Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2022 6:34 am
McDo's Twitter persona has long since eroded any positive things I would ever have said about him. What a douche.
Ouch! You're being pretty hard on Eddie Munster.
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Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Page 145 of 153
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:18 am
by Superbone
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:20 am
by Superbone
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:30 am
by JeremyG
How much should the Suns be willing to pay Cam? It has to be substantially less than $90 million (or the cap-adjusted equivalent), since that's what Bridges got.
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:47 am
by Superbone
Suns’ GM Jones explains Durant decision
Jones is a master deflector. But how else are you going to play it?
► Show Spoiler
Duane Rankin
Arizona Republic | USA TODAY NETWORK
We know what you want to know.
So does James Jones. The Republic sat down with the Phoenix Suns general manager Friday morning to discuss several topics starting with the obvious.
Why didn't Kevin Durant end up in Phoenix?
The two-time finals MVP demanded a trade out of Brooklyn, put the Miami Heat and Suns atop his trade wish list, but remains with the Nets. “'Cause Brooklyn wanted to keep Kevin Durant in Brooklyn,' Jones said. 'And that’s why he’s in Brooklyn and not on some other team, but as far as with us, I get it. It’s always a great topic of discussion, but the one thing people forget is that when you’re talking about trades, or any player acquisition, the team that has the player has to be willing to move the player.”
Here's the first half of a two-part interview with the man who said there were discussions with the Nets about Durant, but not deep ones.
“Nothing to it,' Jones said. 'Not much discussion, in-depth discussion on it. I think every team in the league probably called them to check their temperature to see what it looked like, but as far as discussions and how deep they got? I just say there’s nothing to it.”
Q: This may sound crazy to ask to start, but how’s your summer gone?
JJ : “Man, it’s great. The first extended offseason in a few years. Excited to get back to it. Recharged and ready for the season. It’s been really good. Really good.
Q: With training camp a little more than two weeks away, are you looking to add to the roster or staying pat? Where are you at with roster construction right now?
JJ : “Always in evaluation mode. Always looking. Right now, we’re at 16 guys (14 standard, two two-way). There’s a chance I may add a couple more guys for training camp, but I think we’re close to the end of where we’ll be as far as our training camp roster goes.”
Q: Want to rewind. Free agency starts June 30. Where were you when you found out that Kevin Durant wanted to not only be traded out of Brooklyn, but Phoenix was one of his top choices along with Miami and what was your initial interaction?
JJ : “Trade speculation. Initial reaction is like that’s someone outside of our organization talking. I take it like I do most things. I take it in passing and I keep moving.”
Q: Did you have much interaction with Durant prior to this news? How well do you know him?
JJ : “I know Kevin. Professionally, I knew him. We spent a lot of time in the NBA, but not outside of the game. Playing the game and respect for the craft and talked to him. Nothing more outside of the business of two teams playing and just showing respect as guys walk off the court.”
Q: How serious were the discussions for having Kevin possibly come to Phoenix?
JJ : “We had discussions with Brooklyn about their desires and what they were trying to do, but ultimately, I would say like most teams, there was nothing to it.”
Q: When you say, nothing to it. Can you just expand on that because I’m trying to figure that out. What do you mean by that?
JJ : “Nothing to it. Not much discussion, in-depth discussion on it. I think every team in the league probably called them to check their temperature to see what it looked like, but as far as discussions and how deep they got? I just say there’s nothing to it.”
Q: When you look at the Nets, they reportedly wanted multiple first round picks. An All-Star, rotation player. You have all those on your team. So ultimately why didn’t this happen?
JJ : “Cause Brooklyn wanted to keep Kevin Durant in Brooklyn. And that’s why he’s in Brooklyn and not on some other team, but as far as with us, I get it. It’s always a great topic of discussion, but the one thing people forget is that when you’re talking about trades, or any player acquisition, the team that has the player has to be willing to move the player. And so if they’re not moving the player, which they didn’t, it’s just conversation and it’s great discussion. Great interest for the NBA fan base and the team fan base.”
Q: For Suns fans, the perception was you guys aren’t making enough of an effort to make that happen. Is that a fair assessment, or not?
JJ : “I reserve the right to not have an opinion on that. There is no answer for that. No matter what you do? My focus is always to try to do what’s in the best interest of the team and try to improve the team. We made those efforts. If it comes to fruition, great. If they don’t, we still have a goal of improving our team and if that’s internally with the guys that we have, we’re very confident in that. I don’t pay attention to what the fans think or parties outside of the conversations think because they’re working with limited and incomplete information.”
Q: Looking at Mikal Bridges, there was a story that came out about him being linked to a possible Durant trade and he tweeted “I’m sitting here watching just like y'all.” He’s seeing what’s out there. Was that something the Nets were looking at because it seemed like Mikal was a piece that any team would want?
JJ : “Mikal’s watching and he’s watching reports and third parties report about him. I get it. Being a player on both sides of it, I truly understand it, but it’s a testament to Mikal’s ability. He’s a really good player. So I would assume any time someone is linked to us, a good player is linked to us, that our good players will be brought up by someone. It’s the nature of it, but I think speaking to Mikal, he understands the business. He understands he’s put himself in a position to be regarded as a defensive player of the year candidate (finished second in the voting last season). Any discussion around great players, I would assume he’d be one of the first guy’s names that’s going to be thrown out there.'
“I don’t negotiate in the media. So I can't really talk too much about, like, what teams would want and all the rest of that stuff.”
Q: I talked with Cam Johnson at his 3-on-3 (tournament) and like you were saying, he understands it’s part of the business because his name was also leaked to a possible Durant trade. Where are you guys now with him moving forward? He’s up for a rookie extension. Has improved every year.
