Suns’ Kevin Durant Had ‘Persistent Issues’ With Frank Vogel

The 2023-24 Phoenix Suns season, marked by high expectations and substantial investment, he concluded in what can only be described as one of the most costly disappointments in NBA history. At the heart of the team’s troubles is Kevin Durant, who reportedly has been unhappy with his role within the team’s offensive strategies under coach Frank Vogel.

According to Shams Charania and Doug Haller of The Athletic, Durant felt underutilized, often positioned in the corner rather than being the focal point of the offense. Despite his impressive performance in Sunday’s Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he scored 33 points on just 17 shots, Durant felt that the offensive schemes did not adequately reflect his abilities.

Throughout the series, he shot an efficient 55.2 percent from the field but was limited to no more than 18 shots in any game, slightly below his regular season average of 19.1 shots per game.

The Suns were not only troubled by strategic misalignments but also faced challenges with team unity and health, contributing to their eventual sweep by the Timberwolves.

The lack of cohesion was apparent, with the Suns finishing the regular season with a 49-33 record and securing the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Despite having a roster boasting three All-Stars—Devin Booker, Durant, and Bradley Beal—the team struggled with consistency, and their depth was severely tested. Players like Grayson Allen and Jusuf Nurkic were unable to fully compensate for a thin bench.

Devin Booker pinpointed the team’s overall failure to a lack of attention to “details,” a crucial aspect he believes was overlooked. “Roster-wise, everybody talks about the firepower, but you look around the league: It comes down to the details,” Booker explained. “You can’t just go out there and think you’re going to win off talent. The game is more complicated than that.”

Amid these challenges, the tenure of head coach Frank Vogel is under severe scrutiny. Sources tell NBA Analysis Network that Vogel is expected to be dismissed following the team’s playoff elimination. This decision stems not only from the Suns’ underperformance but also from Vogel’s dwindling favorability among the players, indicating a critical lack of unity needed for success in high-stakes games.

This potential move reflects the Suns’ recent pattern of rapid changes under owner Mat Ishbia, who previously dismissed former head coach Monty Williams after a second-round exit last season. Ishbia’s commitment to reshaping the team’s dynamics in pursuit of playoff success is evident, as the management seems prepared to make significant adjustments to match their investment and aspirations.

As the Suns reflect on a season that fell short of expectations, the organization faces crucial decisions on how to best utilize and support its star players, particularly Durant, to rebuild and come back stronger in the next NBA campaign.