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For the third spring in a row, the Phoenix Suns are initiating a coaching transition.
On Monday, the organization announced the dismissal of head coach Mike Budenholzer after one season. Despite having four years and $40 million left on his contract, owner Mat Ishbia opted to absorb the financial implications in hopes of finding a more suitable long-term leader for the team.
The Suns shared their reasoning in an official statement: “Our objective is to compete at the highest level, and we did not meet our expectations this season. Our fans deserve more, and a change is necessary.”
Initially, Budenholzer seemed to be a fitting choice; his hiring came swiftly after the Suns parted ways with Frank Vogel last May, generating enthusiasm among fans and players alike, especially since he grew up in Arizona.
Media Day in September brimming with optimism featured countless references to competing for championships.
Unfortunately, the season did not unfold as hoped.
The Suns concluded the year with a disappointing 36-46 record, falling 17 wins short of expectations and missing the play-in tournament entirely. Their defensive performance was indicative of their struggles, as they allowed 102.5 points per 100 possessions, which ranked them last in the NBA.
This serves as a reminder of how swiftly dynamics can shift within the league. The NBA is renowned for its unpredictable nature, particularly concerning coaching and roster changes, which contributes to ongoing fan engagement.
This decision marks a recognition by Ishbia and the Suns of their missteps; they seemingly rushed into the hiring process without thoroughly exploring their options.
Stability is not a term often associated with the Suns, especially as the organization has undergone significant changes since May 2023, when they moved on from Monty Williams, who had cultivated a strong team culture since his arrival.
Since 2015, the franchise has struggled to create a conducive environment for the team’s superstar, Devin Booker, now facing the prospect of his eighth head coach in 11 seasons. An overview of his coaching history reveals:
2015-16: Jeff Hornacek and Earl Watson
2016-17: Earl Watson
2017-18: Jay Triano
2018-19: Igor Kokoskov
2019-20: Monty Williams
2020-21: Monty Williams
2021-22: Monty Williams
2022-23: Monty Williams
2023-24: Frank Vogel
2024-25: Mike Budenholzer
This level of upheaval is unprecedented for any NBA player in their early career, characterized by a constant change of coaches, philosophies, and systems.
One might understandably question why Booker continues to commit to the franchise, given the ongoing shifts. Each time he aligns with a new vision or philosophy, it appears to unravel.
However, it is crucial to recognize that Booker, alongside stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, share responsibility for the underwhelming outcomes of this past season. For various reasons, none consistently delivered the level of performance expected from a top-tier trio commanding substantial salaries.
In sports, issues often extend beyond just the coaching staff. While it’s common to replace coaches in challenging situations, the complexities of the team’s roster and management play equally significant roles.
Anticipate further changes for the Suns in the upcoming months. Whether that entails parting ways with General Manager James Jones or making drastic roster modifications, including potential trades involving Booker and Durant, remains uncertain.
Preparations for a tumultuous summer for the Suns are already underway.
What should the Suns look for in their next head coach?
A priority for the Suns will be securing a young and innovative leader capable of guiding the team through these uncertain times.
Given the franchise’s current struggles—limited draft capital and scant trade assets—they must focus on what they can actively shape moving forward.
They find themselves in a comparable position to 2019, when Monty Williams revolutionized the team’s approach, game plan, and foundational expectations, establishing a healthier culture.
Williams excelled at instilling a winning mentality, a hallmark that Booker has often cited when discussing the team’s challenges this season.
The Suns might consider a familiar face associated with their 2021 NBA Finals run as a potential candidate for head coach.
Willie Green, now the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, could be a promising option if circumstances align favorably. However, executing such a transition would require some good fortune.
Green, who is under a private extension with the Pelicans, may find himself in a different situation as the organization undergoes potential changes following the departure of VP of Basketball Operations David Griffin.
Ishbia has expressed confidence in keeping Booker, and if that stance holds true, Green would likely be a favorable candidate, especially considering the strong rapport they developed during Green’s time as an assistant coach in Phoenix.
If pursuing Green does not materialize, the Suns should proceed with caution and patience. They face a challenge similar to that of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who appointed assistant Mark Daigneault as head coach in 2020 despite his lack of experience in that role, understanding that they would endure some difficult seasons as they built for the future.
The coaching landscape is filled with talented assistants who have honed their skills through various pathways, bringing modern concepts and strategies into play.
However, there remains a lack of confidence that Ishbia and the Suns will head down this road, especially considering their current financial commitments and desire for quick results.
Ultimately, it may be necessary for both mindset and priorities to undergo a transformation within the organization.
Source
www.forbes.com