NBA Coaching Carousel: A Closer Look at the Latest Openings
In the ever-evolving world of the NBA, coaching changes are as much a part of the game as the slam dunks and buzzer-beaters. This week, the coaching carousel took another spin as the Phoenix Suns decided to part ways with Mike Budenholzer after just one season. This move marks the fourth head coaching job to open up this season, following the Denver Nuggets decision to move on from Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, just days before the regular season concluded.
Denver’s decision came on the heels of the Memphis Grizzlies firing longtime coach Taylor Jenkins. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings were the first to make a coaching change this season, dismissing Mike Brown amid a losing streak in late December.
With these changes, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will more coaching jobs open up in the coming weeks? Last season, seven teams changed coaches, including three playoff teams—the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lakers, and Suns.
Let’s dive into the current coaching vacancies, examining the pros and cons of each and speculating on who might fill these roles:
Phoenix Suns
- 2024-25 record: 36-46 (No. 11 in West)
- Previous coach: Mike Budenholzer
- Lead executive: James Jones (hired in 2018)
Positive: Veteran talent
Despite owner Mat Ishbia’s bold claim that “26 out of 29” teams wouldn’t trade places with the Suns, the team still boasts stars like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. This duo provides a solid foundation for any incoming coach. Additionally, the Suns have a strong veteran presence with players like Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Nick Richards, and Royce O’Neale, along with promising rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro.
Negatives: Instability, plus lack of roster, monetary and draft flexibility
The Suns are on the hunt for their fourth coach in as many seasons, a testament to the instability under Ishbia’s ownership. The team is also hamstrung by a lack of draft picks and a bloated salary cap, making it difficult to improve the roster. There’s even talk of trading Durant, who is entering the final year of his contract and seeking an extension worth over $60 million per season.
Who could get the job?
Given Ishbia’s track record of hiring championship-winning coaches, Michael Malone, recently let go by Denver, could be a strong candidate. However, with the complexities of the job, it’s uncertain who will be on the Suns’ radar. One thing is for sure: Ishbia won’t shy away from making a bold move to find the right coach.
Denver Nuggets
- 2024-25 record: 50-32 (No. 4 in West)
- Previous coach: Michael Malone (fired Tuesday; assistant David Adelman takes over on interim basis)
- Lead executive: None (GM Calvin Booth, promoted in 2020, was also let go)
Positive: Championship-level talent
Jobs like this don’t come around often. Nikola Jokic may lose out on the MVP award to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but he’s widely regarded as the best player in the world. Jamal Murray is an elite pick-and-roll partner, and Aaron Gordon is a versatile defender. Christian Braun has also had a breakout season, putting him in the Most Improved Player conversation.
Negatives: Limited financial and roster flexibility
Denver isn’t known for splurging on coaches and executives, and the team is locked into long-term contracts with limited means to improve. While the core players are under contract for a few more years, the roster may not be strong enough to achieve the team’s championship aspirations.
Who could get the job?
Adelman, son of Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman, will have a chance to prove himself in the postseason. However, with such an attractive job on the line, Denver will likely have a long list of interested candidates.
Memphis Grizzlies
- 2024-25 record: 48-34 (No. 8 in West)
- Previous coach: Taylor Jenkins (fired March 28; assistant Tuomas Iisalo takes over on interim basis)
- Lead executive: Zach Kleiman (hired in 2019)
Positive: A promising young core
Despite injuries, the Grizzlies remain in the top five in the Western Conference standings, with the league’s fifth-best net rating. With Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis has a core that can contend for years to come. Kleiman has a knack for finding talent, giving the Grizzlies a deep and versatile roster.
Negatives: Small market, recent instability
Memphis isn’t a glamorous market, and the team has faced friction and uncertainty. Jenkins’ entire coaching staff was overhauled last summer, and now the team must navigate injuries and off-court issues with Morant.
Who could get the job?
Iisalo, who was brought in from Europe last offseason, will have a chance to prove himself in the playoffs. If he doesn’t get the nod, Memphis’ next move is uncertain.
Sacramento Kings
- 2024-25 record: 40-42 (No. 9 in West)
- Previous coach: Mike Brown (fired in December; assistant Doug Christie takes over on interim basis)
- Lead executive: Monte McNair (hired in 2020)
Positive: Veteran, ready-to-win talent
While a title may be out of reach, the Kings have a competitive roster with Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk. With these players under contract for a few more seasons, there’s potential for growth.
Negatives: Small market, decades of instability
Since moving to Sacramento in 1984, only two coaches have had winning records for a full season. The departure of assistant GM Wes Wilcox adds to the uncertainty, and the team’s reluctance to pay luxury tax is a concern.
Who could get the job?
Christie, a former player for the Kings, has done well since taking over for Brown. While he may be considered for the permanent role, owner Vivek Ranadive has a history of hiring big names, so a high-profile candidate could be in the mix.
Originally Written by: Tim Bontemps
