Ricky Rubio swiftly asserted himself as the Suns’ team leader on the opening day of camp, Cody Cunningham of the team’s website reports. The Suns signed Rubio to a three-year, $51MM contract in July to solve their point guard woes.
“I usually lead by example, but I think I need to be a little bit more vocal here,” Rubio said. “There’s a lot of young guys and experience gives you something that you know when to talk, when not to talk. I’m trying to do that and be more vocal out on the court, but at the same time lead by example, too.”
We have more info on the Suns:
- Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. missed the first day of practice due to hand discomfort, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic relays. It’s uncertain whether the injury was to Oubre’s left shooting hand, which was injured last season and required season-ending surgery.
- Devin Booker took some heat for not playing for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup this summer but injury concerns had a lot to do with it, Rankin writes in a separate story. “I think it’s obvious I’ve dealt with injuries, especially last year, dealing with three hamstring injuries and not wanting to go through that. Just focusing on this Suns team and getting where I want to go with this team is my main priority,” Booker said.
- A positive interview with owner Robert Sarver sealed the deal for new coach Monty Williams, Gina Mizell of The Athletic reports. Multiple teams were interested in Williams, including the Lakers. Williams, a top assistant with Philadelphia last season, signed a five-year deal with rebuilding Phoenix and views it as his last opportunity to be an NBA head coach. “The conversation I had with Mr. Sarver kind of sealed it,” Williams said. “He was forthright, and I really respected that. He just didn’t lie. He didn’t, not one time, waver. And I was like, ‘You know what? I can work with that.’”
Suns have a good opportunity to win some games Rubio is a good defender and an amazing passer. Devin Booker will be able to play off the ball which might help his game. Still unsure what happens with the 3 spot. They have Oubre who looked good, Bridges who is a good defender and just drafted Cam Johnson who is a good shooter.
Still think they should make 1 more move to push them over the line.
Maybe Oubre and 2 second rounders for Aaron Gordan.
Or Tyler Johnson, Cam Johnson and 2 seconds for Thad Young and Kris Dunn
Or even something little like Cam Johnson for Jerome Robinson and a second gives you better balance.
Make a move to push them over what line? The 30-win line? The Suns is one of the furthest team from the playoffs and they better not make any move that pushes over any line.
Lol.
If they do make any move I doubt it will be trading Oubre and a couple 2nd round picks for Aaron Gordon. Orlando would laugh at that offer.
Yes over the 30 win mark. They should be near the Timberwolves level if they make a couple smart moves.
Orlando shouldn’t just laugh. Why does Orlando like playing a PF at SF, do they not know the league is getting smaller. Oubre for Gordan gives them a 3 to play the 3.
Oubre compared to Gordan, Oubre is better defensively, Oubre is younger, last year Oubre averaged 3 more pints than Gordan, but obviously Gordon had more rebounds and had more touches so he got more assists.
In terms of shooting percentage they basically shoot with the same efficiency. So there’s not a hell of a lot in it. It’s really two teams getting better team balance. They picks get thrown in to sweeten the deal for the Magic which makes it all a win/win
The article should say that they signed Rubio to “try” to solve their PG woes. Their problems at that position are far from solved, even with Rubio. But at least the Suns should be better this season than OKC or Memphis.
Because you don’t like rubio, because they need more than one or because they’re the suns?
Rubio in terms of fit is probably the best PG the team has had in years.
Rubio is 6’4”, one of the best passing guards in the league and plays decent defence. Hes averages close to 5 rebounds and has improved as a shooter from 36% FG to 42%, and he’s always been decent from 3 and the line.
It’s exactly what the suns have needed since book enter red the league, a veteran leader who can facilitate the offence, be a good defender while letting booker get lots of touches.
The Suns had Bledsoe but he isn’t good on D and is more of a scorer than facilitator. Isiah Thomas is even worse at both of those things. Goran Dragic id say is slightly worse than Rubio. Rubio is a better passer and defender and leader, Dragic can shoot it better.
Rubio is a great fit for the Suns. Part of a terrific off season reconfiguration of the team by J.Jones (has to be the case based on the reporters who are criticizing it, unless this is the first time they’ll be right). If there were a stat for team basketball IQ, the Suns went from bottom 5 in the league to at least middle of the pack, without giving up or compromising minutes for their best young talent. It would not surprise me if they double their win total.