JJ : “We’re having discussions. Cam is a big part of what we do. Really excited for the progress he’s shown over the last few years, especially last year. I think he’s primed to take some steps forward. We’re excited about this team and we’re excited about the guys on this team one through 16. He’s definitely someone we’re going to need to have take another step if we want to continue to progress and grow as a group.”
Q: Anything you want to add or clarify regarding the Durant situation?
JJ : “No. Your questions have been straight. Questions about Durant, how serious it was. Whether or not there's anything to it. That's why I go back to there's nothing to it.”
Arizona Republic | USA TODAY NETWORK
We know what you want to know.
So does James Jones. The Republic sat down with the Phoenix Suns general manager Friday morning to discuss several topics starting with the obvious.
Why didn't Kevin Durant end up in Phoenix?
The two-time finals MVP demanded a trade out of Brooklyn, put the Miami Heat and Suns atop his trade wish list, but remains with the Nets. “'Cause Brooklyn wanted to keep Kevin Durant in Brooklyn,' Jones said. 'And that’s why he’s in Brooklyn and not on some other team, but as far as with us, I get it. It’s always a great topic of discussion, but the one thing people forget is that when you’re talking about trades, or any player acquisition, the team that has the player has to be willing to move the player.”
Here's the first half of a two-part interview with the man who said there were discussions with the Nets about Durant, but not deep ones.
“Nothing to it,' Jones said. 'Not much discussion, in-depth discussion on it. I think every team in the league probably called them to check their temperature to see what it looked like, but as far as discussions and how deep they got? I just say there’s nothing to it.”
Q: This may sound crazy to ask to start, but how’s your summer gone?
JJ : “Man, it’s great. The first extended offseason in a few years. Excited to get back to it. Recharged and ready for the season. It’s been really good. Really good.
Q: With training camp a little more than two weeks away, are you looking to add to the roster or staying pat? Where are you at with roster construction right now?
JJ : “Always in evaluation mode. Always looking. Right now, we’re at 16 guys (14 standard, two two-way). There’s a chance I may add a couple more guys for training camp, but I think we’re close to the end of where we’ll be as far as our training camp roster goes.”
Q: Want to rewind. Free agency starts June 30. Where were you when you found out that Kevin Durant wanted to not only be traded out of Brooklyn, but Phoenix was one of his top choices along with Miami and what was your initial interaction?
JJ : “Trade speculation. Initial reaction is like that’s someone outside of our organization talking. I take it like I do most things. I take it in passing and I keep moving.”
Q: Did you have much interaction with Durant prior to this news? How well do you know him?
JJ : “I know Kevin. Professionally, I knew him. We spent a lot of time in the NBA, but not outside of the game. Playing the game and respect for the craft and talked to him. Nothing more outside of the business of two teams playing and just showing respect as guys walk off the court.”
Q: How serious were the discussions for having Kevin possibly come to Phoenix?
JJ : “We had discussions with Brooklyn about their desires and what they were trying to do, but ultimately, I would say like most teams, there was nothing to it.”
Q: When you say, nothing to it. Can you just expand on that because I’m trying to figure that out. What do you mean by that?
JJ : “Nothing to it. Not much discussion, in-depth discussion on it. I think every team in the league probably called them to check their temperature to see what it looked like, but as far as discussions and how deep they got? I just say there’s nothing to it.”
Q: When you look at the Nets, they reportedly wanted multiple first round picks. An All-Star, rotation player. You have all those on your team. So ultimately why didn’t this happen?
JJ : “Cause Brooklyn wanted to keep Kevin Durant in Brooklyn. And that’s why he’s in Brooklyn and not on some other team, but as far as with us, I get it. It’s always a great topic of discussion, but the one thing people forget is that when you’re talking about trades, or any player acquisition, the team that has the player has to be willing to move the player. And so if they’re not moving the player, which they didn’t, it’s just conversation and it’s great discussion. Great interest for the NBA fan base and the team fan base.”
Q: For Suns fans, the perception was you guys aren’t making enough of an effort to make that happen. Is that a fair assessment, or not?
JJ : “I reserve the right to not have an opinion on that. There is no answer for that. No matter what you do? My focus is always to try to do what’s in the best interest of the team and try to improve the team. We made those efforts. If it comes to fruition, great. If they don’t, we still have a goal of improving our team and if that’s internally with the guys that we have, we’re very confident in that. I don’t pay attention to what the fans think or parties outside of the conversations think because they’re working with limited and incomplete information.”
Q: Looking at Mikal Bridges, there was a story that came out about him being linked to a possible Durant trade and he tweeted “I’m sitting here watching just like y'all.” He’s seeing what’s out there. Was that something the Nets were looking at because it seemed like Mikal was a piece that any team would want?
JJ : “Mikal’s watching and he’s watching reports and third parties report about him. I get it. Being a player on both sides of it, I truly understand it, but it’s a testament to Mikal’s ability. He’s a really good player. So I would assume any time someone is linked to us, a good player is linked to us, that our good players will be brought up by someone. It’s the nature of it, but I think speaking to Mikal, he understands the business. He understands he’s put himself in a position to be regarded as a defensive player of the year candidate (finished second in the voting last season). Any discussion around great players, I would assume he’d be one of the first guy’s names that’s going to be thrown out there.'
“I don’t negotiate in the media. So I can't really talk too much about, like, what teams would want and all the rest of that stuff.”
Q: I talked with Cam Johnson at his 3-on-3 (tournament) and like you were saying, he understands it’s part of the business because his name was also leaked to a possible Durant trade. Where are you guys now with him moving forward? He’s up for a rookie extension. Has improved every year.
JJ : “We’re having discussions. Cam is a big part of what we do. Really excited for the progress he’s shown over the last few years, especially last year. I think he’s primed to take some steps forward. We’re excited about this team and we’re excited about the guys on this team one through 16. He’s definitely someone we’re going to need to have take another step if we want to continue to progress and grow as a group.”
Q: Anything you want to add or clarify regarding the Durant situation?
