In a recent interview, the former head coach of the Phoenix Suns, Alvin Gentry, offered a pointed critique of the team’s handling of Mike Budenholzer, the seasoned coach who has made a notable mark in the NBA, particularly for his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. Gentry, who led the Suns from 1999 to 2004, expressed disappointment in how the organization failed to bring Budenholzer into the fold earlier, despite his track record of success and leadership. His comments sparked renewed discussions about the Suns’ coaching decisions and overall strategic direction.
Mike Budenholzer is widely regarded as one of the most successful NBA coaches of the past decade. Under his leadership, the Milwaukee Bucks won the 2021 NBA Championship, with Budenholzer playing a pivotal role in their success. However, his tenure in Milwaukee came to an end in 2023 after a disappointing playoff exit, which led to his departure. Speculation swirled as to where he would land next, with several teams showing interest in bringing him on board as their head coach. Among those teams was the Phoenix Suns, who were in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with Monty Williams in the same year.
According to Gentry, the Suns had a prime opportunity to recruit Budenholzer during their search for a new coach, but for reasons that remain unclear, the team hesitated. Gentry’s frustration stems from his belief that Budenholzer would have been an excellent fit for the Suns, citing his successful coaching record and his ability to transform a team into a championship contender. “Mike Budenholzer is a winner,” Gentry said. “The Suns had a chance to bring him in, but they didn’t act fast enough. They let the opportunity slip away, and now they’re dealing with the consequences.”
Gentry’s criticism is not just limited to the timing of the Suns’ decision-making but extends to the overall lack of direction that the franchise has exhibited in recent years. The Suns have gone through several coaching changes in the past decade, with multiple high-profile names leading the team, yet the organization has struggled to reach the level of consistency that many expected given the star power of players like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Despite their impressive roster, the Suns have failed to capitalize on their potential, and Gentry’s remarks suggest that the instability within the coaching staff may be a major contributing factor.
The Suns ultimately hired Frank Vogel as their head coach in the summer of 2023, a move that was met with mixed reactions. Vogel, a former coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who led them to an NBA championship in 2020, brings a wealth of experience to the team. However, critics argue that the hiring was another example of the Suns’ failure to make bold, forward-thinking decisions in their coaching search. Gentry shares this sentiment, pointing to Vogel’s relatively uninspiring track record in recent years and contrasting it with the proven success of Budenholzer.
In his comments, Gentry also addressed the broader implications of the Suns’ coaching decisions on the team’s culture. He emphasized that a stable, experienced coach is crucial for establishing a winning environment and ensuring that players are held accountable for their performance. “It’s not just about X’s and O’s,” Gentry explained. “It’s about leadership, communication, and knowing how to get the best out of your players. Mike Budenholzer has all of that. Frank Vogel is still finding his footing with this group, and it’s going to take time.”
While Gentry’s critique of the Suns’ handling of Budenholzer has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, there are those who defend the team’s decision. Supporters of the Vogel hire point to his successful stint with the Lakers and argue that his defensive-minded approach could be the key to unlocking the Suns’ full potential. Additionally, Vogel’s calm and measured demeanor is seen as an asset for a team that has faced scrutiny and pressure in recent seasons.
Despite the differing opinions, Gentry’s comments serve as a reminder of the delicate nature of coaching decisions in the NBA. Teams must weigh a variety of factors when hiring a new head coach, from the candidate’s past success to their ability to mesh with the team’s existing roster and culture. In the case of the Suns, it appears that the franchise is still in search of the right formula to achieve sustained success.
As the Suns continue to navigate the challenges of the 2024-2025 season, all eyes will be on Frank Vogel’s ability to lead the team to greater heights. Whether or not the Suns’ decision to pass on Mike Budenholzer proves to be a misstep remains to be seen, but Gentry’s criticism highlights the ongoing struggles the team faces in finding a consistent path to championship contention. For now, the Suns remain a work in progress, with their coaching staff under the microscope as they attempt to build a winner around their superstar duo of Booker and Durant.
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