Suns update: Monty Williams addresses Steve Nash firing by Brooklyn Nets

Suns coach Monty Williams addressed the Brooklyn Nets firing Steve Nash going into Phoenix's Tuesday night matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center.

On Steve Nash firing: "It's always tough to see somebody lose their job. We all kind of know how hard these jobs can be. I haven't seen anybody have to deal with more than him in recent years as far as non-basketball stuff. To see him lose his job, it's tough to watch from afar. I know this community is fond of him and rightfully so. He's one of the most respected people historically in the league. To see him lose his job was tough."

"I heard it when our shootaround started this morning. Just felt bad for him. Never seen that guy have a bad day. He's always smiling, high-fiving. He could come to a straight-jacket convention and still figure out a way to high-five somebody. He's that kind of dude. To see him go down like that was pretty tough to hear this morning. I just feel for him and his family."

On Ish Wainright's father passing away on Monday: "When we found out the news about Ish's situation, they all were taking aback by that. Not many of them even knew.  I didn't even know till a couple of days ago what was going on. They have supported him the way they always do when something comes up."

On Deandre Ayton update (out with left ankle sprain): "Nothing new to report."

Ayton was out getting up shots before Tuesday's game. He might return before Phoenix concludes its six-game homestand with a back-to-back against Portland on Friday and Saturday.

Have 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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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'It's tough': Suns coach Williams on firing of Steve Nash in Brooklyn