The Phoenix Suns have officially let go of head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one disappointing season. Despite a roster boasting stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the team struggled significantly and failed to make the playoffs.
This decision was announced on Monday, following the conclusion of a season in which the Suns finished with a record of 36 wins and 46 losses, placing them 11th in the Western Conference. The team faced a tough end to the season, losing nine of their last ten games and missing out on the play-in tournament.
The team issued a brief statement expressing their commitment to reaching the highest levels of competition and acknowledged that they did not live up to the expectations this season. “Our fans deserve better. Change is needed,” the statement read.
Budenholzer, who is 55 years old and a native of Arizona, was hired last May. His tenure followed that of Frank Vogel, who also lasted just one year without achieving success. Budenholzer, recognized for winning an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, was brought on board with the hope that he could finally deliver a title to Phoenix. Unfortunately, that hope quickly faded as the season progressed.
The Suns’ season began with a promising 8-1 record, but it took a downturn when Durant suffered a calf strain. Even when he returned to action, the team struggled to regain its earlier success. Budenholzer faced challenges in establishing a consistent rotation, and there were significant issues with veterans and rookies alike. Center Jusuf Nurkic, after a rough start, even expressed concerns about communication with Budenholzer before being traded.
While Booker and Durant managed to stay mostly healthy throughout the season, Beal battled injuries, missing over 20 games for the sixth consecutive year. Attempts to make significant roster changes at the trade deadline were hindered by Beal’s no-trade clause and the team’s salary cap constraints.
Budenholzer’s exit likely points to a major shake-up for a franchise that has underperformed for three years in a row. Team owner Mat Ishbia has shown a willingness to invest in the team, but many of his decisions since taking ownership have not yielded the desired results.
In his 11-year coaching career with the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns, Budenholzer amassed a record of 520 wins and 363 losses.
