Phoenix Suns Hire Mike Budenholzer as New Head Coach in Five-Year, $50 Million Deal

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ICARO Media Group
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10/05/2024 23h39

The news comes just one day after the Suns parted ways with Frank Vogel.

Budenholzer, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year and native of Arizona, will take over the coaching responsibilities for the Suns. This will be his third head coaching gig in the league, following his stints with the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Known for his successful tenure with the Bucks, Budenholzer led the team to its second NBA championship and the first alongside superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, he was let go by the Bucks after the 2022-23 campaign.

Despite not coaching in the league this past season, Budenholzer remained a highly sought-after candidate. According to reports, he had been actively assembling a coaching staff for his next opportunity in recent weeks.

Having spent 17 seasons under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, Budenholzer brings a wealth of coaching experience and success to the Suns. His career coaching record stands at 484-317, including a 271-120 record with the Bucks.

The addition of Budenholzer marks the third head coach change for the Phoenix Suns in as many seasons. He will be tasked with the challenge of reinvigorating a franchise that took bold steps in assembling a star-studded roster, featuring players like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.

However, the Suns face challenges with limited roster depth and few future draft picks, having given up assets to acquire their star players. Budenholzer's arrival brings optimism and hopes of a turnaround, but it remains to be seen how quickly he can make a significant impact.

The 54-year-old Arizona native will look to build on the Suns' previous success under Vogel, where they achieved a 49-33 record in the regular season but fell short in the playoffs, being swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.

With Budenholzer's proven track record, the Suns are hopeful that his leadership and experience will guide them towards a brighter future. Only time will tell if he can spearhead a true transformation in Phoenix and propel them to new heights in the competitive Western Conference.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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