Bryant and Williams were teammates together with the 76ers for part of the 2002-03 season. He would replace Stan Van Gundy, who left the Pelicans after just one season. Phoenix Suns; Grndung: 1968 Geschichte: Phoenix Suns seit 1968 Stadion: . His brother, Andy, is also an experienced NBA assistant coach. It's hard to place an exact figure since the NBA doesn't disclose coaching salaries. A graduate of Boston College, he was a student assistant for the mens basketball team during the winningest period in the Eagles school history from 2002-2006. Coach Ruffin was born in Denver, Colorado and played for and graduated from the University of Tulsa. (Series Stats)Lost NBA Finals (2-4) versus Milwaukee Bucks Bryan Gates, Jarrett Jack, and Steve Scalzi have joined the coaching ranks for Phoenix as well. Most recently, Jack averaged 8.9 points in 15 appearances for the NBA G League Ignite during the 2021 NBA G League season held at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida this past February. Frazier earned Patriot League All-Defensive Team honors as a senior in 2015-16, and also excelled in the classroom and community, twice earning the Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar Award as well as the 2014-15 Patriot League Award for Outstanding Leadership and Character. Phoenix didn't have a lottery pick in the 2021 . A 13-year NBA veteran as a player, Blake last played in 2016 and entered the coaching ranks with Portland, first as a coaching intern in 2017-18 then as an on-court assistant in 2018-19 where he helped the team advance to the Western Conference Finals. Jerry Colangelo coached the Suns in 1970 and in the 19721973 season. [1] It is also the last season under Robert Sarver 's ownership group, as he was suspended from league-wide activities on September 13, 2022 . The Thunder averaged 49 wins in his five seasons as an assistant coach with four playoff appearances, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2016 when he shared the bench with Williams and Bryant. Rajakovic served as the Thunders head coach at NBA Summer League in 2014 and 2015. In his role at Gonzaga, Fois handled video breakdown and exchange, evaluated player analytics and assisted the coaching staff with day-to-day program operations. On May 3, 2019, Williams became the 20th Head Coach* in Suns history. Born and raised in Springfield, Ohio, Ayers is a member of the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Apr 17, PHO (40-16) lost to SAS, 85-111, 57. The Phoenix Suns, as they attempt to defend their Western Conference Championship, will have a slew of new faces assisting head coach Monty Williams for the 2021-22 season. [5] Hall of Famers James Worthy, Gary Payton, Isiah Thomas and Rick. He spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Ohio State before elevating to the programs head coaching position. Posted: Jul 22, 2021 / 04:18 PM EDT. Strong, 32, joins the Suns after spending the 2018-19 season in player development for the Philadelphia 76ers where he worked alongside Williams to help the Sixers reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Scalzi joins the Suns following seven seasons on the coaching staff of the Oklahoma City Thunder. In this Nov. 24, 2019, file photo, Phoenix Suns assistant coach Willie Green looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Denver Find out more. Prior to joining the Thunder organization, Rajakovic spent three years as head coach of Torrelodones in Spain. Welcome to the Valley. As a player, Green made the playoffs in seven of his 12 seasons, including the year in New Orleans -- one of just seven playoff trips the team has made in franchise history. Young, who was an assistant coach last season with Phoenix, was an assistant with the Phildelphia 76ers for four seasons prior to coming to the Valley. All of the franchises Green has interviewed with were all in the same position as Phoenix two seasons ago. At 39, Green would become the third-youngest coach in the NBA behind the Oklahoma City Thunder's Mark Daigneault (35) and the Memphis Grizzlies' Taylor Jenkins (36). Ruffin, 44, was on the New Orleans Pelicans coaching staff from 2014-20. Feb 1 @ DAL, PHO (11-8) beat DAL, 109-108, 20. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. 104,027 (4th of 30), NBA 2021 Playoffs: Mar 11 @ POR, PHO (25-11) beat POR, 127-121, 37. "I think too many players in the NBA get too much pressure to lead," said Suns coach Monty Williams, who was an assistant in Oklahoma City in 2015-16, Durant's last year there. Whether Green finds that promotion in 2021 or later on, theres no doubt Green wont be in the assistant chair long under Williams. Michael Ruffin | The Official Website of The NBA Coaches Association MICHAEL RUFFIN PHOENIX SUNS ASSISTANT COACH In 2021, Michael Ruffin became an Assistant Coach for the Phoenix Suns. Carlesimo-coached Pirates to their first-ever NCAA tournament berth. In addition to his time in the G League, Strong played professionally for Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Premier League from 2008-2010, and also with clubs in the Netherlands, Uruguay and, most recently, New Zealand in 2016. . Green served as the Warriors head coach for NBA Summer League in 2018, both in Las Vegas and at the inaugural California Classic in Sacramento where he led Golden State to the events only perfect 3-0 record. John MacLeod is the franchise's all-time leader in coaching years and games won, winning the most regular-season and playoff games. During the 2018-19 season he worked alongside Suns Head Coach Monty Williams in Philadelphia. Executive Director of Phoenix Suns Charities: 2018-2019: 5-United States: Blake Pallansch: Manager, The Source: . Mar 26 @ TOR, PHO (30-14) beat TOR, 104-100, 45. Note: Statistics are correct through the end of the 202122season. Ja Morant will be away from the Memphis Grizzlies for at least two games as the NBA investigates a social media post after he livestreamed himself holding what appeared to be a gun at a club. Bryant joined the Thunder franchise in 2007 before the teams final season in Seattle then relocated to Oklahoma City and helped one of the leagues youngest rosters develop into a team that has averaged 52 wins and made the playoffs nine times over the last 10 seasons. Dec 27 @ SAC, PHO (2-1) beat SAC, 116-100, 5. