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[Saba Sports News] Mike Budenholzer is out as head coach of the Phoenix Suns, and his inability to connect with the team’s stars appears to have played a major role in his departure.
The Suns officially fired Budenholzer on Monday after a disappointing 36-46 season, despite fielding the NBA’s most expensive roster. Not long after, NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed a telling moment that may have contributed to Budenholzer’s downfall.
According to Haynes, Budenholzer met with Bradley Beal earlier in the season and told him he envisioned Beal playing the role of “the Jrue Holiday of this team.” The comment reportedly didn’t sit well with Beal.
While Budenholzer won a title with Holiday in Milwaukee in 2021, the comparison was a questionable one. Holiday is known for his defensive focus and lower offensive usage, while Beal has long been a high-volume scorer, even posting multiple 30-point-per-game seasons.
To be fair, Beal struggled throughout the season and never looked like his usual self, which may have prompted Budenholzer to ask for a role adjustment. Still, Beal’s reaction, paired with his reported friction with Budenholzer’s predecessor, hints at deeper issues.
Budenholzer also reportedly had strained relationships with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, which made his position untenable. While moving on from him is the Suns’ first step toward fixing things, it’s clear that more changes will be needed to get the franchise back on track.