Should the Phoenix Suns Have Kept Monty Williams Over Hiring Frank Vogel?
The Phoenix Suns have experienced significant change in recent years, both in terms of roster moves and coaching decisions. The Suns, once a promising young team, found themselves in an intriguing crossroads when they parted ways with head coach Monty Williams in 2023, despite his relative success with the team. Williams, who led the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals and consistently made them a top contender, was replaced by Frank Vogel, a seasoned coach with championship experience. This decision has sparked much debate among fans, analysts, and former players—should the Suns have kept Monty Williams over hiring Frank Vogel?
To properly evaluate whether this coaching change was the right call, it’s important to first understand the respective coaching profiles of Monty Williams and Frank Vogel, assess the circumstances leading to Williams’ departure, and analyze whether Vogel’s coaching style is a better fit for the Suns moving forward.
Monty Williams’ Success with the Suns
When Monty Williams became the head coach of the Phoenix Suns in 2019, the team was in disarray. They had missed the playoffs for a decade and were far from being considered a serious contender in the Western Conference. Under Williams, however, the Suns made remarkable strides. In his first season, they improved to a 34-39 record, which, while still under .500, showed considerable growth. Williams’ impact was felt immediately, as his leadership emphasized discipline, player development, and establishing a strong team culture.
Williams’ most notable achievement came in the 2020-2021 season, when the Suns finished second in the Western Conference with a 51-21 record, marking their best regular-season finish in over a decade. Under Williams’ guidance, the Suns made a deep playoff run, ultimately reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. While they fell short to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games, the Suns’ unexpected success was a testament to Williams’ ability to instill confidence and cohesion in his players.
Williams was also known for his player relationships, particularly with the likes of Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton. He was praised for his calm demeanor, ability to adjust game plans, and, most importantly, his focus on building a supportive and trusting environment.
However, the 2021-2022 season saw a significant drop-off. Despite finishing with the best record in the NBA (64-18), the Suns were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks in a shocking and humiliating fashion, including a blowout loss in Game 7. The team’s inability to deliver in the postseason, despite their regular-season dominance, raised questions about Williams’ ability to make necessary adjustments under pressure. Tensions between Williams and Deandre Ayton, particularly regarding Ayton’s role and minutes, also became apparent.
In 2023, the Suns were once again eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, this time by the Denver Nuggets, and despite Williams’ past successes, the front office made the bold decision to part ways with him.
Frank Vogel’s Coaching Profile
Frank Vogel, on the other hand, brings a very different coaching philosophy to the table. Known for his defensive expertise, Vogel has enjoyed considerable success in the NBA, particularly with the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers. Vogel’s most notable achievement came in 2020, when he led the Lakers to an NBA Championship in the Orlando bubble. Vogel’s coaching style emphasizes defense, organization, and strategic adjustments in high-pressure situations.
Vogel’s teams have always been known for their stout defensive play, often ranked among the league’s best in terms of defensive rating. In particular, Vogel’s emphasis on controlling the paint and limiting fast-break opportunities has made his teams difficult to score against. His tactical acumen in the postseason was also proven with the Lakers, where he successfully navigated the playoff landscape, making key rotations and defensive adjustments that helped the Lakers capture the title in a year filled with uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vogel’s tenure with the Lakers, however, was not without controversy. The Lakers’ disappointing performance in 2021 and 2022—failing to make it past the first round of the playoffs—led to his dismissal, despite the fact that he had delivered a championship just one season prior. While Vogel had success with the Lakers, his ability to manage star personalities and injuries was often called into question.
In taking over the Suns, Vogel inherits a team with plenty of talent but also a number of unanswered questions, especially regarding the fit between Booker, Kevin Durant, and Deandre Ayton.
Why the Suns Could Have Benefitted from Keeping Monty Williams
- Consistency and Player Development: One of the key strengths of Monty Williams’ tenure in Phoenix was his ability to develop and get the most out of his players. Devin Booker became a bona fide star under Williams’ guidance, and Ayton had his most productive years with Williams at the helm. Given the Suns’ reliance on their core players, especially Booker and Ayton, Williams’ player-centric coaching style might have been the best fit for their continued growth and development. Vogel, while adept defensively, might not have the same ability to connect with players on a personal level, which could be problematic for a team that has built its foundation around its star players.
- Offensive System: Monty Williams ran an offensive system that was predicated on ball movement, pace, and spacing, with a focus on getting open shots and playing a more fluid style of basketball. Under Williams, the Suns ranked among the top teams in terms of offensive efficiency, with Booker and Paul running the show. Vogel’s defensive-oriented philosophy may change the team’s approach to offense, potentially making them less free-flowing and more focused on matchups and structured plays.
- Team Chemistry and Trust: The trust Williams built with his players was invaluable. His ability to get the best out of players like Ayton, Paul, and Booker through his leadership style created a cohesive, close-knit unit. The Suns’ locker room had a strong bond under Williams, which is critical in a league where player relationships often influence performance. The change in coaching staff, especially when there were unresolved issues with Ayton, may cause further rifts within the team.
- Playoff Success: Williams led the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021, and while they fell short, his playoff pedigree was clear. Vogel, by contrast, has had a mixed record in recent years. His defensive schemes worked well in 2020 with the Lakers, but since then, his teams have struggled to achieve similar postseason success.
Why the Suns Might Benefit from Hiring Frank Vogel
- Defensive Upgrade: The Suns have often struggled with their defense, particularly in the postseason. Frank Vogel’s expertise in defense could help the Suns improve on that end of the floor, particularly with Durant and Ayton, who are both capable of being elite defenders. If Vogel can turn the Suns into a more defensively dominant team, it could complement their offensive firepower and make them a more complete contender.
- Postseason Adjustments: While Williams had his strengths, one area where he sometimes faltered was in making key adjustments during critical moments of the postseason. Vogel’s experience with the Lakers, especially in the 2020 playoffs, demonstrates his ability to make tactical changes under pressure. Given the Suns’ current roster, Vogel may be better equipped to manage late-game situations and adjust matchups during tight playoff series.
- Fresh Perspective: Sometimes, a new voice can reinvigorate a team. Vogel’s defensive philosophy might provide a fresh challenge for the Suns’ core players. If the Suns had grown complacent under Williams’ system, Vogel’s arrival could introduce new concepts and strategies that might lead to greater success, particularly if they want to compete with elite teams like the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors in the West.
Conclusion
In the end, whether the Phoenix Suns would have been better off keeping Monty Williams instead of hiring Frank Vogel is a complicated question with no clear-cut answer. Williams undoubtedly achieved significant success with the Suns, fostering a culture of trust, improving player development, and leading the team to the NBA Finals. However, the Suns’ inability to make deeper playoff runs and occasional lapses in performance during critical moments likely led the front office to seek a change.
Frank Vogel offers a different set of strengths, particularly in defense and making tactical adjustments in high-pressure situations. Whether this shift will prove to be the right one for the Suns’ future success remains to be seen. Ultimately, the decision to part ways with Williams and hire Vogel may not be as much about one being better than the other but rather about the Suns’ desire for a new direction as they aim to capitalize on the window of opportunity with their current roster.
