Suns Secure Mike Budenholzer as Head Coach: NBA Shake-Up
During the game on March 29, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Milwaukee Bucks observes the action in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Phoenix Suns have found someone to replace Frank Vogel.
The team is looking to bring in Mike Budenholzer on a contract worth nearly eight figures per year, as per reports from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, to turn things around following a disappointing 2023-24 season in Phoenix. The Suns entered the previous season with high expectations in the sky.
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
Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkić, Nassir Little, and Grayson Allen were brought in through trades during the offseason, along with other players in Milwaukee. Vogel, who guided the Lakers to victory in the Orlando bubble during the 2019-20 season, was hired to lead the team. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant were already on the team, providing a substantial amount of star power.
However, it simply never fell into place. The team struggled all season due to not having a reliable point guard or center who could protect the rim, and lack of depth was a constant problem. Durant, Booker, and Beal never quite clicked as a team, and Beal had one of his poorest seasons in recent history. Vogel, a coach focused on defense, didn’t appear to be the best match for a team with such strong offensive ability.
The team earned the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs with a 49-33 record, but it felt like they should have done better considering their skilled players. When the Suns were defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in all the games in the first round, it appeared that a judgment or punishment was needed.
New Suns coach: Mike Budenholzer.
NBA Champion 2021🏆
2x Coach of the year (2019, 2020)
19 Season as assistant coach behind Gregg Popovich.
An Arizona Native Holbrook, Arizona.
484-317 Record. (.604)Welcome coach! pic.twitter.com/dawKzqYBJF
— 🌵 Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) May 10, 2024
Vogel was the initial domino to fall when he was terminated on Thursday. Budenholzer will take his place, with additional changes expected to happen. Beal’s high salary and no-trade clause will make it extremely difficult to trade him, and it is unlikely that Booker or Durant will be traded, so the Suns will have to make improvements in other areas.
The expectation is that Budenholzer will be able to maximize the current talent, avoiding the necessity for major changes. However, following the previous season, it is unlikely that he will receive a lot of patience in those attempts.
Budenholzer’s arrival in Phoenix brings a winning reputation, as he helped lead Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in the 2020-21 season. He was the most prominent coach available this offseason and aligns with team owner Mat Ishbia’s tendency to make bold decisions.
However, he was also criticized in his last season for failing to make necessary changes during a first-round loss to the Miami Heat, despite the Bucks being the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Given the presence of celebrities, he will be the focus of attention in Phoenix.