Monty Williams hopes Jae Crowder situation resolved before opener?

Crowder and the Suns have “mutually agreed” the veteran forward won’t attend training camp, but Williams is hopeful they can put a conclusion to this before the Oct. 19 season opener against Dallas at Footprint Center. “We’ve done a decent job of …

Crowder and the Suns have “mutually agreed” the veteran forward won’t attend training camp, but Williams is hopeful they can put a conclusion to this before the Oct. 19 season opener against Dallas at Footprint Center. “We’ve done a decent job of acclimating guys into the program and that’s a credit to the coaches, but also the players that help guys along once we get new people in here,” Williams continued. “I’m not so much worried about the timeline. Ideally, you’d like to get someone in here before opening night, but I like the group we have.”

Source: Duane Rankin @ Arizona Republic

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Devin Booker doesn’t seen Monty Williams-Deandre Ayton being a distraction (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral7:19 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Monty Williams prefers Jae Crowder’s situation resolved before Phoenix #Suns season opener
azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral6:13 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I didnt talk to Coach much this summer, either.”
Devin Booker when asked about Monty Williams-Deandre Ayton having not spoken since Game 7.
Will this be a distraction?
“No. Guys look good to me.” #Suns pic.twitter.com/8lxPmFGIAi5:03 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
In regards to the Deandre Ayton and Monty Williams not talking since Game 7, Devin Booker said he didn’t talk to coach much over the summer and thinks it’s fine for guys to get away from each other over the break. Doesn’t see it being a potential distraction pic.twitter.com/XLNyt8p0Ya4:51 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
With continuity for the players, Monty Williams said the understanding from the system players is so high that they can suggest tweaks on the fly and can help run practice. Devin Booker had one with a sideline out of bounds play today because he knows everything to look for. – 4:08 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Asked Monty Williams about Dario Saric’s new role he mentioned at Media Day, whether it was a positional thing or how he’s used. He said “Probably both.”
Mentioned the shooting, passing and rebounding he can provide at the 4 or the 5.
“His spirit is so important to our team.” pic.twitter.com/McZSbbmdmi4:02 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
I asked Monty Williams about the continuity he was able to hold onto with his coaching staff after they’ve lost a few key names the last two years.
He said he felt bad when Kevin Young didn’t get the Utah job but then smiled before saving he was relieved. – 4:01 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Monty Williams said he had three owners in New Orleans.
So he’s familiar with the process of picking one but is focused on the floor. #Suns pic.twitter.com/XVRbl7h7wN4:00 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Monty Williams said #Suns are farther ahead in this year’s training camp as they’ve been playing 5-on-5 since first day of camp. They scrimmaged today. pic.twitter.com/1MM5OsQOQd3:49 PM

Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
New #Celtics mailbag features Jae Crowder trade talk, Luke Kornet as a potential starter and much more masslive.com/celtics/2022/0…2:59 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Cam Johnson in the starting lineup is exactly what the Suns need and he’s ready for it but they are also going to miss Jae Crowder a whole lot.
My extended thoughts on the futures involved: arizonasports.com/story/3314454/…11:18 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The first day of Suns training camp was…uncomfortable. For @PHNX_Suns, I gave my thoughts on what may be fueling Deandre Ayton’s current public demeanor and the need for Monty Williams to amend some missteps: https://t.co/Ay1rj601de pic.twitter.com/5PZM9e5FQu10:03 AM

