Annexus Practice Report: Intensity Picks up at NAU
FLAGSTAFF -- Only a few days separate the Suns from their preseason opener on Monday against the San Antonio Spurs.
All that’s left in between then and now are a couple evening shootarounds, a practice on Friday and an intrasquad scrimmage at NAU on Saturday.
With a busy schedule ahead, Phoenix opted for a light workload on Thursday, giving us time to empty out the notebook before the team returns to action.
1. Team Bonding Travels North
The Suns took a break from the training camp grind on Thursday to continue their weekly ritual of a group yoga outing.
“It’s a mental day,” Head Coach Earl Watson said. “It’s about mental toughness and just growing as people. Growing as a spirit. We want to grow into one team, do everything together and have experiences outside of basketball.”
2. Tucker Gets Vocal
During Wednesday’s practice, the Suns were split into two squads for an extended 5-on-5 scrimmage spanning well over an hour.
The team featuring the likes of Devin Booker, Jared Dudley, Brandon Knight, Tyson Chandler, T.J. Warren and others built a 20-point lead on their opponent, prompting Watson to wipe the scoreboard clean and begin a new game.
P.J. Tucker, sidelined with a back injury, watched the rout from his rehab station but finished his work in time to man the sideline for the second scrimmage. His words of encouragement calling for energy on the defensive end could be heard throughout the gym.
“I have a big mouth. The guys were getting their butts kicked there,” Tucker said. “I was on the bike and couldn’t wait to finish up so I could get up and start talking. They weren’t talking no defense. They started getting tired. They just needed that push.”
Tucker’s team, led by Eric Bledsoe, Alex Len, Marquese Chriss, Dragan Bender and others, bounced back to pick up the win to close out practice.
3. Progress Report on Young Fours
So far, Bender and Chriss have been as advertised – with the former showcasing his versatility and the latter flashing his trademark athleticism.
Watson gave praise to both top-10 picks while also pointing out where they can improve.
“Play-making. You see that immediately,” Watson said when asked what has stood out about Bender. “The play-making off the dribble and the passing.
“His shot is going to come. I think right now he might’ve hit that wall with his legs being heavy, but that’s natural for him. I’m looking forward to him making strides this season. We want him to naturally come into his own over time.”
Meanwhile, Chriss, as you might expect, has been a force above the rim – collecting rebounds and driving to the hoop with a full head of steam. Watson wants to see the Washington product better harness his power and leaping ability, something the coach is confident will develop over time.
“One thing he can get better at is not trying to dunk the ball so hard,” Watson said. “You saw a play where he drove down the middle of the lane, and he tried to dunk it so hard that he missed it.
“Eventually that’ll go in, but he has to choose his moments and as a rookie, maybe dunk it with two hands instead of one.”
4. Feeling out the Offense
The Suns are stressing pace and quick decision-making on the offensive side of the ball.
Watson has a half-second rule, which dictates the ball-handler must drive, pass or shoot within that time frame. Phoenix wants to avoid getting stagnant and relying on its guards dribbling around the perimeter to create scoring opportunities.
“Passing and moving,” Watson said. “Anyone can catch it at the top of the key and you have opportunities to create basketball plays.”