JJ : “No. Your questions have been straight. Questions about Durant, how serious it was. Whether or not there's anything to it. That's why I go back to there's nothing to it.”
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2022 12:37 pm
by JeremyG
Isn't it tampering to discuss another team's player?
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2022 1:30 pm
by ShelC
Thanks for posting 'bone! Vanilla answers, that's how the org rolls. He can turn around and trade Jae this week for Bojan for all we know.
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2022 5:22 pm
by MightyMoog
Ok, now read his answers in a Michael Corleone voice and he sounds like a killer. 
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:13 pm
by Superbone
Part two of Rankin's interview with Jones:
Phoenix Suns can win NBA championship this year, says GM James Jones
Phoenix Suns can win NBA championship this year, says GM James Jones
► Show Spoiler
Duane Rankin
Arizona Republic
James Jones later elaborated, but his initial one-word answer to the question of whether Phoenix has a team that can win a championship this year is predictable and bold.
"Yes."
The Suns essentially are running it back with the team that had a historic season end in abrupt disappointment after losing Game 7 of the conference semifinals to Dallas.
They're still a championship contender Jones believes can win it all now.
"It takes a lot of things going right, but we have the mental makeup and physical makeup and the skill set," Jones said. "We have all the ingredients to be a championship-level team. I know our guys believe that, too.”
In Part 2 of The Republic's Q&A with the Suns general manager, Jones addresses Jae Crowder's 'time for a change" tweet, Dario Saric's play for the Croatian national team after missing last season with a knee injury, contract extensions for head coach Monty Williams and All-NBA Devin Booker and more.
But first things first.
Deandre Ayton.
JJ: Yeah. That part is behind us. The contract stuff is behind us, and our focus now is how do we help him improve and continue to improve. We have ideas and plans to do that. It’s on me and the staff to figure out how to help him in conjunction with our other guys. Continue to realize their capacity. Their potential. He’s good. He’s in great shape. He’s really been in the gym working on what I’d say are ‘second-level things’ and I know he’s excited to prove that he’s better than he was last year.”
Q: Second-level things. Can you give me an example of second-level things?
JJ: “His counters. It’s adjustments. Just basically counters. Like second-level counters. Shot fake, jab. To the basket, spin move. Taking it at the top of the key, breaking the defender down. Get to the paint. Pick-and-pop. Like all the second-level things. The adjustments with the counters to his primary moves. He’s been doing a great job of that.”
Q: Before I even ask this next question, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on social media and how that’s changed or how that has impacted how you do your job, i.e., Jae Crowder going on Twitter saying “change is inevitable. I believe it’s time for a change. I want to continue growing." That can be interpreted in so many different ways. When stuff is out there about what you guys are supposedly doing, or looking to do, as far as a deal. A trade. Whatever it is.
JJ: “It’s noise. It’s noise, I don’t read into people’s actions. I don’t read to their actions, their words. Like there’s so much noise. So much lack of context that goes with conversations. You get into this rabbit hole of trying to decipher and filter out the noise and figure out what’s real and what’s true and what context and what setting. It’s just a fruitless exercise. To me, it’s all noise. And when you can eliminate the noise, you get back down to what we’re doing. Playing basketball. Competing. Most of that stuff becomes irrelevant. I don’t pay attention to it, to be honest with you.”
Q: So, Jae’s good? Everything is good with him, right?
JJ: “Yeah. We’re good.”
Q: I was on vacation when I saw that tweet and was trying to figure it out.
JJ: It’s noise. I just go back and tell people it’s just noise. It’s noise that’s always been there. It’s just now visible and readily available.”
Q: Been watching Dario Saric play for his Croatian team. Looks leaner. Quicker. No brace. It appears he has no limitations. Looks like he’s in great condition. What’s your takeaways from how he’s played over there?
JJ: “He’s been good. It’s been good for him to go over there and play. He hadn’t played in a while. He’s been able to shake off some of the rust, and also get some real competitive reps. So I’m excited to see how training camp goes because it’s a different speed here. Our game is different. These players are on another level. So I think it’s a good start for him, but we’re just waiting to see how he holds up in training camp, but I think he’ll be fine. He’ll be great because the one thing he can do is he can think on his feet. As you’re coming back from injury, that’s vital. That’s critical. If you can think the game at a high level, it allows your body to catch up.”
Q: The addition of Damion Lee and Josh Okogie, trading for Jock Landale. How do you see them meshing with the team and what they can bring to the table?
JJ: “Those guys are going to push our guys because they all bring something different. Damion brings a combination of size, ball handling. Scoring. He’s just different. With his size, he’s a different profile than we had last year. Josh is a very good defender. Physical. Athletic. Great defensive instincts. Just plays with force, which is a different profile than what we had last year. And then Jock is similar. Can move up and down the floor. Can shoot it, can pass it. Has a pro game. Just a real solid player with size, with some speed. They’re going to be additions because they augment what we do and they’re going to push our guys, which is what we need. We still have a lot of room to grow. We still have a long way to go to be where we want to be.”
Q: How important was it to give Monty Williams that contract extension?
JJ: “It’s huge. Stability starts at the top. I’m a big believer in coaches coach the games. They’re the ones who have to lead and so having stability in that position allows everything else to fall in line. So it’s huge for us. He’s been unbelievable and we just want to continue to be able to help him and our team maintains that level of success. Huge for us.”
Q: Rewinding back to the start of free agency June 30, to make that supermax deal with Devin Booker (four years, $224M), what does that mean for the franchise to make that happen? (Booker became supermax eligible after making All-NBA first team last season).
