The Suns have recently appointed Vogel, a 49-year-old coach, to replace Monty Williams, who was let go by the team in May following their elimination by the Lakers in six games.
Williams coached the Suns for three seasons and was even named the 2022 NBA Coach of the Year. However, Williams has since found a new role as the Detroit Pistons new Head Coach.
ESPN story on the Phoenix Suns hiring Frank Vogel as the franchise’s next coach: https://t.co/UdHO6kTLVJ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 2, 2023
What to expect from Frank Vogel in Phoenix
Over the course of 11 seasons, Vogel has amassed a regular season record of 431-389 and a postseason record of 49-39 as a Head Coach.
His impressive coaching resume includes leading the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship, as well as previous stops with the Orlando Magic (2017-2018) and Indiana Pacers (2011-2016).
- First, Vogel is a defensive-minded coach. He will likely implement a system that emphasizes team defense and ball pressure. The Suns have the personnel to be a good defensive team, so this could be a major area of improvement under Vogel.
- Second, Vogel is a good communicator. He is able to get NBA players to buy into his system. This is important for a team with a lot of young talent like the Suns.
- Third, Vogel dislikes isolation basketball: Phoenix ran the 5th-fewest plays in isolation last season and that will be one less adjustment the Suns have to make.
Suns have strong nucleus
Phoenix has Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Deandre Ayton, and Devin Booker secured for at least the next two seasons. That’s a fairly solid core for Vogel to work with but a lack of depth hurt Phoenix after acquiring Durant in a mid-season trade.
Suns General Manager James Jones has some work to do that may include a trade to acquire a higher pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Seven reserves, including Josh Okogie, are expected to become free agents on July 1 but Phoenix does have some key reserves still under contract for at least another season.
- Reserve PG Cameron Payne started 15 regular season and four playoff games for Phoenix and is entering the final year of a three-year deal.
- SG Landry Shamet missed 50% of the Suns’ regular season games and is signed through the 2025 season with a club option for 2026.
- Center Jock Lonsdale is a restricted free agent but will likely be retained
- PF/C Darius Bazly is also a restricted free agent and Phoenix will likely keep him as well
- Guard Saban Lee is a restricted free agent but will likely receive a qualifying offer from the Suns
Jones has -$18 million in dead cap space and the 53rd pick in the 2023 Draft and could possibly trade up by dangling beleaguered center Ayton for a much higher pick.
Suns make Kevin Young top paid NBA Assistant Coach
Wojnarowski also broke the news that Phoenix decided to retain assistant coach Kevin Young and pay him a reported $2 million per season. Young was a finalist to replace Williams and will now be making $2 million per season to assist Vogel.
