Deadspin: The Suns are melting down

[Town Drunk]

The Phoenix Suns weren't supposed to be good this year, but they were at least supposed to play some fun basketball. Instead, they've been laying a turd on the floor almost every night.

https://deadspin.com/the-suns-are-m...ook&utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebook

 

[Hoop Head]

“My decision was not to even play him at all, but he insisted on playing the game,” Kokoskov said. “… I was surprised he played this game.”

That's what Igor said about Ayton and I think it's telling. If he decided not to play him at all, why allow Ayton to overrule that decision? Doesn't make sense.

 

[AzStevenCal]

That's what Igor said about Ayton and I think it's telling. If he decided not to play him at all, why allow Ayton to overrule that decision? Doesn't make sense.

I don't know if I believe it but it's reasonable if it actually went that way. Ayton said he was sick so Koko started Holmes but afterwards Ayton said he was well enough to play. No biggie IMO, if, like I said, it's what really happened.

 

[Proximo]

Well it is telling the media heard Booker yelling at Ayton 10 minutes after the game.

I am really starting to worry about Ayton's mental makeup.

I think people have been yelling at him for weeks now, and not much seems to be changing, if anything they seem to be getting worse.

 

[Proximo]

I don't know if I believe it but it's reasonable if it actually went that way. Ayton said he was sick so Koko started Holmes but afterwards Ayton said he was well enough to play. No biggie IMO, if, like I said, it's what really happened.

I don't think that is the true story.

This is why - Ayton did not start the second half either.

I think Igor is trying to send him a message, but I don't think it worked.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I don't think that is the true story.

This is why - Ayton did not start the second half either.

I think Igor is trying to send him a message, but I don't think it worked.

I have zero confidence in that story too, that's why I went "conditional" twice in my post.

 

[NashDishesDimes]

This is likely bad. Bridges not listening to Koko is bad but its possible he was more frustrated with the fouls and not with Koko.

Still, this is bad. If it continues Book is going to get fed up with these children out there.

Ayton is highly skilled but i am worried he doesnt have the killer instinct. It constantly looks like he can bring so much more physicality similar to Holmes but just doesnt like it.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Well it is telling the media heard Booker yelling at Ayton 10 minutes after the game.

I am really starting to worry about Ayton's mental makeup.

I think people have been yelling at him for weeks now, and not much seems to be changing, if anything they seem to be getting worse.

where did the above story come from? not doubting, just wondering if there's a link to read.

 

[Mainstreet]

where did the above story come from? not doubting, just wondering if there's a link to read.

The story came from Duane Rankin at azcentral:


After the game. Phoenix’s top two players, Booker and Ayton, exchanged words after the 10-minute cooling off period as members of the media entered the visiting locker room for the tail end of that conversation.

These two have had words before on the court, with Booker correcting Ayton on what to do on certain plays. Both have agreed to hold players accountable, but this felt different.

“I’m an emotional guy, too,” Ayton said. “I start to feel stuff. When I don’t sense it and the energy is not there, that’s when you start to hear my mouth. I don’t care who it is. Nineteen-year vet or 15 years, it don’t matter. We all have a job to do and I have to step it up a little more, too.”


https://www.azcentral.com/story/spo...-suns-portland-trailblazers-score/2234658002/

 

[Hoop Head]

“I’m an emotional guy, too,” Ayton said. “I start to feel stuff. When I don’t sense it and the energy is not there, that’s when you start to hear my mouth. I don’t care who it is. Nineteen-year vet or 15 years, it don’t matter. We all have a job to do and I have to step it up a little more, too.”

Kind of interesting how Ayton just happened to nail how long Crawford and Ariza have been in the league with that quote. He could have pulled 19 and 15 out of the air but our 2 main vets have been in the league that long. Did they say something to him he didn't like? Who knows.

