Suns veteran calls on Frank Vogel to give him larger offensive role

Oct 12, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel encourages his team before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The Phoenix Suns are not having the season they expected to have, and frustrations are starting to show within the team.

The Suns’ 120-105 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Friday was their eighth defeat in 11 games, dropping them to 14-14 on the season. After the contest, veteran guard Eric Gordon voiced his frustration with his lack of a role on offense, particularly in a game in which Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic did not play.

“Early on in the season, it was better. And lately, there just hasn’t been an emphasis [to get me more looks],” Gordon told Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. “So, it’s definitely different. Lately I haven’t been getting hardly any touches really.”

Gordon added that he plans to talk with coach Frank Vogel about finding ways to get him more involved.

It may sound ridiculous for Gordon to be frustrated with his role on a team that features Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but he has a point. With Beal and Nurkic out Friday, Gordon took just two shots in 24 minutes of action. For a player who is averaging 13.2 points per game on the season, one would figure he would be more relied upon, especially with the Suns dealing with injuries right now.

The Suns were expected to be one of the league’s best teams after assembling a big three of Durant, Booker, and Beal. Beal has barely played due to injury, and the team has not been particularly inspiring even with the other two.