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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Suns part ways with HC Monty Williams- fans left with mixed emotions

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Jacob Hardin | Last updated 5/13/23

Following a blowout Game 6 loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Phoenix Suns have parted ways with HC Monty WIlliams.

This is something that seemed unrealistic after Monty was named the 2021-2022 coach of the year. He was named coach of the year after leading the Suns to a franchise-best 64-18 record.

However, now with a new owner in Mat Ishbia, the Suns are willing to do just about anything to finally bring a championship home to Phoenix.

Considering his past accomplishments, fans reacted with mixed emotions after finding out that the man who coached three brilliant regular seasons will now be heading out.

After all, when Monty took over as head coach, the Suns were a hot mess. There is no doubt that he played a massive role in completely turning the franchise around.

When Monty Williams came to the Suns they were a joke. Point blank.

What he accomplished alongside James Jones and Devin Booker in a span of 4 years (from 19 wins, to the bubble season, to the Finals, to franchise-record 64 wins) is nothing short of remarkable.

— Sam Cooper (@scooperhoops) May 14, 2023

Monty Williams was amazing for the Suns and I’m very grateful for everything he did for the team and city.

— Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) May 14, 2023

Very grateful for everything Monty Williams did for this franchise. Took the Suns to an NBA finals which is something that hasn’t been done in 30 years but it was also time to part ways. Thank you coach & wish you nothing but the best

— Brandon Awadis (@brawadis) May 14, 2023

Monty Williams is a great man. Helped changed the culture. Thank you for everything.

It was time for a change… LETS GO

— andrew leezus (@AndrewLeezus) May 14, 2023

Huge thank you to Monty Williams for changing the culture in Phoenix & helping the Suns become a championship team. He deserves a ton of respect. pic.twitter.com/tOBLtGCnwW

— Suns Nation (@SunsNationNBA) May 14, 2023

Tough break for Monty Williams. Back-to-back brutal playoff exits obviously played a factor, but he'll leave Phoenix 4th on the Suns' all-time regular-season wins list and 2nd on their all-time playoff wins list. Instrumental in helping turn this organization around

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) May 14, 2023

When Monty Williams took over the Suns were a 19 win dumpster fire

2 years in we had our 1st finals trip in almost 30 years, 3 years in we had the best regular season in franchise history

It didn’t end how we wanted, but I’ll still always appreciate the job he did here. pic.twitter.com/lYIyxnxWBm

— RB (@RyB_311) May 14, 2023

Monty Williams in 4 seasons with the Suns:
2022 Coach of the Year
2021 NBA Finals appearance
3 straight top-4 finishes in Western Conference
Winningest NBA head coach since 2021
8-0 in the NBA Bubble pic.twitter.com/kK56DEiuPK

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) May 14, 2023

None of the head coaches who led their teams to the best record in the NBA over the past 6 seasons are currently employed with that team.

Bucks: Mike Budenholzer (3x)
Suns: Monty Williams
Jazz: Quin Snyder
Rockets: Mike D'Antoni https://t.co/7ZlgVwwLpP

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 14, 2023

Monty Williams last three seasons with the Suns…

2021: 51-21 record, lost in NBA Finals
2022: 64-18 record, lost Conf. Semifinals (Won Coach of the Year)
2023: 45-37 record, lost Conf. Semifinals

The winningest coach in that span pic.twitter.com/A1Ehxh56wI

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 14, 2023

Monty Williams had a 194-115 record in four seasons for a Suns franchise that went 87-241 the four years prior and gets fired.

Man.

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) May 14, 2023

Was this a good move by the Suns, or is Monty not to blame for the Suns recent playoff collapses?

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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