02 June 2023 , 21:04
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The Phoenix Suns are finalising a deal to hire Frank Vogel as their new head coach, which may not be the news Devin Booker wanted to hear.
The Suns parted ways with Monty Williams after the team lost 4-2 in Western Conference semi-finals to the Denver Nuggets, with the former head coach taking full responsibility for their elimination. After trading for Kevin Durant before the end of the mid-season trade deadline the Suns had a Championship winning team, but it didn't go their way.
Former Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers and Suns assistant coach Kevin Young were two of the names listed with the vacant role, but according to ESPN it's Vogel that's set to be hired. Booker reportedly pushed for Young to be given the chance, but his wishes have been ignored by the franchise.
According to The Ringer, Booker was intent on Young being given the role, after joining the Suns as assistant coach in 2020. However, the franchise have opted with Vogel as the former Los Angeles Lakers coach has recently won the NBA championship.
Vogel led the Lakers to their last title success in 2020, but departed the franchise in 2022 before Darvin Ham took over. Vogel was offered the Suns job on Friday, with the organisation now attempting to finalise a long-term deal for the 49-year-old.
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It'll be the fourth NBA team that Vogel has coached, and he'll be used to dealing with big characters in the locker room from his past experiences. Vogel's coaching career peaked while at the Lakers, managing the likes of Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Patrick Beverley and Anthony Davis.
Vogel has recent championship experience with the Los Angeles Lakers (Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)Now he'll be tasked with constructing a championship winning team, and the pieces are there for an unstoppable force if the coaching is right. Durant, Booker and Chris Paul are just some of the star names on the roster, with 28 All-Star appearances between them.
Suns owner Mat Ishbia put pressure on Williams as soon as Durant was traded, and reportedly never truly warmed to the head coach. Williams still had three years left on his deal when being fired, with more than $20million left on his contract according to ESPN.
But Williams took full responsibility for what turned out to be his final series as Suns coach, saying after their Game 6 loss to the Nuggets: "I take that personally, not having our team ready to play in the biggest game of the year. That's something that I pride myself on and it just didn't happen. That's something I have to take a deep look at, everything I'm doing."