After a disappointing 36-46 record, coaching a roster that now holds the distinction of being the highest-costing in NBA history, and grappling with rumors of team disconnection and struggles to adjust, the Suns have officially parted ways with Mike Budenholzer.
It’s over. Again.
The Phoenix Suns are once more at a crossroads, forced to begin the search for another head coach after deciding to part ways with Budenholzer. Much like Frank Vogel before him, Budenholzer’s tenure lasted less than a full calendar year. Budenholzer, who became the 22nd head coach in Suns’ history, now joins an unfortunate list as the 9th coach to last just one year with the franchise. He is the fourth in the last five head coaches to meet the same fate.
This abrupt shift is a sobering reminder of the franchise’s ongoing instability, highlighting a pattern of dysfunction that continues to plague the team, no matter how much talent is on the floor.
It was last May when Mike Budenholzer arrived in Phoenix, introduced by the legendary Al McCoy at his inaugural press conference. His message struck a chord with Suns fans, particularly when he addressed the team’s glaring need for a point guard, an issue that had plagued the 2023-24 Suns with ball security and playmaking woes.
After an offseason where the front office appeared to make moves that could cater to Budenholzer’s strengths, including assembling a roster that seemed tailor-made for his style, the Suns kicked off the season with an 8-1 record.
But then, as with so many narratives in Phoenix, the wheels began to slowly fall off.
