The Phoenix Suns’ season has not gone according to plan, and head coach Mike Budenholzer is feeling the heat. Despite boasting a star-studded lineup featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns have struggled to find consistency. Now, as they battle to stay in contention for a postseason spot, speculation is mounting about Budenholzer’s job security.
Suns’ Struggles and Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy
The Suns currently sit at 35-39, placing them 11th in the Western Conference, just outside the play-in tournament picture. This is far from the championship aspirations the franchise had when they assembled their “Big Three.” While injuries have played a role in the team’s struggles, the lack of chemistry and inconsistent performances have raised serious concerns.
Following a recent 124-109 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Budenholzer was asked directly about his job security. His response was telling:
“Yeah. We’re in the middle of trying to get into the play-in tournament. I don’t think there is any answer for that question.”
His unwillingness to directly address the issue suggests that he is well aware of the pressure mounting on him.
Locker Room Tensions and Coaching Fit Issues
According to reports, there are growing concerns within the organization about Budenholzer’s relationship with the team’s top players. An NBA insider revealed that Durant and Booker have not developed a strong rapport with their coach, which could play a crucial role in any offseason decisions.
Additionally, some within the organization have described Budenholzer as “miserable to deal with.” If these reports are accurate, it raises questions about whether the Suns’ struggles are as much about internal friction as they are about on-court performance.
Potential Coaching Change on the Horizon?
The Suns hired Budenholzer in hopes that he could replicate the success he had with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he led the team to an NBA Championship in 2021. However, Phoenix’s situation is quite different from Milwaukee’s. The Suns rely heavily on isolation scoring from Durant and Booker, while Budenholzer’s system is more motion-heavy and dependent on ball movement.
If the Suns miss the playoffs or even bow out early in the play-in tournament, a coaching change could be imminent. There have already been whispers that the organization might consider moving on in order to keep their star players happy.
What’s Next for the Suns?
With only a handful of games left in the season, every matchup is crucial. If the Suns can string together a few wins and secure a play-in spot, Budenholzer may buy himself some time. However, if they continue to falter, his tenure in Phoenix could be short-lived.
As the postseason race intensifies, all eyes will be on the Suns—not just to see if they can turn things around, but also to determine if Budenholzer is the right coach to lead this team forward.