The Phoenix Suns are the next major NBA team that is now looking for a new coach.
After the Suns lost in the Western Conference semifinals to the Denver Nuggets, multiple outlets reported that the team has parted ways with Monty Williams after four seasons at the helm.
Williams is a highly regarded coach in the NBA, and he led Phoenix to the NBA Finals to close the 2020-21 season. The last two seasons with the Suns saw the team bounced in the second round.
The Suns are a title contender on paper going into the 2023-24 season with superstars like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant on the roster. The team will also have impact guys like Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton in the fold this fall.
The Suns opening should become the most attractive in the NBA and will have no shortage of contenders.
Here are five candidates that could make sense for the job.
Breaking: The Phoenix Suns are parting ways with head coach Monty Williams, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/DiqqOPdMak
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 14, 2023
The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
5. Jordi Fernández +700
Sergio Estrada/USA TODAY Sports
The stunning turnaround in Sacramento with the Kings this season could inspire other teams to look at their staff for inspiration.
Sacramento assistant coach Jordi Fernández has already interviewed with the Toronto Raptors this offseason and could be a rising name in league circles.
If the Suns want a fresh perspective from a coach who is gaining momentum, Fernández could be a strong fit.
4. Nick Nurse +600
Kiyoshi Mio/USA TODAY Sports
While Nick Nurse is becoming a regular name seen around coaching candidate lists in the NBA, it makes sense as to why.
Nurse won a title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and has coached a star-heavy roster before when he had guys like Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol on his team.
Until Nurse lands another job in the NBA, you’re going to see him pop up on these roundups. It feels like some team is going to give him another chance at some point.
3. Sam Cassell +500
Brian Westerholt/USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia 76ers assistant Sam Cassell could be the next major league assistant to land a head coaching job of his own.
As the 76ers battle for an Eastern Conference finals spot, Cassell’s name deserves plenty of recognition. He has been one of Doc Rivers’ trusted assistants since 2014 with the Los Angeles Clippers and won three titles as a player while in the NBA.
If the Suns want a coach with plenty of experience on the bench and on the court, Cassell could be a great candidate.
2. Kevin Young +400
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
One of the most likely candidate to replace Williams with the Suns could already be in the building.
Phoenix associate coach Kevin Young could be an easy transitional candidate for the team, as he’s already interviewed for the Toronto opening.
He’d have the familiarity with the team that could help Phoenix maintain some stability with the scheme, and the former G-League coach could be a head coach elsewhere before long.
If the Suns want to promote from within, Young would be the best candidate. However, new ownership could want a fresh perspective.
1. Mike Budenholzer +300
Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks just let Mike Budenholzer go, but the Suns might be intrigued by the coach that beat them in the NBA Finals in 2021.
Budenholzer would have more talent in Phoenix than he had in Milwaukee, and Phoenix will undoubtedly attempt to add more talent to the roster this offseason.
Of the two coaches on this list that have won a title in recent years, Budenholzer could be the experienced coach to help Phoenix get over the hump in the Western Conference and make it back to the finals.
We’ll give Budenholzer the best odds since he literally just won a title two years ago.
