The Phoenix Suns have officially announced Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach. Budenholzer, a former NBA champion, was introduced alongside General Manager James Jones during a press conference. This significant move marks one of the six head coach changes across the league following the end of the season.
In addition to Budenholzer’s appointment, the Suns are reportedly enhancing their coaching staff by bringing in James Posey as an assistant coach. Posey, a two-time NBA champion, played a crucial role in the Boston Celtics’ 2008 championship run. His coaching career includes stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards, where he spent the last two seasons.
The Boston Celtics have also undergone some coaching staff adjustments. With Charles Lee securing a head coaching position in Charlotte and taking Blaine Mueller and Jermaine Bucknor with him, the Celtics responded by promoting from within their ranks.
Notably, the Celtics have added Da’Sean Butler to their staff in a video and player development role. Butler, the all-time winningest player in West Virginia University’s men’s basketball history, brings a wealth of experience and a close connection with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, with whom he played at West Virginia. Butler’s recent experience includes working as an assistant video coordinator for the New York Knicks and serving as an assistant coach at West Virginia.
These changes reflect a broader trend in the NBA, where teams are not only looking to experienced veterans but also leveraging the talents of rising stars in the coaching world. The Celtics’ strategy of internal promotions combined with strategic new hires exemplifies their commitment to maintaining a strong, cohesive coaching team. Meanwhile, the Suns’ acquisition of Budenholzer and Posey signals their ambition to build a robust leadership team capable of guiding the franchise to new heights.