The latest hires and the latest rumors are a step toward not just respect but winning. The Phoenix Suns will get the time of day from big names now.
Halfway through the season, with the team in turmoil and the Phoenix Suns being the laughing stock of the league, it would have just been a joke to even mention a solid starter wanting to come here, let alone a star.
However, that was before James Jones was promoted and actually given the full-time title of GM. He’s great with player relations and has so many ties around the league.
That was before the team brought in Jeff Bower in a front office role, who brings experience and some respect to the franchise.
Then the team swapped head coaches. Out with Igor Kokoskov, in with Monty Williams. The canning of Igor definitely stung but Monty is well respected around the league and is a coach that players love to play for. He is authoritative in the locker room but builds solid relationships with the players he coaches also.
Now, it’s not a joke to say that players would consider coming here. Any player in the league would likely at least consider coming to Phoenix now.
That’s how much of a difference these moves, especially hiring Monty as head coach, make.
Kevin Durant, cream of the crop in this summer’s free agency, has so much respect and admiration for Monty. Durant once spoke highly of the valley, putting Phoenix among his favorite NBA cities.
"“Phoenix is the one I love a lot. I like Phoenix and the Scottsdale area is dope.”"
That was before the franchise hired their new head coach so chances are he likes the Suns a lot better now that he’s on board.
Even if K.D. ultimately decides to go elsewhere, he won’t be the only legit free agent that gives the valley a look as a new home.
Williams played on the Patrick Ewing-led Knicks as a rookie, followed by the Spurs with David Robinson. He was a teammate of Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady as well as Allen Iverson.
Since becoming a coach, he’s dealt with guards like Jrue Holiday, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook and wings like Jimmy Butler and Paul George as well as big men like LaMarcus Aldridge, Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid.
Pretty much any player he comes across, no matter what caliber player they are, tends to warm to him and grow in admiration of him.
They’ll probably all agree with what Durant said about Williams being hired by the Suns.
"“He knows how to talk to people, for one. He knows how to communicate and he’s honest. That’s lacking in our world in general. It’s just truth. Especially when you’re talking to him on the basketball court, you have a group of guys that will get better. He has a young core that is hungry to get better and is hungry to have some success.”"
It’s a very realistic possibility that a game changer will give the Phoenix Suns a solid look. The team has a nice young core. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton need some help in the form of a star level player that will help them get to that success.
Before, the Suns were the joke of the league. Now, they’ll at least get the time of day from a big name. The future is indeed bright in Phoenix.