Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
PHONEIX — The finger pointing has begun in Phoenix.
Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns had their season come to an end Sunday night when the Minnesota Timberwolves completed a four-game sweep with a 122-116 victory on the road.
And shortly after the game concludedz, The Athletic reported Durant being displeased with his role this season while playing for first-year coach Frank Vogel.
“Meanwhile, Durant, among the best scorers in NBA history, was not always happy with how he was used. Sources briefed on the matter told The Athletic that Durant never felt comfortable with his role in Phoenix’s offense alongside (Devin) Booker and (Bradley) Beal this season,” according to the outlet.
“Those sources said Durant had persistent issues with the offense, feeling that he was being relegated to the corner far too often and not having the proper designs to play to his strengths as the offense was built around pick-and-rolls. At the same time, some teammates and people close to the organization believed Durant needed to voice his concerns more adamantly and directly with Vogel and his coaching staff.”
The Suns acquired Durant from the Nets last February, hoping he could help return them to the NBA Finals after their losing effort in 2022, but they’ve taken successive steps backward the last two years.
The team will reportedly take a “hard look” at making full changes to the coaching staff this summer.
