Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Valley Fans Excited Over Prospect of Mike Budenholzer as Suns’ Head Coach

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Jacob Hardin | Last updated 5/10/24

Expected to sign a deal nearing eight figures annually, the Phoenix Suns are poised to bring on former Bucs head coach Mike Budenholzer, an Arizona native with strong ties to the state.

Budenholzer led the Bucs to a 2021 NBA Finals victory and many other successful seasons. He also coached the Atlanta Hawks from 2013-2018, with Atlanta reaching the playoffs 4 out of the 5 seasons he was there.

Before his job with the Hawks, Budenholzer served as an assistant coach behind one of the greatest coaches of all time, Gregg Popovich, for a remarkable 17 seasons.

Budenholzer ranks 5th in highest win percentage by a head coach, trailing closely behind Popovich.

Highest win percentage by a head coach (minimum 800 games):

.704 — Phil Jackson
.661 — Red Auerbach
.636 — Pat Riley
.628 — Gregg Popovich
.604 — Mike Budenholzer

Elite company. pic.twitter.com/D8pVyjus36

— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 10, 2024

Unlike Frank Vogel, who was dismissed after one season in Phoenix, Budenholzer embraces the three-point shot, consistently steering his teams to top-10 rankings in three-point attempts, exemplified by the Milwaukee Bucks’ second, third, fifth, fourth, and fourth rankings in three-point attempts during his tenure there.

With news of Budenholzer’s impending deal with the Suns, fans across the valley have expressed largely positive sentiments about the move.

New Suns coach: Mike Budenholzer.

NBA Champion 2021
2x Coach of the year (2019, 2020)
19 Season as assistant coach behind Gregg Popovich.
An Arizona Native Holbrook, Arizona.
484-317 Record. (.604)

Welcome coach! pic.twitter.com/dawKzqYBJF

— Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) May 10, 2024

Mike budenholzer joining the suns after beating them in 2021: pic.twitter.com/Y5Er6exB3n

— Dougizfreshh (@TheFreshestDoug) May 10, 2024

I wanted Mike Budenholzer before they hired Frank Vogel maybe one year later i will get my wish!!! pic.twitter.com/1g2zUFzUMp

— Chris (@Sports_FanChris) May 9, 2024

This is a good hire. Exact opposite of Vogel. If anyone can figure out how to make the big 3 work it's going to be Mike Budenholzer.

— DColdest (@DColdestt) May 10, 2024

If you can't beat 'em, hire 'em – Phoenix #Suns #MikeBudenholzer #NBA #SunsX pic.twitter.com/Mo2N0eFEKM

— ThePhoenixSuns.Com (Not The NBA Team) (@ThePhoenixSuns2) May 10, 2024