Dudley: Practice altercation between Markeiff Morris, Luis Scola not a bad thing

It’s been a long, long offseason for the Phoenix Suns.

After failing to make the postseason in April, the franchise made quite a splash over the summer with a number of intriguing acquisitions and bittersweet departures.

But after a grueling month of October — which featured media day, training camp in San Diego, eight preseason games and a handful of physical practices at their practice facility inside U.S. Airways Center — Alvin Gentry and Co. are more than anxious to finally get out on the court and showcase their new-look product.

Unfortunately, the schedule makers didn’t include the Suns among the list of six teams to open their respective seasons Tuesday. But, while the team will have to wait an extra night to get their first crack at a meaningful impression, it seems forwards Luis Scola and Markeiff Morris just couldn’t contain their excitement for an extra 24 hours.

As Arizona Sports 620’s Craig Grialou reported Tuesday afternoon, Morris and Scola were involved in an-court confrontation which led to some pushing and shoving, as well a few choice words shared between the two.

Jared Dudley — the longest-tenured player on the active roster — was asked about the altercation and didn’t seem too displeased with its timing or the fact that it happened for all to see.

“Me personally, I don’t mind it,” Dudley told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug & Wolf Tuesday. “The only reason I don’t mind it is because it happens when you battle against someone.”

The veteran guard also mentioned that it wasn’t much of a surprise that Morris and Scola were the culprits, after all they compete against each other every day in practice — as the two will likely earn the bulk of the minutes this season at power forward.

“These are guys that are trying to fight for playing time,” said Dudley. “Markeiff is trying to take someone’s spot. It’s a man’s game, and you know when you’re going against Scola, he can get under your skin.