After a disappointing run this season, the Phoenix Suns have chosen to let go of Frank Vogel and hired Mike Budenholzer to coach a team headlined by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. The thing is, the former’s coaching staff will have to go as well.
During the previous offseason, the Suns went all-in by acquiring Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards for a package consisting of Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, and several draft picks in a three-team deal that involved the Indiana Pacers. At that time, the addition of the All-Star shooting guard catapulted Phoenix to a championship-caliber squad.
The same thing can’t be said as the year progressed. After the regular season ended, the Suns finished with 49 wins and 33 losses, which equated to a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference. They also had a ninth-ranked offense and a 13th place defense out of 30 teams in the NBA.
The regular season finish positioned them against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs. Unfortunately, Kevin Durant and company were unable to prevent a sweep from eliminating them over the course of their first round series. As a result, most of the blame went to Vogel, who was then subsequently fired by the Suns.
Frank Vogel’s Coaching Staff Let Go After Phoenix Suns Hire Mike Budenholzer
With Vogel gone, Phoenix chose to hire Mike Budenholzer is his replacement. According to a post shared by Chris Haynes on X, though, it seems the former’s coaching staff is being let go too:
“Phoenix Suns assistants under former head coach Frank Vogel were informed that they will not be retained by Mike Budenholzer, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport,” Haynes tweeted.
It should be remembered Budenholzer was the Milwaukee Bucks’ head coach when they defeated Phoenix for the championship in 2021. Over the course of his 10-year run as a coach for Milwaukee and the Atlanta Hawks, he has 484-317 record, which translates to a 60 percent win-loss rating.
It remains to be seen what Budenholzer can do with a team consisting of Durant, Booker, and Beal, In any case, the former Bucks head coach will have a long offseason ahead of him to prepare for the upcoming campaign.
More must-reads: