The Phoenix Suns are proceeding deliberately with their search for a new head coach. Following a period of instability with three different coaches in as many seasons, the team is prioritizing thorough due diligence. Reports indicate they have narrowed their list of potential candidates to nine individuals.
Sources, such as Marc Stein, suggest the current shortlist comprises primarily assistant coaches from across the league. Notably, the list includes two assistants from the Western Conference Finals teams: Micah Nori of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dave Bliss of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nori has recent experience being considered for head coaching roles elsewhere and served as an interim coach for the Wolves during Chris Finch`s injury absence.
Additional assistant coaches reportedly under consideration are Steve Hetzel from the Nets, Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott representing the Cavaliers, Sean Sweeney of the Mavericks, Chris Quinn from the Heat, and James Borrego from the Pelicans. David Fizdale, who was part of the Suns` coaching staff this past season, is also on the list.
A significant observation from this group is that, apart from James Borrego and David Fizdale, none of the other reported candidates have previous head coaching experience in the NBA. This marks a departure from the Suns` recent approach, where they favored hiring individuals with prior head coaching roles, particularly those with championship credentials.
This contrasts with their recent hires. In 2023, following Monty Williams` departure, the Suns brought in Frank Vogel, a 2020 championship winner with the Lakers. Vogel`s tenure lasted just one season, ending with a first-round playoff exit in 2024, despite a 49-win regular season. They then turned to Mike Budenholzer, who had coached the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 2021 during his five-year stint before being dismissed.
Budenholzer`s time in Phoenix concluded shortly after the recent season wrapped up. Under his leadership, the Suns missed the playoffs, marking their first losing season since 2019-20. The year was widely seen as a major disappointment, especially given the significant investment in the core trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, who were expected to contend for a title. Instead, it was the team`s least successful season since the 2022 trade for Durant.
Amidst the coaching search, the future composition of the Suns` roster remains a significant area of uncertainty. Bradley Beal was reportedly shopped extensively before the trade deadline, though his no-trade clause complicated any potential move. Kevin Durant`s future with the team has also been subject to speculation, with reports indicating the Warriors explored acquiring him before discussions quickly ended after a reported call between Durant and Stephen Curry.
With considerable doubt surrounding the roster`s look for next season, the incoming head coach must be prepared to navigate various scenarios, potentially leading a team centered around current All-Stars or one that undergoes significant changes from recent years.
Jasper Hawthorne