Since the formation of the trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal three years ago, the Phoenix Suns have struggled to find a coach capable of unlocking the full potential of their superstar lineup.
Over the summer, the Suns hired Mike Budenholzer, a proven coach with a championship pedigree and a reputation for being a creative offensive strategist, to help elevate the team. Budenholzer’s experience managing star players during his tenure in Milwaukee, where he coached Giannis Antetokounmpo, will be invaluable as he looks to maximize the Suns’ firepower.
However, there will be immediate pressure on Budenholzer to lead Phoenix past the second round of the playoffs, an obstacle that has proven difficult for the team in recent seasons. Injuries have consistently plagued the trio of Durant, Booker, and Beal, preventing them from playing significant minutes together during the regular season and damaging the team’s chemistry heading into the postseason.
Budenholzer’s primary tasks will include keeping his star players healthy, developing on-court chemistry, and ensuring the scoring load is well-distributed. If he can manage those aspects, the Suns will be well-positioned for a deep playoff run, potentially emerging as one of the most formidable teams in the NBA.