Joe Vardon @joevardon
The Cavaliers have at least fleeting interest in Jae Crowder, as they are a small forward away from being really special. Unless, of course, one of these six players makes a name for himself, ⁦@The Athletictheathletic.com/3635454/2022/0…8:09 AM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
New Lowe Post podcast: @Nick Friedell on Nets media team/Brooklyn season preview; @Bobby Marks and I do fake Jae Crowder trades; then @Andrew Lopez previews the Pelicans:
Spotify: spoti.fi/3M1VwFX
Apple: apple.co/3CgzY578:37 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jae Crowder’s Instagram video quoting Ray Lewis reveals mindset in parting with Phoenix #Suns (w/videos) azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral8:26 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“To be straight, I’m not going to talk about this anymore cause it just doesn’t make sense to keep talking about one guy after one game. We lost Game 7.”
Monty Williams addressing him and Deandre Ayton haven’t not talked since Game 7 of #Suns#Mavs series Phoenix lost, 123-90. – 7:23 PM
Bill Ingram @TheRocketGuy
backsportspage.com/the-impact-of-…
Losing Jae Crowder will be an adjustment for the @Phoenix Suns, but they do have the perfect player ready to step into the role. #BackSportsPage @DylanAck10 #NBA7:22 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
From earlier — ASK IRA: Is there a path for Jae Crowder to return to the Heat? sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h…5:52 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
PJ Tucker had knee surgery this summer and Jae Crowder isn’t a Sixer yet? – 3:09 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Lowe Post podcast: @Nick Friedell on Nets media day and season outlook — and his new best friend; @Bobby Marks on Jae Crowder trades and how this is a test for the Suns; then @_Andrew_Lopez previews the Pelicans:
Apple: apple.co/3CgzY57
Spotify: spoti.fi/3M1VwFX1:36 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Jae Crowder last season:
9.4 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 1.4 SPG
Who should trade for the NBA veteran? pic.twitter.com/KBmNS7pNBo11:22 AM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
ASK IRA: Is there a path for Jae Crowder to return to the Heat? sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h…11:17 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
On Jae Crowder’s absence, Robert Sarver investigation, a solemn Deandre Ayton and more reactions from Suns Media Day: bit.ly/3DTOh0D1:11 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
From Jae Crowder’s absence to a subdued Deandre Ayton to the Robert Sarver situation, there was a lot to talk about at Suns Media Day. For @PHNX_Suns, I gave my thoughts on the biggest stories: https://t.co/SkmBL9K6aL pic.twitter.com/tpqfJwMD9j10:04 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
‘No bad blood’: Cam Johnson supports Phoenix #Suns teammate Jae Crowder’s decision https://t.co/zKd4CwhWxY via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/4HDz0Nkbxm8:51 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
I gave my thoughts on the Jae Crowder situation after Media Day, including what I’ve heard about why he’s upset.
Check out the latest @PHNX_Suns pod: https://t.co/A51s2pEU7P pic.twitter.com/vcp5rnuvYG7:01 PM

Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
GAME THEORY PODCAST:
@TheBoxAndOne_ is here to chat NBA News and Notes.
-Udoka Suspension
-Bogdanovic trade to DET
-Crowder Trade?
-McCollum/Wade Extensions
-Mailbag!
APPLE: https://t.co/hIOdTGnsom
WATCH: https://t.co/SftfqvRUnF pic.twitter.com/GFQkPxEnBW6:51 PM

