for such a young and talented player.
4. Twins Reincarnated?
Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro are no longer rookies (don’t tell Book I said that), so we are all awaiting the sophomore leap. Their youthful energy and next-level banter in interviews with the media (and each other), plus teammates, is very reminiscent of the Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson days.
Dillon Brooks specifically mentioning he’s taking them under his wing and now competing against them in practice and camp is exciting. Even rookie Khaman Maluach mentioned that he is learning the most from them early on. It’s great to see the young guys connecting and embracing teaching each other as they grow into what will be the Suns’ young core and future.
The vibes and talk are great and all, but ultimately, they (Dunn and Ighodaro) need to show they have improved their (very) apparent weaknesses and show more confidence and consistency on both ends.
5. Can Koby Brea crack the rotation?
While it may feel like a long shot given the depth at the two guard with Booker, Green, and Allen, there can never be too much shooting on the court.
Jordan Ott seems to have all the confidence in the world in Brea. I thought it was interesting that he mentioned his passing and playmaking being a pleasant surprise.
The challenge for him will be rebounding and competing on the defensive end, and adjusting to the NBA’s strength and speed. If he gets an opportunity due to earning it right out of the gate through an impressive camp and preseason or through injury or foul trouble, I expect Brea to be ready when his number is called.
When that moment comes is the biggest question with him at the moment.