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Mar 13, PHO (25-12) lost to IND, 111-122, 39. Entering the NBA as the 22nd overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, Jack played collegiately at the Georgia Institute of Technology where he led the Yellow Jackets to a national runner-up finish in 2004. When Suns head coach Monty Williams served as an assistant in Oklahoma City during the 2015-16 season, he saw firsthand the discipline and dedication with which Durant approached basketball . All rights reserved. Durant, a four-time scoring champion, now sets his sights on Hakeem Olajuwon in 12th place. Young joined Williams staff in Phoenix last season. Something went wrong. Jan 18 @ MEM, PHO (7-5) lost to MEM, 104-108, 13. A 12-year NBA veteran as a player, Green averaged 8.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 731 regular season games (297 starts) with Philadelphia, New Orleans, Atlanta, the LA Clippers and Orlando from 2003-2015. A native of Detroit, he won Horizon League Player of the Year as a senior in 2003 and helped the Titans to two NIT appearances in 2001 and 2002, including a trip to the semifinals at Madison Square Garden in 2001. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. The Phoenix Suns on Friday announced the addition of assistant coach Michael Ruffin, plus Jamal Gross and Corey Vinson to the title of player development coach/video coordinator. Prior to being selected with the 41st overall pick by Seattle in 2003, Green was a four-year standout at the University of Detroit Mercy. Jeff Hornacek coached the Phoenix Suns the 20132016. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. The Memphis forward sustained the injury Friday night during the 1st quarter of the Grizzlies 113-97 loss to the Nuggets. Also named were Jamal Gross. Blake played in all 138 games during his college career and remains Marylands all-time leader in games started (136) and assists (972) with 200 more assists than second place. In 2010-11, Green was a member of Williams first team as a head coach, averaging 8.7 points while appearing in 77 games to help New Orleans win 46 games and earn a playoff berth. The Phoenix Suns, as they attempt to defend their Western Conference Championship, will have a slew of new faces assisting head coach Monty Williams for the 2021-22 season. He has Phoenix ranked in the top 10 in opponents points per game and defensive rating. At age 44, Ingrid was killed in 2016 when her car was . Young and Williams were both assistants in Philadelphia under Brett Brown. The announcement was made this morning by Williams on the Suns podcast, The Outlet, which can be viewed here. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Are you a sports fan? "I just don . He was a member of Larry Browns staff with the 76ers from 1997-2003, where he coached both Williams and Bryant, then was Greens first NBA head coach with Philadelphia in 2003-04. [6] Gentry left the Phoenix Suns under mutual agreement to part ways on January 18, 2013. Apr 10, PHO (37-15) beat WAS, 134-106, 53. The Phoenix Suns announced in a press release the promotion of Kevin Young to associate head coach, as well as the additions of Bryan Gates, Jarrett Jack and Steve Scalzi as assistant. He was selected 53rd overall in the third round of the 1978 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, then played professionally for the Reno Bighorns of the Western Basketball Association before returning to Miami and entering the coaching ranks. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Ayers, 63, brings to the Suns over 35 years of coaching experience, including as an NBA and college head coach, and has most recently spent the past three seasons as a pro scout with the Brooklyn Nets. The Suns never have been coached by a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. According to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, Suns lead assistant Willie Green has interviewed for three head coach openings with the New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, and Washington. Data Provided By Interestingly, all of Phoenix's current assistants joined the team prior to the 2019-20 season -- at the same time . The Pelicans also have the No. Gross spent the last two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers as an assistant for video and player development while Vinson will be entering his second year with the Suns, previously assisting with player development and video. Gross joinsthe Suns following two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers as a video/player development assistant while Vinson is enteringhis second season with the Suns. There are plenty of learning opportunities that lie ahead for all coaches added to the team. Founded in 1976, the NBCA consists of all