How Frank Vogel’s Coaching Paved the Way for the Phoenix Suns’ First NBA Title

Phoenix Suns Set Their Sights on First NBA Title with Frank Vogel

The Phoenix Suns have taken a bold step towards their goal of winning their first-ever NBA title. In a recent significant move, they fired Monty Williams, who led the team to the NBA Finals last season, and replaced him with Frank Vogel. While the appointment is solid, it is also predictable and uninspiring. However, it is not necessarily a bad thing, as Vogel has an impressive track record as a defensive-minded head coach.

The Defensive Prowess of Frank Vogel

Since 2011, when Vogel got his first interim gig as head coach of the Indiana Pacers, he has been one of the best defensive minds in the league. Vogel’s tenure with the Pacers resulted in leaguewide defensive ratings of 10th, first, first, eighth, and third, respectively. Furthermore, his achievements in the league were in the middle of a transformation, with players like former Indiana center Roy Hibbert becoming dinosaurs because of the modern changes coming. Nevertheless, Vogel proved his defensive abilities by leading the Lakers to win the NBA title in his first year with the team.

The primary focus of Vogel’s coaching style is to capitalize on the number of misses, thereby generating additional possessions, so the defense can get another edge. He emphasizes running and crashing the glass to attain such objectives, which makes his style on the offensive front fairly predictable and straightforward. Nevertheless, Vogel’s strengths lie in his ability to make mid-series adjustments on the defensive side in the playoffs. He implements several different schemes throughout the course of a regular season, resulting in a versatile defense that can prove tricky for opponents.

Incorporating Vogel’s Strategies for the Suns

The Suns will essentially be emulating the Lakers’ blueprint provided by Vogel to win the NBA title next season. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant’s ability to carry an offense is the initial hard part, which has been resolved. However, to get the other boxes checked is not easy. The Suns lack maneuverability this offseason, and given the way the last two years have ended, it’s likely that at least Deandre Ayton or Chris Paul will get moved.

The key to Vogel’s success lies in the right pieces being in place to maximize his style of play. Ayton possesses the necessary athleticism to fulfill what Vogel needs from him. However, in the past, Williams rarely utilized Ayton’s full skill set, sticking to more traditional drop coverage most of the time. Trapping or hedging and recovering from there was something Ayton never got to do much. Nevertheless, given Ayton’s potential, the Suns must decide whether he anchors a title-winning defense or if they need to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

The Suns must fill five-to-seven spots left on the roster to complete their quest for an NBA title. While the firing of Monty Williams entails a risk to the culture he fortified, Vogel’s arrival sets a tone that will help the Suns attract the right candidates swiftly and efficiently. Additionally, Vogel’s appointment highlights the importance of mid-season adjustments and versatility, which the Suns can use to their advantage in the playoffs. While it remains unclear if Vogel has the ability to rebuild the offense that would complement his defensive approach, working with Paul and the right assistants could bring some harmony to the team’s overall playstyle.