JJ: “He’s established himself as a premier player in this league. That’s something that he set out to do. That was one of his goals years ago. He said he was determined to be that and he did it. He did what he actually set out to do. He committed to improving and he committed to being here. To being all-in here. For him, it was a great moment for him and the franchise. It’s just a testament to putting in the hard work and sacrifices and committing to lift your teammate and the franchise. So when we had a chance to do it, it’s not like it was something that was a surprise. He wanted to do it early to send a signal that he wants to be here. So we did it, but it’s just business as usual for us as far as that because he’s been here. He's continued to improve and we’re only going to go as far as he’s able to lead us.”
Q: Saw Booker was at Chris Paul’s Elite Guard Camp for top high school and college point guards. What’s that like having those two be so tight?
JJ: “They’re co-captains. When you talk about like who is the first captain, second captain. Whose team is this. A lot of the ego gets involved when you start talking about players at a high level because everything is a ranking in our league. Who is the best this and who is the best that and who is the best this. Those guys have always been about respect for the craft. Because they both have an insatiable desire to be elite at their craft, they balance each other. It’s the yin and yang, allowing each other to take a step back so they can take a step forward, collectively. So they bond over basketball because if you know Chris and you know Devin, that’s the only thing they live for.”
Q: Last thing. Training camp is a little more than two weeks away. Looking at this roster that has most of the same players from the historic season last year that came short of what you guys wanted. Is this a team that can win a championship this year?
JJ: Yes. This is a team that can. I believe that. It takes a lot of things going right, but we have the mental makeup and physical makeup and the skill set. We have all the ingredients to be a championship-level team. I know our guys believe that, too.”
Arizona Republic
James Jones later elaborated, but his initial one-word answer to the question of whether Phoenix has a team that can win a championship this year is predictable and bold.
"Yes."
The Suns essentially are running it back with the team that had a historic season end in abrupt disappointment after losing Game 7 of the conference semifinals to Dallas.
They're still a championship contender Jones believes can win it all now.
"It takes a lot of things going right, but we have the mental makeup and physical makeup and the skill set," Jones said. "We have all the ingredients to be a championship-level team. I know our guys believe that, too.”
In Part 2 of The Republic's Q&A with the Suns general manager, Jones addresses Jae Crowder's 'time for a change" tweet, Dario Saric's play for the Croatian national team after missing last season with a knee injury, contract extensions for head coach Monty Williams and All-NBA Devin Booker and more.
But first things first.
Deandre Ayton.
JJ: Yeah. That part is behind us. The contract stuff is behind us, and our focus now is how do we help him improve and continue to improve. We have ideas and plans to do that. It’s on me and the staff to figure out how to help him in conjunction with our other guys. Continue to realize their capacity. Their potential. He’s good. He’s in great shape. He’s really been in the gym working on what I’d say are ‘second-level things’ and I know he’s excited to prove that he’s better than he was last year.”
Q: Second-level things. Can you give me an example of second-level things?
JJ: “His counters. It’s adjustments. Just basically counters. Like second-level counters. Shot fake, jab. To the basket, spin move. Taking it at the top of the key, breaking the defender down. Get to the paint. Pick-and-pop. Like all the second-level things. The adjustments with the counters to his primary moves. He’s been doing a great job of that.”
Q: Before I even ask this next question, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on social media and how that’s changed or how that has impacted how you do your job, i.e., Jae Crowder going on Twitter saying “change is inevitable. I believe it’s time for a change. I want to continue growing." That can be interpreted in so many different ways. When stuff is out there about what you guys are supposedly doing, or looking to do, as far as a deal. A trade. Whatever it is.
JJ: “It’s noise. It’s noise, I don’t read into people’s actions. I don’t read to their actions, their words. Like there’s so much noise. So much lack of context that goes with conversations. You get into this rabbit hole of trying to decipher and filter out the noise and figure out what’s real and what’s true and what context and what setting. It’s just a fruitless exercise. To me, it’s all noise. And when you can eliminate the noise, you get back down to what we’re doing. Playing basketball. Competing. Most of that stuff becomes irrelevant. I don’t pay attention to it, to be honest with you.”
Q: So, Jae’s good? Everything is good with him, right?
JJ: “Yeah. We’re good.”
Q: I was on vacation when I saw that tweet and was trying to figure it out.
JJ: It’s noise. I just go back and tell people it’s just noise. It’s noise that’s always been there. It’s just now visible and readily available.”
Q: Been watching Dario Saric play for his Croatian team. Looks leaner. Quicker. No brace. It appears he has no limitations. Looks like he’s in great condition. What’s your takeaways from how he’s played over there?
JJ: “He’s been good. It’s been good for him to go over there and play. He hadn’t played in a while. He’s been able to shake off some of the rust, and also get some real competitive reps. So I’m excited to see how training camp goes because it’s a different speed here. Our game is different. These players are on another level. So I think it’s a good start for him, but we’re just waiting to see how he holds up in training camp, but I think he’ll be fine. He’ll be great because the one thing he can do is he can think on his feet. As you’re coming back from injury, that’s vital. That’s critical. If you can think the game at a high level, it allows your body to catch up.”
Q: The addition of Damion Lee and Josh Okogie, trading for Jock Landale. How do you see them meshing with the team and what they can bring to the table?
JJ: “Those guys are going to push our guys because they all bring something different. Damion brings a combination of size, ball handling. Scoring. He’s just different. With his size, he’s a different profile than we had last year. Josh is a very good defender. Physical. Athletic. Great defensive instincts. Just plays with force, which is a different profile than what we had last year. And then Jock is similar. Can move up and down the floor. Can shoot it, can pass it. Has a pro game. Just a real solid player with size, with some speed. They’re going to be additions because they augment what we do and they’re going to push our guys, which is what we need. We still have a lot of room to grow. We still have a long way to go to be where we want to be.”
Q: How important was it to give Monty Williams that contract extension?
JJ: “It’s huge. Stability starts at the top. I’m a big believer in coaches coach the games. They’re the ones who have to lead and so having stability in that position allows everything else to fall in line. So it’s huge for us. He’s been unbelievable and we just want to continue to be able to help him and our team maintains that level of success. Huge for us.”
