PHOENIX SUNS

Suns guard Ish Smith: ‘One thing people can’t take away from us is our chemistry’

Feb 21, 2014, 4:59 AM | Updated: 7:50 am

LISTEN: Ish Smith, Suns guard

If ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

That’s the road the Phoenix Suns’ front office ultimately decided to go down during Thursday’s trade deadline, much to the delight of their players.

While individually, the Suns have had plenty of bright spots this season — whether it be the maturation of Goran Dragic’s offensive game, Gerald Green’s three-point production or Miles Plumlee’s growth as an everyday starter — they’re in playoff contention at 32-21 for one reason and one reason alone.

Team chemistry.

It might be overstated at times, especially when a team finds success as Phoenix has so far in 2013-14, yet it’s hard not to notice how much fun the Suns have had collectively this year.

It’s an infectious trait — one general manager Ryan McDonough didn’t seem all that inclined to mess with when push came to shove.

“I am happy [the team didn’t make a move],” Suns back-up point guard Ish Smith told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s Burns and Gambo Thursday. “I love every bit of our roster, everybody on our team, our organization, our staff. It’s been tailor made, perfect so far. I guess boss man decided this was the best way to go. We agree with any decision he makes or has made in the past.

“I’m happy with it. We have to continue to keep doing what we’re doing. Obviously, get better at a lot of things and turn it up.”

While the addition of a rumored interior scorer like a Pau Gasol or Brandon Bass might have improved the team in the short term, Smith, who is 3.7 points and 2.3 assists per game this season, noted that it might have altered the personality of the locker room — a wrinkle that’s not always for the better during a stretch run.

“The biggest thing with our team is chemistry,” said Smith. “A lot of people might say, ‘Talent-wise, they’re not here or maybe they are and are just playing out of their minds’ but one thing you can’t take away from us is our chemistry.

“I don’t know how it would have worked [if a player was added]. Obviously, we would have made it work out some way. But like I said, I think the front office decided this was the best way to go. We back up [McDonough] 100 percent.”

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Phoenix Suns

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards reacts after hitting a basket in the first half of Gam...

Associated Press

Anthony Edwards’ dominance continues as T-Wolves take Game 1 from Nuggets

Anthony Edwards scored a playoff career-high 43 points and the Timberwolves beat the defending NBA champion Nuggets in Game 1.

12 hours ago

NBA players Kevin Durant (L) and Draymond Green attend a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game betwee...

Arizona Sports

Draymond Green ‘baffled’ by James Jones’ claim on Kevin Durant not being maximized

Warriors forward Draymond Green saw Kevin Durant win two Finals MVP awards so it's safe to say he disagreed with James Jones' comments.

1 day ago

Ty Lue, Suns, head coach, candidate, Clippers...

Kevin Zimmerman

Report: Clippers want to retain coach Ty Lue as Lakers, and potentially Suns, have opening

The Los Angeles Lakers and, potentially, the Phoenix Suns would likely be interested in Clippers coach Ty Lue if he were to depart.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Is it too early to call the Phoenix Suns’ Big 3 a failure?

After all the hype surrounding Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal at the beginning of the season, Wolf & Luke debate whether it's too early to consider the Big 3 a failure.

2 days ago

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham...

Associated Press

Lakers fire head coach Darvin Ham despite 2 playoff appearances in 2 years

The Los Angeles Lakers fired coach Darvin Ham on Friday after just two seasons in charge that included a playoff appearance each.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Suns stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant need to show their ‘passion and fury’

With Suns owner Mat Ishbia and general manager James Jones sharing their thoughts on the season, Dan Bickley wants guard Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to voice their opinions as well.

2 days ago

Suns guard Ish Smith: ‘One thing people can’t take away from us is our chemistry’