The Phoenix Suns have appointed Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach, less than 24 hours after parting ways with Frank Vogel. This significant change in leadership comes on the heels of a disappointing playoff exit, which saw the Suns swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Frank Vogel's tenure with the Suns was notably brief, culminating after just one season marked by a respectable 49-33 record but ultimately marred by an early playoff departure. The Suns' management, spearheaded by GM James Jones, expressed gratitude for Vogel's contributions but emphasized the need for a new direction. "After a thoughtful review of the season, we concluded that we needed a different head coach for our team," Jones stated, underscoring the franchise's high expectations.
Mike Budenholzer, known for his strategic acumen and a previous NBA championship win with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, was unceremoniously dismissed by the Bucks after a playoff upset by the Heat last season. This new appointment marks his third head coaching stint in the NBA and follows a year out of the coaching spotlight.
Budenholzer's connection to the game is deep-rooted, having spent 17 seasons under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich in San Antonio before his engagements with Milwaukee and Atlanta. Over his coaching career, Budenholzer has compiled a commendable record of 484-317, including a 271-120 stretch with the Bucks, showcasing his capability to helm a top-tier team.
The Phoenix Suns plan to hire Bucks champion Mike Budenholzer as their head coach on deal expected to approach eight figures per year, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The Holbrook, Ariz., native will be tasked with optimizing Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal. pic.twitter.com/eWFMedRNA2 — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 10, 2024
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Suns' swift decision to hire Budenholzer reflects a proactive approach to capitalize on his availability and coaching pedigree. This is further echoed by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who reported that Budenholzer had been actively assembling a coaching staff in anticipation of a new opportunity, signaling his readiness to jump back into a leading role.
The new head coach faces a considerable challenge in Phoenix. The team, bolstered by stars such as Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, has struggled to find postseason success. The Suns' aggressive strategy of trading away much of their key depth to acquire these talents has also left the team with scant draft picks for the foreseeable future, limiting their ability to organically rebuild or adjust the roster.
As Budenholzer steps into his role, he inherits a squad with significant potential but several strategic gaps that need addressing. His extensive experience, particularly his time in Atlanta and Milwaukee where he developed robust teams and deep playoff runs, will be crucial as he aims to transform the Suns into a formidable contender.
