Turmoil in the Desert: Phoenix Suns Fire Head Coach Mike Budenholzer
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, the Phoenix Suns have decided to part ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer. This decision comes after a disappointing season where the Suns, despite having the largest payroll in league history, failed to make the NBA playoffs or even the play-in tournament. The announcement was made by the team on Monday, marking yet another chapter in the franchise’s ongoing saga of change and adaptation.
The Suns’ statement was clear and to the point: “Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season. Our fans deserve better. Change is needed.” This sentiment echoes the frustration felt by many fans and stakeholders who had high hopes for the season.
For the third consecutive offseason, Suns owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and general manager James Jones are on the hunt for a new head coach. The team finished the season with a 36-46 record, a far cry from their aspirations. Budenholzer, who was brought in on a five-year, $50 million contract last offseason, was expected to bring his winning pedigree and strategic acumen to the team. However, it seems that his approach did not resonate with the players, particularly with the franchise’s cornerstone, Devin Booker.
Locker Room Disconnect
According to sources, Budenholzer struggled to connect with the locker room, and the roster did not respond to his leadership. This disconnect was not limited to Booker but extended throughout the team. As a result, the Suns are now embarking on a wide-ranging coaching search to find a leader who can better align with the team’s dynamics and aspirations.
It’s worth noting that the Suns became only the third team in NBA history to start 8-1 or better and still miss the playoffs. They join the ranks of the 1970-71 Detroit Pistons and 2001-02 Milwaukee Bucks in this unfortunate statistic, according to ESPN Research. The team’s performance in March and April was particularly dismal, with eight consecutive losses by double digits, setting a new franchise record for consecutive losses by 10-plus points.
Defensive Woes
Defensively, the Suns were a shadow of their former selves. A year after winning 49 games and being the No. 13 defensive team under Frank Vogel in 2023-24, they plummeted to the third-worst team in the NBA in defensive efficiency this season. This included being the second worst since the All-Star break, as per ESPN Research. The contrast in performance is stark when comparing the team’s record with Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal playing together last season, where they had a plus-6.6 net efficiency, to this season’s 19-18 record and minus-4.1 net efficiency.
Ownership’s Aggressive Approach
Under Mat Ishbia’s ownership, the Suns have shown a willingness to spend on players, coaches, and resources. However, this iteration of the team did not meet expectations, and the franchise is now set to retool around Booker. The Suns had a 10-18 record since the All-Star break and struggled against teams with a .500 record or above, going 12-32 this season compared to 28-25 in 2023-24.
Future Moves and Trade Talks
This coaching change is just the beginning of what promises to be a summer of transformation for the Suns. The team is expected to engage in trade discussions involving Durant and will also consider the future of Beal. Multiple teams are expected to pursue Durant, who had another stellar season, and the franchise is likely to work with Durant and his business partner, Rich Kleiman, on finding a new team for the future Hall of Famer. Beal, on the other hand, has two years and $111 million remaining on his contract.
Durant was nearly traded to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline in February but made it clear that he did not want to return to his former team. He will be entering the final year of his deal next season. The Suns’ performance with Durant was notably better, going 33-29 when he played and 3-17 when he didn’t this season.
- Coaching Change: Mike Budenholzer fired after one season.
- Team Performance: Suns finished 36-46, missing playoffs.
- Defensive Struggles: Ranked third-worst in defensive efficiency.
- Trade Talks: Discussions involving Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal expected.
As the Suns look to the future, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team navigates this pivotal offseason. With a new coach on the horizon and potential roster changes, the Suns are poised for a significant transformation.
Originally Written by: Shams Charania
