NBA: Midterm reports for first-year head coaches
By John Nassif
Monty Williams, Phoenix Suns
Monty Williams appeared to be the veteran presence on the sideline this franchised drastically needed at the beginning of the season. The Phoenix Suns opened with a 7-4 record and promise that they could cause a title favorite headaches in the first round of the playoffs.
A large part of their success could be attributed to his emphasis on ball movement and unselfishness. Despite that, the Suns have come back down to Earth over recent weeks. They are currently 16-23 and are 1.5 games back of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Some areas of improvement could be figuring out the ideal frontcourt rotation between Ayton, Baynes, and Saric, along with…convincing Devin Booker to shoot MORE 3’s?
Good Stat: Assists – 1st in the league at 28.2 per game
Bad Stat: Devin Booker not shooting enough 3s – Only 28.1% of his shots are 3s – 3rd lowest on the Suns above Cheick Diallo and Deandre Ayton