BUDENHOLZER ON THE HOT SEAT! Suns Coach Refuses to Comment on Job Security Amidst Team’s Struggles
After going on a four-game winning streak that had it tied for ninth in the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns have lost back-to-back games and fallen out of the Play-In. With eight games left, head coach Mike Budenholzer’s squad is a game out from the Dallas Mavericks for the last Play-In spot. Phoenix does have the tiebreaker over Dallas, and plays the Sacramento Kings in the final game of the season, so plenty of opportunities to make up ground.
However, even if the team sneaks into the tenth seed, is it enough to save Budenholzer’s job? The team has struggled to keep its head above water, and the Suns coach has had public disagreements with franchise stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. The championship winning coach has had a lackluster first year in Phoenix, and could be one and done. When Budenholzer was asked by The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin about his future with the team, he had no answer.
Suns Budenholzer on future with team:
“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.”
The idea has had to creep into Budenholzer’s mind. The Suns fired first-year head coach Frank Vogel last season, even after the team made it to a top-six seed in the Western Conference. Phoenix would love to be in that position now, but injuries and internal turmoil have sunk the season to unbearable levels.
The Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins after six seasons, even with the franchise as the fifth seed in the Western Conference. Budenholzer, seeing his former assistant coach fired by the Grizzlies, was “shocked” about the announcement.
“I’m obviously biased. He’s a very dear, close friend. I’m shocked. He’s done an amazing job,” Budenholzer said. “I think his 5 or 6-year run, I think you could put it up against any 5 or 6 year for any NBA franchise, but he’s got a bright future. He’ll be very much wanted.”
Jenkins being out on the job market could perk the ears of aggressive owner Mat Ishbia, who is always looking to keep his team contending. Regardless of the speculation, Budenholzer still has a lot on his plate in the final eight games of the season that could spark or end his Suns tenure.
