We have breaking news to report. The Phoenix Suns have "parted ways" with two-time NBA Coach of the Year Monty Williams. It is official, the window has been slammed shut.
It seemed like yesterday when the Phoenix Suns held a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals, and the city was overwhelmed with joy. Then, Phoenix proceeded to lose the next four games and the championship that has escaped their grasp since their inception. This has been the theme during Monty Williams's tenure in the PHX. He can lead a team to a great regular season and a nice playoff run. It's the ending of the playoff run that cuts the heart strings of many Suns fans. But still, Monty turned this team and the fortunes of the franchise around. They were losers before he showed up. During the 2021 Finals run, the city hadn't seen a basketball fever since KJ, Majerle, Chambers and Barkley were running the floor. Monty was responsible for that, don't ever forget it.
It was clear that new owner Mat Ishbia wants his own coach. Monty was the hire of the former owner, which the franchise is trying to wash their hands of. But what is the risk? Only one name pops up as the favorite to lead the team if they want to continue as a championship contender, Mike Budenholzer. Recently exiled from Milwaukee after winning a championship against the Suns in 2021, Budenholzer is a leader who can transform a middle-of-the-road squad into a title contending dynamo. Look what he did with the Bucks. Turned Giannis into a two-time MVP and gave role players a chance to shine on the big stage. The Suns are in a situation where they can be a force to compete for championships but need a push. Holzee is your guy to accomplish that. Also, he is an Arizona native, so this could be perfect. Don't overthink this, this man could help you with the Kevin Durant situation.
Speaking of which, it's time to face it, this trade set the team back. Ishbia wanted to put his "Footprint" (See what I did there) on his newly purchased NBA team. Durant was yearning to come to Phoenix. In the wee hours before the trade deadline, Ishbia and GM James Jones executed a swap to bring the future Hall-of-Famer here, but sent Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and FOUR FIRST ROUND PICKS! (Cough, cough, cough) (clears throat) to Brooklyn. Bridges was a defensive stopper and iron man who looks like he could be a superstar for the Nets. Johnson was the X-factor off the bench for Phoenix. Notice how Monty shied from his bench early during the playoffs? They missed Cam's energy and long-range shooting. The four first-round picks will kill the future of this team and probably will make the Nets into NBA champions. Not really the first impression you want as a brand-new NBA owner.
If there is one change that the Suns need to make this off-season is to trade DeAndre Ayton. Monty decided to play Jock Landale more than him. The boos raining down on him by the home crowd was the writing on the wall. Should have just let Indiana snatch him up. Chris Paul is another situation where you want to move him, but who would be eager to take on a huge contract for a player who is 38 and injury prone? James Jones would have to be creative with any turnover on the roster due to salary restraints and lack of draft picks. This will be an interesting off-season coming up for the Orange and Black.
There you have it, another what-if scenario when it comes to the Phoenix Suns. So much promise and a strong outing where the ending is tragic, real tragic.
It also adds another chapter to Arizona: Land Of Sports Confusion.
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