Paul Pierce: Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant is a "coach killer"

Another spring is on us and Phoenix Suns They dropped another main coach – this time before the rabbit is skipping.

After departure 36-46 and first miss the playoffs in five years, Phoenix Push coach with the shooting of Mike Budenholzer On Monday, who came only a year after Following Frank Vogel after only one season at work. In addition, Vogel was engaged after the sun fired Monty Williams after the Plej-Path of 2023. years, Kevin DurantThe first playoffs moved with a franchise.

Given the changes in the permanent capital SUNS, did Durant become a “coach killer?”

“I hate to say that, not in a negative way, but it’s really (a coach killer)” Paul Pierce said for Durant on Monday edition “Speak. “” But that’s what comes with guys like KD because when you have a guy from KD caliber like him and Lebron (James)Expectations come with them, as well as coach, if you do not fulfill these expectations, you are always on the hot seat. And that’s why you saw so many different coaches for Lebron, and also KD, but there are only a few guys you can put in that category, and those two are guys. There is definitely a coach killer. ”

“Expectations come rightly, because of who KD is where they do not perform at a certain level, then bring someone inside. It’s just what you are.”

Durant, two-stage NBA Final MVP, a four-year scoring champion and 11-time All-NBA Honenty, on average, 26.6 points per game this season, while filming 52.7 / 43.0 / 83.9 in what was his 17. years in sports.

The sun was acquired by Durant from Brooklyn Networks Before 2023. the trading deadline in the NBA in what was one of the greatest strokes in the history of the league. Phoenix sent forward Mikala Bridges, Cameron Johnson and Jae crowdFour unprotected first choices and replacement for a tan on the first round in what has become four teams trade. For perspective, networks are traded by bridges to New York Knicks For four unprotected first elections and five first rounds, among other things, 16 months later.

The sun were harvested in the semifinal circuit of the Western Conference of Pleases, fired Williams, and then fired Vogel after the 2024 playoffs in the first round. Years. Budenholzer (Milwaukee Bucks 2021. Years) and Vogel (Los Angeles Lakers In 2020 years) each won the NBA Championship as the main coaches before taking the sun.

Prior to arrival in Phoenix, the network had four different main coaches with Durant: Kenny Atkinson, Steve Nash and Jacqua Vaughn (twice). Durant was never played for Atkinson, which was fired during the 2019-20 season in Brooklyn, but saw not to play because of the recovery from torn Achilles suffered in the NBA 2019 final. Years.

Three years ago Durant with Golden State Warriors (2016-17 to 2018-19), who had and still has Steve Kerra as their main coach, Seattle Supersonics /Oklahoma City Thunder They had three main trainers with Durant: PJ Carlesimo, Scott Brooks and Billy Donovan.

Durant, who will be 37 at the beginning of the NBA 2025-26 season, enters the final season of four years, a $ 194 million agreement. The sun is reportedly expected to Listen to trading offers For the future hall of the brain of this arrival outside the season.

Durant is an eighth in the history of NBA / ABA with 30,571 career points.

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