The Phoenix Suns swiftly replaced head coach Frank Vogel, reportedly with former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer, chosen by Suns owner Mat Ishbia within a day of Vogel’s dismissal after just one season. By pursuing Budenholzer, the Suns aim to bring in an experienced leader ahead of the crucial 2024-25 season. Budenholzer previously led the Bucks to a championship in 2021, ironically defeating the Suns in the NBA Finals, and the Suns are now hoping for nothing short of a repeat performance under his guidance in Phoenix.
When it comes to filling the high-pressure role of head coach, there are few better options than Budenholzer, which bodes well for his success with the Suns. A significant but perhaps underrated aspect of this hiring is David Fizdale’s transition from the coaching bench, where he served as a top assistant to Vogel last season, to the front office. Given the Suns’ limited roster flexibility due to their current cap situation, Ishbia’s move to bring in a new head coach and restructure the front office is likely the most impactful action he can take at this juncture.
Looking at what Budenholzer can contribute to a roster boasting talents like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, there are three primary factors that indicate his immediate success with his new team.
The NBA’s coaching carousel often seems to feature a revolving door of familiar faces, with only a handful of individuals landing multiple head coaching positions. Vogel certainly falls into this category, having previously coached the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic before joining the Phoenix Suns. However, he initially found success in his head coaching career with the Indiana Pacers.
In contrast, Budenholzer stands out for his consistency, having avoided the frequent turnover seen among other coaches. He notably spent at least five years in each of his previous two coaching positions. During his tenure with the Atlanta Hawks, he oversaw the most successful period the organization has experienced in the 21st century. This included leading a 60-win team in the 2014-15 season, which featured four All-Star players.
Budenholzer’s tenure with the Hawks coincided with LeBron James dominating the Eastern Conference, which hindered Atlanta’s ability to advance further despite their successes. However, it’s worth noting that since Budenholzer’s departure, the Hawks have struggled to maintain consistency and have only made one conference finals appearance. This underscores the impact Budenholzer had on the team’s performance.
During his time with the Bucks, Budenholzer achieved significant success, culminating in winning the championship in 2021. His departure from the Bucks has coincided with a decline in their performance, suggesting his influence was instrumental to their success. Overall, Budenholzer has demonstrated a pattern of long-term commitment and consistent regular-season success with his teams.