NBA Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and alumni, and works closely with the NBA on all matters that pertain to the coaching profession. Frazier, 26, comes to Phoenix after serving as a video/player development assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks this past season, helping the Bucks reach the Eastern Conference Finals. A graduate of Boise State University, Gates also has experience as an assistant coach in the G League and as head coach of the Oklahoma Storm in the United States Basketball League, Hickory Nutz in the Carolinas Basketball League and Beirut Blues Stars in the Lebanese Basketball League. May 9 @ LAL, PHO (48-20) lost to LAL, 110-123, 69. Support local journalism. Apr 21 @ PHI, PHO (42-16) beat PHI, 116-113, 59. pay top-dollar for . If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Gates will reunite with Williams after working for him for five seasons (2010-2015) with the Pelicans. The new assistant in Phoenix had a nine-year playing career from 1999-2009, spending time on the Bulls, 76ers, Jazz, Wizards, Bucks and the Blazers. Young served as an assistant coach in his first season with the Suns in 2020-21, helping the team win the Western Conference and advance to the NBA Finals. Ayers also spent two seasons as an assistant coach with both the Orlando Magic (2005-2007) and Washington Wizards (2007-2009), and another season as an assistant coach with Philadelphia in 2009-10, before joining Williams staff in New Orleans. Before his professional career, he was the 2007 NABC Division III Co-Player of the Year at Guilford College. (Series Stats)Won NBA Western Conference Semifinals (4-0) versus Denver Nuggets John MacLeodis the franchise's all-time leader in coaching years and games won, winning the most regular-season and playoff games. His tenure with the Thunder featured a Western Conference Championship in 2012, plus three additional trips to the Western Conference Finals, including in 2016 when Williams was the teams associate head coach. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin. He was a First Team All-Big East selection as a senior in 1987-88 when he averaged 20.5 points and 9.1 rebounds to lead the P.J. A 6-11 forward/center as a player, Strong played five seasons in the G League from 2011-2016, averaging 7.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 183 career games with the Iowa Energy, Delaware 87ers, Austin Toros and Westchester Knicks. The Magic dealing Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon at the trade deadline signaled them hitting the restart button, beginning from ground zero. LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 03: New Orleans Pelicans assistant Michael Ruffin before the New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball game on January 03, 2019, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Last season, Ruffin was an assistant for Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the NBA G League. Western Conference, PTS/G: Orlando is beginning their rebuild officially after toiling around for years in limbo. Coach Ruffin was born in Denver, Colorado and played for and graduated from the University of Tulsa. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Familiarity is very important to Monty Williams. After three years with Borac Cacak, he was named the head coach of the U20 and U18 teams of Red Star Belgrade and led Red Star to two Serbian championships in his eight years in Belgrade. You may opt-out by. KTAR. Ja Morant will be away from the Memphis Grizzlies for at least two games as the NBA investigates a social media post after he livestreamed himself holding what appeared to be a gun at a club. The Bulldogs advanced at least as far as the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament in all five of Fois seasons, and he helped the program reach its first-ever Final Four in 2017, played in Arizona, when Gonzaga finished as national runner-up. Jan 30 @ DAL, PHO (10-8) beat DAL, 111-105, 19. This is his first coaching gig. 115.3 (7th of 30) As Portlands starting point guard, Blake averaged a career-high 11.0 points in 2008-09 and a career-high 5.1 assists in 2007-08, helping the Trail Blazers improve from 32 wins before he returned in 2007 to 41 wins in 2007-08 then 54 wins and a playoff berth in 2008-09. Have opinion about current state of theSuns? At the time, the Hawks were expected to conduct a wide-ranging search but . Does that change with two new stars? Do you have a sports website? Greer joins the Suns following two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves. With two top 10 picks in this years draft, Green being able to install good habits with an extremely young core could finally lead to stability Orlando has craved for years. In the 2020-2021 NBA Season, Coach Williams led the Phoenix Suns to a 51-21 regular season record and a 2021 NBA Finals appearance - this was the Suns first NBA Finals appearance in 28 years (1993). Former Wizards head coach Scott Brooks struggled with in-game adjustments during his tenure, but Green might excel there while also connecting more with the locker room. NBCA Director of Communications Feb 28 @ MIN, PHO (22-11) beat MIN, 118-99, 34. Green, 37, joins the Suns following three seasons as assistant coach/player development for the Golden State Warriors. A 12-year NBA veteran, Green has been an assistant with the Suns for the past two seasons and spent the previous three seasons on the Golden State Warriors' coaching staff. Join our linker program. Feb 3 @ NOP, PHO (11-9) lost to NOP, 101-123, 27.