The Phoenix Suns have come a long way since their last playoff appearance in 2010. The team has been on a rebuilding journey since then, finally culminating in their impressive run to the NBA Finals this year. However, despite all the progress, there is still one glaring vacancy on their coaching staff – the head coach position.
The Suns’ previous head coach, Monty Williams, did an excellent job leading the team to the Finals, but he is currently under contract with the franchise for two more seasons. However, that has not stopped the Suns from expressing interest in hiring someone they beat in the playoffs this year – Los Angeles Clippers’ head coach, Tyronn Lue.
Lue has a rich history of success in the NBA, having won two championships as a player and one as a coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. He then took on the role of head coach for the Clippers in 2020, leading the team to the playoffs in his first year at the helm.
The Suns know Lue well, having faced him and his Clippers in the Western Conference Finals this year. Despite being down 0-2 in the series, Lue made several adjustments that helped the Clippers take the Suns to six games before ultimately losing. His tactical decisions and ability to adapt in-game impressed many, and the Suns are keen to bring his expertise to their own team.
What makes Lue an excellent candidate for the Suns is his ability to handle star players. Lue has dealt with the likes of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Paul George in his coaching career, and knows how to get the best out of them. The Suns have their own superstar in Devin Booker, and Lue’s experience could help unlock even more potential from him.
However, it won’t be easy for the Suns to convince Lue to leave a championship-caliber team like the Clippers. And even if the Suns do manage to lure Lue to Phoenix, they will still have to deal with the backlash from Clippers fans who will undeniably feel betrayed by the move.
Regardless, the Suns’ interest in Lue shows their commitment to building a championship-level team for the long term. They understand the importance of having a top-tier head coach to guide their talented roster, and Lue fits the bill perfectly. Whether or not this potential hiring plays out, it is clear that the Suns are looking to take their success to the next level and become perennial contenders in the NBA.
