The Phoenix Suns fired Head Coach Monty Williams in a move that came as a surprise to a lot of folks. Williams had turned around the franchise and made them perennial contenders, but the Suns seemingly felt like it was time for a change.
The Phoenix Suns have some elite talent like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant at their disposal. As such, a coach who knows how to manage and win with superstars is needed. And two recently fired coaches have been linked with taking the Suns’ job.
“Phoenix Suns are formulating a list of head coaching candidates that includes assistant Kevin Young, Mike Budenholzer, and Nick Nurse,” Chris Haynes reported.
Phoenix Suns are formulating a list of head coaching candidates that includes assistant Kevin Young, Mike Budenholzer and Nick Nurse, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 14, 2023
Getting a coach with a proven pedigree is important to the Suns, that team will look to be favorites going into next season. A move like acquiring Kevin Durant is indicative of the fact that a team just wants to compete. Nick Nurse and Mike Budenholzer have both won championships since 2019, and as such, might end up being the ideal fit for this role.
The decision to let go of Monty Williams is a big one by Suns owner Mat Ishbia. He built an excellent culture in Phoenix and helped grow all of its stars. Replacing him will not be easy, but it seems that the franchise already knows the profile they’re looking for.
Monty Williams Has Drawn Some Interest From Another Top Team
Monty Williams has now proved that he can impact a franchise. And as the Suns are interested in other candidates, there are contending franchises considering hiring Monty as well. One report suggested that he might be in line for the Milwaukee Bucks’ vacancy after Mike Budenhlolzer also left.
“That sense of security, though, has not prevented Williams’ name from gaining steam among league personnel — including several figures present at Game 6 — when discussing potential candidates for the Bucks’ head coaching vacancy, sources said.
“Milwaukee is expected to pursue various experienced coaches who are currently employed by rival franchises. Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue is another opposing play-caller on the Bucks’ radar, league sources said.”
Monty Williams has done enough with the Suns that he will likely not have to worry about an NBA job again from this point onwards. If he moves on and helps another contender win a championship though, that would end up being a pretty bad look for the Suns.
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