The Phoenix Suns have a decision to make this summer.
We’ve now seen multiple head coaches unexpectedly let go late in the season, sending shockwaves around the league.
No one is safe in the coaching world. It’s been that way for some time now, but it’s especially true of late. Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer has already been on the hot seat, but that seat is getting hotter as summer approaches in the Valley.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
The Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies fired their head coaches late into the season, with Taylor Jenkins and Mike Malone both let go. Jenkins was booted with nine games remaining, while Malone was let go yesterday with just three games left for Denver. Both coaches were well respected and have won many games with their respective teams. While neither move in a vacuum was shocking, the timing certainly was.
- Taylor Jenkins’ record in Memphis at the time of firing: 44-29
- Michael Malone’s record in Denver at the time of firing: 47-32
Mat Ishbia has not been shy when it comes to mixing things up. He has been one of the most aggressive owners in the association since taking the reins. Making another bold move would not be a shock in the slightest. At this point, I’d be more shocked if they kept Budenholzer around with how this season has unfolded.
Denver’s owner Josh Kroenke delivered the following statement: “This decision was not made lightly and was evaluated very carefully, and we do it only with the intention of giving our group the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA championship and delivering another title to Denver and our fans everywhere,” Kroenke said.
Hot Seat
Phoenix has had three coaches in the last three seasons: Monty Williams, Frank Vogel, and Mike Budenholzer. That number could be four in four years entering the 2025-26 season. It feels inevitable at this point.
They aren’t just losing games, but they are getting embarrassed in the process. The Suns set a franchise record for most consecutive double-digit losses with 7 in a row. In a moment they should be showing fight with their backs against the wall; this is what we get — a lifeless team with zero interest in competing for 48 minutes.
The Suns have lost their last seven games, doing so by an average of 23.7 points per game
— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) April 9, 2025
When asked about the team’s performance post-game, Bud said there was “no justification” for their embarrassing loss to the Warriors.
“There’s no justification for it.”
Mike Budenholzer on Suns loss to Warriors. #Suns #DubNation pic.twitter.com/yeiMTIK4FD
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 9, 2025
Our John Voita wrote about the impact coaching changes could have in Phoenix in the Suns Reacts survey. It sparks a pair of interesting questions. Will the Suns fire Mike Budenholzer? Should the Suns fire Mike Budenholzer?
The answer to both of those questions is a clear yes to me. The locker room looks lost. It’s not all on Bud, either.
Bradley Beal stated: “We might as well not showed up.”
“We might as well not showed up.”
Bradley Beal after 38-point loss to Warriors. #Suns pic.twitter.com/KMEvhjXqQd
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 9, 2025
Let’s be clear here. This is not one person’s fault. This entire team and organization from top to bottom has been an abject failure. It’s time to cut ties, scrap the project, and reset.
Bring in a young, hungry assistant coach with a track record and fresh ideas. No more retreads. Prioritize the draft. Bring in more youth and athleticism, and reset the broken culture.
It’s purge time in Phoenix.
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