Exploring the potential impact of Frank Vogel’s hiring as coach for the Suns

Phoenix Suns Hire Frank Vogel as their Head Coach

The Phoenix Suns have finalized a five-year deal worth $31.25 million with coach Frank Vogel, according to sources. Vogel gained recognition for his defensive skills and an eye for detail while coaching a few of the league’s brightest stars, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis during his three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, which rewarded him with the NBA 2020 Championship. His stint as the Indiana Pacers’ head coach also landed him consecutive Eastern Conference finals berths in 2013 and 2014.

The Hiring Process

The Suns, who parted ways with Monty Williams on May 14, went through a thorough coaching search process, from which five finalists were chosen, including Kings assistant coach Jordi Fernandez, former Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers, 76ers coach Nick Nurse, Suns assistant coach Kevin Young, and Frank Vogel. The final stage involved a meeting between each candidate and Suns owner Mat Ishbia, president of basketball operations James Jones, and other team officials, which culminated over the past couple of weeks.

Among the factors that made the Suns choose Vogel was his connectivity and collaborative approach. His experience in building an offense around superstar wings, combined with his defensive mastery, gave the organization confidence that the partnership could be long-lasting.

Vogel’s Qualifications and Challenges

Frank Vogel has a successful track record in the playoffs with two different teams, a quality that was undoubtedly appealing for the Suns. He has been known for his defensive tactics that have helped him craft league-leading defenses in his previous roles with the Lakers and Pacers. Vogel’s offensive building experience around superstar wings such as George and James could also be pivotal to the Suns’ future development, especially with star Devin Booker on their roster.

Despite Vogel’s accomplishments, his messaging during his stint with the Lakers did not resonate well near the end of his tenure. He was also criticized for things that were beyond his control, like the Westbrook trade and the Lakers’ roster construction. However, after staying away from the game for a year, he received praise for this shrewd hire by the new Suns regime.

The Suns’ Future

With a new coach in place, the Suns have started shifting their focus to their roster. The team’s two key players, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, have been the center of attention. While Booker has been delivering at his best, the Suns are reevaluating Ayton’s status after his performance during the postseason. They will need to decide whether to build around him or seek a trading partner, which could determine their future team strategy.

The team also has to weigh the pros and cons of point guard Chris Paul, who just turned 38 and is attached to a guaranteed $30.8 million salary. Although his value extends beyond stats, the Suns are concerned about his longevity and whether his health can hold up.

Conclusion

The Suns have found an accomplished coach in Frank Vogel, who has proven successful in building top-ranked defenses and developing star players. However, the team still faces some challenges with their roster and player development strategy, which will determine their future success. The team management and new coach should work together to address these issues and steer the Suns to further glory.