The Phoenix Suns held a free agent mini-camp this week to get a look at a bunch of players who weren't drafted and one, Sean Williams, who is trying to get back in the league. It was also an opportunity for the Suns' coaching staff to get another look at 13th overall pick Markieff Morris in a competitive environment so they could give him an offseason workout plan. With a lockout likely, that plan might have to hold him for a long time.
Morris was excited to have the chance and said he's "still kind of dreaming" when he thinks about being drafted. Asked what he's learned about how the Suns play, he said, "That we play super fast."
Markieff will leave Phoenix in the next few days and head to Los Angeles where he will work out with former NBA player Pooh Richardson. His assignment is to get stronger, quicker and to get his body right. He's been given playbooks and other material to study.
Morris said his goal for his rookie season is going to be to focus on defense, "I want to be a stopper on this team."
Coach Alvin Gentry was impressed with Morris but also sent a warning to fans.
"He's a very intelligent player and I think he's a competitive guy. He understands the game and angles and rotations and things like that. It's going to take time, but he's going to be a very good player.
"It's going to be a process. I don't want anyone to think that he's going to come in and ride in on a white horse and be the savior but he's a very, very good piece to be adding to our team."
Other Suns Notes:
Gentry reported that they are close to a decision on a new assistant "defensive coordinator" coach and should have a decision before the middle of next week.
Marcin Gorat and Garret Siler completed a week in Houston working out with legendary big man, Hakeem Olajuwon. They worked over three hours per day on the court for five days and according to Gentry, had nothing but positive things to say. "They feel like it was one of the best things that ever happened to them in basketball"