After a crushing and embarrassing elimination loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 6, new Suns owner Mat Ishbia wasted no time helping former head coach Monty Williams pack his bags. Since taking over as the owner, Ishbia’s fingerprints have been seen all throughout the organization, and this latest coaching move is just the latest event in what will likely be a long summer of transition.
Regarding possible candidates to replace Monty, several names have surfaced, including Mike Budenholzer, Frank Vogel, and even former Raptors coach Nick Nurse. According to NBA insider Frank Isola, NBA legend Isiah Thomas may also be in contention for the job.
“It wasn’t like a lot of names were thrown out there,” said Isola. “We heard Budenholzer, Nick Nurse, Ty Lue’s name. I would not be shocked if Isiah Thomas was the coach of the team… I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but I would not completely rule it out.”
“I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but I would not completely rule it out”
Could Isiah Thomas be the next Head Coach in Phoenix?? @TheFrankIsola and @Scalabrine discuss coaching candidates for the Suns #RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/Ueh6w06vVY
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) May 15, 2023
I.T. is a 2x NBA champion with a deep knowledge of the game. During his run with the Pistons, he was revered for his tough defense and superior basketball brilliance. Today, he can often be seen offering his opinion on games as a member of the NBA media, and it’s clear that he still has a heart and passion for the league.
As a coach, Thomas doesn’t have the best track record, but he does have experience and commands respect from stars and fans alike. In Phoenix, it’s tough to imagine him leading a team with personalities as loud as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but it could work if the stars are fully bought in.
The Suns Will Make Massive Changes This Summer
With Ishbia at the helm, the coaching hire is just one of a number of upcoming changes we can expect. After the way Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul played in the postseason, their future with the team remains a major question heading into next season.
“Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another franchise, sources told ESPN,” Tim MacMahon wrote. “The Suns are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for him this summer, league sources said.
With two of the best players in the game, the Suns are going to be relevant in some fashion over the next few years. But how far they go will ultimately depend on how these next few months play out for them.
With the right coach and a proper supporting cast, KD can take this team to the promised land. But at 34 years old, time is already running out for Durant to win another title before his inevitable decline.
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