Suns hire Monty Williams

[1Sun]

I agree, I don't think he'll ever be James Harden but I don't think you're ever going to see him as just a point guard either. He will always play both positions for us and while I agree he was worn down at times having to do too much, IMO it was more because he didn't have an effective running mate.

Pair him with a good combo guard and I'll be happy and so will Booker. Sure, I'd love to have the next Steve Nash out there but I'm quite positive that even Steve Nash would be playing more like a combo guard in today's game. As I've mentioned many times, the refs give breaks to the perimeter shooters and ball handlers that they don't extend to any other position, it would be shortsighted to not allow Booker to benefit from that protection.

We don't need another Steve Nash, but we at LEAST need someone who is more capable than Booker playing the point and who can show the way to whoever ends up as our point guard of the future. In no universe is Tyler Johnson that player.

 

[Mainstreet]

I have been liking this pick for months! I am thinking he may go higher than 6 or 7. There may be a fast riser that knocks him down a notch, though.

I hope not. I'm starting to think of White as the Shai of this draft.

 

[Yuma]

Tyler Johnson is and always will be, as we saw last season, and Ja Morant will be for at least a year or two, especially if there is no veteran point guard on the roster to set an example for him.

I remember Magic saying Norm Nixon helped him get ready for his first season.

 

[Hoop Head]

This might make a good thread. I'm starting to like Colby White at this position.

I've seen a few threads like that already but they always turn "We need a top 3 pick" sort of threads. Until the lottery and we know our position I don't think some will go into detail over what to do with the pick if it's not top 3, or if it does fall out of the top 3 then we need to trade it and get what we can because no one there fits.

 

[Mainstreet]

I've seen a few threads like that already but they always turn "We need a top 3 pick" sort of threads. Until the lottery and we know our position I don't think some will go into detail over what to do with the pick if it's not top 3, or if it does fall out of the top 3 then we need to trade it and get what we can because no one there fits.

There is a good chance the Suns trade the pick if Zion or Morant is not there but it's still fun to guess who they might draft if they keep the pick. Maybe a trade option might be included in a such a thread.

Then everyone would vote trade except the draftniks.

 

[1Sun]

Yeah, despite what the other person is suggesting, there isn't a poster here yelling "yay, we have our starting point guard now". We all know we'd like a better starting point guard than Tyler but most of us would rather ride with him than give up assets to acquire a marginal upgrade.

Except that as BC so duly noted, acquiring a real veteran point guard, rather than playing Tyler Johnson out of position at the point, is a SIGNIFICANT upgrade at TWO positions, the point (obviously) and shooting guard (where Booker can play his natural position, rather than have to resort to being the de-facto point because Tyler Johnson's play at the point is so horrible and detrimental to the team).

 

[Mainstreet]

Just remember that Morant or not, there IS NO FUTURE, especially for the point guard of the future, if we do not have a point guard of the present. Case in point: Okobo and Melton regressing horribly last year. While I think Igor was a significant part, I also think a significant part of that was not having a point guard on the roster to serve as a role model and from whom they could learn how to be an NBA point guard. Leave Ja Morant in that situation, and Monty Williams or not, you will have Ja Morant reverting to the playground ball he often reverted to at Murray State. That would just about kill any chance of this team developing into anything other than what we have witnessed for almost the past decade.

I think your argument is stronger if you leave Okobo and Melton out of the equation. They played about as well as they could as rookies.

If the Suns draft Morant at #2 or #3, I have higher expectations for him than those two players. As I have mentioned before, I prefer Morant not being pressured to start. I guess we disagree about what the Suns need as a starter.

Would I be unhappy if the Suns signed Darren Collison and started him ahead of Morant... of course not. I'd be pleased but I'm trying to factor in the whole roster.

 

[Raze]

This might make a good thread. I'm starting to like Colby White at this position.

