The Phoenix Suns had the winningest coach in the league since 2021, a former NBA Coach of the Year, and an elite motivator with strong ties to Kevin Durant.
They let Monty Williams go, and not many candidates fill all those boxes, so their coaching search hasn’t been exactly ideal.
And now that Nick Nurse has chosen the Philadelphia 76ers over them, Phoenix radio host John Gambadoro, via NBACentral, reported that they’re down to three finalists: Doc Rivers, Kevin Young, and Frank Vogel.
The 3 finalists for the Suns’ head coaching position:
Doc Rivers
Frank Vogel
Kevin Young“A hire could be made as early as the end of this week.”
(Via @Gambo987 ) pic.twitter.com/eCnX4xmyFV
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 30, 2023
Notably, the fact that Rivers is getting consideration after being fired by the 76ers is kind of shocking.
No one has blown more series leads in the playoffs or lost more Game 7s than Rivers, and he’s not known for his prowess as a tactician.
Vogel, on the other hand, didn’t finish on a high note with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he does come with a championship-winning pedigree and plenty of playoff experience, not to mention he’s one of the best defensive-minded coaches in the Association right now.
Last but not least, Young would give them a sense of continuity, as it would be a promotion from within Williams’ staff and he already has the players’ ears.
Young might not have the résumé or experience of Rivers and Vogel, but recent history has shown some success with these kinds of promotions.
Even so, the Suns will need to add more depth to be a serious contender, regardless of who’s calling the shots.
NEXT: The Suns Have Reportedly Narrowed Their Coaching Search To 5 Names
