PHOENIX – When Mike Budenholzer was hired as head coach of the Phoenix Suns, it was seen as a promising step for a team eager to contend in the Western Conference. With a championship pedigree from his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, expectations were high that Budenholzer would elevate a Suns roster that already boasted superstars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Yet, as the team trudges through an underwhelming season, the debate around Budenholzer’s impact has only intensified.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!For all the excitement around his hiring, the reality of the Suns’ performance under his guidance has left fans and analysts questioning whether the former Bucks head coach is the right fit for the team. While the data certainly doesn’t paint a picture of success, there are still undeniable flashes of promise. The question now remains: can Budenholzer turn things around, or has the Suns’ gamble on him been a mistake?
A Slow Start
The Suns, who currently sit outside the playoff picture, have been plagued by inconsistencies since Budenholzer took over. With a 33-38 record, Phoenix’s performance has been far from the expectations set before the season began. Despite having an all-star caliber roster, the Suns have struggled to find consistent rhythm on both ends of the floor.
Budenholzer’s coaching style – known for its reliance on ball movement and defensive schemes – has not been fully realized in Phoenix. The Suns rank 18th in offensive efficiency (112.3 points per 100 possessions) and 21st in defensive efficiency (113.1 points allowed per 100 possessions), putting them in the middle of the pack compared to other teams vying for postseason spots.
Apr 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts in the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Data vs. Vibes
In analyzing the numbers, it’s clear that Budenholzer’s coaching hasn’t had the expected impact, at least not yet. The Suns’ offense, once known for its fast pace and spacing under former coach Monty Williams, has been slow to adapt to Budenholzer’s more deliberate approach. Phoenix’s three-point shooting, which was a hallmark of their offense, ranks 20th in the league, while their turnover rate has been one of the highest in the league.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Suns have yet to find their identity. Under Budenholzer’s system, the team is struggling to limit open shots and control the paint, ranking 17th in defensive rating. The team’s inability to disrupt opposing offenses and force turnovers has only exacerbated their issues, contributing to a lack of cohesion that was once a staple of their success.
Despite the numbers, there is still optimism that Budenholzer’s influence can have a long-term impact. His defensive-minded approach, while not yet yielding results, could pay dividends as players acclimate to his system. Additionally, the team’s overall performance has fluctuated with the absence of key players like Durant for extended periods, making it difficult to fully evaluate Budenholzer’s coaching abilities in a consistent environment.
Apr 6, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
What Needs to Change
The Suns’ roster is undeniably talented, with stars like Durant, Booker, and Bradley Beal on the floor. However, their inability to consistently execute Budenholzer’s system is a glaring issue. The Suns need to improve their ball movement and three-point shooting, areas where Budenholzer’s teams in Milwaukee excelled. As a coach, Budenholzer must find ways to unleash the potential of the Suns’ offense while tightening up the defense to turn this season around.
Perhaps the most telling aspect of the current situation is the fact that despite all the numbers pointing to underachievement, the Suns are still just a handful of wins away from a playoff spot. With the right adjustments and some luck on the injury front, the team could yet turn things around under Budenholzer’s leadership.
Final Thoughts
It’s still too early to declare whether Mike Budenholzer will succeed in Phoenix. The numbers suggest that his impact has been less than stellar so far, but there’s a feeling among the Suns’ staff and players that the best is yet to come. As the team enters the final stretch of the season, they will need to show that they can execute Budenholzer’s vision. If not, the debate surrounding his fit in Phoenix will only continue to grow louder, and the Suns’ future could be at a crossroads.
Recap: Suns drop sixth straight game in collapse against Knicks
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Reporter Reyna Stanley covers the Phoenix Mercury and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X @rey_stanley776.
