Phoenix Suns Practice Report: "We don't want to be the best loser"

In 2012 the Phoenix Suns went 11-21, but lookout 2013, the team is 1-0 so far and looking to build on that momentum.

They turned to, once again, a line-up change to spark the energy, but in the end it was what has been working for the team all year.. Who would have known those cheesy chemistry commercials about the team were that accurate, and that head coach Alvin Gentry is a chemist?

What Did The Team Do?

The team went through a full practice today and the vibe was very positive coming out. Coach Gentry preached that they have two more games at home and they need to maintain what they just started, after all they are a seven or eight game winning streak away from being in the playoff picture again.

One observation from practice was the disconnect between Beasley and the team. He seemed to be very dissociated with the group (although we only get to see a handful of minutes) on the outside of the ending huddle, and walked away immediately to an isolated corner afterwards.

His general body language carries like a guy who does not want to be wherever he is at, but as of late Beasley has not been as good at masking those body hints of discomfort.

Injury Update

Sebastian Telfair left early in the win against the Philadelphia 76ers, but should be able to play without missing any action. He is a tough player that Gentry said would only ask to leave a game if it was serious, but after review he should be fine for tomorrow.

It was a sore left knee that sent him to the locker room early last night.

Coach Gentry's Take on line-up changes:

"We'd have to have as many combinations as the Oregon Ducks football teams uniforms to make it work. We don't have that many combinations so we have to keep plugging away and we are going to have to find some consistency with a group night in and night out. I think Tuck (P.J. Tucker) gives us an energizer bunny especially on the defensive end, but at the end of the night everybody played good and that is what we got to have."

"That is why we tried it and that is what our goal is and if not we will try something else. We can't ever be content or accept the losing. We have to continue to work past that. I find no redeeming quality in close losses, that is like being the best loser. We don't want to be the best loser."

The 2013 NBA Draft Update

As of today the team is slotted in the 6^th spot and the 12^th spot in the draft if it were to happen today. The 12^th pick comes via the Los Angeles Lakers who are playing sub-playoff quality basketball hence the swap of the pick.

The Suns would also receive the Memphis Grizzlies pick (No. 26) today.

Here are the players they are taking in the current Mock Draft (The Mock does not reflect current standings:

At No. 6 - Archie Goodwin

At No. 12 - Isaiah Austin

At No. 26 - Jeff Withey