From fan to coach: Budenholzer takes over Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Growing up in Holbrook, Arizona, Mike Budenholzer listened to Phoenix Suns basketball games on the radio.

A passion for the sport led to a career in coaching, but leading his childhood team wasn’t something Coach Bud had ever imagined back then.

“No way. Impossible. That was maybe too big a dream. I was a big dreamer. But not the Phoenix Suns head coach,” Budenholzer said.

Budenholzer’s resume is riddled with accolades, including four NBA Championships during his 18 seasons as an assistant for the San Antonio Spurs. He has been named Coach of the Year twice, first with the Atlanta Hawks in 2015 and then again with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018. Coach Bud also led Milwaukee to a win in the 2021 NBA Finals - over the Phoenix Suns. Now, he hopes to do the same for his home state.

“There’s nothing like winning a championship. And, you know every organization, that’s their goal. That’s their pursuit. We’re not any different. We’re not, you know, special or unique. But, to do it, to realize that moment, to share it with the city, to share it with the fans, to share it with the whole state, would be incredibly meaningful,” said Budenholzer, who knows what it takes to make it happen.

“It’s really what you do every day. Are you getting better every day? And are you maximizing what you have individually? What are you maximizing? What we have as a team. And that’s what’s going to give us a chance to win a championship. You know, you have to have a baseline level of talent, and then you have to go to work every day and try and maximize what you are as a player and maximize what we are as a team,” he said.

Budenholzer inherits a team with plenty of talent, including superstars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. A big three who did not quite live up to expectations in their first full season together.

“Compete is the word you’re going to hear a lot. Every night we have to be competing. Every day we have to be competing. And there’s lots of things that that means. And we’re going to learn about that as we go through the year. But I think a team that plays unselfish, a team that plays together, is important,” Budenholzer said. “So, you know, if we’re doing those types of things, usually good things follow.”

“Connecting with everybody on the roster is super important, but certainly, you know, with K.D. and Book and Brad, those guys are going to lead us. You know, they’re going to set the table, set the tone for us. And, you know, those three guys have been great. The whole roster has been great. Very open, great work, great energy in the gym, so it’s been a good summer,” he said.

The Suns tip off a new season on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 23rd. They are back in Phoenix for their home opener against the Dallas Mavericks on October 26th.

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