Searching for a New Spark: Phoenix Suns' Head Coach Hunt
NBA Speculation: Potential Candidates for Suns' Coaching Vacancy with Previous Head Coaching Backgrounds in the League
With Mike Budenholzer's departure, the Phoenix Suns are on a mission to revitalize the franchise, seeking a coach who can inject some excitement back into the team after years of underwhelming performances. With Brian Gregory now in the role of general manager and James Jones shifting to a senior adviser position, two potential candidates have emerged as frontrunners in this hunt: New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego and Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Dave Joerger.
Though there will be multiple interviews for the position, a recent blog post on "The Stein Line" narrows down the search. The Suns are focusing on a relative newcomer to the head coaching scene, rather than experienced coaches like Budenholzer and Frank Vogel, who both left the franchise within a year, despite signing five-year contracts.
Despite the buzz around the newcomers, it appears that the Suns have been exploring candidates with NBA head coaching experience as well. "Word is, though, that Phoenix has weighed pulling some candidates into its search who do have NBA head coaching experience," the blog post disclosed. "Two such names that have already emerged as possibilities: New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego and Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Dave Joerger."
Before Gregory's promotion, Jones had been reaching out to agents across the league, scheduling interviews with potential candidates. But since Budenholzer's dismissal, the organization has been clear about their interest in recruiting a first-time head coach.
Beyond the Front-Runners: Other Potential Picks
Though the attention has been on the newcomers, there are other names being considered for the role. Phoenix's pursuit is said to be "wide-ranging," according to "The Stein Line." Following a disappointing 36-46 record in the 2022-23 season, the Suns are looking to reclaim their 2021 NBA Finals appearance and lift themselves out of the 11th spot in the Western Conference.
Coaches within the playoffs and those recently available are all on the Suns' radar. Prominent names include Cleveland's Johnnie Bryant, Jordan Ott, Houston's Royal Ivey, Oklahoma City's Dave Bliss, Miami's Chris Quinn, and the Dallas duo of Sean Sweeney and Jared Dudley.
The time has come for the Suns to make a decision and find the coach who can lead them back to the top of the NBA. The future of the franchise is brighter than ever, and it all starts with the right coach at the helm.
Enrichment Insights
Willie Green: A strong candidate with coaching experience in both college and the NBA, Green has been linked to the Suns due to his potential fit with the team's system[1].
Kevin Young: Known for his outstanding offensive skills, Young was integral to the Suns' pick-and-roll scheme that propelled them to the Finals in 2021. Since being named the NBA's highest-paid assistant in 2023, he has gained the attention of multiple teams[1].
Michael Malone: Although less expected by some analysts, Malone's successful track record and experience in Denver could make him a candidate for the Suns' job. However, the fit might not be as seamless without a player like Nikola Jokić[1].
- The Suns are assessing James Borrego and Dave Joerger, despite the blog post suggesting they are considering coaches with NBA head coaching experience.
- The Suns' search for a new coach is "wide-ranging," with potentially unconventional candidates like Willie Green in the mix due to his ability to adapt to the team's system.
- Kevin Young, known for his role in the Suns' pick-and-roll scheme that led them to the 2021 NBA Finals, has gained attention due to his high salary as an assistant coach.
- Michael Malone, with a successful track record in Denver, is beingconsidered as an unexpected candidate for the Suns' job, although his fit without a player like Nikola Jokić might not be seamless.
- The Suns are targeting coaches who can help them reclaim their 2021 NBA Finals appearance, with prominent names from playoff teams and available coaches on their radar, such as Johnnie Bryant, Jordan Ott, Royal Ivey, Dave Bliss, Chris Quinn, Sean Sweeney, and Jared Dudley.
