Photo credit: Fadeway World
Kevin Durant never found his rhythm within the Suns' offensive system
Seeds of potential discontent are sprouting once again in Kevin Durant's tenure. Following the Timberwolves' sweeping victory over Durant's Phoenix Suns, reports from The Athletic highlighted Durant's dissatisfaction with his role under first-year coach Frank Vogel. He expressed frustration with being sidelined in the corner rather than operating within the offense to his strengths, which predominantly revolve around pick-and-rolls.
''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 35-year-old had a strong postseason, averaging 26.8 points per game with notable performances in Games 1 and 4, but the Suns couldn't keep up with Minnesota, leaving them 6-9 with Durant. With high salaries and a team that seems to be declining, the Suns must reevaluate their roster to improve their future prospects. Durant, who has played for three teams in six years, is known to seek opportunities where he can win. He has a hefty $51.2 million cap hit for the next two seasons.
Criticism has emerged not only from Durant but also from teammates and insiders close to the organization, who believed Durant should have communicated his concerns more directly with Vogel. Responsibility for the Suns' offensive strategy fell to Kevin Young, now with BYU, raising doubts among players about the coaching staff's ability to optimize a lineup featuring Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker.
Amidst these tensions, the Suns are reportedly contemplating substantial changes to their coaching staff during the upcoming offseason. As Durant's discontent brews, the future of both the team and its star player hangs in the balance, with potential repercussions rippling throughout the organization.
Source New York Post : Kevin Durant ‘not always happy' as Suns' finger-pointing begins immediately after playoff sweep
Source RealGM : Kevin Durant Never Felt Comfortable With Suns Offense
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April 29 | 7 answers Kevin Durant never found his rhythm within the Suns' offensive system Do you agree with Kevin Durant or he's finding an excuse for the sweep? | ||
| Yes, he's right | 4 | 57.1 % |
| No, he's finding an excuse | 3 | 42.9 % |
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