Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

We discuss the latest news on the Suns’ staff, most notably the departure of head trainer Aaron Nelson, who is heading to the Pelicans.

In addition, the Suns hired analytics and development assistant Riccardo Fois from Gonzaga, potentially to replace Jake Loos, who headed the analytics and tech department in Phoenix until this summer. The Suns also are partnering with Steward Health Care and the EXOS training center as they transition away from Nelson’s staff.

Does all of this show a franchise shaping into Jones’ vision or more of the same constant resetting in Phoenix?

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We sift through the latest news on the Suns’ coaching search, including the team flying to Philadelphia and Portland this weekend to interview Monty Williams, David Vanterpool and Nate Tibbets.

We discuss what might be going through Williams’ mind as he waits to choose between the Suns and Lakers jobs, as well as the impact of Gregg Popovich’s mentorship on the process. The Suns and Lakers both reportedly did not make offers to Williams over the weekend — why?

Finally, thoughts on the Portland assistants and what comes next in the Suns’ search.

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We look ahead over the coming weeks to power rank the open head coach positions around the NBA. As Robert Sarver loves to say, there are only 30 of these jobs, but where do the Suns actually sit among the other teams looking for a head coach?

We contrast Phoenix’s roster, ownership and market with Chicago, Washington, Sacramento, Memphis, Cleveland and the Lakers. 

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We are joined by Gerald Bourguet of Hoops Habit to react to the Wednesday morning press conference appearance by James Jones explaining his decision to fire Igor Kokoskov.

Jones touched on the big-picture reasons for the divorce in addition to what he wants from the next coach. He also discussed his relationship with Robert Sarver and what Suns fans can expect to come out of Jeff Bower’s role in the organization.

Does this change anything or is it more of the same for the Suns? Gerald joins to discuss.

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We intended to bring on Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports to discuss the biggest questions of the offseason but had to pivot as news broke during recording that the Suns had moved on from Igor Kokoskov.

We break down how and why it came to this and whether this is another signal of instability or somehow part of a bigger plan. With Monty Williams reportedly the frontrunner, we ponder whether new front office executive Jeff Bower, who hired Williams to his first head-coaching position, played a role in the decision.

Take this journey along with us.

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We are joined by columnist Greg Moore of azcentral sports to break down the stakes on lottery night as well as draft night for the Phoenix Suns as the team crosses its fingers for its second straight No. 1 pick.

Moore defends his maligned column pegging Ja Morant ahead of Zion Williamson and we get into why he believes Morant makes more sense for the Suns.

We also discuss some of the big-picture stories that are jumbled into this year’s draft for the Suns, including the direction of the franchise under James Jones, the future of Igor Kokoskov, and the level of involvement for new front office executive Jeff Bower.

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Sean Deveney of Sporting News jumps in to talk about his reporting over the past year on the Suns.

First, we break down Phoenix’s interest in Luke Walton — where it came from and whether the Suns might still fire Igor Kokoskov now despite Walton going to Sacramento.

We also discuss the Suns’ rumored interest in Aaron Gordon last year and whether Gordon might be available on the trade market.

Finally, some thoughts on Terry Rozier and Ricky Rubio and how their performance in the playoffs could impact their market in free agency this summer.

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We answered about a dozen listener questions — thanks as always — touching on everything from a look back at the Kelly Oubre deal in December to various options on draft night if the Suns fall out of the top two.

We closed the show with a dive into the Suns’ options when it comes to T.J. Warren trades, as it looks like they have decided to move on from the 2014 lottery pick.

Come for the analysis, stay for a discussion about Coby White’s hair.

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We dole out our final grades looking back on a full season from Mikal Bridges, Josh Jackson and Igor Kokoskov, three important parts of this team’s future who sit outside the spotlight.

Bridges played all 82 games after being outside the rotation on opening night and led the Suns in minutes as well but will need to improve his body to take his impact to another level next season.

Jackson continues to flummox us but made 38.4 percent of his 3s after the break and cut down on his turnovers. He will probably be back next season.

Kokoskov is the most controversial figure on this team and a decision on him has yet to be made. We discuss his future.

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We analyze the final third of the season for each of the Suns’ three best players (for now) — that’s Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Kelly Oubre Jr.

Booker saw the most winning stretch of his career shortly after the All-Star break in addition to a scoring binge of historic caliber.

Ayton fell off slightly as his first NBA season seemed to get to him and an ankle injury might be the fallout from the effects of stamina.

Oubre looked like a whole new player on both ends and cemented himself as a part of the Suns’ future.

Listen in for how we graded each guy.

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