The season is almost here. Let’s break down the major talking points from Media Day.
Phoenix Suns Media Day came and went and several headlines caught the attention of Suns fans. This day is unlike any other because fans are filled with hope and optimism, especially when there are new faces or changes around an organization.
Front office staff, ownership, coaches, and players can all say the right things, but ultimately, none of it matters until the ball starts bouncing. That being said, I enjoyed this media day. The vibes seemed to be recovering from a lifeless Suns team a season ago.
Hope and optimism surround this squad, and rightfully so as they look to prove the doubters wrong. Here are my first five impressions from Media Day.
1. Grayson Allen is HUGE
Allen looked noticeably bigger and you could tell he put in the work in the weight room this offseason the second he walked to the stage. He mentioned he has been doing a lot of screening and “pick and rolling”… interesting.
He said: “I know my listed weight is still like 195 (pounds). I’m nowhere close to that.” When asked what he was at now, he said, “Around 230. So, we might need to finally update that.”
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Sidenote on Allen: He was part of the team that recruited Tyus and said he is more than happy with what bringing him in as the starting point guard means (him heading to the bench). His (Allen’s) sacrifice was a storyline that was not talked about as most of the “sacrifice” focus was on Tyus, but Allen’s desire to win was apparent throughout this day.
Grayson Allen in the building.
Said he helped recruit Tyus and is happy he’s on the team and as the starting point guard. “I couldn’t be more excited with our team and what comes with that (him starting).” pic.twitter.com/fBC1HcrJin
— Zona (@AZSportsZone) September 30, 2024
2. Tyus Jones was highly coveted and recruited
Phoenix’s front office and ownership were adamant in their persistence/interest in Tyus Jones. Ishbia, Bartelstein, Jones, and Budenholzer all had glowing reviews of their relationship with Jones and the entire process as a whole.
It’s early, but this fit looks like it has a chance to be a special one and unlock the Suns offense to new heights. The firepower is there, but now they have a leader to facilitate. He made it clear he picked Phoenix over other options his desire to win was a major factor along with how aggressively the Suns pursued him.
“They’re gonna make my job really easy, and I plan on doing the same for them.”
️ Tyus Jones on playing with Book, KD & Brad pic.twitter.com/3jcyQZZIJN
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) September 30, 2024
Suns fans are going to enjoy watching Tyus Jones play basketball.
3. Jusuf Nurkic will shoot threes & is slimmer
How many threes, you ask? That question remains to be seen, but it appears he has the green light after he hinted that last year’s coaching staff did not give him.
His relationship with Coach Bud has been there early and getting a full camp/preseason after arriving late last year should help his familiarity with this squad. Nurkic looked slimmer, but don’t say he got “smaller” because he did not like that.
“I don’t like the word smaller.”
Jusuf Nurkic on being lighter than the 290 pounds as he’s listed on the Phoenix Suns roster.
Dropped weight in part to stay healthy as he wants to play all 82 games this season. #Suns pic.twitter.com/B0Ao9Tec9U
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) September 30, 2024
Either way, if he can move a little quicker and play solid drop defense while knocking down threes at a reasonable clip, then he is doing his job.
4. Style of play: Fast tempo and lots of threes
It has been teased in previous pressers and interviews, but to hear it again was a welcome sight. It is pretty clear that the Suns plan on shooting a lot more threes with Coach Bud at the helm.
Along with that, the pace of play has been a hot topic and the fast tempo seems to be another thing we can expect from this new group. With Tyus Jones leading the way, this team is going to run and gun and let it fly. Suns Up, indeed.
Let’s get back to being the “Run N Gun Suns”.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
5. The vibes are good
Bradley Beal seemed to be in excellent spirits and in a good headspace entering year two in Phoenix. You could sense the excitement in ringing through his voice and it was not fake.
He had a rough game 4 that no one will forget any time soon, but I think it’s great to see the positive body language and all-around vibe from him after a brutal season for him from a health standpoint a year ago. Let’s hit the reset button and get this man healthy. No more freak injuries, please.
Along with Beal, several other Suns looked (and sounded) happy to land in Phoenix. That paired with energetic youth from the rooks and Coach Bud’s excitement has generated some palpable buzz on that front. Vibes aren’t everything, but they sure do help.
Bonus: “Fun” fact. Devin Booker has had 114 different teammates in Phoenix and is on his 7th head coach in 10 years.
Devin Booker is in Year 10. He has had 114 different teammates and is on his 7th head coach.
He’s been through a lot. pic.twitter.com/XPNngMaTFk
— Zona (@AZSportsZone) October 1, 2024
Damion Lee’s presser was also an interesting listen, and I’d add this clip to your “to-watch list” when you can.
Damion Lee said he’ll be ready to go practice wise tomorrow.
Talked about the surgeries, the depression, seeing a therapist and how he’s overcome odds to be ready to play after missing all last season with a knee injury. #Suns pic.twitter.com/3Q4LswnS5Y
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) September 30, 2024
What else stood out to you from Media Day, Suns fans?