All coaches, with the exception of Mike Budenholzer, can use stars acting as vocal leaders to help guide their team in the right direction.
According to NBA Insider Chris HaynesSuns head coach Budenholzer met with Devin Booker, a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA shooting guard, and “completely shocked” his star with what he has to say.
“A few weeks ago, Mike Budenholzer called me [Booker] In his office to file a complaint,” Haynes said. “The complaints are allegedly Booker was too vocal in court and during the time-out herd.”
“[Budenholzer] I begged his star guard to adjust it so that he could hear the coaches,” Haynes added.
It is unknown exactly “a few weeks ago” was within Phoenix's schedule, but coming in February, the Suns won 10 of their last 14 games.
After starting season 8-1, it was as bad as three games under .500, and this tenth of stretch made it back to the thickness of the Western Conference 25-22.
This solid stretch was only a few weeks ago.
However, since February began, Phoenix has won just two games and lost 10 games. I've been sitting 27-32 and 3.5 games since I held the Western Conference play-in tournament.
So, what went wrong this month?
Well, Booker ironically cited the lack of communication.
“We could talk a little more and fix it,” Booker said after his defeat by the Pelicans on Thursday. “Things get tough. We're quiet as a team and from my experience and what I've seen, that's not a way to get through it.”
“I'm more of a two of them saying something wrong with each other than anyone talking,” Booker added. “All jobs and group projects must be done together.”
Just four years after the arrival of the NBA Finals, the Suns are, for the most part, completely different teams and organizations other than 10-year veteran Booker.
The latest NBA Big 3 experiment with Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal looks to be in flames. As long as Booker and Budenholzer are stabbing their heads, those flames may not come out before they completely get the team involved.