Q: Rewinding back to the start of free agency June 30, to make that supermax deal with Devin Booker (four years, $224M), what does that mean for the franchise to make that happen? (Booker became supermax eligible after making All-NBA first team last season).
JJ: “He’s established himself as a premier player in this league. That’s something that he set out to do. That was one of his goals years ago. He said he was determined to be that and he did it. He did what he actually set out to do. He committed to improving and he committed to being here. To being all-in here. For him, it was a great moment for him and the franchise. It’s just a testament to putting in the hard work and sacrifices and committing to lift your teammate and the franchise. So when we had a chance to do it, it’s not like it was something that was a surprise. He wanted to do it early to send a signal that he wants to be here. So we did it, but it’s just business as usual for us as far as that because he’s been here. He's continued to improve and we’re only going to go as far as he’s able to lead us.”
Q: Saw Booker was at Chris Paul’s Elite Guard Camp for top high school and college point guards. What’s that like having those two be so tight?
JJ: “They’re co-captains. When you talk about like who is the first captain, second captain. Whose team is this. A lot of the ego gets involved when you start talking about players at a high level because everything is a ranking in our league. Who is the best this and who is the best that and who is the best this. Those guys have always been about respect for the craft. Because they both have an insatiable desire to be elite at their craft, they balance each other. It’s the yin and yang, allowing each other to take a step back so they can take a step forward, collectively. So they bond over basketball because if you know Chris and you know Devin, that’s the only thing they live for.”
Q: Last thing. Training camp is a little more than two weeks away. Looking at this roster that has most of the same players from the historic season last year that came short of what you guys wanted. Is this a team that can win a championship this year?
JJ: Yes. This is a team that can. I believe that. It takes a lot of things going right, but we have the mental makeup and physical makeup and the skill set. We have all the ingredients to be a championship-level team. I know our guys believe that, too.”
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2022 4:33 am
by ShelC
Thanks again 'bone! Not sure I believe that everything's good with Jae but we'll have to wait and see. Same with DA and his countermoves. I don't think it's realistic for him to become KAT or AD because that's just not his game but a few more polished moves in the paint will help. It's also about more aggression and confidence, plus being given an opportunity for more offense.
Seems like JJ's managing expectations for Dario a bit which is fair given the level of comp over there vs here. But hopefully he can bring that high post passing back to the team off the bench.
Seems like JJ's managing expectations for Dario a bit which is fair given the level of comp over there vs here. But hopefully he can bring that high post passing back to the team off the bench.
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2022 9:03 am
by TOO
But they wont.Superbone wrote: ↑Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:13 pmPart two of Rankin's interview with Jones:
Phoenix Suns can win NBA championship this year, says GM James Jones► Show SpoilerDuane Rankin
Arizona Republic
James Jones later elaborated, but his initial one-word answer to the question of whether Phoenix has a team that can win a championship this year is predictable and bold.
"Yes."
The Suns essentially are running it back with the team that had a historic season end in abrupt disappointment after losing Game 7 of the conference semifinals to Dallas.
They're still a championship contender Jones believes can win it all now.
"It takes a lot of things going right, but we have the mental makeup and physical makeup and the skill set," Jones said. "We have all the ingredients to be a championship-level team. I know our guys believe that, too.”
In Part 2 of The Republic's Q&A with the Suns general manager, Jones addresses Jae Crowder's 'time for a change" tweet, Dario Saric's play for the Croatian national team after missing last season with a knee injury, contract extensions for head coach Monty Williams and All-NBA Devin Booker and more.
But first things first.
Deandre Ayton.
JJ: Yeah. That part is behind us. The contract stuff is behind us, and our focus now is how do we help him improve and continue to improve. We have ideas and plans to do that. It’s on me and the staff to figure out how to help him in conjunction with our other guys. Continue to realize their capacity. Their potential. He’s good. He’s in great shape. He’s really been in the gym working on what I’d say are ‘second-level things’ and I know he’s excited to prove that he’s better than he was last year.”
Q: Second-level things. Can you give me an example of second-level things?
JJ: “His counters. It’s adjustments. Just basically counters. Like second-level counters. Shot fake, jab. To the basket, spin move. Taking it at the top of the key, breaking the defender down. Get to the paint. Pick-and-pop. Like all the second-level things. The adjustments with the counters to his primary moves. He’s been doing a great job of that.”
Q: Before I even ask this next question, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on social media and how that’s changed or how that has impacted how you do your job, i.e., Jae Crowder going on Twitter saying “change is inevitable. I believe it’s time for a change. I want to continue growing." That can be interpreted in so many different ways. When stuff is out there about what you guys are supposedly doing, or looking to do, as far as a deal. A trade. Whatever it is.
JJ: “It’s noise. It’s noise, I don’t read into people’s actions. I don’t read to their actions, their words. Like there’s so much noise. So much lack of context that goes with conversations. You get into this rabbit hole of trying to decipher and filter out the noise and figure out what’s real and what’s true and what context and what setting. It’s just a fruitless exercise. To me, it’s all noise. And when you can eliminate the noise, you get back down to what we’re doing. Playing basketball. Competing. Most of that stuff becomes irrelevant. I don’t pay attention to it, to be honest with you.”
Q: So, Jae’s good? Everything is good with him, right?
JJ: “Yeah. We’re good.”
Q: I was on vacation when I saw that tweet and was trying to figure it out.
JJ: It’s noise. I just go back and tell people it’s just noise. It’s noise that’s always been there. It’s just now visible and readily available.”
Q: Been watching Dario Saric play for his Croatian team. Looks leaner. Quicker. No brace. It appears he has no limitations. Looks like he’s in great condition. What’s your takeaways from how he’s played over there?
