The Phoenix Suns will make a few changes after the firing of Earl Watson and the interim appearance of the 58-year-old Jay Triano. The latter expects to go back to a more traditional lineup, starting either Marquese Chriss or Dragan Bender at power forward, according to Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic.
The change of head coaches will have a definite effect on this team, given that three of Watson's assistants were removed along with him.
While the organization will still roll with the same motto of developing its youth, Triano will use a more conventional system after calling up G League coach Ty Ellis and Tyronn Corbin as a defensive coordinator, while getting Marlon Garnett to take over Mehmet Okur's spot as a player development coach.
Chriss and Bender are both second-year players with plenty of upside in the future, but they will have to now get used to playing under Triano's philosophy, as he's likely to remain the man at the helm for the rest of the season.
Bender has seen a slight increase in minutes this season, but has not proved to be efficient during his time on the floor, boasting a fairly anemic offensive game.
Chriss on the other hand proved to have defensive intangibles and the ability to stretch out to the three-point line — a feature the team will look to implement in their sets as players get used to the new regime.
Follow Us
Subscribe