The 2-time NBA Coach of the Year, Mike Budenholzer, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record as he embarks on a new chapter in his coaching career with the Phoenix Suns. With a strong desire to shape the team into championship contenders, Budenholzer’s emotional connection to Arizona and his ambitious vision for the franchise are evident. His roots in the state, particularly in the small town of Holbrook, have contributed to his deep-seated passion for leading the Suns to success.
During the introductory press conference in downtown Phoenix, Budenholzer expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to guide the Suns and work alongside the team’s prominent players, including Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Embracing the high expectations that come with coaching a star-studded roster, Budenholzer is determined to tap into the full potential of the team and foster a winning culture in Phoenix.
“It’s mind-boggling to me, like mind-blowing, to think that I’m going to be the head coach of the Phoenix Suns,” Budenholzer said on Friday during an introductory press conference in downtown Phoenix.
“I’m excited about working with this roster and these players,” Budenholzer said. “We have great players. And with great players come great expectations. I think we embrace that.”
“This year, for me, was really healthy,” Budenholzer said. “I kind of had a list of priorities, diving into my kids and my family, super important. We’ve been through a lot. So really, the time with my kids was just amazing. My son’s a senior in high school — going to every one of his games — driving home you’re like ’Wow, I got a gift.”
“I’d like to keep coaching as much and as long as I can,” he added.
“The conversations have been great and there’s no doubt that we need to look at the whole roster and talk about point guard,” Budenholzer said. “I’m sure it’s a hot-button issue here, whether it’s with the media, players or the front office. We need to think about it.
“We need to be able to play without one. We probably need to be able to have one. We need to be versatile — play different ways.”
“The biggest message I want you to hear is that I would coach this team if it was on the moon,” Budenholzer said, grinning. “I would coach this team if it was in Alaska. If these players were in Denmark. … I would go anywhere to coach this team.”
Having previously led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title, Budenholzer is no stranger to the pressures and demands of coaching at the highest level. His tenure with the Bucks, coupled with his coaching experience with the Atlanta Hawks and his extensive tenure as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, has equipped him with the acumen and strategic prowess required to propel the Suns to new heights.
As he looks ahead to the upcoming season, Budenholzer acknowledges the challenges of reshaping the Suns’ roster within the constraints of the league’s salary cap. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the team’s potential, emphasizing the need to address areas such as playmaking and ball security. His intention to bolster the Suns with additional talent and strategic acquisitions underscores his commitment to enhancing the team’s competitive edge.
Budenholzer’s unwavering dedication to coaching, coupled with his unrelenting pursuit of excellence, sets the stage for an exciting and transformative chapter in Phoenix Suns’ history. As he savors the opportunity to return to the court and pursue his coaching aspirations, the NBA community eagerly awaits the impact that Mike Budenholzer will undoubtedly make as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns.
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