JJ: “He’s been good. It’s been good for him to go over there and play. He hadn’t played in a while. He’s been able to shake off some of the rust, and also get some real competitive reps. So I’m excited to see how training camp goes because it’s a different speed here. Our game is different. These players are on another level. So I think it’s a good start for him, but we’re just waiting to see how he holds up in training camp, but I think he’ll be fine. He’ll be great because the one thing he can do is he can think on his feet. As you’re coming back from injury, that’s vital. That’s critical. If you can think the game at a high level, it allows your body to catch up.”
Q: The addition of Damion Lee and Josh Okogie, trading for Jock Landale. How do you see them meshing with the team and what they can bring to the table?
JJ: “Those guys are going to push our guys because they all bring something different. Damion brings a combination of size, ball handling. Scoring. He’s just different. With his size, he’s a different profile than we had last year. Josh is a very good defender. Physical. Athletic. Great defensive instincts. Just plays with force, which is a different profile than what we had last year. And then Jock is similar. Can move up and down the floor. Can shoot it, can pass it. Has a pro game. Just a real solid player with size, with some speed. They’re going to be additions because they augment what we do and they’re going to push our guys, which is what we need. We still have a lot of room to grow. We still have a long way to go to be where we want to be.”
Q: How important was it to give Monty Williams that contract extension?
JJ: “It’s huge. Stability starts at the top. I’m a big believer in coaches coach the games. They’re the ones who have to lead and so having stability in that position allows everything else to fall in line. So it’s huge for us. He’s been unbelievable and we just want to continue to be able to help him and our team maintains that level of success. Huge for us.”
Q: Rewinding back to the start of free agency June 30, to make that supermax deal with Devin Booker (four years, $224M), what does that mean for the franchise to make that happen? (Booker became supermax eligible after making All-NBA first team last season).
JJ: “He’s established himself as a premier player in this league. That’s something that he set out to do. That was one of his goals years ago. He said he was determined to be that and he did it. He did what he actually set out to do. He committed to improving and he committed to being here. To being all-in here. For him, it was a great moment for him and the franchise. It’s just a testament to putting in the hard work and sacrifices and committing to lift your teammate and the franchise. So when we had a chance to do it, it’s not like it was something that was a surprise. He wanted to do it early to send a signal that he wants to be here. So we did it, but it’s just business as usual for us as far as that because he’s been here. He's continued to improve and we’re only going to go as far as he’s able to lead us.”
Q: Saw Booker was at Chris Paul’s Elite Guard Camp for top high school and college point guards. What’s that like having those two be so tight?
JJ: “They’re co-captains. When you talk about like who is the first captain, second captain. Whose team is this. A lot of the ego gets involved when you start talking about players at a high level because everything is a ranking in our league. Who is the best this and who is the best that and who is the best this. Those guys have always been about respect for the craft. Because they both have an insatiable desire to be elite at their craft, they balance each other. It’s the yin and yang, allowing each other to take a step back so they can take a step forward, collectively. So they bond over basketball because if you know Chris and you know Devin, that’s the only thing they live for.”
Q: Last thing. Training camp is a little more than two weeks away. Looking at this roster that has most of the same players from the historic season last year that came short of what you guys wanted. Is this a team that can win a championship this year?
JJ: Yes. This is a team that can. I believe that. It takes a lot of things going right, but we have the mental makeup and physical makeup and the skill set. We have all the ingredients to be a championship-level team. I know our guys believe that, too.”
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2022 9:45 am
by Superbone
Thanks for your input, Debbie D.TOO wrote: ↑Sun Sep 11, 2022 9:03 amBut they wont.Superbone wrote: ↑Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:13 pmPart two of Rankin's interview with Jones:
Phoenix Suns can win NBA championship this year, says GM James Jones► Show SpoilerDuane Rankin
Arizona Republic
James Jones later elaborated, but his initial one-word answer to the question of whether Phoenix has a team that can win a championship this year is predictable and bold.
"Yes."
The Suns essentially are running it back with the team that had a historic season end in abrupt disappointment after losing Game 7 of the conference semifinals to Dallas.
They're still a championship contender Jones believes can win it all now.
"It takes a lot of things going right, but we have the mental makeup and physical makeup and the skill set," Jones said. "We have all the ingredients to be a championship-level team. I know our guys believe that, too.”
In Part 2 of The Republic's Q&A with the Suns general manager, Jones addresses Jae Crowder's 'time for a change" tweet, Dario Saric's play for the Croatian national team after missing last season with a knee injury, contract extensions for head coach Monty Williams and All-NBA Devin Booker and more.
But first things first.
Deandre Ayton.
JJ: Yeah. That part is behind us. The contract stuff is behind us, and our focus now is how do we help him improve and continue to improve. We have ideas and plans to do that. It’s on me and the staff to figure out how to help him in conjunction with our other guys. Continue to realize their capacity. Their potential. He’s good. He’s in great shape. He’s really been in the gym working on what I’d say are ‘second-level things’ and I know he’s excited to prove that he’s better than he was last year.”
Q: Second-level things. Can you give me an example of second-level things?
JJ: “His counters. It’s adjustments. Just basically counters. Like second-level counters. Shot fake, jab. To the basket, spin move. Taking it at the top of the key, breaking the defender down. Get to the paint. Pick-and-pop. Like all the second-level things. The adjustments with the counters to his primary moves. He’s been doing a great job of that.”
Q: Before I even ask this next question, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on social media and how that’s changed or how that has impacted how you do your job, i.e., Jae Crowder going on Twitter saying “change is inevitable. I believe it’s time for a change. I want to continue growing." That can be interpreted in so many different ways. When stuff is out there about what you guys are supposedly doing, or looking to do, as far as a deal. A trade. Whatever it is.
