Suns Reportedly Not Done Interviewing Coaching Candidates

Last night, The Athletic's NBA insider Shams Charania reported the Phoenix Suns were down to five finalists to replace former head coach Monty Williams: Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel, Doc Rivers, Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez and Suns assistant Kevin Young.

However, Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes says otherwise, saying the Suns have not reached their final stage of speaking with candidates and will meet with two other names: Bucks assistant Charles Lee and Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson.

Though Phoenix's unfortunate ending to the season is still fairly fresh, the offseason has already been filled with plenty of rumors and speculation about the team's future. From who will replace Williams at the helm to what roster the new head coach will oversee will continue to unfold over the coming weeks and months.

Lee (38-years-old) first began his NBA coaching career with the Atlanta Hawks in 2014. He stayed there for four seasons before joining his current position with the Bucks in 2018, where he eventually helped Milwaukee win the 2021 NBA Finals over Phoenix in six games.

Atkinson (55-years-old) first began his NBA coaching career in 2008 with the New York Knicks. He spent time in New York and Atlanta before accepting a position to be the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, which lasted from 2016-20.

He has a career head coaching record of 118-190 and has just one playoff appearance in four seasons. After he stepped down from coaching the Nets, he spent time with the Los Angeles Clippers (2020-21) before jumping into his current role as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors in 2021, winning a championship with the squad last season.

Several names are connected to the Suns, it will be interesting to see how they shake out.