The new Suns: Culture change in Phoenix
By DC DECASTRO
Assistant coaches matter, guys
The Suns’ secret weapon this upcoming season will be new lead assistant Willie Green. There’s a reason that Williams really wanted Green as his lean-on guy. “In assembling a staff, the goal was simple: identify high-character individuals with high-level experience who will work relentlessly to developed a culture of championship habits here in Phoenix,” Williams explained. “He’s one of the younger guys in the NBA who I look up to…He’s just a good man. An unbelievable coach. I coached him in New Orleans. I’d be here all day talking about Willie. I think Willie is going to have an impact on Devin (Booker) that’s going to take our program to a level that’s going to be really good in the future.”
Green played a total of 12 seasons in the NBA. He has been a player development coach and assistant for Steve Kerr in Golden State the last three years in which the Warriors won two NBA titles and reached the Finals last June.
The Warriors like Green’s preparation, his ability to simplify strategy and terminology, his steady demeanor when it comes to teaching and relating to the players, his constant emphasis on improving defensively, and his overall basketball IQ.
His presence will be a perfect fit for the culture Jones is trying to establish.
And one thing Green will challenge his players to do is work hard, which stems from his time as a player for the Philadelphia 76ers from 2003-2010.
“The best thing I learned in Philly was just working hard,” Green recalled. “Working hard, you may make some mistakes but if you outwork everybody, that’s half the battle.”
The other half is making a priority of getting proper rest, a healthy diet, and a commitment to film study. The 37-year-old assistant was known for connecting with the younger players at Golden State, so expect him to continue his winning ways and bring that to the Young Suns.