Shortly before the Suns were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Timberwolves this Sunday, first-year coach Frank Vogel told the media that he is “sure” he still has a job in Phoenix next season. According to the strategist, he has a good relationship and understanding with the team owner.
“I got full support [Suns owner Mat] Ishbia,” Vogel shared before the loss in Game 4, as the media swarmed asking if he thought his career was in jeopardy. Now that the team is out of the picture, we can say for sure that the Arizona franchise did not do well this campaign, especially considering the talent inside the roster led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
On ESPN NBA Countdown On Sunday, insider Adrian Wojnarowksi revealed that there was “a growing belief around the league that Frank Vogel's career is in jeopardy.”
.@wojespn on Frank Vogel's future with the Phoenix Suns: pic.twitter.com/153lglBJmH
– NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 28, 2024
“When you have this kind of salary, these kinds of expectations, you have to not only show a lot in the first round, you have to get out of the first round,” Woj said this weekend. “Last year's six-game losing streak to Denver in the second round cost Monty Williams his job. You've seen Matt Ishbia, the owner, make a quick turnaround in his short time as owner. Frank Vogel's career may be in serious jeopardy.”
When the game ended, the media insisted on Vogel's possible ejection. “It's disappointing,” the Suns coach admitted. “There is no other way to put it. There is no worse professional feeling in the world than sweeping the NBA playoffs. I have never been a part of it. I feel really low right now. I want to speak to our fans directly and say, I have the same interest.
“I'm disappointed like all of you. I share that with all of you. But we were beaten by a better team this year. … But this league is full of fireworks. … The top 10 teams in the Western Conference are loaded with talent as well. We have to evaluate and find ways we can be better.”
Phoenix will now enter this summer with a salary of $209 million, the largest payroll of any NBA franchise, while enjoying a $116 million luxury tax penalty.
All-star Kevin Durant just suffered his second sweep in his last three playoff runs, both in the first round
For the third straight season now, the Phoenix club has been eliminated from the playoffs at home. This comes as a huge disappointment, especially considering the champion's expectations for the team's Big Three. For Kevin Durant, he has been swept in the first round twice during the last three playoff games.
Fans and experts are starting to point fingers at the Phoenix camp, with Durant being one of the most responsible. However, when asked about his future, the star was adamant that he would like to play basketball for the Suns.
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