Many people think that Frank Vogel inherited a great opportunity upon being hired as the coach of the Phoenix Suns.
Just not Fox Sports’ Jason McIntyre.
McIntyre, a co-host of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, was filling in for Cowherd when news broke of Vogel’s hiring to replace Monty Williams in Phoenix on Friday.
He made waves with his take on the hire and the situation Vogel had with the Suns, who advanced to the Western Conference semifinals this season and have a star duo of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
His take?
Vogel is entering a “toxic situation” by taking over as the coach of the Suns.
McIntyre explained: “I’m a big Frank Vogel guy. Everybody says nice things about him. Defensive guy. But, he’s going into a really toxic situation in Phoenix. And I know toxic is a strong word …
“Two things that jump out. No. 1. Kevin Durant … I can’t get over Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving saying ‘who needs a coach? We don’t need a coach, we can just roll the ball out and play. Kevin Durant, I respect the talent, top 15 player all time, no doubt, you need a coach, it’s undeniable …
“This is a tough one for Frank Vogel. … Vogel likes his rim protectors. When he had that Laker team they have JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard and Anthony Davis rim protecting. Right now its Deandre Ayton, Jock Landale and Bismack Biyombo I think? I don’t know if that’s going to cut it and I don’t know that you can really move Ayton now.
“So it’s going to get interesting and I do wonder if this ends, or just begins, the Kyrie Irving journey perhaps to Phoenix.”
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Social media slammed McIntyre for his take, with Kevin Ray, a Suns broadcaster, among them:
He tweeted: “Toxic? You do know the definition of Toxic, right?! Please highlight the Toxicity that exists? Missing pieces, lack of quality depth perhaps, but Toxic? Come on man. Words matter.”
Others also weren’t thrilled with McIntyre’s “toxic” take on the Suns:
It certainly was a take.
Moore: Frank Vogel is a safe, obvious and smart hire as new Phoenix Suns coach
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Frank Vogel in ‘toxic situation’ as new Phoenix Suns coach, host says