Frank Vogel has finally found his way back into the league after a tragic end to his Los Angeles Lakers stint last year. The American coach was fired by the Lakers before the 2021-22 regular season had ended. Vogel found out about his dismissal before their final game started, through a reporter at the pre-game press conference. However, he is back and ready to get at it with his new team.
NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that the Phoenix Suns are hiring him to a five-year $31 million deal as head coach. While a bunch of his fans were happy he found a new home, some of them believe that the Suns downgraded from ex-head coach Monty Williams. One fan said, “I feel like this is a big downgrade,” while another said, “Frank so desperate he takes low ball deals…he got hired in LA without even having a say on his staff.”
I feel like this is a big downgrade
— philly boy (@boat_domo) June 2, 2023
Frank so desperate he takes low ball deals…he got hired in LA without even having a say on his staff
— Cristo Lebby (@_Agent0x) June 2, 2023
Rip their championship chances
— Brysen (@Himknowsball) June 2, 2023
We don’t count the bubble 🗣️
— Tow Geakz E (@SupaE2009) June 2, 2023
Lebron coaching in Phoenix?
— Spencer (@spk0027) June 2, 2023
As you can see, there are quite a few Suns fans who aren’t too pleased with Frank Vogel’s arrival to the Valley. They fired their 2022 Coach of the Year, Monty Williams after four seasons. Williams led the team to the 2021 NBA Finals and also brought their best numbers since Steve Nash’s era. Last season, the Suns achieved the best record in the NBA under Williams’ leadership. However, he has now moved on to the Detroit Pistons for a $78.5 million six-year contract.
Frank Vogel seeks redemption with the Suns after ending on bad terms with the Lakers
It was quite unfortunate how the Lakers organization chose to let go of Frank Vogel. Between 2020 and 2022, the coach had a terrible time trying to help the Lakers get to the top. He helped them win a title during the 2020 NBA Bubble after which LA fell off the post-season radar completely. The Lakers lost to the Suns in 2021 and missed the playoffs in 2022 which was when Vogel was sacked.
Phoenix on the other hand has brought in a lot of changes during the 2022-23 season. Matt Ishbia became their new owner and Kevin Durant was signed to the roster at the trade deadline. KD playing alongside star guard Devin Booker resulted in great success during the second half of the regular season. However, they failed to get past the second round of the playoffs due to injuries and poor utilization of players.
Frank Vogel is a defensive-styled coach who helped the Lakers dominate while they did. Phoenix lacks proper defense which Vogel could fix once starts his job as their head coach. Players like T.J. Warren, Deandre Ayton, and Torrey Craig are some players he could use to balance out KD and Booker’s scoring.
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