PHOENIX — As the behind-the-scenes of the Phoenix Suns firing Mike Budenholzer unfolds, new reports indicate that the turmoil between the estranged coach and the locker room started with Budenholzer re-imagining Bradley Beal’s role on the team.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Senior NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Budenholzer lacked adequate communication skills and tension started when he wanted Beal reshape his play style so that it mirrors two-time NBA champion and former Milwaukee Buck Jrue Holiday, who won the 2021 finals with Budenholzer.
“One thing that I can point to was his communication,” Haynes said of Budenholzer’s firing. “How he conveyed his message. League sources told me earlier this season, coach Budenholzer met with Bradley Beal and told (Beal) he wanted him to be the Jrue Holiday of this team.
“When you’re talking to a player of Bradley Beal’s caliber, it wasn’t well received.”
Sure, Beal struggled through various injuries that kept him out of 29 games this season, but when he was healthy, he wasn’t able to find a defined role between starting and coming off the bench during different parts of the season.
Feb 14, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21), forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and head coach Mike Budenholzer will represent the Bucks at the NBA All-Star game at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
It’s easy to imagine why Budenholzer wanted Beal to mirror Holiday; he has been an integral piece to two different championship teams and may very well win a third title with the Boston Celtics this season. Can you blame Budenholzer?
On the flip side, Beal has never played even close stylistically to the way Holiday has played throughout their careers. it’s not far fetched to believe, or even understand, why the three-time All-Star was combative of the message.
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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
