The Phoenix Suns' post-All-Star break season begins Thursday. But before any game time action gets underway, I went ahead and answered a few questions about the remaining 27 games.
Does the Suns' Jordan Ott have a claim to NBA Coach of the Year?
Perhaps I'm pushing this narrative too far, but it's not because of overt bias. Much of it comes from the nature of the work, how the players have responded and the adjustments made to correct any mistakes.
The first three games of the season showed some concerns, even though there were obvious asterisks. Playing back-to-backs in Denver and then flying to Phoenix wasn't easy.
Defense was the main issue, as they allowed 129, 133 and 138 points respectively in their first three losses. As soon as that happened, it seemed like everyone was on the same page.
Lots of winning streaks, and ultimately bragging rights, allowing the fifth fewest points per game. Other than Dillon Brooks, they do not have any All-NBA defenders on the roster.
Constant ball pressure, constant communication and high basketball skills are stable. However, much of it comes from faith, and this is something he emphasizes.
Even Suns general manager Brian Gregory gave Ott a glowing evaluation during the All-Star break. Not to mention, he's easily the biggest surprise, and that could put him ahead of guys like JB Bickerstaff and Mark Dagenault.
The backend of the season will indicate how close he is to securing the award. If this goes like the first half of the season, Ott may face a loss.
How do you see Jalen Green's role progressing or regressing in the closing stages of the season?
This question will definitely attract the interest of many people. Only playing seven games is a concern, but his return has come at the right time.
This was just before the All-Star break, giving him some time to adjust physically. Given that he is a bona fide athlete and slasher, turning off the mental side was a necessity.
Green even said he felt "almost 100%" after attempting a dunk on Daniel Gafford during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. All this suggests that he is ready to go.
But then the question is, what will be his role?
As evidenced by when he was on the field, and according to the words of head coach Jordan Ott, he will lead the second unit when the starters come out.
Green's dynamic scoring and playmaking adds a layer to a scrappy and defensively strong group. If the game gets tight he will still be with the starters.
The yin and yang effect between him and Devin Booker is too good to ignore. He's also another scorer to worry about if you're on the defensive side. The more offensive weapons on the floor, the better.
When the time is right, Green's confidence in his body will translate to his performance on the court. And in time, he'll work with anyone, but he'll be the secondary (and maybe primary) puncher that Suns fans have come to expect.
What part of being an NBA player is the most mentally exhausting that fans have ever seen?
I can't speak for the players because I'm not around them 24 hours a day. But when I'm around them it's quite impressive. They are always working, practicing and doing everything they can to become 0.0001% better than they are.
A lot of the things I see have to do with situations at game time. Whether it's being late to the shot-clock or simply learning to work in isolation, there is an answer for every situation.
Additionally, players often stay after practice for additional work. Devin Booker, rookie Rasheer Fleming and Mark Williams are some examples of them.
Some of this is also related to the media. I like to think that we're relatively unbiased, but it can be tiring to hear some of the same things asked over and over again.
For example, when Dillon Brooks picked up his 16th technical foul for the Suns, the media had to ask burning questions. Fortunately, a trusting relationship is the key.
The players know that we have work to do and we are not attacking directly or trying to hint at something. It may be that way, but most of the time, it is not.
Constantly being there, not being afraid to ask tough questions, while also treating them as human beings with feelings and perspective, is what helped me walk that fine line just as carefully.
