By HUNTER ROBINSON
Cronkite News
PHOENIX — Tyson Chandler may not be part of the long-term future for the Phoenix Suns, but he is doing everything he can to make sure his mark is left on the team for years to come.
When talking to young guys, there is one thing that Chandler knows is vitally important:
“Details,” Chandler said.
Continue reading “Chandler’s leadership could be greatest legacy of Suns tenure”
By ERIC NEWMAN
Cronkite News
PHOENIX — Since Kentucky’s 2014-15 Final Four season, NBA teams have drafted 12 players from the men’s basketball program, including Suns guards Devin Booker and Tyler Ulis.
The young guards became best known in the 2016-17 season: Booker with a 70-point game, and Ulis with a number of spectacular plays and buzzer-beaters. Their friendship, however, goes beyond their year together in Phoenix.
“It’s greater than basketball, me and Tyler,” Booker said. “He’s one of my closest friends.”
Continue reading “Friendship of Suns’ Booker, Ulis ‘greater than basketball’”
By REINERT TOFT
Cronkite News
PHOENIX — With just days remaining before the NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns took one last look at players who had already worked out with the team. Villanova guard Josh Hart, Oregon forward Dillon Brooks and Southern Methodist forward Semi Ojeleye were among those given a second chance Monday to impress the organization.
The workouts came with the draft rumor mill in full swing. ESPN reported that the Suns were interested in trading up to acquire Lonzo Ball, while the Chicago Tribune suggested the Suns could be the third team in a Chicago-Cleveland trade for Jimmy Butler.
Even with the most recent trade between Boston and Philadelphia, general manager Ryan McDonough said the team was “unlikely” to trade up in the draft.
Continue reading “With draft rumors in full swing, Suns ‘very comfortable at four’”
By JOSE ESPARZA
Cronkite News
PHOENIX — Fifteen years ago, the Phoenix Suns had the ninth overall pick in the NBA Draft. Buzz surrounded a high school athlete who had declared himself eligible.
“He had a very checkered past,” former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo said about Amar’e Stoudemire. “Not a very stable home condition. He went to a number of different high schools.”
But after putting the player through multiple workouts and attending dinners and a Diamondbacks game with him, Colangelo “made my mind up on the spot that I wanted him.” Continue reading “Stoudemire experience illustrates value of NBA draft workouts for Suns”
By GREG MACAFEE
Cronkite News
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns hold a special place in the heart and mind of former Lehigh University center Tim Kempton Jr. He grew up playing high school basketball at Brophy Preparatory and watched his father, Tim Kempton, play for the Suns in the 1992-1993 season.
On Friday, after the younger Kempton worked out for his hometown team, he described the experience as “surreal.”
“To kind of even think about it is one thing, but then to come out here and kind of have that experience is a whole other opportunity,” Kempton Jr. said. “Like I said earlier, I’m thankful for any NBA workouts I can get but this one is gonna hold a special place in my heart and my mind no matter what happens.”
Continue reading “Kempton Jr.: Draft workout with Suns holds ‘special place in my heart’”
By JOSE ESPARZA
Cronkite News
PHOENIX— An opportunity of a lifetime presented itself to former Paradise Valley High School standout Paul Watson as he returned to the desert to work out with the Phoenix Suns.
This is the second pre-draft workout the team hosted this week and Watson wanted to make the most of his moment.
“It’s amazing growing up being able to come here,” he said. “Watching the games. See different players come through this organization. It’s amazing just to have this opportunity. I’m truly grateful.”
Continue reading “Former Paradise Valley standout Paul Watson calls Suns workout ‘amazing’”
By SAMANTHA PELL
Cronkite News
PHOENIX — What is it like to catch a fly ball, run the bases, take batting practice or face a major league pitcher?
The Arizona Diamondbacks are allowing their fans to find out using innovative virtual-reality technology the team has unveiled at Chase Field.
Next door at Talking Stick Resort Arena, the Suns have introduced their season ticket holders to virtual reality with kits that were sent out in January. The team is also using the technology with some of its business partners.
Continue reading “Diamondbacks, Suns enter new era with virtual-reality technology”
By ANDREW CHAPMAN
Cronkite News
PHOENIX – Eddie Johnson remembers where he came from.
That’s why the former NBA player and Phoenix Suns color commentator joined Suns staff members and alumni to share Thanksgiving early with underserved families at the St. Vincent De Paul Society in central Phoenix.
Over 50 Suns employees, including the Suns mascot, the Gorilla, helped set up seating, greeted guests and served food in a community event Tuesday. Continue reading “Suns share Thanksgiving with underserved at St. Vincent de Paul”