 

[1tinsoldier]

let me get this straight:
1. instead of starting Holmes because Ayton played like tinkerbell in the prior blowout, Igor decided not to play Ayton because of a tummy ache, but put him in after 3 minutes because Atyon decided to play?
2. instead of encouraging Bridges when he got his 5th foul for playing aggressive, he scolded him? if so, what did he say to Ayton after playing in his second straight blowout with no fouls.

 

[95pro]

See I’ve been saying from the start there’s some issue behind the scenes.

Chandler wanted out. Changing roster spots. Firing McD and staff.

Someone shrugged it off when booker walked away from from Igor, I forget what game I mentioned it.

Then now the on court body language. And now reports of locker room jabber.

Something or someone isn’t right here on the team.

 

[1Sun]

let me get this straight:
1. instead of starting Holmes because Ayton played like tinkerbell in the prior blowout, Igor decided not to play Ayton because of a tummy ache, but put him in after 3 minutes because Atyon decided to play?
2. instead of encouraging Bridges when he got his 5th foul for playing aggressive, he scolded him? if so, what did he say to Ayton after playing in his second straight blowout with no fouls.

These items put together explain Ayton's passivity, in my opinion. Kokoskov is clearly overemphasizing avoiding fouls.

 

[Suns_fan69]

I wish we could just blow it up. Dismantle the team, start a new one with an expansion draft. Get new management, new coaches, new everything.

This is undeniably the low point for me as a Suns fan.

 

[1Sun]

See I’ve been saying from the start there’s some issue behind the scenes.

Chandler wanted out. Changing roster spots. Firing McD and staff.

Someone shrugged it off when booker walked away from from Igor, I forget what game I mentioned it.

Then now the on court body language. And now reports of locker room jabber.

Something or someone isn’t right here on the team.

There is only one thing unique to this year and in common with all of these:

Igor Kokoskov

 

[devilalum]

Geez
What a fuster cluck.

Sarver either needs to announce that he’s selling the team or hold a press conference and let us know what’s going on.

The timing of them asking for arena upgrades is unbelievable.


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[devilalum]

A team can be bad but still play like a team. These reports show a serious lack of leadership.


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[taz02]

You absolutely have to have a true leader to be competitive, either the GM, coach, player or owner. This team does not have one.

 

[Proximo]

You absolutely have to have a true leader to be competitive, either the GM, coach, player or owner. This team does not have one.

I think Booker is really trying to be a leader. Not sure if he knows how, or if anyone is listening.

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

See I’ve been saying from the start there’s some issue behind the scenes.

Chandler wanted out. Changing roster spots. Firing McD and staff.

Someone shrugged it off when booker walked away from from Igor, I forget what game I mentioned it.

Then now the on court body language. And now reports of locker room jabber.

Something or someone isn’t right here on the team.

It's starting to become obvious that the tention is mostly between the players and the coach. They keep trying to do what he is teaching and they are seeing no results. After a while it becomes the definition of insanity and I think a lot of players are starting to want to just give up on what he is teaching. I hope I'm wrong and it is just a need for some different veterans, but I'm not confident in that.

 

[1Sun]

It's starting to become obvious that the tention is mostly between the players and the coach. They keep trying to do what he is teaching and they are seeing no results. After a while it becomes the definition of insanity and I think a lot of players are starting to want to just give up on what he is teaching. I hope I'm wrong and it is just a need for some different veterans, but I'm not confident in that.

I think you're spot on, which is why I think Igor needs to be gone ASAP.

 

[sdscard4]

They need to toss his assistants too. Soft ass Corliss Williamson is the wrong dude to be teaching Ayton. Not impressed with the assistants coach or James Jones. Sarvar wants to win

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Maybe Sarver will sell now that the arena renovation is going through.

Doubtful unfortunately, the guy is a grade A douchebag.

 

[ColdPickleNachos]

They need to toss his assistants too. Soft ass Corliss Williamson is the wrong dude to be teaching Ayton. Not impressed with the assistants coach or James Jones. Sarvar wants to win

How could you want to get rid of this coaching staff? They clearly know how to execute at a high level in every aspect of the game, from start to finish.

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[taz02]

just like our offense a discombobulated cluster ****.