NEWS FLASH:Former Phoenix Suns Head Coach Declares His Unexpected Return. see more…
In a move that has electrified the basketball community, Mike Budenholzer has made an unexpected return to the NBA as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns. Budenholzer, a native of Holbrook, Arizona, and a lifelong Suns fan, expressed profound enthusiasm about leading his childhood team. “It’s mind-boggling to me… to think that I’m going to be the head coach of the Phoenix Suns,” he remarked during his introductory press conference.
Budenholzer’s coaching pedigree is distinguished. He began his NBA coaching career with a 17-year tenure as an assistant under Gregg Popovich at the San Antonio Spurs, contributing to multiple championships. He then served as the head coach for the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 to 2018, earning the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2015. His most notable achievement came with the Milwaukee Bucks, whom he led to an NBA title in 2021, defeating the Suns in the Finals. Despite a successful 58-win season in 2023, the Bucks parted ways with Budenholzer following a first-round playoff exit.
After a year away from coaching, Budenholzer’s return to the sidelines has been met with optimism. He inherits a Suns roster brimming with talent, including All-Stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to harness this potential and guide the team toward championship contention. “I’m excited about working with this roster and these players,” Budenholzer stated. “We have great players. And with great players come great expectations. I think we embrace that.”
Budenholzer’s coaching philosophy emphasizes daily improvement and maximizing both individual and team potential. “It’s really what you do every day. Are you getting better every day? And are you maximizing what you have individually? What are you maximizing? What we have as a team,” he explained.
The Suns are currently in a critical phase of the season, striving to secure a spot in the play-in tournament. As of March 24, 2025, they are tied with the Dallas Mavericks for the 10th spot in the Western Conference, with a 34-37 record. The team has shown resilience, embarking on a three-game winning streak during their current homestand. Notably, Kevin Durant delivered a stellar performance with 42 points in a recent victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Budenholzer’s immediate challenge is to maintain this momentum and navigate a demanding schedule, with 10 of their final 11 games against teams in playoff or play-in positions. The Suns’ upcoming games include matchups against the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, and a return game against the Bucks on April 1.
As the Suns embark on this new chapter under Budenholzer’s leadership, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his experience and strategic acumen will influence the team’s performance. His deep-rooted connection to Arizona and the Suns organization adds a compelling narrative to his coaching journey. “I would coach this team if it was on the moon,” Budenholzer quipped, highlighting his enthusiasm for the opportunity.
The basketball world will be watching closely as Budenholzer endeavors to lead the Phoenix Suns to new heights, aiming to transform his lifelong passion into tangible success on the court.
