PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns named former NBA champion coach Frank Vogel on Friday to replace Monte Williams, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the move.
The 49-year-old Fogel has been a coach for the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers during his career and is now moving to the Suns, where he will try to help the franchise win its first title in 55 years. History with a roster that includes stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Paul.
Vogel led the Lakers to the NBA title in 2020 when the league finished its season in the Florida bubble. He has a career record of 431-389 over 11 seasons and a 49-39 mark in the playoffs.
Phoenix fired Williams on May 13 despite four successful seasons, including an appearance in the NBA Finals in 2021 and a Coach of the Year award in 2022. But the Suns have also seen two embarrassing playoff exits — trailing by 30 points at the end of the season. The first half of the elimination matches at home. .
The Suns have been linked with several candidates during their nearly three-week search, including assistant Kevin Young and bigger names like Nick Nurse and Doc Rivers. On Friday, they settled on Vogel, who is known for his defensive acumen.
He’s also well versed in coaching the superstars, helping LeBron James to his last title.
New Suns owner Mat Ishbia hasn’t been shy about changing franchises since taking over in February, adding 13-time All-Star Durant in a massive final trade. Despite the bold step, the Suns lost in the second round of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets.
Ishbilla has now overseen a change in coaching and it remains to be seen how aggressively the front office can reshape the roster. The assumption is that Booker — a three-time all-star who averaged 36 points per game in a stellar postseason performance — and Durant will return.
The rest of the list is in flux.
The biggest questions surround Paul and former number one entrant Deandre Ayton, both of whom were out with injuries by the end of the qualifiers.
The 38-year-old Paul has been solid when he’s been on the field with the Suns this season, but his body again gave way in the playoffs and he missed the last four games with a strained left groin. He is under contract next season in a partially secured deal.
The 24-year-old Ayton was ineffective in the team’s second round series against the Nuggets, averaging 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds, both well below his season and career averages. He suffered a rib bruise in the fifth game and watched the final game of the season from the bench.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba And https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Join the conversation