5. Bigger story: 10 Suns players showing up to voluntary workouts early, or Markieff Morris not being one of them?
Chasen: The 10 players showing up. I think it’s actually better that Markieff Morris didn’t show up. He should take some time and remove himself from everything just to gather his thoughts and get it all together. Then he can show up ready to kill it and to move on. As for the 10 guys showing up, I think that’s awesome, especially for a younger team. However, I will say neither are too big of a story in my opinion.
Bourguet: Nobody should’ve been expecting Keef to show up. I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t show up until the first day of training camp. But 10 players under contract — plus two players on non-guaranteed contracts — showing up so early to voluntary workouts is a good sign. Championships aren’t won in August, but at the very least it shows this young team knows the work it needs to put in to get better…which is even more noteworthy since Tyson Chandler wasn’t even there.
Hann: I mean, did anyone ever really expect Markieff to be present? So by default it would have to be the other 10 Suns. However, that doesn’t take away the fact that this team continues to show they want to be better and more mature. Another step in the right direction.
Harris: I think it’s that 10 players showed up early. Honestly, I’m not shocked that Morris hasn’t showed up. I mean, what in his history suggests that he is eager to be with the Suns right now?
Dodgson: It has got to be the fact that Morris wasn’t among the 10. He doesn’t want to be in Phoenix, the fans don’t want him in Phoenix and the longer he is around, the more his trade stock plummets. Ignoring that fact his doing a huge disservice to the team, not to mention the belief that time will cause the issue to blow over is as naïve a thought as a front office can have.
Trade Keef and bring in someone who will share the vision of what you are trying to accomplish — someone who will be proud to play in Phoenix.
Next: Suns Column: Patience The Best Approach With Markieff Morris