The Phoenix Suns have been eliminated from the first round of Playoffs, as they were swept by the Timberwolves. This outcome came despite three elite scorers on the roster. Frank Vogel , the head coach, expressed his devastation over the loss, while tensions simmered in the Suns’ locker room after a disappointing first-round exit.
According to Shams Charania and Doug Haller of the Athletic, Vogel’s response to the loss against the Clippers on April 9th was quite furious. The head coach yelled, as his voice could be heard outside the locker room. However, the players did not seem to take his words seriously. The squad reportedly rolled their eyes and one of the players even held his laugh in while listening to Vogel in the locker room.
Frank Vogel “yelled so much that his voice could be heard outside the locker room” after the loss to the Clippers on April 9th, per @ShamsCharania
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 29, 2024
“Suns players weren’t buying it. The outburst seemed forced and out of character in their eyes…Vogel’s eruption left players… pic.twitter.com/A6ho4GVsTS
These issues explain a lot about the Suns’ performance and how they ended the regular season. The Suns were 16-11 following the All-Star break. While the roster had three elite scorers to work with, there were multiple errors on the drawing board. The Suns lost in the second round last year and had an early exit recently. Frank Vogel, on the other hand, seems to have lost his respect among the veterans.
A recent video posted on X has been taking rounds, showing Bradley Beal putting Vogel’s hand away as he tried to high-five while Beal was heading to the bench. This instance, followed by the recent report, reveals that there are some problems within the locker room. However, there haven’t been any such statements from Beal, Devin Booker, or Kevin Durant.
The Suns formed the Big Three following last year’s second-round exit. They traded for Beal, giving away Chris Paul and Landry Shamet. For what seemed yet another super team in the West, unfortunately it turned out to be a disaster. KD and Book gave their all in Game 4. However, Beal’s contribution was not so highlighted.
How in the world are 'sources' inside the Suns expecting us to buy that their quick playoff exit is all Coach Frank Vogel's fault? Under new ownership, Phoenix rushed into two trades that hugely limited the roster, then decided they didn't need a starting PG.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 29, 2024
Can't win that way. pic.twitter.com/WybVqg20Wv
Looking at how things played out for the Suns, the front office has not done a great job since the previous postseason. The Suns do not have a first-round pick from 2025 to 2030, nor do they have a second-round pick from 2024 to 2030. With a bare minimum of room for adding players, the franchise seems to be stuck with the current roster. Massive changes need to be made if Phoenix wants to keep its name alive in the West.
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