The Phoenix Suns' head coach search has taken a new twist, as HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported on Tuesday that Wizards assistant Adam Caporn is "expected to draw consideration" for the vacancy. Caporn would be a first-time NBA head coach, an attribute the Suns are looking for.
The 42-year-old was named the head coach of Australia's National Team in March after a six-month search, taking over for Brian Goorjian after being on his staff as an assistant since 2017. Caporn previously served as head coach of Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (2014-2021), where he worked with top talent in the country, including current NBA players Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey.
Caporn's NBA coaching experience began with the Long Island Nets when he was the head coach for one season (2021-22). He was promoted in 2022 to Brooklyn's coaching staff as an assistant. Caporn was with two Australians -- Patty Mills and Ben Simmons -- in Brooklyn. Mills, who has been in the NBA since 2009, said this about Caporn two years ago (subscription required):
“He’s a pain in the ass, mate,” Mills said of Caporn. “He’s the Aussie who you guys better look out for. … Working with him with the national team, (I saw) his attention to detail, his knowledge about the game, (his) high basketball IQ and his ability just to have a feel for his players and his team and his ability to connect with those players.”
Adam Caporn "expected to draw consideration" from Suns in head coach search
Caporn is someone Phoenix should seriously consider, given his background in Australia and the NBA. He also has collegiate coaching experience, as he was an assistant for Saint Mary's College of California from 2010-14. Caporn played two seasons for the Gaels in college before he returned to Australia to play professionally.
Matthew Dellavedova, who Caporn helped develop, said Caporn has "multiple sides to his coaching." The 2016 NBA champion said Caporn "thinks outside the box" and is "really smart" in attacking different defenses.
The Suns need a coach to help change the culture, and Caporn could be that person. He has the no-nonsense attitude that Phoenix needs. Some fans might be wary of the Suns hiring a first-time head coach, but if it happened to be Caporn, he would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the desert.