Frank Vogel Refuses to Stop Fighting as Suns Failure Puts 50 Year Old Coach’s Job in Jeopardy

After losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first three consecutive games, Phoenix Suns coach Frank Vogel has not stopped trying. When journalist Gerald Bourguet asked him about the Suns’ performance, Vogel replied, “They’ve been too much for us to handle. But the series is not over…I still feel like we have a lot of fight left in us.” He is not ready to quit despite facing criticism from all sides.

Criticism is not the only thing that has put Vogel in a frenzy. While talking about the Suns, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said about Vogel, “Frank Vogel’s job is in peril.” Adrian further mentioned that losing the series “especially as abruptly….as a sweep” will ensure Vogel’s expulsion from the Suns coaching department. Moreover, the NBA insider further gave the example of Monty Williams, who got expelled from the Suns after their second straight early playoff exit last year.

After witnessing the condition of the Phoenix Suns against Timberlsoves this year, the only chance for Vogel to regain his team back into the series is Game 4. However, performance is not the only issue that is obstructing the Suns’ way to victory. The absence of an accepted leader from the team is disseminating the intention all over the game, resulting in underperformance.

Who is the on-court in charge of Frank Vogel’s team?

It seems that the whole of the Suns team is confused about their on-court leadership. During a presser, when a reporter asked Vogel about the player who leads the team on the court, Vogel took three names: Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and team forward Kevin Durant. However, when Vogel was asked about unanimous leadership’s importance, he said, “They all do a great job leading in their way.” In short, Vogel has assigned Booker to rotate the game, Durant for offense, and Brad for defense.

It all seems well-strategized from the statement of the Suns coach. But when the star player Kevin Durant himself was asked about the floor leader, he took Vogel’s name. The former NBA MVP said that there is no on-floor leader, but all of them speak their minds to their coach. This contrast in a statement from the Suns’ coach and leading player explains why the team is so off-balanced in performance.

The team dynamics in the Suns is also questionable, considering Durant’s statement. At the end of the day, Durant and Booker are the spine of the team. The play is operated on the court, and apart from the two leaders, the third player Vogel mentioned is having an inconsistent season. Brad scored 28 points in the last game in comparison to his 15 points[Game 1] and 15 points[Game 2].

Ultimately, the Suns have to up their game and enhance roster composition to avoid finger-pointing within the team. The only one with the power to execute this strategy is Frank Vogel. How will Frank execute his strategy ahead of Game 4 to challenge the Celtics for a tough match?