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[Saba Sports News] Despite coaching LeBron James for multiple seasons, Frank Vogel maintains a strong stance against flopping. Following the Phoenix Suns’ 128-103 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were missing star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander due to a quad injury, Vogel took the opportunity to express his frustration during Saturday’s practice.
Addressing reporters, the Suns’ head coach specifically singled out Thunder forward Luguentz Dort for what he deemed excessive flopping. Vogel criticized the league’s handling of Dort’s flopping, emphasizing its impact on game dynamics and suggesting a need for review.
While Dort, known for his formidable defense, has been commended for his skills, his tendency to exaggerate contact to draw fouls has drawn criticism. Vogel’s comments, which coincide with Dort receiving a flopping technical during the previous game, may also be strategic given the potential playoff matchup between the Suns and Thunder.
With Phoenix currently holding the seventh seed and Oklahoma City the second seed in the Western Conference, Vogel’s remarks could be interpreted as an attempt to influence officiating dynamics in anticipation of postseason encounters, despite acknowledging that Phoenix itself has faced accusations of flopping, including from its owner.