Colby is a heck of a player. He's a bit too much of a "Combo Guard" and he doesn't come off as the brightest guy, but the guy can flat out score. At the very least he's a BPA kinda pick at #6. I have him 4th behind:

1. Zion
2. Ja
3. RJ

I actually like his motor more than RJ, but RJ just has an incredible multi-tool skill set and has a higher all around grade. That said, Colby will thrive in this hideous "Harden Step Back (aka Travel)" generation. He does a great job creating separation and maintains good form on his shot. He's not a natural PG, but perfectly fits the mold of this generation's "Non-PG" PG's. Plus the guy is ATHLETIC and seems to work hard on everything he does on O and D. In 5 years, Colby has a real shot of being the best player in this draft. Hard pressed, I'd probably take Colby over RJ, only because I feel like Colby lays everything on the court on every play and has a larger star potential. RJ is just a safer pick at #2-3.

I have a big gap between Colby and my #5. I just see a lot of role players after him.

While he's not a natural fit next to Book, I'm not gonna lament if we draft him at #6. Actually, I think he's a steal there. (But then again, I thought Justise Winslow would be a steal at #10... so... yeah).

 

[1Sun]

I think your argument is stronger if you leave Okobo and Melton out of the equation. They played about as well as they could as rookies.

If the Suns draft Morant at #2 or #3, I have higher expectations for him than those two players. As I have mentioned before, I prefer Morant not being pressured to start. I guess we disagree about what the Suns need as a starter.

Would I be unhappy if the Suns signed Darren Collison and started him ahead of Morant... of course not. I'd be pleased but I'm trying to factor in the whole roster.

They started out well as rookies and then became worse and worse as the season progressed, to the point that neither played anywhere close to NBA level at the end. And for all of the positives that Morant flashes, you cannot deny that he is not exactly a mature point guard, and that he often reverts to playground ball. Ja more than just about anyone else needs someone to teach him the nuances of playing the point in the NBA. Especially if we draft a point guard of the future, our biggest need is a veteran point guard not just to take the pressure off of him but to set the right example of what it takes to play the point in the NBA. Just my two cents.

 

[Mainstreet]

Colby is a heck of a player. He's a bit too much of a "Combo Guard" and he doesn't come off as the brightest guy, but the guy can flat out score. At the very least he's a BPA kinda pick at #6. I have him 4th behind:

1. Zion
2. Ja
3. RJ

I actually like his motor more than RJ, but RJ just has an incredible multi-tool skill set and has a higher all around grade. That said, Colby will thrive in this hideous "Harden Step Back (aka Travel)" generation. He does a great job creating separation and maintains good form on his shot. He's not a natural PG, but perfectly fits the mold of this generation's "Non-PG" PG's. Plus the guy is ATHLETIC and seems to work hard on everything he does on O and D. In 5 years, Colby has a real shot of being the best player in this draft. Hard pressed, I'd probably take Colby over RJ, only because I feel like Colby lays everything on the court on every play and has a larger star potential. RJ is just a safer pick at #2-3.

I have a big gap between Colby and my #5. I just see a lot of role players after him.

While he's not a natural fit next to Book, I'm not gonna lament if we draft him at #6. Actually, I think he's a steal there. (But then again, I thought Justise Winslow would be a steal at #10... so... yeah).

I'm with you if the Suns land at around 5 or 6.

I can't take another small forward, especially one that can't shoot. The Suns have this in Josh Jackson.

 

[BC867]

They started out well as rookies and then became worse and worse as the season progressed, to the point that neither played anywhere close to NBA level at the end. And for all of the positives that Morant flashes, you cannot deny that he is not exactly a mature point guard, and that he often reverts to playground ball. Ja more than just about anyone else needs someone to teach him the nuances of playing the point in the NBA. Especially if we draft a point guard of the future, our biggest need is a veteran point guard not just to take the pressure off of him but to set the right example of what it takes to play the point in the NBA. Just my two cents.

Which points out another Suns deficiency, which has not been pointed out very much.

The Suns need Assistant Coaches with the skills to develop young players, especially at Point Guard and Center.

That has not been the case.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Guys, it’s COBY White.

And I think i was one of the first to start seriously considering him. But the more I study up on him and the more I learn about garland, I’m starting to look at them as a toss up. Garlands shot and ability to create space to get it off feels like today’s nba. Though he’s not a great finisher against size and his passing skills have not yet evidenced themselves (big concern).

