In professional sports, you can transform from hardline authoritarian to a user-friendly players’ coach. Tom Coughlin did it and won a Super Bowl with the Giants. But you can’t go the other direction. You can’t go from kissing posterior to busting posterior.
If this is the case, we are facing a disaster. We will be left with an NBA team that has lost its passion, identity, and direction. The team will be no better than the Wizards, who are currently rebuilding solely around Bradley Beal.
“The delay surrounding Vogel’s job status and Ochocinco’s recent statements about Durant have increased the stakes and introduced new factors. If Durant requests a trade and it turns out he was the most dissatisfied player during the 2023-24 season, it is possible that retaining Vogel may not be necessary. What is clear, however, is that the uncertainty surrounding Vogel’s employment and Ochocinco’s remarks have added demands and complexities.”
During 75 games, Durant had an average of 27.1 points and played for 37.2 minutes. He had an impressively high level of availability, durability, and productivity. As a result, he will be back on the All-NBA team following a brief hiatus.
However, let’s take a step back: It was clear from the start that Vogel was not a good match for this group. He avoids conflicts and often only focused on criticizing officials, rather than addressing the team’s real struggles. He is one of the few defensive-minded head coaches who does not naturally engage in confrontations. As a result, there was a significant lack of leadership at the top of the organization.
Follow @danbickley
If proven, this indicates that Durant has given the okay for another takeoff in his ever-changing career.
Dismiss Frank Vogel. Or swap for Kevin Durant.
If this statement is accurate, it suggests that Durant does not feel obligated or answerable to the current objective or purpose in Phoenix.
During the holiday season, rumors surfaced about Durant’s dissatisfaction, but he quickly responded with impressive performances. However, throughout the rest of the season, there were several instances where Durant appeared unhappy and disengaged, often removed from team discussions. A critical article from The Athletic revealed that Durant felt unhappy and ineffective in the Suns’ offensive strategy. It also recounted a concerning incident where Coach Vogel yelled frantically, trying to salvage the failing team while his players showed disinterest.
Brooms are effective as long as you’re gripping the handle. The Suns found themselves trapped in the bristles, eliminated from the first round of the playoffs, and now facing a tumultuous offseason.
It appears that the reason for the delay could be to make room for another event. The most recent and popular speculation is that Durant is open to being traded to the Miami Heat, as long as it is beneficial for all those involved. Retired NFL receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson reported that Durant revealed this in a lengthy conversation, allowing Johnson to share the information publicly.
This indicates that the upcoming offseason presents a good opportunity to trade KD, possibly the final one. I am content with this scenario. It could be the final opportunity to acquire a point guard, skilled wing players, and complementary team members, resulting in Booker taking back his role as leader.
If this statement holds true, it indicates that he has no qualms about leaving Devin Booker behind, and that’s my biggest concern.
This has significant implications.
It appears that Durant and Booker have developed a strong bond over the last season and a half. However, if Durant openly discusses passive trade possibilities, it raises questions about Booker’s thoughts. Will he continue to be our steadfast hero? Is he as dedicated as Larry Fitzgerald and Shane Doan? Or is he being swayed by offers from the Knicks and Madison Square Garden? Is he influenced by Durant’s actions?
The answer is inevitable and clear.
Contact Bickley at [email protected]. Tune in to Bickley & Marotta’s radio show on Arizona Sports from 6 to 10 a.m. on weekdays.
After suffering yet another heartbreaking defeat at Footprint Center, owner Mat Ishbia may have made the right move by firing Vogel and opting to keep the Big Three together. This decision will provide them with a strong leader, a fresh perspective, a new team philosophy, an improved offensive strategy, and renewed hope for success.
