Mikal Bridges will be running the Suns‘ offense more often and Cameron Johnson will see time in that role as well, writes Dana Scott of The Arizona Republic. Coach Monty Williams believes Chris Paul was worn down by the end of last season and sees this as a way to save wear and tear on his 37-year-old point guard.
“Those guys have the ability to facilitate, and I just haven’t given them the chance,” Williams said. “We’ve talked about being comfortable with uncomfortable change. There’s gonna be times where it doesn’t look great, but I think that’s where they’re gonna grow. … They both have the capability to expand the offense that way and that part is exciting when you think about those opportunities.”
Bridges, who finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting last season, welcomes the opportunity to add another dimension to his game. He hasn’t missed a single contest in his first four NBA seasons, and Johnson said they worked out together every day during the summer at the Suns’ practice facility.
“I think he’s just improved all around,” Johnson said. “I mean ball-handling, shooting, being able to create, getting stronger in the weight room. It wasn’t that we’re going to get better at one specific thing. I thought we got better as basketball players, and he’s playing really well right now.”
There’s more from Phoenix:
- After being traded twice this offseason, Jock Landale is confident that he’s found a home with the Suns, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Phoenix acquired the 26-year-old center from the Hawks in July for cash considerations. “It’s a hell of an organization,” Landale said. “The people in here are high character people and as far as finding enjoyment, I always go home and talk with my fiancée and my parents and mates about the level of passion and commitment and joy I’m getting out of the game right now is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before.”
- Josh Okogie will likely miss the entire preseason with a strained left hamstring, Rankin adds. Okogie, who signed as a free agent after spending the past four years in Minnesota, will be reevaluated in two weeks.
- Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal tells TMZ Sports that he would be interested in partnering with Jeff Bezos if the Amazon founder decides to make a bid for the Suns.
Run the offence through a guy who at his best averaged 2.3 assists per game cause your point guard is now to old and slow…..
Jae Crowder wants out, Ayton and the coach have issues and you didn’t add anyone notable in the offseason.
As I’ve said a bunch of times seems like Julius Randle would be a great fit. Hes a really good playmaker (averaged 5.1 assists last season and 6 the season before). He would take a bunch of pressure off CP3 and would offer a different dynamic serving dimes from the post.
Not to mention with CP3 slowing down the suns also hurts their scoring as he was their clear second option after Booker. Something again Randle would help with (averaged over 20s last season and 24 the season before).
Jae Crowder, Cam Johnson and Torrey Craig for Julius Randle
it’ll take him 30-35 possessions to get 5-6 assists and 20+ points, but yeah, let julie run the offense 33+% of the time on this suns team.
Julius Randle is ass. He still haven’t built on his one good season with the Knicks. They aren’t saying Mikal will be the point. You can initiate an offense without getting an assist. Don’t for get DBook can also initiate the offense too
Contract $90 million
Underpaid by $30 million
Bridges, who finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting last season
FG 53.3%
Lakers need Crowder, Cam Johnson, Saric, Craigs
Westbrook to Pacers
Suns get Hield and Turner
Lmao terrible deal for the Suns