Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Phoenix Suns mailbag: spreading our wings

By Dan Volpone

LAS VEAGS, NV - JULY 9: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEAGS, NV - JULY 9: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – APRIL 3: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns talks with the media after the game against the Sacramento Kings APRIL 3, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – APRIL 3: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns talks with the media after the game against the Sacramento Kings APRIL 3, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What is the best training camp battle to watch, and should Kokoskov set his initial lineup to avoid conflict?

It’s hard to say exactly what the best training camp battles will be because there are so many uncertainties with the roster. Is T.J. Warren still part of the plan going forward? Does Bridges have a chance to take Ariza or Jackson’s starting spot? Are Bender and Chriss fighting for one man’s minutes?

In the end, Bridges and Jackson could end up being the most interesting matchup. They’ll likely guard each other in scrimmages, but their play styles are extremely different. Because of this, there’s a chance one looks much better with the other first teamers.

As for coaching, I see no reason to go out of the way to avoid conflict. Igor Kokoskov is a new coach, and he should be looking to make it clear that he’s running the show. There’s no reason to coddle a player who takes criticism poorly. If they’re really upset about it, they should put in the extra work and go take what they think they deserve.

For the most part, the young guys were given plenty of minutes during the tanking years, so there was never any reason to complain. But that’ll change this year. With two top ten draft picks and the signing of veteran Trevor Ariza, there’s not enough minutes to keep everyone happy.

Warren, Bender, and Chriss all may be given roles they’re unhappy with. Richaun Holmes was outspoken about his unhappiness with his role in Philly last season, and he too could have nights without seeing the floor.

There’s no way to avoid conflict, so coach should send out the best rotation he can.

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