Finally, Earl Watson reveals his starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Sometimes it is about the start.

In each of their four preseason games against NBA teams, the Phoenix Suns were outscored in the first quarter. And in only one of those games did they overcome the early deficit to win. For that reason, head coach Earl Watson paid particular attention to the five players chosen to begin the regular season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers.

“We want to make sure we have good starts,” he said pregame. “We want to sure that the guys who start aren’t just scorers and aren’t just apart of a future vision. Guys who start have to be accountable for starting.”

Leading up to the opener, Watson had been noncommittal about his starting five. Sure, he had been asked. Several times. And each time, Watson deflected the question. It wasn’t until 15 minutes before tip-off that the 2017-18 Suns starting lineup was revealed:

G Eric Bledsoe
G Devin Booker
F T.J. Warren
F Josh Jackson
C Tyson Chandler

It’s a lineup Watson never used to start a game in the preseason.

“We’re not alternating starting lineups. I think guys can become starters by earning their minutes,” he said, during his pregame availability. “We have a lot of young guys and we want to create an environment or competing for your time. Every time you touch the court with us in practice or any drill or in games, competition has to always be there. Sometimes with younger groups you find yourself, ‘I’m starting because I’m the best young guy at the position.’ It doesn’t always work that way. I think we continue to do that, we set them up for failure at life beyond basketball.”

And once that spot is earned, Watson continued, then yes, he’ll consider changing who starts. In fact, that’s how Chriss found his way into the starting lineup eight games into last season.

“We want our young guys to be able to get into the rotation where they become a starter. Be accountable for who they are and what they’re supposed to be for our group to be successful,” Watson said.

ALEX LEN MISSES OPENER

As expected, center Alex Len missed Wednesday’s game due to a sprained left ankle he suffered in practice on Saturday. The injury is not considered serious. Len hopes to be able to play Friday against the L.A. Lakers.

Len had performed well in the preseason. He led the league with 2.60 blocks per game, helping the Suns top all NBA teams with 7.40 blocks per game. In addition, Len averaged 14.6 points and 7.4 rebounds, while shooting 65.8 percent from the field.

Forward Jared Dudley was also ruled out prior to the game. He continues to rehab from offseason left foot surgery.

SEASON NO. 50

As Watson enters his second full season as Suns head coach, it’s the franchise’s 50th in the NBA.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for me. I’m very grateful for it,” he said. “I’ll be honest with you. In the third grade, I just wanted to play in the NBA for one year. That was my dream…so the dream for me, I surpassed that a long time ago.”

FREE THROWS

— The regular-season opener not only marked the beginning of the Suns’ 50th, it also represented the 1,000th regular season game played at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Game No. 1 at then America West Arena came on Nov. 7, 1992, opening night of the Suns’ 25th season and Charles Barkley’s Suns debut. The Suns have posted a 652-347 (.653) record through their first 999 regular season games.

— On Friday at Talking Stick Resort Arena, the Suns will host a memorial service celebrating the life and legacy of baseball hall of famer and Suns legend Connie Hawkins. The service begins at 12:30 p.m. and is open to the general public. The Suns will honor the passing of “The Hawk” by wearing a special patch on their uniforms throughout the 2017-18 season.

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