Around the Beat: Suns Writers Weigh In on Center, Bridges, Depth

Center picture muddled. Arizona Sports relayed ESPN's Kevin Golliver naming the lack of a proven starting center as Phoenix's biggest roster hole, while Bright Side of the Sun's John Voita wrote that Oso Ighodaro is winning the job. Mark Williams remains out after shoulder surgery, with no word yet on when he returns, so the competition stays open.

Reath's early read. Valley of the Suns compared Duop Reath to a replacement the 76ers lost in Ariel Hukporti. Reath's right foot and leg issue, which began September 25, was lifted to cleared on October 3, but he has yet to play a preseason minute for Phoenix, so the comparison is still unproven.

Green and Goodwin flagged. Bright Side of the Sun's John Voita named Jalen Green the Sun to watch, and Brandon Duenas called Jordan Goodwin one of the NBA's most underrated players. Green logged 13 more minutes a night the last three games with a teammate out; Goodwin averaged 8.7 points over 70 games last season.

Bridges scare downgraded. Arizona Sports' Dylan Kane and Hoops Rumors both reported that Miles Bridges' ankle injury isn't believed to be serious, and Valley of the Suns told fans to relax. Phoenix lists Bridges day-to-day for his right ankle, with an estimated return of October 10 — tonight's game against the Spurs.

Second unit, same result. Voita wrote that the Suns' second unit is stealing the show even in losses, and Mark Bowser's recap flagged turnovers as the problem in Wednesday's 124-117 defeat at Chicago. Phoenix is 0-2 in the preseason, and Dillon Brooks has played 39 minutes a game over his last three outings.