NBA Champion Coach Budenholzer Fired by Phoenix Suns After Disappointing Season
Key Points:
- Budenholzer, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, was dismissed by the Suns after their disappointing season record of 36 wins and 36 losses.
- The Suns failed to reach the postseason, resulting in the firing of coach Mike Budenholzer by team owner Robert Sarver.
- Budenholzer is the third coach in two years to be removed from the Suns position, following Jay Triano and Igor Kokoskov.
Former NBA coach of the year Mike Budenholzer has been dismissed by the Phoenix Suns after a disappointing season. Budenholzer, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title in 2021, leaves the Suns following their failure to reach the playoffs despite a 36-36 season record.
Suns owner Robert Sarver made the decision to part ways with Budenholzer after the regular season concluded, marking his third coaching change in two years for the franchise. Jay Triano and Igor Kokoskov were the previous coaches removed from the head coaching position.
Budenholzer arrived to the Suns last summer on a high note after winning the NBA championship with the Bucks in 2021. However, he faced challenges throughout the season, including difficulties with some players on the roster, including Star Kevin Durant.
The Suns had entered the season with much fanfare surrounding Budenholzer as head coach. However, the team struggled to find victory in the Western Conference, leaving many fans and analysts questioning the future of the team’s superstars and coaching staff. Despite the disappointments of the season, Budenholzer’s future in coaching remains unknown as he searches for his next opportunity in the sport.
“Despite the challenging season, I am proud of the progress we’ve made as a team and the potential we still possess going forward.”
– Mike Budenholzer
Next Steps for the Suns:
- Identify and hire a new head coach, a task that GM James Jones will now undertake
- Consider possible roster changes, considering whether it’s necessary to sign new talent or trade existing ones in order to compete in the ultra-competitive Western Conference
- Revitalize the team’s chemistry and motivation, as well as focus on player development, with the clear intent of aiming for a playoff spot in the upcoming season