PHOENIX – When down on luck, everyone loves to poke fun. The Phoenix Suns have been the butt of jokes throughout the 2024-2025 season, which it getting worse with the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer. TNT analysts Reggie Miller and Stan Van Gundy spoke during a Zoom media session on April 18th, where they laughed about the Suns coaching change.
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Dec 7, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; TNT broadcaster Stan Van Gundy during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Van Gundy clowning Suns coach opening:
“It is probably the most attractive job on the market because you can get like $50 million and only have to coach one year,” Van Gundy said. “It is really, really an attractive job because of how much you get paid. I mean, it’s unbelievable. Bud ended up making $600,000 a game as a coach.”
Nov 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; NBA on TNT television analyst Reggie Miller during the Los Angeles Lakers against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Miller agreed, calling Van Gundy’s roast a “mic drop.” The jokes are warranted when it comes to Phoenix and its roster construction, as it continues to fail ceremoniously while having the most expensive roster in the NBA.
Van Gundy switch from a joke manner to serious, giving honest advice how the Suns quick fix isn’t just hurting the team but also superstar Devin Booker.
“Stability is highly underrated in the NBA and I think Mat Ishbia testing the limits of that,” Van Gundy said. “I look at Devin Booker, who I think is a great player and you’re asking him to play in a different system for a different coach every single year. Devin wasn’t nearly as efficient this year offensively. Like, can we give that guy five years with the same coach and settle in, and the same teammates?”
Feb 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) look on against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Miller highlighted the Suns fast start to beginning the season, with them going 8-1. The Hall of Famer was shocked how quickly the team unfolded, especially with the talent of two Olympians on the roster.
Like the two NBA legends mention, changing head coaches every year and not establishing an identity is what the franchise needs to do fix heading into next season.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