Coby has nice size and I like his relentless style, but he’s not a sky walker and he truly is more of a combo guard than a PG.

I think I’m going to waffle back and forth between the two.

 

[Raze]

Guys, it’s COBY White.

And I think i was one of the first to start seriously considering him. But the more I study up on him and the more I learn about garland, I’m starting to look at them as a toss up. Garlands shot and ability to create space to get it off feels like today’s nba. Though he’s not a great finisher against size and his passing skills have not yet evidenced themselves (big concern).

Coby has nice size and I like his relentless style, but he’s not a sky walker and he truly is more of a combo guard than a PG.

I think I’m going to waffle back and forth between the two.

Sorry, thanks for the correction. COBY Wright is a heck of a player.

I'm far more down on Garland than you. He has a considerable amount of red flags. However, he does fall into the high risk/high reward category, so I can see taking a chance on him in the low teens. Also, at least Coby proved he can do it at the highest collegiate level. Garland still falls into the mystery realm.

 

[Superbone]

Guys, it’s COBY White.

I’m pretty sure he doesn’t write his first name in all caps.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Sorry, thanks for the correction. COBY Wright is a heck of a player.

I'm far more down on Garland than you. He has a considerable amount of red flags. However, he does fall into the high risk/high reward category, so I can see taking a chance on him in the low teens. Also, at least Coby proved he can do it at the highest collegiate level. Garland still falls into the mystery realm.

I don't know much about Coby but he intrigues me. I'd probably feel the same way about Garland but for me, the injury history takes him off my board (not that I have one).

 

[Yuma]

Some of the threes on Coby's highlights are really NBA distance. So his three shot should translate well to the NBA. His drives seem like Harden in that he draws contact and is moving more horizontal than vertical covering a lot of ground. I think his game will translate well to the NBA.

 

[Mainstreet]

I don't know much about Coby but he intrigues me. I'd probably feel the same way about Garland but for me, the injury history takes him off my board (not that I have one).

I think part of it is the Amare and to a lesser extent the Bledsoe syndrome. Losing players to knee injury always is worrisome.

 

[Mainstreet]

Jerry Colangelo thinks the Suns hired the right guy. This is great to hear.

Here is an except from a Duane Rankin article:


Jerry Colangelo believes Monty Williams and the Phoenix Suns are in the right place at the right time to unite and turn the franchise around.

“He’s the whole package,” the former Suns team owner (1987-2004) said Monday evening. “I’m very excited for the opportunity he has to coach in Phoenix and he’s going to do a great job.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“There’s been a commitment made of five years,” Colangelo said about the five-year deal. “It starts with that. I think after all the starts and stops, all the adversity, the timing is right for the organization to do what they did. They’ve picked the right guy. There’s good, young talent, draft picks on the board. I just think the clouds have parted a little bit here and I think fans will really take to Monty Williams.”


https://www.azcentral.com/story/spo...ired-whole-package-monty-williams/1126624001/

 

[Mainstreet]

I can't help but wonder if Jerry Colangelo might have played a role of some sort in Monty Williams coming to Phoenix. It's pure conjecture of course but it would be nice to believe.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I can't help but wonder if Jerry Colangelo might have played a role of some sort in Monty Williams coming to Phoenix. It's pure conjecture of course but it would be nice to believe.

I have no idea but those comments from JC along with the Woj report that the Lakers didn't think they had a need to hurry on Williams (didn't think he'd choose the Suns over them) will help shorten this long offseason for me.

I seem to have been labeled a Koko supporter which really isn't the case. I liked what I'd heard about him but I knew very little. I was mostly in support of keeping our Head Coach, whoever that was, for more than one season. But with Monty, I'm much more positive and more hopeful for the future. There are a lot of things you want to see from your Head Coach and Monty brings most of those to the table.

 

[Hoop Head]

I can't help but wonder if Jerry Colangelo might have played a role of some sort in Monty Williams coming to Phoenix. It's pure conjecture of course but it would be nice to believe.

It wouldn't surprise me if Monty asked Jerry about Phoenix given how both of them were in Philadelphia and everyone knows Colangelo's history with the Suns. I doubt it would be more than that though. I don't think Jerry has any pull within the Suns organization anymore but him telling Monty that he should take the job wouldn't surprise me.

