Open Thread: Vulnerable coaching positions in the Western Conference

29/04/2024 13:00

Two teams faced being swept over the weekend

It is interesting to see how the playoffs are shaking out. Earlier this week, we discussed coaching positions of the playoff teams in the Eastern Conference. In today's "win now" NBA, head coaches often take the brunt of failed playoff berths, leading to dismissals and shake ups.

In the Western Conference, considering OKC's Mark Daigneault and Minnesota's Chris Finch are finalists for Coach of the Year, conventional wisdom could lead one to believe their positions are safe (although Dwane Casey may have something to say about that).

I'd also contend that the season that Michael Malone and the Denver Nuggets have had, his position is good for the time being no matter the outcome of the postseason.

Here's who could be facing a move this summer-

Tyronn Lue

The Los Angeles Clippers had their best season under Lue's guidance this year. He's proven he can adjust the game while simultaneously working with the highest caliber of players in the toughest situations. If faced with elimination in the first round by the Dallas Mavericks, the question for the Clippers this summer will be if the experiment of pairing Paul George and Kawhi Leonard has reached its summit. If so, a shake up is inevitable, and Lue would certainly be part of the restructuring. This discussion will be one to revisit should the Clipper advance to the next round.

Jason Kidd

Kidd's situation mirrors Lue's, but with a little more wiggle room. Doncic is in the second season of a five-year contract. His player option kicks on at the end of the 2026-2027 season. If the pairing with Kyrie Irving falls flat, Irving's value for a more suitable trade could keep Kidd at the helm of a contender. As with many coaches, Kidd's future could also link directly to Doncic's satisfaction.

Frank Vogel

Although only in his first season with the Phoenix Suns, Vogel is one of the most vulnerable coaches. The expectations for Phoenix were "Championship of bust" before the season even started. Of his Big three, Durant is on the wrong side of 30 to take more seasons to "figure it out" and Bradley Beal's injury history has hindered his career for the past few seasons. Dismissing Monte Williams while attempting to build around Devin Booker may become the trend form Phoenix going forward.

Last night's season-ending sweep during the first round should be enough to send Vogel packing.

Darvin Ham

Let's face it, Darvin Ham's time in Los Angeles is as good as done. LeBron, unwilling to end his season in a sweep, forced a game 5 by his own unrelenting sheer will. But returning to the Mile High City and facing her defending champions is not an ideal situation.

Dismissing Ham is not a reflection of his coaching abilities. Any team with LeBron James is not only subject to his opinion, but his success. Darvin should find a home with a rebuilding, young team and show off his ability to shape a squad not already set in their ways. Especially one with a tendency toward pointing fingers rather than looking in the mirror.

I predict the Lakers season ends tonight, and Ham's time in Los Angeles shortly thereafter.

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