Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Even after slow start, all is not lost for the Phoenix Suns

By Kory Miller

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 10: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game against the Orlando Magic at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 10, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 10: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game against the Orlando Magic at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 10, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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After a 4-1 start under interim Head Coach Jay Triano, the 2017-18 season is fast becoming another tanking watch for the Phoenix Suns. Rather than losing hope for the future of the franchise, Suns fans should remain encouraged by the positives from this year.

1. Jay Triano is a good coach (for this team)

PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 10: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game against the Orlando Magic at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 10, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 10: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game against the Orlando Magic at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 10, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

After 10 games under Triano, one thing has become abundantly clear: Earl Watson was not ready to be a NBA head coach. Triano has been respectful and humble when it comes to the differences from Watson’s tenure to his, but his statements show that the young Suns were not developing as they should under Watson.

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Earl might still be a good coach in the future, but his style doesn’t appear to work well with young players. Watson’s “everything is love” philosophy seems to have rung hollow with the team and has to be part of the reason that the Suns started off so poorly in their first three games. Rookies need structure and accountability, Triano has brought that atmosphere, especially when dealing with Marquese Chriss.

On the court, Triano has brought a system to the defensive end, and it’s working. Phoenix won’t be a defensive juggernaut anytime soon, but the players are making the effort and it’s showing in stretches. Offensively, ball movement has been much better under Triano and players like T.J. Warren and Devin Booker should continue to improve their offensive efficiency with better and better looks as the season goes on.

Most importantly, the Suns are developing their young talent with Triano at the helm. Regardless of what happened in practices under Watson, and we may never fully know, the new coaching staff is spending time teaching and growing the players from a basketball standpoint. The perceived lack of that under Watson is why it was so important that the Suns cut the cord when they did. If Watson had remained, that time could have been wasted whereas now this season will be beneficial for the young guys, even if the record doesn’t show it. With Triano as head coach for the rest of the year, Suns fans will have a good idea of how much future talent is on this roster by the time game number 82 is played.

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