Early in the 2017/18 season, the Suns made a coaching change, installing Jay Triano as the interim head coach in place of Earl Watson. Speaking to Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic, team owner Robert Sarver praised the job that Triano has done with the club this season, suggesting that his interim role has been “a tough job that wasn’t what he signed up for.”
Despite his appreciation for Triano, Sarver doesn’t want to repeat a past mistake — in 2016, after Watson stepped in for Jeff Hornacek as the Suns’ interim coach, the team hired Watson to the full-time position at season’s end without interviewing other candidates. This time around, Sarver says, the club plans to “cast a much wider net.”
Sarver’s conversation with Bordow about the state of the franchise is worth checking out in full, particularly for Suns fans. The discussion includes a few more interesting comments from the club’s owner, so we’ll relay some of those highlights right here:
On the Suns’ offseason outlook as the 2017/18 season nears an end:
“We’re going to add another really good young player. I think we’re in a position where we can turn the corner, but if we don’t execute properly in terms of free agency and we don’t develop the players and we don’t execute in terms of our draft, then it’s going to be another tough year. So I think it’s a year of opportunity, but a year for us to step up and make some good decisions.”
On adding more veteran leadership without compromising the development of young players:
“Our younger players need confidence. I think there’s a fine line between coming in a game feeling confident you can win and not feeling confident you can win. I think maybe we can add a piece or two next season with some leadership and some experience and some winning and some grit that can help turn that confidence level with some of our younger players. So this offseason is going to be about adding some of that confidence and leadership, and at the same time to get some of our younger players to take a meaningful step forward.”
On what sort of player(s) the Suns will be targeting this summer:
“I think two things. Balance in terms of shooting. The league has been changing. What’s very important is the ability to shoot the three and defend the three. And getting back to this winning attitude that someone can bring to us. Someone who has won and someone who plays a meaningful role on our team. Someone who probably is a starter or first guy off the bench who can bring some swagger and a winning attitude. Obviously I’m biased, but I do think the talent on our roster is a little bit better than our win-loss record, and I think we need some of that winning attitude and swagger. I don’t think we have that right now.”
On expectations for 2018/19:
“I think with a piece or two and a solid year of development, I think we can flip the switch and end up being a team that can have a winning record. But looking at where we stand right now, there’s a long way to go to get to that.”
First thing the Phoenix Bums need to do is get rid of that sorry general manager. I dont think he could put together a fantasy team let alone a professional NBA team.
If I were the GM I would look into hiring a coach that has a reputation of motivating young players. Jason Kidd comes to mind as a possibility.
I also wouldnt concentrate on what is the current trend in the NBA rather I would see the future and that is to stock your GLeague team much like MLB teams do.
Suddenly second round picks become very valuable if your able to develop them into your system in the Gleague.
Booker is the show, build around him. This 2018 draft class is loaded with big men. Get one to complement Booker. Preferably Bagley from Duke.
All in all, the Suns are so bad that this is an opportunity for them as an organization to start experimenting with how a franchise is built rather than try to catch up with the Warriors.