Empire of the Suns

(AP Photo/Matt York)...
Kellan Olson

After Bledsoe trade, wait continues for Suns GM McDonough’s big move

Suns GM Ryan McDonough has been trying to get a future or current All-Star since he arrived in the Valley in 2013, and, to this point, he has failed.
7 years ago
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Kevin Zimmerman

What the Suns-Bucks trade of Eric Bledsoe and Greg Monroe means

Eric Bledsoe was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, and now the Phoenix Suns face questions looking ahead to the future. One issue: What happens to Greg Monroe?
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) blocks a shot by Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie, cen...
Kellan Olson

Freed from an inconsistent role, Dragan Bender has new life with Suns

It was a tough time supporting Phoenix Suns power forward Dragan Bender as a legitimate top-5 draft pick after the rookie season he had.
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, center, shoots as Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic, left...
Kellan Olson

The 5: Quick observations, statistics from Suns’ first six games

The clips and statistics that stand out six games into the Suns' season, including Devin Booker getting double-teamed and the bigs off the bench.
7 years ago
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Kevin Zimmerman

Surprising or panicking teams could jump on Bledsoe trade

Eric Bledsoe is on the trade block, and the Phoenix Suns are waiting for other teams to get desperate before talks ramp up.
7 years ago
(AP Photo/Matt York)...
Kellan Olson

Under Jay Triano, Suns’ Devin Booker showing relentless effort defensively

The Phoenix Suns look like a new team under Jay Triano, and it starts with the defensive effort from their franchise player Devin Booker.
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Zach Randolph (50) du...
Kevin Zimmerman

Already, Suns interim coach Jay Triano holding players accountable

One game in, signs are there that interim coach Jay Triano has already begun holding the young Phoenix Suns accountable for their play.
7 years ago
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Kevin Zimmerman

Eric Bledsoe trade talks heat up after Suns send guard home

Upon the Phoenix Suns sending point guard Eric Bledsoe home after a cryptic tweet on Monday, trade talks began to fire up around the league.
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns' Eric Bledsoe (2) drives against the Milwaukee Bucks' Thon Maker (7) during the second...
Kellan Olson

Despite lots of interest, Suns’ options are restricted trading Eric Bledsoe

The Phoenix Suns shouldn't have a problem trading one of the NBA's better point guards on a good contract, but they are.
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns coach Earl Watson yells to his team during the second half of an NBA basketball game a...
Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns’ firing of Earl Watson sets back already stalling rebuild

The Phoenix Suns fired Earl Watson three games into the season, and with that move, the franchise has set back an already stalling rebuild.
7 years ago
Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball (2) and forward Larry Nance Jr. (7) high-five during the second...
Kevin Zimmerman

Lonzo Ball, Lakers carve up Suns as defense again flops

For the Suns, the optics remain unchanged. Lonzo Ball and the Lakers carved up a struggling Phoenix defense in a 132-130 Los Angeles victory.
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns majority owner Robert Sarver yells at the officials after a foul was called against th...
Kevin Zimmerman

Suns owner Robert Sarver explains his expectations for the timeline

Suns owner Robert Sarver said Phoenix needs two of its youngsters to become All-Stars, setting up the team to spend in free agency in 2020.
7 years ago
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Kevin Zimmerman

The 5: Key stats the Suns must improve upon in 2017-18

Looking at the key stats from 2016-17, it's clear where the young Phoenix Suns must improve as they enter a new season with a similar roster.
7 years ago
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Empire of the Suns

This or that? How position battles should shake out for the Suns

Even with positionless basketball, the Suns still have five players on the court at a time. How will head coach Earl Watson dole out minutes?
7 years ago
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EMPIRE OF THE SUNS

Empire of the Suns’ 2017-18 NBA season predictions

The Empire of the Suns crew looks beyond Phoenix and makes picks for the MVP, NBA Champion and other things for the 2017-18 season.
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) and Portland Trail Blazers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) mix it up ...
Kevin Zimmerman

A consistent, urgent Alex Len has impressed during Suns preseason

As the Phoenix Suns' 1-3 preseason has come with concerns, the one surprise has come in the performance of fifth-year center Alex Len.
7 years ago
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Kevin Zimmerman

Report: Suns have ‘explored the possibility’ of dealing Dudley, Chandler

The Phoenix Suns reportedly have explored trading veterans Jared Dudley and Tyson Chandler, but they are in no rush to get anything done.
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns forward TJ Warren and Portland Trail Blazers center Zach Collins go after a ball durin...
Kellan Olson

Suns notebook: Positionless basketball, Daniels will keep shooting

The Phoenix Suns played at a more hectic pace than ever in their opening preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday, a 114-112 win.
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson looks on against the Denver Nuggets in the second half of an NB...
Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns storylines to keep a close eye on in preseason play

The Suns could give some hints in preseason play on how they will play faster, who gets the nod at small forward and the chemistry of the second unit.
7 years ago
(Kevin Zimmerman/Arizona Sports)...
Kellan Olson

On a crowded Suns roster, don’t let Derrick Jones Jr. go under the radar

Derrick Jones Jr. is low on the Phoenix Suns' depth chart, but his potential is some of the highest on the roster and he's improving at a rapid rate.
7 years ago
(Kevin Zimmerman/Arizona Sports)...
Kellan Olson

Suns’ Alex Len understands what he needs to do in re-do of contract year

Phoenix Suns center Alex Len had a poor showing in his contract year last season and it resulted in a long and difficult offseason.
7 years ago
(Twitter photo/@Suns)...
Kellan Olson

Suns’ Marquese Chriss is aware of what he needs to improve on

Marquese Chriss is aware of the mistakes he makes on the court and is ready to improve as an overall player in his sophomore campaign.
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker gestures after he scored a basket, as fans cheer him at TD Garden i...
Kellan Olson

Devin Booker’s rise to superstardom with Suns a matter of when, not if

Devin Booker's exceptional play in his young career has made him a polarizing player, so much so that some are ignorant to his clear path towards greatness.
7 years ago
(Kevin Zimmerman/Arizona Sports)...
Kellan Olson

Suns GM on Dragan Bender’s playing time: ‘I think we’ll find a way’

Not many NBA teams draft a player in the top-five of the draft and then struggle to find said player consistent opportunities to play in their rookie year.
7 years ago