Are you all prepared for the preseason overreactions? It happens every year. Very rarely can you remember what took place in the preseason if you fast-forward a few weeks, let alone a full year. Any recollection of what took place last preseason? Me either. It was all a blur.
Phoenix finished 3-1 last year during these games, but unfortunately, that did not translate to early-season success. They got off to a rough 1-4 start in the regular season, dropping four straight after winning their season opener against the Kings at home.
They also had a very unusual preseason last year, with 2 games played in China and the one before that against the Lakers in Palm Springs, so it was not your typical travel schedule.
Here’s what I’m looking for in these five games. And yes, five games feels like too much to me. Oh well.
1) Rotation experimentation
This is the perfect time for Jordan Ott to experiment, and I’m sure he will. Last season, as a first-year head coach, there were probably a million things going through his mind, including how he could establish his system.
Now, he can focus more on the rotations, lineup experiments, and pull some strings in areas his focus may not have been as heavy on last year, as he was installing a new system. Phoenix is returning 12 standard contract players from a year ago, along with the entire coaching staff. Less distractions. More implementation.
2) Ball movement
I’ll keep this one short and sweet. Let’s see the ball zipping around, please.
The first group especially. Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Miles Bridges will be the trio I’m keeping close tabs on. Throughout their careers, they have been more focused on getting buckets for themselves. In order for this system to thrive, we need to see all three make some sacrifices.
That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be aggressive. We still need them to get buckets. Just make sure it’s within the flow of the offense. If they all buy in, and we have Gillespie and Kennard running wild with Oso in the second unit, this offense has a real chance at being a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
3) Doing the things they can control well (again)
Hustle. Heart. Making the right play. Giving a damn.
These are the things the Suns did really well last season. We need to carry that same attitude into the new season, because last year they “stole” several wins by just trying harder than their opponent.
It’s a talented group, but they cannot forget what made them exceed expectations a season ago.
4) Good health
This is the most important thing to me. We need to send all the positive juju possible towards a Suns team coming out of camp and preseason healthy.
The Suns could finish 0-5 and lose by double digits every game, and I would trade that outcome for a clean injury report on October 21st.
5) The Youth Movement + Roster Battles
Play the young guys! Rasheer Fleming, this is your time. Koa Peat, this is your time. Khaman Maluach, this is your time.
And then you have the group fighting for either a roster spot or a spot in the rotation, period.
Ryan Dunn (to an extent), Pat Spencer, Jamaree Bouyea, Haywood Highsmith, Duop Reath, Koby Brea, CJ Huntley, etc.; the list goes on. There are a lot of fringe guys fighting for minutes or eager to earn a spot. It will be an ultra-competitive group, playing with plenty on the line.
Some of these guys’ roster spots are safe, but others are right on the cusp of being waived. These are the battles we always look forward to, and sometimes a huge preseason doesn’t change that fact. Remember Jared Butler getting waived over Jordan Goodwin, which led to an uproar from Suns fans?
It’s incredible to think that the preseason is already here. What are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments.
