Suns’ Triano is prepared to abandon quiet persona
Feb 27, 2018, 10:27 AM | Updated: 11:18 am
Phoenix Suns head coach Jay Triano challenges an official in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Monday, Feb. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
To Phoenix Suns head coach Jay Triano, being a leader is about setting a good example. But sometimes, it is necessary to take a different approach.
For much of the season, Triano has preached about reducing the number of technical fouls his players receive. However, frustration toward officials could be setting the stage for Triano to pick up a technical of his own.
“As a leader, I don’t think I can talk to our guys about not picking them up and getting one. At some point I’m going to have to,” Triano told Doug & Wolf on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station. “I don’t think it’s fair, I don’t think our guys are getting a fair shake for a majority of games.”
On Monday, Phoenix committed 11 more fouls than New Orleans in a 125-116 loss. Big men Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Alex Len all fouled out as Pelicans forward Anthony Davis recorded 53 points.
Additionally, Len was ejected with 4:48 remaining after receiving his sixth foul and earning a technical.
One challenge of coaching a young team is dealing with a lack of maturity. In many cases this season, the Suns’ lack of maturity has translated into technical fouls, with some coming late in games that prove costly.
Phoenix has four players (T.J. Warren, Devin Booker, Josh Jackson and Chriss) in the top 21 in the league in technical fouls assessed. The Suns rank second in the NBA with 56 technical fouls.
“When guys get technicals I’ve got to take them out of the game,” Triano told Doug & Wolf. “Obviously the fine money isn’t enough. We want to correct that.”
