The Suns have begun the process to replace head coach Monty Williams, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who states that they have received permission to interview several assistants, including the Kings‘ Jordi Fernandez, the Bucks‘ Charles Lee and the Grizzlies‘ Darko Rajakovic.
Lee has been reported as one of the finalists to fill the Pistons‘ head coaching vacancy, along with former UConn and Overtime Elite head coach Kevin Ollie and Pelicans assistant Jarron Collins. Detroit narrowed its list to three nearly two weeks ago, but may be waiting to see if Williams is interested before making a final decision.
Lee also interviewed for the opening with the Raptors and is considered to be a candidate to replace Mike Budenholzer in Milwaukee.
Fernandez interviewed with Toronto in late April and was mentioned as a candidate when the Hawks fired Nate McMillan in February. After spending six years as an assistant in Denver, Fernandez came to Sacramento as associate head coach last offseason when Mike Brown was hired.
Rajakovic is also on the Raptors’ list of coaching candidates. He has been in Memphis since 2020 after spending time as an assistant with the Thunder and Suns.
If I were looking for a head coach, Monty Williams would be my first call. I thought he did a good job in New Orleans and thought he was doing a good job in Phoenix, despite his last game and series. I thought the Suns should have given him at least one full season with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, as well as to give the front office a chance to improve their depth. I’d also be looking at David Fizdale, who impressed me while at Memphis (the Knicks let go of him too soon). He might not be available until the Lakers are done, though.
Generous of you to assume KD will stay there a whole/full season. Or that he didn’t whisper to someone that he didn’t like Williams for some reason or other.
You are considering fizdale. Lol omg what a joke. You are funny. Fizdale is one of the worst coaches ever!!!!!