JJ: “It’s noise. It’s noise, I don’t read into people’s actions. I don’t read to their actions, their words. Like there’s so much noise. So much lack of context that goes with conversations. You get into this rabbit hole of trying to decipher and filter out the noise and figure out what’s real and what’s true and what context and what setting. It’s just a fruitless exercise. To me, it’s all noise. And when you can eliminate the noise, you get back down to what we’re doing. Playing basketball. Competing. Most of that stuff becomes irrelevant. I don’t pay attention to it, to be honest with you.”
Q: So, Jae’s good? Everything is good with him, right?
JJ: “Yeah. We’re good.”
Q: I was on vacation when I saw that tweet and was trying to figure it out.
JJ: It’s noise. I just go back and tell people it’s just noise. It’s noise that’s always been there. It’s just now visible and readily available.”
Q: Been watching Dario Saric play for his Croatian team. Looks leaner. Quicker. No brace. It appears he has no limitations. Looks like he’s in great condition. What’s your takeaways from how he’s played over there?
JJ: “He’s been good. It’s been good for him to go over there and play. He hadn’t played in a while. He’s been able to shake off some of the rust, and also get some real competitive reps. So I’m excited to see how training camp goes because it’s a different speed here. Our game is different. These players are on another level. So I think it’s a good start for him, but we’re just waiting to see how he holds up in training camp, but I think he’ll be fine. He’ll be great because the one thing he can do is he can think on his feet. As you’re coming back from injury, that’s vital. That’s critical. If you can think the game at a high level, it allows your body to catch up.”
Q: The addition of Damion Lee and Josh Okogie, trading for Jock Landale. How do you see them meshing with the team and what they can bring to the table?
JJ: “Those guys are going to push our guys because they all bring something different. Damion brings a combination of size, ball handling. Scoring. He’s just different. With his size, he’s a different profile than we had last year. Josh is a very good defender. Physical. Athletic. Great defensive instincts. Just plays with force, which is a different profile than what we had last year. And then Jock is similar. Can move up and down the floor. Can shoot it, can pass it. Has a pro game. Just a real solid player with size, with some speed. They’re going to be additions because they augment what we do and they’re going to push our guys, which is what we need. We still have a lot of room to grow. We still have a long way to go to be where we want to be.”
Q: How important was it to give Monty Williams that contract extension?
JJ: “It’s huge. Stability starts at the top. I’m a big believer in coaches coach the games. They’re the ones who have to lead and so having stability in that position allows everything else to fall in line. So it’s huge for us. He’s been unbelievable and we just want to continue to be able to help him and our team maintains that level of success. Huge for us.”
Q: Rewinding back to the start of free agency June 30, to make that supermax deal with Devin Booker (four years, $224M), what does that mean for the franchise to make that happen? (Booker became supermax eligible after making All-NBA first team last season).
JJ: “He’s established himself as a premier player in this league. That’s something that he set out to do. That was one of his goals years ago. He said he was determined to be that and he did it. He did what he actually set out to do. He committed to improving and he committed to being here. To being all-in here. For him, it was a great moment for him and the franchise. It’s just a testament to putting in the hard work and sacrifices and committing to lift your teammate and the franchise. So when we had a chance to do it, it’s not like it was something that was a surprise. He wanted to do it early to send a signal that he wants to be here. So we did it, but it’s just business as usual for us as far as that because he’s been here. He's continued to improve and we’re only going to go as far as he’s able to lead us.”
Q: Saw Booker was at Chris Paul’s Elite Guard Camp for top high school and college point guards. What’s that like having those two be so tight?
JJ: “They’re co-captains. When you talk about like who is the first captain, second captain. Whose team is this. A lot of the ego gets involved when you start talking about players at a high level because everything is a ranking in our league. Who is the best this and who is the best that and who is the best this. Those guys have always been about respect for the craft. Because they both have an insatiable desire to be elite at their craft, they balance each other. It’s the yin and yang, allowing each other to take a step back so they can take a step forward, collectively. So they bond over basketball because if you know Chris and you know Devin, that’s the only thing they live for.”
Q: Last thing. Training camp is a little more than two weeks away. Looking at this roster that has most of the same players from the historic season last year that came short of what you guys wanted. Is this a team that can win a championship this year?
JJ: Yes. This is a team that can. I believe that. It takes a lot of things going right, but we have the mental makeup and physical makeup and the skill set. We have all the ingredients to be a championship-level team. I know our guys believe that, too.”
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2022 11:41 am
by Split T
I hope the Ayton stuff is true
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2022 11:54 am
by Superbone
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2022 1:44 pm
by Indy
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2022 2:24 pm
by Split T
4/72 seems like a good number. It’s what Colin Sexton just got
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2022 2:37 pm
by TOO
Cheers.Superbone wrote: ↑Sun Sep 11, 2022 9:45 amThanks for your input, Debbie D.TOO wrote: ↑Sun Sep 11, 2022 9:03 amBut they wont.Superbone wrote: ↑Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:13 pmPart two of Rankin's interview with Jones:
Phoenix Suns can win NBA championship this year, says GM James Jones► Show SpoilerDuane Rankin
Arizona Republic
James Jones later elaborated, but his initial one-word answer to the question of whether Phoenix has a team that can win a championship this year is predictable and bold.
"Yes."
The Suns essentially are running it back with the team that had a historic season end in abrupt disappointment after losing Game 7 of the conference semifinals to Dallas.
They're still a championship contender Jones believes can win it all now.
"It takes a lot of things going right, but we have the mental makeup and physical makeup and the skill set," Jones said. "We have all the ingredients to be a championship-level team. I know our guys believe that, too.”
In Part 2 of The Republic's Q&A with the Suns general manager, Jones addresses Jae Crowder's 'time for a change" tweet, Dario Saric's play for the Croatian national team after missing last season with a knee injury, contract extensions for head coach Monty Williams and All-NBA Devin Booker and more.
But first things first.
Deandre Ayton.
