Phoenix Suns: 8 quick thoughts on the rising Suns

The Phoenix Suns are fun to watch because they finally have an identity, one that’s surprisingly built on scrappy defense and better teamwork

Lookout Western Conference heavyweights, the Phoenix Suns have some spark. This squad can close down the middle and challenge the perimeter but, most importantly, the Suns are playing with quick hands and feet. Who knows, they may just eclipse 35 wins if they keep it up.

I’ve watched their early games and I like what I see. Sure, the Western Conference is so stacked that the prospect of Phoenix manning up against the titans of the West seems daunting. And yet, this might just be a new era for the Suns in which a better coached, more disciplined group gets people in Arizona talking about more than just Kyler Murray.

So, in honor of Suns great Eddie Johnson, who sounds more than a little excited about his guys this season, here are eight things to think about as you watch this rising Phoenix.

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1. A new tone has been set

Despite a perceived softness in recent times, Phoenix has a feisty defense. This team is in the lane, tipping passes, diving for loose balls and forcing turnovers for transition points. The Suns can really be disruptive, as Kawhi Leonard recently discovered. Coach Monty Williams has them playing with attitude. Phoenix is ranked in the top 10 of defensive rating so far this season.

2. Thought-provoking hair

Listen, when you look good, you feel good. Aron Baynes has the biker beard; Devin Booker has a mini troll doll look; Kelly Oubre Jr is channelling Sideshow Bob; Tyler Johnson has the Lego short-hair-beard combo; Ricky Rubio might be a samurai; and Dario Saric could slot into a Melrose Place reboot. This club is a catwalk of confidence.

3. Offensive oomph

I like the Suns’ offensive movement around the top of the arc: high screens, pick and pops, and circling hand-offs. They create good shooting space for each other, which in turn gives a nice view for entry passes into the post.

4. Book’s looks

For a guy who likes to shoot, Booker can be a useful passer, too. He especially makes a nice inside low post delivery, as well as a tidy kick-out to the wing shooter. He seems to have mastered the bounce pass as well.

5. Space, man!

I like how the new Suns don’t always play five men around the perimeter as they have in the past. Instead, they bring players into the middle to the force the defense into one area, freeing up the wings. Wait until Deandre Ayton returns – they’ll have room for hot yoga out there.

6. Purple rain

Booker’s purple shoes. Hey, it’s logical to add a touch of color to your kicks to match your uni. Sir Charles did it back in the day, and Grant Hill took it a step further. Now it’s Booker, this time working a light purple shade. It looks cool when he’s blurring around the hoop trying to squeeze an impossible runner between outstretched arms.

7. Big time

Without Ayton, Phoenix is leaning on Baynes, and, well, he looks pretty good. Baynes can be great on help defense, doubling quickly and banging people just to let them know he’s there. The Suns have the ability to really own the middle against smaller outfits, especially when Frank Kaminsky is in, too.

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8. Rubio in rhythm

I’ve enjoyed the more mature, slightly more poised version of Ricky Rubio in recent times. He brings polish and pace to the point guard role in Phoenix, plus a touch of flair. Above all else though, he seems to know where the best pass is now, which was not always the case in the early days.

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