Jae Crowder‘s arrival at training camp was delayed by personal issues apparently unrelated to COVID-19, but the Suns forward has reported to his new team and said this week that he’s “looking forward to moving forward,” writes Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.
Crowder was one of the most popular free agents on the market last month, telling reporters that 14 teams expressed interest in signing him (video link via Rankin). He cited recruiting from Chris Paul and Devin Booker as a significant factor in his decision to choose Phoenix.
“Those guys made a strong pitch and I felt like Devin is ready for real pressure,” Crowder said. “When I say real pressure, that’s playoff basketball. Playing for it all.”
Here’s more out of Phoenix:
- The Suns announced in a press release on Thursday that they won’t host fans at their home games to start the 2020/21 season, a decision that “did not come easily,” per team president/CEO Jason Rowley. “Our fans are the lifeblood of the Suns organization, and we want nothing more than to welcome our fans into our newly transformed arena in Downtown Phoenix,” Rowley said in a statement. “… However, we are exercising an abundance of caution and doing our part to maintain the health and safety of all our stakeholders during this crisis.”
- Cameron Payne was a regular part of the Suns’ rotation during the team’s 8-0 run during the summer restart. Given the changes the roster has undergone since then, he’s looking to reestablish himself as a key contributor going forward, writes Duane Rankin for The Arizona Republic.
- Gina Mizell of Suns.com takes a look back at the Suns’ offseason moves, writing that the front office was able to add veterans with playoff experience, as well as improving the team’s depth and outside shooting.
- In case you missed it, despite being hired in 2019, Monty Williams already ranks near the middle of the pack on the list of the NBA’s longest-tenured head coaches.
I’m a fan of cam Payne he’s not bad. I’m glad Phoenix gave him an opportunity last season. He played well
Smart player. Too small for the city of big shoulders.
Well, he must have gotten alot better, because he was flat out horrible playing for the Bulls..And when I say horrible, I mean practically unplayable!!
Crowder’s chances for a ring dropped to zero with Phoenix.
I don’t know about zero, but definitely not as high
Phoenix is not winning an NBA title with CP3.
Zero? if the play like they did during the Bubble, they’ll go 72-0!
West is tough. Teams got better, it’s deeper this yr. I’ll say this Suns could go as high as 4th seed. Most likely in bottom half. Whoever plays them in 1st rd. Better be ready. I don’t care if it’s the Lakers. They will be a dangerous playoff team.
How come everyone is so high on the Suns?!?
I mean, I completely understand that they got better, but did they really get so much better that they’ve instantly jumped about 6-7 teams or so to get to the 3rd-4th seed, like some fans are suggesting??
I mean, I could see it, but IFF (if and only if) Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, and Jalen Smith all contribute at a high level. With that being said, they’re going to need to see some significant improvements from both Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges, if that’s going to happen..
Then, they also cannot afford for Ayton, Paul, nor especially Booker to miss any significant stretches of time this upcoming season either. If so, I dont think they’ll have the depth to absorb the impact of losing any of their stars..
Ultimately, I think their depth at the guard positions could be their downfall, but I’m definitely rooting for the Suns either way, they should be a fun team to watch moving forward…
Blazers can easily take down Nuggets
Suns are 8th seed if Rockets trade Harden for Simmons
Thunder