JJ: Yeah. That part is behind us. The contract stuff is behind us, and our focus now is how do we help him improve and continue to improve. We have ideas and plans to do that. It’s on me and the staff to figure out how to help him in conjunction with our other guys. Continue to realize their capacity. Their potential. He’s good. He’s in great shape. He’s really been in the gym working on what I’d say are ‘second-level things’ and I know he’s excited to prove that he’s better than he was last year.”
Q: Second-level things. Can you give me an example of second-level things?
JJ: “His counters. It’s adjustments. Just basically counters. Like second-level counters. Shot fake, jab. To the basket, spin move. Taking it at the top of the key, breaking the defender down. Get to the paint. Pick-and-pop. Like all the second-level things. The adjustments with the counters to his primary moves. He’s been doing a great job of that.”
Q: Before I even ask this next question, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on social media and how that’s changed or how that has impacted how you do your job, i.e., Jae Crowder going on Twitter saying “change is inevitable. I believe it’s time for a change. I want to continue growing." That can be interpreted in so many different ways. When stuff is out there about what you guys are supposedly doing, or looking to do, as far as a deal. A trade. Whatever it is.
JJ: “It’s noise. It’s noise, I don’t read into people’s actions. I don’t read to their actions, their words. Like there’s so much noise. So much lack of context that goes with conversations. You get into this rabbit hole of trying to decipher and filter out the noise and figure out what’s real and what’s true and what context and what setting. It’s just a fruitless exercise. To me, it’s all noise. And when you can eliminate the noise, you get back down to what we’re doing. Playing basketball. Competing. Most of that stuff becomes irrelevant. I don’t pay attention to it, to be honest with you.”
Q: So, Jae’s good? Everything is good with him, right?
JJ: “Yeah. We’re good.”
Q: I was on vacation when I saw that tweet and was trying to figure it out.
JJ: It’s noise. I just go back and tell people it’s just noise. It’s noise that’s always been there. It’s just now visible and readily available.”
Q: Been watching Dario Saric play for his Croatian team. Looks leaner. Quicker. No brace. It appears he has no limitations. Looks like he’s in great condition. What’s your takeaways from how he’s played over there?
JJ: “He’s been good. It’s been good for him to go over there and play. He hadn’t played in a while. He’s been able to shake off some of the rust, and also get some real competitive reps. So I’m excited to see how training camp goes because it’s a different speed here. Our game is different. These players are on another level. So I think it’s a good start for him, but we’re just waiting to see how he holds up in training camp, but I think he’ll be fine. He’ll be great because the one thing he can do is he can think on his feet. As you’re coming back from injury, that’s vital. That’s critical. If you can think the game at a high level, it allows your body to catch up.”
Q: The addition of Damion Lee and Josh Okogie, trading for Jock Landale. How do you see them meshing with the team and what they can bring to the table?
JJ: “Those guys are going to push our guys because they all bring something different. Damion brings a combination of size, ball handling. Scoring. He’s just different. With his size, he’s a different profile than we had last year. Josh is a very good defender. Physical. Athletic. Great defensive instincts. Just plays with force, which is a different profile than what we had last year. And then Jock is similar. Can move up and down the floor. Can shoot it, can pass it. Has a pro game. Just a real solid player with size, with some speed. They’re going to be additions because they augment what we do and they’re going to push our guys, which is what we need. We still have a lot of room to grow. We still have a long way to go to be where we want to be.”
Q: How important was it to give Monty Williams that contract extension?
JJ: “It’s huge. Stability starts at the top. I’m a big believer in coaches coach the games. They’re the ones who have to lead and so having stability in that position allows everything else to fall in line. So it’s huge for us. He’s been unbelievable and we just want to continue to be able to help him and our team maintains that level of success. Huge for us.”
Q: Rewinding back to the start of free agency June 30, to make that supermax deal with Devin Booker (four years, $224M), what does that mean for the franchise to make that happen? (Booker became supermax eligible after making All-NBA first team last season).
JJ: “He’s established himself as a premier player in this league. That’s something that he set out to do. That was one of his goals years ago. He said he was determined to be that and he did it. He did what he actually set out to do. He committed to improving and he committed to being here. To being all-in here. For him, it was a great moment for him and the franchise. It’s just a testament to putting in the hard work and sacrifices and committing to lift your teammate and the franchise. So when we had a chance to do it, it’s not like it was something that was a surprise. He wanted to do it early to send a signal that he wants to be here. So we did it, but it’s just business as usual for us as far as that because he’s been here. He's continued to improve and we’re only going to go as far as he’s able to lead us.”
Q: Saw Booker was at Chris Paul’s Elite Guard Camp for top high school and college point guards. What’s that like having those two be so tight?
JJ: “They’re co-captains. When you talk about like who is the first captain, second captain. Whose team is this. A lot of the ego gets involved when you start talking about players at a high level because everything is a ranking in our league. Who is the best this and who is the best that and who is the best this. Those guys have always been about respect for the craft. Because they both have an insatiable desire to be elite at their craft, they balance each other. It’s the yin and yang, allowing each other to take a step back so they can take a step forward, collectively. So they bond over basketball because if you know Chris and you know Devin, that’s the only thing they live for.”
Q: Last thing. Training camp is a little more than two weeks away. Looking at this roster that has most of the same players from the historic season last year that came short of what you guys wanted. Is this a team that can win a championship this year?
JJ: Yes. This is a team that can. I believe that. It takes a lot of things going right, but we have the mental makeup and physical makeup and the skill set. We have all the ingredients to be a championship-level team. I know our guys believe that, too.”
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 8:43 am
by JeremyG
FWIW, Gambo said the Suns are disappointed in what they've seen from Dario overseas.
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 9:02 am
by Superbone
Re: Suns 2022 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 9:07 am
by Split T
Is Gambo just reading between the lines on that JJ interview? That’s my guess
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