Since leaving the Golden State Warriors in 2019, Kevin Durant has seen six different head coaches and only managed two postseason series wins. This statistic was underscored after the Suns dismissed Frank Vogel following their first-round sweep by the Timberwolves.
Kevin Durant’s Six Coaches in Four Years
Kevin Durant’s post-Warriors coaches include Kenny Atkinson, Jacque Vaughn, Steve Nash, Monty Williams, Frank Vogel, and Vaughn (again). Though Durant isn’t solely to blame for the firings of Atkinson, Nash, Williams, and Vogel, as an influential superstar in the NBA, he holds significant sway in organizational decisions.
Kendrick Perkins Calls for Accountability
Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Durant’s former teammate from Oklahoma City, criticized Durant’s role in Vogel’s dismissal. “Frank Vogel got fired after his first season all because the two-time NBA Champion Durant wasn’t speaking to the man or listening to him for the last three months,” Perkins stated on ESPN. He emphasized the need for Kevin Durant to be held accountable for coaching instability under his watch.
Vogel’s Offensive Schemes Did Not Resonate
Reports surfaced that Kevin Durant was not comfortable with Vogel’s offensive schemes in Phoenix. The disconnect between star player and coach ultimately led to Vogel’s dismissal.
Kevin Durant on Russell Westbrook:
"When he retires, people are gonna tell the truth about how they feel about his game…"
KD x Russ reunion next season? 👀 pic.twitter.com/Euy3DiJSXW
— Beastbrook (@Beastbr00k0) May 12, 2024
Mike Budenholzer: The Potential Savior
With Frank Vogel out, former Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the reins. Can Budenholzer unlock Durant’s potential and help the Suns reach their playoff aspirations?
Kevin Durant vs. Budenholzer: A Familiar Rivalry
Interestingly, Kevin Durant’s most successful post-Warriors playoff run came against Budenholzer’s Bucks in 2021, when Durant was a mere inch away from leading Brooklyn to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Looking Forward
Kevin Durant’s post-Warriors career has been a turbulent one, marked by numerous coaching changes and underwhelming playoff results. With Budenholzer poised to step in as the Suns’ head coach, the basketball world waits to see if this pairing will reverse the Suns’ recent playoff misfortunes.