Barkley talks about the fans in Phoenix being the best in the world quite a bit. How long has been gone? I know he's not alone when it comes to former players singing the praises of the basketball fans in the valley. Whoever can turn the Suns into a winner will be adored in this city for the rest of their days. We've never won a title but that hasn't stopped the fanbase from appreciating the stars who have come through here like they did win championships here. Colangelo could attest to all of that and point Monty in the right direction as far as where to look if he wanted to see what could happen if he could turn this team around.

 

[Mainstreet]

I have no idea but those comments from JC along with the Woj report that the Lakers didn't think they had a need to hurry on Williams (didn't think he'd choose the Suns over them) will help shorten this long offseason for me.

The same here. I must admit the comments from Jerry Colangelo brightened my day. I've always wanted him to have some type of influence or approval of the Suns.

I seem to have been labeled a Koko supporter which really isn't the case. I liked what I'd heard about him but I knew very little. I was mostly in support of keeping our Head Coach, whoever that was, for more than one season. But with Monty, I'm much more positive and more hopeful for the future. There are a lot of things you want to see from your Head Coach and Monty brings most of those to the table.

I think we share the same views about Kokoskov. As a head coach he was never given a fair chance without the benefit of a point guard not to mention a power forward. And then there were all those injuries. It's not that we believed Kokoskov was the right coach... it's more that we never found out.

Lot's of positive signs about the Monty hiring and I like his coaching background.

 

[Mainstreet]

It wouldn't surprise me if Monty asked Jerry about Phoenix given how both of them were in Philadelphia and everyone knows Colangelo's history with the Suns. I doubt it would be more than that though. I don't think Jerry has any pull within the Suns organization anymore but him telling Monty that he should take the job wouldn't surprise me.

Barkley talks about the fans in Phoenix being the best in the world quite a bit. How long has been gone? I know he's not alone when it comes to former players singing the praises of the basketball fans in the valley. Whoever can turn the Suns into a winner will be adored in this city for the rest of their days. We've never won a title but that hasn't stopped the fanbase from appreciating the stars who have come through here like they did win championships here. Colangelo could attest to all of that and point Monty in the right direction as far as where to look if he wanted to see what could happen if he could turn this team around.

This would be my hope or expectation. That Monty had conversations with Jerry about the Suns franchise and he put in a good word about the fans and the city.

 

[JCSunsfan]

The same here. I must admit the comments from Jerry Colangelo brightened my day. I've always wanted him to have some type of influence or approval of the Suns.



I think we share the same views about Kokoskov. As a head coach he was never given a fair chance without the benefit of a point guard not to mention a power forward. And then there were all those injuries. It's not that we believed Kokoskov was the right coach... it's more that we never found out.

Lot's of positive signs about the Monty hiring and I like his coaching background.

I would label myself a Koko supporter. I own it. I just think he should have been given more time. But I would readily admit that I do not know what was going on behind the scenes. Its water under the bridge now. Glad JC likes the move. I do feel bad for Igor. He seems like a good guy and a good basketball mind. I really do hope he succeeds elsewhere.

However, getting paid for not working is not a bad gig.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I would label myself a Koko supporter. I own it. I just think he should have been given more time. But I would readily admit that I do not know what was going on behind the scenes. Its water under the bridge now. Glad JC likes the move. I do feel bad for Igor. He seems like a good guy and a good basketball mind. I really do hope he succeeds elsewhere.

However, getting paid for not working is not a bad gig.

I liked what little I knew about Koko but I had concerns based on the idea that his style of basketball was on display when he coached Slovenia to the title. I've always been a little skeptical about taking that style to the US game with quicker and longer athletes all over the court.

I was hopeful though because so many others swore by him (Pop for example) and I figured if his preferred style didn't work, he'd be smart enough to adapt. And maybe he would have if we'd given him a real roster to work with? We'll never know but the comments about players not knowing what to do or even who was really running the team are a concern and probably will be to any other prospective team. Fortunately our reputation for turmoil might help in that regard.