Phoenix, Denver and San Francisco — Three Western Conference contenders made news this week, from roster moves around Devin Booker to a new contract in Denver and a coaching hire in Golden State.
Suns Lean Further on Booker
The Phoenix Suns retooled around Devin Booker during the offseason, yet the All-Star guard remains the team’s primary scorer and playmaker. Phoenix acquired Luke Kennard and Miles Bridges while re-signing Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin and Mark Williams. The club also sent out Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, increasing Booker’s offensive responsibilities as the Suns try to rebound from last season’s first-round sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Braun Targets Healthy Season With Nuggets
Christian Braun enters the first year of his new five-year, $125 million extension determined to move past an injury-shortened campaign. Limited to 44 games in 2023-24, the Denver guard told DNVR Sports he spent the summer focusing on ankle rehabilitation and feels “fully motivated.” “Sometimes it’s good to get punched in the mouth a little bit,” Braun said, adding that he expects a strong recovery on what he called a “championship-built roster.”
Warriors Add Vogel to Kerr’s Bench
The Golden State Warriors hired Frank Vogel as associate head coach, according to ESPN. Vogel brings more than 20 years of NBA coaching experience, highlighted by guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2020 championship. He most recently worked as an assistant with the Dallas Mavericks after one season as head coach of the Phoenix Suns. His arrival helps fill vacancies created when Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse left Steve Kerr’s staff earlier this offseason.
The moves position all three franchises for pivotal 2024-25 campaigns.
Source: Hoops Wire
