Phoenix Suns Fire Head Coach Mike Budenholzer After Disappointing Season
The Phoenix Suns have parted ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer, the team announced on Monday, according to a report by ESPN. The decision comes after a disappointing season in which the team missed the NBA playoffs and play-in tournament, despite boasting the largest payroll in league history.
In a statement, the Suns said: "Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season. Our fans deserve better. Change is needed." This marks the third consecutive offseason in which the Suns have changed coaches, with owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and general manager James Jones making the decision to move on from Budenholzer.
According to ESPN, Budenholzer had issues connecting with the locker room this season, with team officials concluding that the roster failed to respond to the 2021 NBA championship coach. Sources close to the team said that Budenholzer’s inability to coexist with his players centred around the franchise’s cornerstone, Devin Booker, and went down the roster.
The Suns will now embark on a wide-ranging coaching search, with ESPN sources indicating that the team will look for a new coach who can get the best out of their star players. Budenholzer had accepted the Suns’ job on a five-year, $50 million contract last offseason, and was hired for his winning pedigree and schemes on both sides of the court.
The Suns’ disappointing season was marked by a number of concerning trends, including a record of 12-32 against teams with a .500 record or above. According to ESPN Research, the team became the third in NBA history to start 8-1 or better and miss the playoffs, joining the 1970-71 Detroit Pistons and 2001-02 Milwaukee Bucks.
In March and April, the Suns lost eight straight games, all by double digits, which was the most consecutive losses by 10-plus points in franchise history. The team’s defensive efficiency was also a major concern, with the Suns ranking as the third-worst team in the NBA in defensive efficiency this season, including the second worst since the All-Star break.
The Suns had a 10-18 record since the All-Star break, and will now look to retool around Booker. ESPN sources indicate that the team is expected to engage in trade conversations involving Kevin Durant and will have discussions on the future of Bradley Beal. Durant, who finished another stellar season, is expected to be pursued by multiple teams, and the franchise is expected to work with Durant and his business partner and Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman on the next landing spot for the future Hall of Famer.
Beal has two years and $111 million remaining on his contract, while Durant will be in the final year of his deal next season. The Suns went 33-29 when Durant played and 3-17 when he didn’t this season. As ESPN reports, Ishbia has shown a willingness to spend for players, coaches, and resources, but this iteration of the team did not work, and the franchise is set for a summer of change.
