‘Dour’, ‘sad’, ‘no enthusiasm’- Phoenix Suns media day vibe compared to a funeral
If Phoenix Suns fans wanted reason for optimism, that offseason issues weren’t going to affect team performance, then the team’s media day gave no assurances.
In fact, if media day is a sign of on-court production to come, then you may want to lower expectations on what the Suns can deliver.
The vibe at Phoenix Suns media day was compared to that of a funeral, but should fans really be surprised given the major off-season news?
A collective vibe or attitude emanates from the conversation that’s evoked. It’s fair to say Suns coach Monty Williams, general manager James Jones, and most importantly the players, were always going to have downbeat demeanours based on the questions asked.
Some of that is on them, other aspects were totally out of their control. The majority of opposing teams were able to discuss their on-court prospects – the generic but relative questions of what a new player will deliver the franchise, how they can improve individually and expectations for the team overall.
Instead, every Suns interview was inundated with questions relating to the Robert Sarver findings, Jae Crowder’s trade request, and Deandre Ayton’s contract negotiations. Should fans have expected more, particularly when everyone knew this was coming? Honestly, getting genuine, forthright responses is better than misleading answers where players fake a more buoyant attitude.
That didn’t stop the critique though, with Andscape’s Marc J. Spears comparing the Suns media day to that of a funeral.
"“This was the most dour, the saddest media day that I’ve ever attended. It felt more like a funeral. I talked to Deandre Ayton on the side a little bit and he said there was a cloud hanging over the franchise…he just feels bad for the people.”"
His ESPN colleague Brian Windhorst concurred with those comments, comparing it with a dentist waiting room.
"“There was absolutely no enthusiasm, no excitement at all. Media day typically, even for teams in difficult situations, is a new beginning and there’s a lot of smiles…There was one smile cracked in the first 90 minutes of these press conferences….I’ve never seen a situation like this.”"
Next. Phoenix Suns: 3 trade options for Jae Crowder post trade request. dark
The proof will eventually be in the pudding once the Suns hit the hardwood. These issues could ultimately go either way – it could break the group and prove the end of this brief but successful period for the franchise, or it could galvanise the playing group and be the tonic for them to maintain in title contention. For now, all we can do is speculate on which way the situation may be headed.