The first move has been made for the Phoenix Suns as they prepare for a busy offseason. Head coach Monty Williams has been officially relieved of his coaching duties with the Suns, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Williams began his coaching stint with Phoenix in 2019. His coaching development alongside Devin Booker helped shift the paradigm that had been in place for the Suns, giving them a culture to embrace.
Williams’ coaching praise took a fall last season after a disgraceful blowout against the Dallas Mavericks. The Game 7 demolishment came back to life against the Denver Nuggets.
After having a difficult time with a starless Los Angeles Clippers, Williams was in the hot seat. His lack of adjustments was feasible against L.A., but Denver was on another level.
The Nuggets outclassed the Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals. Even with Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul being injured, it was evident that Phoenix simply didn’t have enough depth.
To add to that, Williams’ unwillingness to make adjustments in certain matchups played against the Suns’ chances also.
Now, as new owner Matt Ishbia and James Jones look to reshape the Suns around Booker and Kevin Durant, Williams is the first odd man out.
The Suns will have plenty of candidates to choose from in replacement of Williams. Their reshaping won’t stop there. Ayton and Paul are both believed to be departing from the Suns in the offseason as well.
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