Brian Windhorst @WindhorstESPN
Upset by Robert Sarver situation, Jae Crowder’s absence & lingering effects of the Deandre Ayton contract drama, the title-contending Suns looked a bit shaken on media day: espn.com/nba/story/_/id…5:20 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Landry Shamet on the Jae Crowder situation: “I feel like what we have here is really strong. I love Jae. I love him to death. Everyone’s got their own path.” – 4:27 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Still be Jae 2.0.” Ish Wainright when asked about what his role will be this year. #Suns3:48 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“I love Jae, and I have information on this so it’s difficult for me to speak on it, but at the same time, the players and organization, I think there is a mutual respect for what Jae has done here.” – Bismack Biyombo on the Jae Crowder situation – 2:53 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Mikal Bridges says he loves 99 (Jae Crowder) and the whole situation sucks. Understands that’s how the business goes sometimes. Spoke on how much he learned from Crowder over the last two years and how Crowder specifically helped him get better as a player and pro. – 2:19 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Mikal Bridges on the Jae Crower situation: “It sucks. I love 99. I remember telling him all the time he’s one of my favorite vets ever. It’s one of those things, it’s just how the business goes.” – 2:15 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“There’s no bad blood between Jae and I.”
Cam Johnson said Crowder’s been good to him and has taught him a ton. The NBA has taught him that guys have to do what’s best for themselves and that’s what he feels Jae is doing – 1:48 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Cam Johnson said there is no bad blood between him and Jae Crowder. Emphasized how good of a teammate Crowder is and how he could come to him with anything. Has learned with more time in the NBA that everyone’s situation is different. – 1:47 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Chris Paul addressing Jae Crowder situation #Suns pic.twitter.com/80jMsp1HDs1:18 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Devin Booker said he wishes Jae Crowder the best and that Crowder is a brother he has forever. Understands that everyone’s situation in the league is different. – 1:12 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“That’s a brother that I’ll have forever.”
Devin Booker said it’s a tough situation, but he wishes Jae Crowder the best moving forward – 1:05 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Jae Crowder: His potential trade destinations. hoopshype.com/lists/jae-crow…1:04 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Jae’Sean Tate on the culture the Rockets are trying to build: “I love the word ‘electric'”
He says the Rockets want to be that team that runs and has a reputation of being very tough to play against. – 12:56 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Jae’Sean Tate: “We’re gonna be the team people hate to play against” – 12:56 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Jae’Sean Tate on Alperen Sengun: “He’s one of the best big man passers, if not the best big man passer, that I’ve played with in my career.” – 12:55 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Jae’Sean Tate says he’s “always been a great basketball player without (three-point shooting)” so it’s not like three-point shooting was his entire focus this offseason. – 12:52 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Jae’Sean Tate said he worked hard on overall shooting but especially his corner threes: “Just getting reps up. Making sure constantly shooting the same shot every time.” – 12:50 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We’ll see.” Monty Williams on Cam Johnson establishing himself as a starter at the four with Jae Crowder not at training camp. #Suns pic.twitter.com/vCzBLTmCg012:45 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Monty Williams said he didn’t have a sense from Jae Crowder at the end of the season that would have us arrive at the point the Suns and Crowder are at now. Agreed with the importance Crowder had on helping the younger guys learn how to win and be in playoff basketball. – 12:30 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams on the Jae Crowder situation: “I see it as an opportunity for us. Like James said, our guys have been in the gym.”
Suns didn’t know this would be the outcome, but he wants guys to know when something comes up, those conversations with him will remain private – 12:26 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
James Jones on Jae Crowder’s situation. #Suns pic.twitter.com/AJPEHLjmzA12:10 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
James Jones said he doesn’t know what Jae Crowder’s situation will mean for the Suns going forward. Is going to keep the conversations with him private. – 12:10 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
On Jae Crowder, James Jones says those conversations will remain private out of respect for the situation, but it’s an “opportunity” for the Suns.
“It’s a team thing for us. This is a difficult situation to navigate.” – 12:03 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers media day: Harden had ‘dark moments’ in recent years; Embiid says he ‘feels great’; Jae Crowder trade rumors inquirer.com/sixers/live/si… via @phillyinquirer – 11:46 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Same outcome for #Suns with Jae Crowder?
azcentral.com/story/sports/n…10:32 AM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
GAME THEORY PODCAST: @TheBoxAndOne_ is here to chat NBA News and Notes
-Udoka Suspension
-Bogdanovic trade to DET
-Crowder Trade?
-McCollum/Wade Extensions
-Mailbag!
APPLE: https://t.co/hIOdTGnsom
WATCH: https://t.co/SftfqvRUnF pic.twitter.com/GcbiCT1Yjt9:04 AM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
‘Sixers’ storylines, Matisse Thybulle’s offseason and Jae Crowder wanting out of Phoenix ‘ by Locked On 76ers – Daily Podcast On The Philadelphia Sixers megaphone.link/LKN47304584485:27 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers’ storylines, Matisse Thybulle’s offseason and Jae Crowder wanting… youtu.be/qfn82yuW_uA via @YouTube4:41 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Suns, Crowder agree he will sit out training camp while they seek a trade nba.nbcsports.com/2022/09/25/sun…8:17 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Cleaning The Glass estimates Jae Crowder played just 21 possessions as a SF for PHX last season. There’s no way he’s a 3. Full-time stretch 4. – 8:12 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Think the Sixers are pretty well-stocked on the wings who are best served playing most of their minutes at the four right now, so don’t expect them to be in the Crowder hunt – 7:21 PM

More on this storyline

If, however, you prefer to make the case that the Cavs are one player away from serious championship contention, the evidence is at the small forward spot. It’s why Cleveland is said to have interest in trading for Jae Crowder from the Suns, who is available and is a proven 3-and-D big body who could bang against the Kevin Durants and Jimmy Butlers and Jayson Tatums of the East. Whether the Cavs make an offer, or if the Suns accept what Cleveland would send back, is another matter. In the meantime, Bickerstaff and his staff will use training camp and the preseason to decide who among the six he mentioned is the best fit to start next to the stars. -via The Athletic / September 28, 2022