Earlier this year, the Phoenix Suns replaced head coach Frank Vogel with former Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer. Following the acquisition of former NBA player Brent Barry from the San Antonio Spurs, the Suns have now added three-time NBA champion James Posey as an assistant coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The 47-year-old Posey was most recently with the Washington Wizards and previously served as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014 to 2019, winning a championship with them in 2016.
Posey, who enjoyed an 11-year NBA career, won his first championship with the Miami Heat in 2006 and played a key role in the Boston Celtics’ 2008 title run. He also had stints with the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, and Indiana Pacers.
This offseason, the Suns have been active in their quest for a championship. After acquiring star Kevin Durant during the season, they added Bradley Beal the following summer, creating a high-powered offense alongside Devin Booker. However, the Suns struggled throughout the 2023-24 season, finishing with a 49-33 record and securing the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. They were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
In addition to strengthening their coaching staff, the Suns have made several roster moves this summer. They signed center Mason Plumlee and guard Monte Morris, drafted guard Ryan Dunn, and signed guards Collin Gillespie and forward Jalen Bridges to two-way contracts. They also re-signed familiar faces like Bol Bol, Josh Okogie, Royce O’Neale, and Damion Lee.
Despite these changes, it’s uncertain whether these moves will elevate the team to a championship level. With Kevin Durant only having two years left on his contract, the Suns must capitalize on their window to secure their first title in franchise history.
