:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65381808/1173171523.jpg.0.jpg)
Every year, we hear bits and pieces out of closed training camp drills and practices that leave us wondering whether everyone on the team took superman pills over the summer to came back stronger, faster and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.
Previously unknown injuries are announced but downplayed, while bit players and rookies are talked up as major rotation pieces.
Last year there was Ryan Anderson “stretching the narrative on culture setting”. Shaquille Harrison looking like the starting point guard. Stories about new life in the fan base at the open practice with Dragan Bender looking good, Josh Jackson’s playmaking, Davon Reed’s hustle and Ayton’s maturity.
But we also pointed out what turned out to be the fatal flaws of the season: (1) massive injury concern with Booker, (2) a complicated helter-skelter look to the offense, and (3) four guys vying for point guard playing time but no one looking very good at it.
So take this week’s positive stories with a big grain of salt, please. And look harder at the negatives than the team might want you to.
It’s “everything is awesome” week, after all.
Having said all that, here’s the latest via the Suns social account, as well as on-site media like Kellan Olson (arizonasports.com), Gina Mizell (The Athletic) and Duane Rankin (azcentral.com), among others.
They talked mostly about rookies Ty Jerome and Cameron Johnson:
.@rickyrubio9 & @aronbaynes went head-to-head in the @FIBAWC.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 3, 2019
Now together with the Suns, the two relive their summer of hoops! pic.twitter.com/ds3KAIEreo
Together we get better. #RisePHX pic.twitter.com/AodksUaRJy
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 3, 2019
.@DevinBook was asked which teammate has stood out the most thus far.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 3, 2019
His response? @tyjerome_ https://t.co/XJ8w0UP0Qc
#Suns rookie Cameron Johnson shining early at #Suns training camp. pic.twitter.com/qI7ptzHyTE
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 3, 2019
Monty Williams on Cam Johnson: "He's not your normal rookie ... he's just not afraid. When you put him out there with the starting group, he doesn't look like a guy who's deferring at all. And that's what I like. He feels like he should be out there." #Suns
— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) October 2, 2019
Also, your man (formerly our man at Bright Side) Kellan Olson of arizonasports.com has been all over the podcast and radio waves the last couple days. I’m sure you’ve heard his voice somewhere:
Oubre and Bridges both out again today which is not good but Cam Johnson impressed which is good: https://t.co/1u8IybT3bv
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) October 2, 2019
Thursday — Day 3
Yours truly Dave King will be up in Flagstaff on Thursday to check out the open part of practice and talk to players/coaches like all these other media up there. Watch Bright Side for updates!
With either of Mikal Bridges or Kelly Oubre Jr. be back on the court? Or will Cam Johnson take even stronger hold of the small forward position?
Or will we get an update on how great the power forwards, Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky, look this week, in the round table of positional rave reviews?
Stay tuned!