Suns Believed to be Interested in Legendary Coach
The Phoenix Suns are now a week removed from the firing of Monty Williams, and little time has been wasted in terms of trying to find his successor.
Thus far, we've found different names thrown in the loop for Phoenix.
As far as assistant coaches, the Suns have received permission to interview the likes of Sacramento’s Jordi Fernandez, Milwaukee’s Charles Lee and Memphis’ Darko Rajakovic according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
They also plan to interview in-house candidate Kevin Young, who reportedly has the backing of numerous Suns players.
In terms of top-tier candidates with championship experience, guys such as Milwaukee's Mike Budenholzer and Toronto's Nick Nurse - both of which are recent NBA champions that are now on the market for new jobs - are supposed top candidates for the job according to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes.
Phoenix could also try and pursue current Clippers head coach Ty Lue.
Now, a new name has entered the mix, and it's a familiar one for basketball fans.
Arizona Sports insider John Gambadoro says he wouldn't be surprised if the Suns interviewed Doc Rivers for their head coach opening.
Rivers is a former NBA champion and Coach of the Year recipient, and has quite the track record beginning with his initial coaching stint with the Orlando Magic in 1999. He also spent time with the Boston Celtics (2004-13), Los Angeles Clippers (2013-20) and Philadelphia 76ers (2020-23).
He was recently fired after Philadelphia failed to make the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Suns are likely in search of a coaching candidate that has championship pedigree and experience with superstars on the roster - Rivers checks both boxes.
With Phoenix's championship window hinging on the next few years, plenty of roster decisions could make or break their chance to snag a franchise first NBA Finals title.
Getting the right coach is equally as important, and Rivers could very well get his opportunity to vouch for his case in an interview down the line.
