Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker has experienced a tumultuous relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer in recent weeks. The four-time All-Star was taken aback when Budenholzer advised him to “reduce his vocal intensity” during timeouts and huddles. Requesting the franchise cornerstone to refrain from leading during the Suns’ struggles is a puzzling ask.
Since that time, Booker has understandably become distant from his head coach. Speculation regarding Budenholzer’s dismissal at the season’s conclusion has intensified since the 28-year-old shared an archived video of himself discussing former Suns head coach Earl Watson.
The video shared on Booker’s Instagram story is a highlighted clip from Watson’s account, where the two-time All-NBA player talks about the importance of his former head coach in his growth. He stated that Watson merits recognition for “everything.” Upon arriving in Phoenix, the ex-Suns coach motivated him to excel with rigorous training sessions and individual drills.
Watson came to the Valley for the 2015-2016 season, which was Booker’s rookie season. He began as an assistant, but following Jeff Hornacek’s dismissal, Watson was elevated to head coach. Throughout his time, Watson held a 33-85 record while guiding the franchise through a rebuilding phase. The 45-year-old head coach has a well-known conflict with ex-Suns owner Robert Sarver, which significantly contributed to Watson’s exit and Sarver deciding to sell the team following ESPN’s Baxter Holmes report.
Now that Sarver is no longer around, Watson would be embraced warmly, since the current Suns owner Mat Ishbia aims to ensure Booker’s happiness. Phoenix is currently in the 11th seed position and trails the Dallas Mavericks by 1 1/2 games for the play-in spot. Should the Suns fail to overtake the Mavericks, Budenholzer will likely be dismissed. Now, with Booker’s Instagram post, Watson would likely be regarded as a leading candidate for the vacant head coaching position with the Suns.