Another nugget of drama dropped with this report from Chris Haynes.
I doubt this will be the last story we hear about Mike Budenholzer’s ways in Phoenix.
Chris Haynes reported on several Suns-related items, including how Bol Bol lost his spot in the rotation.
Sources: On Haynes Briefs show, how Phoenix intends to avoid star-chasing for defensive toughness, how potential coaches can prepare, how next coach could factor into Kevin Durant’s future, and why Bol Bol lost his spot in rotation. #haynesbriefs
Full EP: https://t.co/cdC3fAc7RE pic.twitter.com/eJeUPrgnLl
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 18, 2025
Bol Bol didn’t enter the Suns’ rotation until February 7th and only lasted about a month. He was productive during that stretch and showed promise of being a staple in the Suns’ playoff push.
His last day in the rotation was March 12th. The Suns played the Houston Rockets that day. In the 2nd quarter, Mason Plumlee got into a scuffle with Steven Adams of all people. Instead of jumping in to defend his teammate, Bol was spotted shooting layups.
I understand the general nature of being upset about teammates not jumping into something like this, but ultimately, that is the culture that Phoenix built. This team did not have each other’s backs all season long. The level of “care” was nonexistent. We’ve seen teams in recent years with the care factor. This team certainly did not have that quality.
“Bud grew frustrated that he didn’t step in during a scuffle to defend Plumlee or separate him from Steven Adams. After spending a month in the rotation, Bol was removed for good.”
Bol Bol getting dropped from the Suns rotation for the season by Coach Bud for not having Plumlee’s back in the Adams scuffle is hilarious https://t.co/OQ7F1Lu584 pic.twitter.com/DKvQqexEpA
— Steven Adams Stats (@funakistats) April 19, 2025
Bud’s lineup of stories from less than one year on the job is wild. It’s impossible to know both sides of these stories/headlines, but here they are as we know them:
- Told Devin Booker to “tone it down vocally”.
- Benched Ryan Dunn for over a month for no reason. Was reluctant to play him and Oso.
- Told Bradley Beal to play like Jrue Holiday.
- Benched Bol Bol for not involving himself in a scrap.
- Gambo reported that Bud was “miserable to deal with” within the organization.
Here is the full episode of the Haynes show, which has plenty of Suns info from Ishbia, to the Suns’ culture, and more.
We may have seen the last of Bol Bol in Phoenix, depending on how this offseason unfolds. I’d be surprised if he returned, especially if KD is gone, given their relationship.
It’s going to be a busy summer in Phoenix.