FLAGSTAFF — Cheick Diallo can hear the negative chatter.

He's keeping his cool, but there's a simmer brewing within him which might lead to Phoenix reaping the benefits of having another energy guy in the frontcourt.

"There are people like the media who are counting me out," Diallo said. "That's cool. That’s OK. I don't want nobody to count me on the team, but to me, I feel like I’m a part of the team. The rest of the people, the media, everyone counting me out, I got a surprise for everybody. I just want to keep working on my game. Keep doing my thing and doing whatever I have to do."

Deandre Ayton is the franchise big. Dario Saric is expected to start at power forward.

Aron Baynes will provide toughness at backup center. Frank Kaminsky III is another shooter with size at 7-feet.

So that might be why 6-foot-9, 220-pound Diallo is being counted out, but the Suns see the value in having a player like him.

"He's a really active player," Suns coach Monty Williams said. "He can score around the basket. He's trying to defend. He has long arms. He's gotten some blocked shots in pick-and-roll. He just plays hard. Gives you a different edge at that four-five spot."

Diallo averaged a career-high six points and 5.2 rebounds per game and shot 62% from the field in New Orleans last season.

He was born in Mali and played one season in Kansas before he was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round of the 2016 draft.

After three seasons in New Orleans, Diallo is looking to become a contributor on the Suns, who according to Williams want to have a "10-man" rotation.

"I believe in my team. I believe in my coach and my coaching staff," Diallo said. "All my teammates are making me feel a part of this team."

Last year, Richaun Holmes arrived in Phoenix as a backup big known for his energy and intensity.

He left a fan favorite for his energetic and intense play and signed a two-year deal for nearly $10 million with the Sacramento Kings.

Diallo could have the same impact this season for the Suns.

"They're both shot blockers," Ayton said. "I think they're going to play the same role, but Cheick is emphasizing that 3."

Diallo has only taken four 3s in his NBA career, but like Ayton, he’s trying to expand his offensive game.

Ayton knows Diallo well as the two played against each other in high school.

And he's excited to have Diallo on his side.

"Diallo being on this team is like a friendly rivalry," Ayton said. "It's like, we're finally here. Let’s do this, but also make each other better."

Oubre Jr./Bridges update

Kelly Oubre Jr. and Mikal Bridges remained out with injuries at practice Thursday. Oubre continued to wear a wrap on his right hand and Bridges is still experiencing knee pain.

"They seem to be progressing, which we all are," said Williams with a laugh. "But no updates."

While Williams understands he needs those two for the season, he also realizes Bridges and Oubre aren’t getting the fullness of what he and his staff are trying to install.

It means the world to a coach in his first season with a team that everyone is learning what he or she is trying to teach.

Shiner

Unlike Wednesday’s practice, the media weren’t allowed inside until the Suns were finished. Players were putting up shots, but one had a noticeable red cut on his nose.

Big bad Baynes.

The physical center had fun saying how tough the mark made him look, but Ayton let it be known how Baynes got the wound.

"Cam Johnson did with the last play on our game-winning bucket, but they both clipped each other," Ayton said. "Cam's elbow is open, too. Baynes was like, 'Yo.' You a rookie as well."

Continual bonding

The players took part in the some off-court activities Wednesday night and went bowling.

"Just hung out, goofed around," Williams sad. "I think it's good for all of us to see each other away from the court. Laughing at each other and talking about stuff that's extra basketball. I think that’s a byproduct of what they did in California and what we do every day. That stuff helps your program."

It's just another example of how the Suns are looking to bond beyond basketball.

From Williams having 80 or so people at his house in Phoenix to the players' only retreat earlier this summer in Laguna Beach, the Suns are all about developing chemistry off the court.

"Especially with a new team, your first time meeting up with each other shouldn’t be at training camp," said Devin Booker, who organized the retreat. "It's really important to get to know the guys. Get to know how many siblings they have. Going out to dinner. Talking off the court. I think that directly translates to the court. It’s easier to trust somebody and go to war with somebody that you know."

Williams said Booker ended up bowling a 160.

"I was trying to get him, I got a 146," Williams said. "Willie (Green) got a 141."

Ayton said he laughed at how the coaches were bowling.

So, how did the big man fare?

"Let's just say I got my first strike yesterday," Ayton said.

Ever?

"Yeah," he said.

So were the coaches laughing at Ayton? Yeah. Probably.

Have an opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

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