The Phoenix Suns have hired Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach and are looking to make additional changes to their roster. Matt Tellem, a former Brooklyn Nets executive, is expected to join the front office soon, bringing his salary cap skills to help the Suns navigate their financial challenges. Budenholzer, at his introductory press conference, expressed the need for a point guard on the team, citing the lack of offensive continuity in their previous season, which ended with a disappointing playoff exit.
The Suns struggled without a true point guard, leading to offensive inefficiencies, especially in the fourth quarter. Their lack of distribution led to scoring challenges and defensive lapses, resulting in a negative fourth-quarter point differential. Budenholzer highlighted the importance of versatility and the need for a point guard to improve the team’s performance moving forward. The addition of a skilled playmaker could address their struggles and enhance their overall performance on both ends of the court.
In the previous season, the Suns focused on building around their Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. However, the team lacked cohesiveness and struggled with ball handling and playmaking. Reports suggest that owner Mat Ishbia was cautious about adding a point guard to avoid disrupting the effectiveness of their primary scorers. The team’s assist/turnover ratio was significantly lower than in previous seasons, emphasizing the need for a playmaking point guard to improve their offensive efficiency.
Budenholzer’s experience with two-way point guards like Jrue Holiday during his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks highlights the impact a skilled playmaker can have on a team’s success. Holiday’s performance in the 2021 postseason demonstrated the value of a reliable point guard in playoff situations. Without Budenholzer and Holiday, the Bucks struggled and failed to replicate their previous success in the playoffs. The Suns hope that Budenholzer’s coaching expertise and vision for the team, combined with strategic roster additions, can propel them to championship contention.
The Suns face challenges with limited roster flexibility due to their significant financial commitments to Durant, Beal, and Booker. As the team with the highest payroll in the league, they are restricted in their ability to make roster moves, such as signing players to mid-level exceptions or making trades. Tellem will play a crucial role in navigating the team’s salary cap constraints and making strategic roster decisions to address their needs. The upcoming draft and potential trades will be critical in reshaping the Suns’ roster to optimize their chances for success.
Despite the obstacles, Budenholzer is optimistic about the team’s potential and is determined to work with the current roster to maximize their talent. With high expectations and a desire to compete at the highest level, the Suns are focused on making key roster additions, particularly at the point guard position. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Suns face a pivotal moment in reshaping their roster and solidifying their position as championship contenders. Budenholzer’s leadership and strategic additions could be the key to unlocking the Suns’ full potential and overcoming their previous shortcomings.
