Following another disappointing loss for the Phoenix Suns last night, star Devin Booker vocalized his issues with the team. This was Devin’s first speech on the Suns this season. The problems with this team have gone further since the start of the season, but the intensity has been heightened with recent struggles. In February, the Suns saw so many inconsistent lineups that it confused fans. The fans have also witnessed a month when the Suns have gone 2-10. This is unacceptable for a team with the highest payroll and two USA gold medalists on this team. Firstly, now the Suns need to get Booker and Budenholzer on the same page.
A Clash Of Stars and Coaches is Brewing in Phoenix
What was Said
Following the game, Booker was unhappy with the team’s performance and came up with these two quotes. Booker, who just had 36 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists, was deservingly frustrated. As you can see, the mentality this team has instilled is not working. The Suns’ game plan is to outscore opponents, which has not yet worked this season. The Suns lost by allowing 151 and 124 points in recent games, respectively. This is not a recipe to help win one game, let alone winning enough to claw back into the play-in. This is why Booker is frustrated and I understand the reasoning on it.
I asked Devin Booker to explain how the Suns got to this point in the season: “I’d say just skipping over the details and always taking the ‘get ‘em next game’ mentality. At some point, you gotta draw a line, and it should’ve been drawn a long time ago.” pic.twitter.com/DVtJjPrMVg
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) February 28, 2025
Devin Booker on the frustration of the Suns not executing their game plan: “Yeah, and that’s been the story of the season thus far. It could be fixed with just a little bit more talking, I would say. Things get tough, we get quiet as a team, and from my experience and what I’ve… pic.twitter.com/ETwpcPlXVs
— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) February 28, 2025
More Details Revealed?
With more information dropping on this today, it is clear that both parties of Booker and Suns coach Mike Budenholzer do not agree.
Sources: Weeks ago Suns coach Mike Budenholzer called a meeting with Devin Booker imploring he tone it down vocally, leaving the star shocked. Inside that meeting which provides context to Booker’s postgame remarks on communicating. #haynesbriefs
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— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 28, 2025
A couple of weeks ago, the star and Suns coach met to discuss the team. Devin Booker, who likes to be vocal, was shocked to hear that his coach wants him to calm down. The team is in complete disarray. Does the Suns coach feel it is okay to relax?
This most likely came out of Devin Booker’s camp and it makes sense. After his visible frustration last night, it was expected to come out. This added to reports from earlier in the year with coach Bud and Jusuf Nurkic not having a relationship, maybe this issue stems further. Who knows? Perhaps coach Bud does not have a relationship with any of his players.
The Last Word
With this news coming out, it seems that a decision will have to be made in the offseason. Will it be Booker or Bud? The age-old question that will spark debates and conversation all season will continue. Most likely, it would be Bud being gone and the coaching carousel continuing.
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