On Tuesday Apple unveiled its new bevy of new items -- available at Verizon, got to keep the sponsors happy -- with their usual pomp and circumstance. The event amounted to the tech nerds version of a free agency or trade press conference in NBA. It is there to create lots of hype and anticipation for what’s to come in the next weeks and months.
With just three weeks until the team heads up the hill to the cool pines of Flagstaff for training camp, it’s time to get fans hyped and build anticipations for the 2014-15 season. That’s why I’ve untucked my blue dress shirt, thrown on some jeans and purchased my knockoff Tim Cook glasses to unveil the five things I think I know about this year’s Suns.
I Watch...
No, not the touch screen wearable.
I watch pretty much every game -- or at least the highlights, I kind of have a life -- involving a member of the Suns in the offseason from Summer League, Pro-Am and even the streaming of FIBA World Cup games at times when most people are watching cartoons or the The Price is Right. One thing that is clear is numerous members of the team proved themselves on the court.
Goran Dragic showed how his leadership abilities have continued to grow much better than his beard did. As the emotional and vocal leader of the Slovenian team in the FIBA World Cup he lead them to a surprise berth in the quarterfinals. Not to mention, he showed off the moves and creative scoring ability that made him the league’s Most Improved Player. Oh, and he was as efficient as an electric car in the process. All of this bodes well for another big season for the Dragon in Phoenix.
Newcomer Isaiah Thomas introduced himself to many in the Valley with his amazing highlight reels from the Seattle Pro-Am games. It was just more confirmation that he is exactly the type of player that fits in with this team. He is obsessed with hoops the same way the fan base is and plays the game all the time. More importantly though, he plays it as if he has something to prove despite averaging 20 points and 6 assists last season in Sacramento. Much like a college student at 2 a.m., he’s hungry and that will translate well in Jeff Hornacek’s offense.
Usually a trip to Vegas doesn’t reveal anything you’d like to take home with you. Summer League was different for Miles Plumlee and T.J. Warren. The third year big man showed that he’s worked on numerous facets of his game and Warren showed off why his nickname was Tony Buckets at North Carolina State averaging almost 18 points on 54.4 percent shooting in his first taste of pro competition.
Version 2.0
Year two under Coach Hornacek should be an upgrade. That’s because everything gets easier and better executed the second time. The staff has a year together under their collective belts and the offseason provided a chance to review the tapes and analytics in order to work out any of the bugs from the offensive and defensive schemes. Add in the fact that most of the roster will be more familiar with the staff and schemes heading into year two, and you’ve got an operating system in place ready to take the next step.
And while we're speaking of twos. The double-trouble of Team FOE, Markieff and Marcus, should be ready for another leap this year adding more fire power to the offensive rotation.
Going Green
This one is simple: Gerald Green is still electric, has more hops than a Coors brewery and wears his emotions on his sleeve. All good things for the Suns.
One Last Thing
Isn’t there always one last, but important, thing?
For the Suns, it is simply this. Last year’s chemistry was in part due to a collective sense of having to prove themselves. Despite an amazing and magical season, they find themselves in a similar position entering the 2014-15 season. In a crowded West, most talking heads have dismissed them again. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It means the “Suns of Anarchy” will be back for a second season and the additions of Anthony Tolliver and the aforementioned Thomas fit right in with that mentality. It’s a group that is excited to prove people wrong.
And Now … Here’s U2
Wait … What was that? We don’t have the budget for that? Well, at least there is plenty of other things to be excited for.