PHOENIX — The Suns They are beginning a new chapter with Robert Sarver, owner of the team, preparing to sell it. But the mood at media days revealed that the team was still in shock.
Following an NBA investigation, Sarver made public his plans last week. The report revealed Sarver’s history of misogynistic, racist and sexist acts. It seemed that the NBA was shaken by the details.
The Suns key players arrived at the podium looking glum and lacking the excitement that media days usually generate.
Monty Williams stated, “I was in disbelief.” “When you see the bulletpoints and then you go through them, um, it makes you think about how these things affect the people.”
General manager James Jones stated that it was a state of shock. You don’t want this to happen in the company. That shouldn’t be an issue.”
Star guard: “It was difficult, just like anyone, reading all the different information.” Chris Paul said. “It was even more so because of the things that people had to endure at work.”
Star stated, “That’s hard for me because it’sn’t the Robert Sarver I know, that welcomed me to Phoenix with open arms,” Devin BookerThe longest-tenured player, who is beginning his eighth season.
“But at the end of the day, I’m not insensitive for everybody involved in this situation. Everybody’s experience with another person is going to differ.
An anonymous source confirmed that Sarver used the N-word repeatedly in this report. ESPN investigation released last yearThe strongest connection seemed to be struck by.
“That word, I don’t like, never have. I remember learning what the word meant, especially when I was younger. Williams explained that Williams learned how demeaning it was towards all people, not just blacks. “And when it came out, I was disgusted. This is not something you want to repeat. It bothers you when you go through the report and see the bullet points.
Jones claimed he has not been in contact Sarver since the NBA banned him from playing for the team for a period of one year. Paul claimed he was in constant contact with Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, prior to and following the announcement.
It was just one of many issues that had been affecting the team’s ability to pull off last year’s 64 win season.
Veteran forward Jae Crowder The Suns agreed to Crowder’s request to not come to training camp. Crowder was told by sources that he might lose his job as a starting pitcher this season and it led to him asking for a trade. The Suns had been discussing the matter throughout the summer, but they didn’t reach a conclusion. However, it appears that his time with Suns is over.
Williams stated that “Jae brought many intangibles to our team, and I think all of the guys would speak in this way about him.” “These things do happen, but you have to be flexible and allow yourself to move on. James’s approach is exactly what I support.
The lack of enthusiasm was evident as well. Deandre AytonHe signed a $133 million, four-year offer sheet with The Indiana Pacers That was the Suns’ quick match. It ended a year-long battle between Ayton, the Suns and him over his future.
Ayton said, “I let my agents handle that and I trusted my staff,” his usually humorous response. “I don’t want any steps back.”
Jones and Williams signed extensions during the offseason to stay with the team for the long-term. Booker also signed a $224m extension to commit him to the Suns for 2028. The team is also returning the core roster, which won a league record 64 games last year. It is clear that Sarver will no more be a distraction.
Those moves didn’t bring any positivity. In the 90 minute interview, Booker made a joke about being featured on the cover for NBA 2K.
This doesn’t even include the brief discussions that the team had about trading. Kevin DurantThe team’s home loss in Game 7 to the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was not a success, and their failure to progress. Dallas Mavericks Last May was the beginning of what proved to be a very unpleasant offseason.
Williams stated that “We have all grown and learnt and had the chance to see different perspectives and lights for sure.” “It’s been one summer that you’ll never forget,” Williams stated.