The Portland Trail Blazers advanced to the second round of the playoffs on Tuesday night with a 4-1 series win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the impressive performance to start the postseason may be causing teams around the league to take notice of their coaching staff.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Phoenix Suns have requested and received permission to interview Blazers assistant coaches Nate Tibbets and David Vanterpool for their head coaching vacancy.
Phoenix has received permission to interview Portland assistants Nate Tibbetts and David Vanterpool for franchise’s head coaching job, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 24, 2019
Wojnarowski reiterated that Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Monty Williams is still the Suns’ top target, but both Tibbets and Vanterpool are expected to receive serious consideration for head coaching jobs.
Phoenix’s permission to speak to Sixers assistant Monty Williams was granted Tuesday. He’s focus of team’s search, but both Portland assistants have moved into position to be serious candidates for available head coaching jobs. https://t.co/Q5LV4BK2HJ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 24, 2019
It sounds like Williams could also be the top choice for the Los Angeles Lakers, so the Suns need to have options beyond him. Given what they have already accomplished thus far this season, it makes sense that the Blazers and their coaches are receiving plenty of attention.
