Suns sign Watson to 3 year deal

[sunsfan88]

Would be nice if they can bring in Scott Skiles as an assistant too.

 

[SirStefan32]

Would be nice if they can bring in Scott Skiles as an assistant too.

No thanks! I don't want to see him on the Suns' bench ever again, in any capacity.

 

[sunsfan88]

No thanks! I don't want to see him on the Suns' bench ever again, in any capacity.

Just for defensive purposes. Or even Lionel Hollins.

 

[Errntknght]

I know Skiles is touted as a defensive minded coach but our defense under him was nothing to brag about. He doesn't have the temperment to be a coach at any level... I think he'd be a divisive factor. Please say 'no' to Scotty.

 

[sunsfan88]

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Arians is one of my favorite coaches in the league so I'm happy to see this. Even though it's a different sport, Watson can still learn quite a bit from him.

 

[Chaplin]

Just got an alert that we hired Mehmet Okur to the coaching staff.

 

[Ronin]

It's early but I like that Watson is preaching defense to his players during today's practice. Keep it up Coach.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Ronin]

Suns Using Training Camp to Instill Defense-First Mentality

FLAGSTAFF -- Here are three words to describe the Suns' focus in Flagstaff this week: defense, defense and more defense.

Brandon Knight estimated to reporters that 70 percent of Tuesday’s three-hour practice at NAU to open training camp was spent on defensive instruction. The coaching staff set up drill stations on how to defend pin-downs, pick-and-rolls, post-ups and more. The gauntlet provided players with a refresher course on the basics of defense before they were allowed to move into live basketball situations.

“It’s not just the word defense. It’s how to defend,” Watson said. “How to attack with your hands and your forearms and your legs. It’s almost like teaching a kid how to shoot. Breaking down the fundamentals of a shot, but defensively.”

'
http://www.nba.com/suns/blog/suns-using-training-camp-instill-defense-first-mindset

 

[AzStevenCal]

Watching and listening to Watson, I really believe he's going to be one of the all time greats. Twenty years from now I really think he, and, unfortunately, Luke Walton, will be talked about the way Riley and Pop have been.

 

[StreetTruckinTitan]

Watching and listening to Watson, I really believe he's going to be one of the all time greats. Twenty years from now I really think he, and, unfortunately, Luke Walton, will be talked about the way Riley and Pop have been.

I want what your drinking.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I want what your drinking.

Iced tea, no sugar. I watch every little thing I can about the Suns and I'm completely sold on Watson. I worry that the "cheerleader" aspect of his approach will wear thin eventually but right now he appears to be getting complete buy-in from the players.

 

[slinslin]

I agree, I have never been more excited about a Suns coach than Earl Watson.

 

[Hoop Head]

People are more optimistic about Watson because the team played dramatically different and better once he took over last season and there has been nothing but positive stuff said by the players. The players helped sell him to the fans rather than the management pushing it as a big deal. Anyone who follows the team could tell the attitude of the players improved greatly once Watson took over. Everyone played with positivity, hustle, and all out even though there was nothing left to win for once he took over the reigns.

Watson also compared to the Hornacek hire makes more sense from a basketball standpoint as well. It seemed like Jeff was hired to please frustrated fans, not for what he brought to the table. Watson got the job based on the personnel in place and his BB-IQ, not what he was to the franchise before.

 

[Errntknght]

People are more optimistic about Watson because the team played dramatically different and better once he took over last season and there has been nothing but positive stuff said by the players. The players helped sell him to the fans rather than the management pushing it as a big deal. Anyone who follows the team could tell the attitude of the players improved greatly once Watson took over. Everyone played with positivity, hustle, and all out even though there was nothing left to win for once he took over the reigns.

Watson also compared to the Hornacek hire makes more sense from a basketball standpoint as well. It seemed like Jeff was hired to please frustrated fans, not for what he brought to the table. Watson got the job based on the personnel in place and his BB-IQ, not what he was to the franchise before.

If you compare the team play when Jeff first took ever to it at Watson's succession, there wasn't a lot difference. A new coach usually has a 'honeymoon' period. I was one of the very few people who wasn't happy with Jeff's coaching the first year - I loved the fastbreak style but I was very disappointed in his half court scheme. Actually, I was shocked by it because I was certain that Jeff knew better than that - a coaches' son and we all regarded him as a 'heady' player in his day.

I'm fine with Watson so far but I'm waiting to see the product on the floor before I get excited. I'm not much concerned about the WL record - if the team's enthusiasm carries it into the playoffs that's good but it's also good if Earl derails it in order to bring the young guys along faster. What I'm looking for is an offense that is structured to take advantage of the skills of the players we have on the team - even better if can morph a bit from one group to another on the floor. The D is going to be a work in progress I'm sure but I hope it looks like a scheme the guys can grow into.