Suns Could Make Coaching Hire Soon
The Phoenix Suns could very well wrap up their search for a new head coach soon, according to team insider John Gambadoro.
"Hearing the Suns interview process could wrap up shortly, maybe by end of weekend. Jordi Fernandez and Nick Nurse today [Thursday] for interviews. Frank Vogel and Doc Rivers tomorrow [Friday]. Would make sense to announce before the NBA Finals starts on Thursday," said Gambadoro in a tweet.
We're coming up on two weeks since Monty Williams was fired, which came shortly after the Suns again bounced early in the second round of the playoffs. Championship expectations are at an all-time high in the Valley due to talent such as Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, and Suns brass felt as if a change was needed.
The Athletic's NBA insider Shams Charania initially reported five finalists made the cut to take over for Williams: Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel, Suns associate head coach Kevin Young, Doc Rivers, and Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez.
However, Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes reported two more names would enter the mix: Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and Bucks associate head coach Charles Lee.
(we ranked those candidates, which you can read here)
It remains to be seen who has an edge, though some believe if the process is already nearing an end, Young (who reportedly has the backing of some players) has the advantage.
Whether Phoenix grabs a coach with championship pedigree under their belt or simply goes for a fresh voice, a new era of Suns basketball is approaching.
