The Phoenix Suns are in turmoil. Over the last 24-48 hours we’ve seen nothing but drama associated with the franchise. After three straight record-setting losses to start the season – two by more than 40 points – head coach Earl Watson was the first domino to fall.
Watson’s firing was announced on Sunday along with three other assistant coaches. Assistant Jay Triano taking over for now.
Next up, point guard Eric Bledsoe‘s unhappiness with the franchise played out on Twitter… allegedly.
It started when Bledsoe tweeted, “I Don’t wanna be here” Sunday morning. Coincidently it happened right before the team announced Watson’s firing. However, Bledsoe’s tweet had nothing to do with the plans for Watson. As a matter of fact, Bledsoe has reportedly been unhappy with the team for months and had asked for a trade over the summer.
General manager Ryan McDonough reportedly called Bledsoe to ask exactly what was up with his tweet and if he was talking about the team.
“He said he was at a hair salon. It wasn’t about the Suns or anything related to the Suns, he said he was at the hair salon with this girl, and he didn’t want to be there anymore,” McDonough said – for context “this girl” would be Bledsoe’s wife Morgan who owns a salon in Phoenix…
But, they didn’t believe his story and actually sent the guard home Monday morning when he showed up for shoot around. Bledsoe is now on the trading block. McDonough went on to further explain.
“I don’t believe that to be true, and we thought about it, talked with Robert (Sarver) and my staff, and coach Triano and his staff, and decided it’s what’s best for the organization, so he won’t be with us going forward.”
Asked if Bledsoe had played his last day in a Suns uniform, McDonough said, “I don’t know that yet, I think there’s a chance he has.”
The Suns seem to have a culture problem currently that starts at the top (ownership and team execs) With several high draft picks over the last few seasons – the Suns have the NBA’s youngest roster – the team has yet to develop them or gain any ground in the west. Several players have taken shots at the franchise on their way out the door including the Morris twins and Goran Dragic, who essentially demanded a trade. They also lost out on Isaiah Thomas in the process.
Despite all of that, GM Ryan McDonough’s contract was extended last summer through 2020.
