Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

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.

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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?

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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?

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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.

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Devin Booker is the NBA Three-Point champion.

On tonight’s quick episode, we talk about how fun it is to finally see a Sun represented among the league’s top players.

As small an accomplishment as this may seem to be, setting the all-time single-round record in the contest and taking home a hulking trophy is awesome, in a season where there hasn’t been a ton to get excited about.

We wanted to get an episode up before Twitter breaks down into another no-holds-barred Booker vs. Donovan Mitchell debate with Mitchell in the dunk contest, so it was a quick one.

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With the All-Star break upon us, we took the time today to bridge the gap until Devin Booker’s 3-point contest performance with some draft talk.

Marvin Bagley is one of the most productive players in all of college basketball this season, leading a disjointed Duke roster to a promising season and maintaining his stock as one of the top available big men in this year’s draft.

Jaren Jackson Jr. has made the most of limited opportunities under Michigan State coach Tom Izzo and finally looks to be turning the corner after an explosive performance against Minnesota this week.

Mohamed Bamba has grown into a dominant rim protector and potential floor-spacer this year on a thin Texas roster, but questions remain about his motor and passion.

Which of these three is the better overall prospect? Which fits best in Phoenix? That and more in this peek at the top of the 2018 draft.

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Brendon and Evan recap Wednesday’s loss to the Jazz, which showed just how big a difference Devin Booker’s presence in the lineup can make. The Suns’ star guard got hot from behind the arc and it was actually fun to watch the Suns again.

New point guard Elfrid Payton had a triple-double in his third game with the Suns. Does his recent play change how the Suns view the draft or the offseason? Should it?

Finally, the hosts discussed an interview Marquese Chriss gave to the Arizona Republic’s Scott Bordow earlier this week. Chriss was at a loss for words trying to describe his mood and rhythm since returning from a January injury. What do we make of his comments?

And at the end, some typical draft chatter as we prepare for Arizona-ASU Part II in the Valley tonight.

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On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, cohosts Brendon and Evan discuss the trajectory of Elfrid Payton’s career as it touches down in Phoenix. 

There’s no better person to join them in that discussion than Philip Rossman-Reich, the managing editor of FanSided’s Orlando Magic blog and the host of Locked On Magic. 

The discussion begins with general observations about Payton’s growth as a defender, shooter, and leader and how it was stunted by the constant change and turmoil in Orlando. The hosts try their best to imagine whether it will be different in Phoenix, and how Payton will look next to Devin Booker.

Finally, Philip compares stories of the Magic’s rebuild to that of Phoenix. Are veteran leaders valuable? Is fit between players required?

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On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, Evan and Brendon recap the Phoenix Suns’ 123-113 loss to the Nuggets on Saturday night.

Not only did we witness the debut of Elfrid Payton, but it led to T.J. Warren, Dragan Bender, and Josh Jackson having great performances. Warren led the Suns with 31 points, but the Suns’ top two picks in 2016 and 2017 continue towards likely breakouts here soon.

Jackson ended his night with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks while Bender tallied a career-high 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 three-pointers made.

We went more in-depth on Phoenix’s loss, especially the play out of Payton, Warren, Jackson, and Bender. 

What were our main takeaways as they head towards a trip to Golden State on Monday?

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The Suns on Thursday traded the Memphis Grizzlies’ second-round pick for fourth-year point guard Elfrid Payton. It wasn’t exactly a groundbreaking move, but nevertheless, your faithful hosts convened for a quick recap.

First, Brendon and Evan discussed how little the move costs the Suns. The outgoing second-round pick arrived in Phoenix just five months ago, attached to Troy Daniels in a deal during training camp. Now, it becomes Payton.

Another angle of the deal is Payton’s contract. He will be a restricted free agent after the season, meaning the Suns can match any offer sheet he signs on the open market. What advantages does that bring the team?

Finally, the Suns’ desperate need for a point guard was on full display in last night’s loss, so how does the addition of Payton affect their ability to compete on the court?

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