Tough competition (and a little hazing) for Phoenix Suns rookies at training camp
Oct 4, 2014, 12:55 AM | Updated: 6:09 am
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Disney’s newest princess, Sofia the First, has been making regular appearances around the Northern Arizona University campus this week.
Credit P.J. Tucker.
As the senior member among the longest-tenured Phoenix Suns players, Tucker arranged for the visit via pink backpacks to be worn by the team’s rookies whenever out in public.
“I just heard about (Sofia the First) yesterday,” said point guard Tyler Ennis, drafted 18th overall out of Syracuse. “I just knew it was a pink backpack I got to carry around.”
Welcome to the NBA.
But life apparently hasn’t been too bad for the rookies — at least so far. Small forward T.J. Warren, the 14th pick out of North Carolina State, called their rookie duties “light so far. (More) is definitely coming.”
There are six rookies in training camp. Ennis and Warren are joined by shooting guard Zoran Dragic, Goran’s younger brother whom the Suns signed to a two-year contract, plus guard Joe Jackson, guard/forward Casey Prather and forward Jamil Wilson.
The latter three accepted camp invitations and are on non-guaranteed deals.
“I think they’re doing pretty well,” said head coach Jeff Hornacek when asked about the two draft picks and Zoran. “We’ve thrown a lot of stuff (at them) that’s kind of new. It’s simple, but it’s new for them. They’re trying to figure it out, but they’ve competed the whole time.”
Making his professional debut with the Suns this summer in Las Vegas, Warren turned heads by averaging 17.8 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 54.5 percent from the field. He scored better than 20 points in three of the team’s five games and was named to the All-NBA Summer League Second Team.
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