Khaman Maluach got more center minutes than Oso Ighodaro on Oct. 10, but Suns coach Jordan Ott said "the next night you never know." Ott called it the rookie's best performance yet. Phoenix ran its offense through him at times with Victor Wembanyama staying in the paint.
The plan is for most Suns players to sit one of the next two preseason games, Jordan Ott said, but not which: "One of these 2. But we'll see. It's very fluid." They practice Oct. 12 and "see where we're at" Oct. 14. Center depth "took a hit with Mark" Williams; no detail given.
Victor Wembanyama's playmaking will be an every-night part of his game, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said, but with balance: "He's still got to set screens. He's still got to put pressure on the rim." Stephon Castle said they want Wembanyama "default aggressive."
Every game rookies Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Tarris Reed Jr. play is valuable, even the bad ones, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said: "It's kind of like when your kids start school. Like, every day they get to go, it's something good. If it doesn't go well, it's still good."
Mitch Johnson said the Spurs' Oct. 10 game fell below their standard, and with opening night on Oct. 20, it "would not feel like we would be ready to go." Stephon Castle said the message was physical defense early. Johnson gave no status on Carter Bryant's rolled ankle.
Luke Kennard started for the Suns in his first home game, Oct. 10, and said he wants to bring more than shooting: "a lot of movement, a lot of chaos on offense." He remembers the crowd from visiting and is excited to play for it. "Ooh, Phoenix gonna love some Luke Kennard."
Miles Bridges' ankle X-ray was negative and he "avoided anything serious," Suns coach Jordan Ott said, but Ott wouldn't commit to him playing the next game: it depends on how he bounces back. "It's the preseason, so we'll be smart." Bridges got on the court a little.
Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn aren't fighting for one rotation spot, Suns coach Jordan Ott said: "I don't think it's a battle. It's just we need all the reps we can get right now with those two guys." He called Dunn steadier with the ball and praised Fleming's hands and length.
New Suns Luke Kennard and Miles Bridges will be asked to help and pressure on defense, coach Jordan Ott said: "We're going to ask them to tag. We're going to ask them to pressure." He said their impact already shows on a deeper, bigger roster.
Jalen Green said he's comfortable running the Suns' offense: "I feel comfortable bringing the ball up... get into the paint, draw 2, make the right read on the outside." He said he needs to slow down, not play at one speed. Asked if Phoenix can make the playoffs: "Yeah, 100%."