PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer had the same reaction as many of us to the stunning dismissal of former Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone — “shocking.”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Malone joins Budenholzer in a exclusive group of head coaches being fired a mere few years after winning a championship; Frank Vogel and Nick Nurse being other notable names. Budenholzer was dismissed from the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 after winning the NBA Finals against the Suns in 2021.
Budenholzer’s run with the Bucks pales in comparison to how his tenure in Phoenix has started. With four games remaining, Phoenix sits eight games below .500 and 2½ games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final spot in the Western Conference Play-In.
So, what does Budenholzer think about his own job security amid a severely disappointing season?
“I mean I’m just focused on tonight,” Budenholzer said ahead of their Tuesday night matchup against the Golden State Warriors. “I think we need to try and find a way to win a game tonight and that’s where my mind and our minds should be.”
Budenholzer’s job safety has been among the many main topics surrounding Phoenix this year. Will Suns owner Mat Ishbia cut his losses, admit defeat and let go of his third head coach in as many seasons? Or will he keep Budenholzer around in hopes of any semblance of continuity, contrary to his aggressive mindset as an owner.
Kevin Durant over Steph and Jokic? Danny Green says yes, fans are split
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Connor Moreno covers the Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @cmorenoNBA, and on Bluesky, @cloading.bsky.social
