Doug Haller

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Doug Haller

PHOENIX - Mat Ishbia may have foreshadowed this two weeks ago when he addressed reporters at the Phoenix Suns practice facility, promising change after a season of failed expectations. The Suns owner emphasized the importance of an organizational identity. Like the Pittsburgh Steelers, he said. Everyone knows what the Steelers are about, how they compete. And then:"Or even my old team, Michigan State basketball," Ishbia said.

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Doug Haller

PHOENIX - Brian Gregory, who has spent the bulk of his basketball career at the college level, was named general manager of the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, the organization's biggest move in a reshaping of the front office. After a disappointing season in which the Suns failed to make the playoffs, owner Mat Ishbia publicly promised to evaluate basketball operations. His first move was to fire coach Mike Budenholzer, who lasted one season after going 36-46 with the league's highest payroll.

2 weeks ago | charlotteobserver.com | Elise Devlin |Doug Haller |Jayson Jenks

In his 16-year NBA career, Stephen Curry, seen here on Saturday, has developed into one of the extraordinary leaders of his era. At the heart of his leadership style is one word, repeated by teammates, coaches and staff members: joy. USA TODAY NETWORK One day at practice, Stephen Curry, who is widely considered the greatest shooter in NBA history, decided to kick a basketball.

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Doug Haller

General manager Monti Ossenfort insisted the Arizona Cardinals didn't enter the NFL Draft with intentions to load up on defense - that's just how their board fell. That might be the case, but the results don't lie. Over the last three days, Arizona positioned itself for an immediate defensive upgrade. Through five rounds, it was almost as if no other needs mattered. Offensive line? Not this early. Wide receiver? Not this weekend. The Cardinals selected Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen at 16.

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Doug Haller

TEMPE, Ariz. - After the Atlanta Falcons made their selection Thursday night, Randall Joyner turned to his wife at his home in Oxford, Miss., and predicted what was about to unfold: "This is the pick,'' he said. Joyner, the defensive line coach at Ole Miss, had heard earlier that Walter Nolen, the prized defensive tackle he had coached last season, would not drop past the Arizona Cardinals and the No.16 pick of the NFL Draft. Minutes later, Joyner was proven correct.