Phoenix Suns

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PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns have named Mike Budenholzer, an NBA championship head coach and two-time recipient of both the NBA Coach of the Year and NBCA Coach of the Year awards, as head coach.

“We’re excited to name Mike as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns and bring him back to his home state of Arizona,” said Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. “Mike has proven himself to be among the most successful head coaches in the NBA. He is the right leader to take us to the next level and reach our championship goals.”

Budenholzer, an Arizona native, joins the Suns with a .604 (484-317) career winning percentage in 10 seasons as an NBA head coach. He is one of just five NBA head coaches in the last 45 years to have won an NBA championship and hold a career winning percentage over .600 along with Phil Jackson, Steve Kerr, Pat Riley and Gregg Popovich. In his 10 seasons as a head coach, Budenholzer has guided his teams to six division titles and earned a No. 1 seed in the playoffs four times, winning NBA Coach of the Year honors in 2015 and 2019 while his peers recognized him as the NBCA Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2020. He is one of just 11 coaches in NBA history to have won NBA Coach of the Year multiple times.

“Mike’s exceptional basketball acumen, championship pedigree and his standing as one of the NBA’s premier coaches will be invaluable as we compete for a championship,” said President of Basketball Operations and General Manager James Jones. “We’re confident that under his leadership our team will reach new levels of success.”

Named the 22nd head coach in Suns history, Budenholzer spent five seasons each as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks (2013-18) and Milwaukee Bucks (2018-23), guiding the Hawks to a franchise record 60 wins in 2014-15 and leading the Bucks past the Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals. Budenholzer has led his teams to the playoffs in nine of his 10 seasons as a head coach, reaching the Conference Semifinals six times and the Conference Finals on three occasions. His .538 winning percentage over 104 career playoff games is 11th-best in NBA history among coaches with over 100 career playoff games.

“I am honored to be named head coach of the Phoenix Suns, the team I grew up watching,” said Budenholzer. “I would like to thank Mat Ishbia, Josh Bartelstein and James Jones for the opportunity to lead this team. I’m grateful to have a talented roster of players who are ready to compete and play a style of basketball that will bring out the best in all of them, and bring them together as we compete for championships.”

Prior to his first NBA head coaching position with Atlanta in 2013, Budenholzer spent 17 seasons as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs on Popovich’s staff. He helped the Spurs win four NBA championships during his time as an assistant coach. A graduate of Pomona College, where he played both basketball and golf, Budenholzer played and coached in Denmark before first joining the Spurs as a video coordinator in 1994.

From Holbrook, Arizona, Budenholzer’s father, Vince Budenholzer, long served as the head coach of the Holbrook High School boys basketball team and is a member of the Arizona High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. The court at Holbrook High School is named Budenholzer Court in dedication to the Budenholzer family.

Note: Budenholzer’s last name is pronounced BOO-den-holz-er.

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SUNS NAME TWO-TIME NBA COACH OF THE YEAR AND ARIZONA NATIVE MIKE BUDENHOLZER HEAD COACH

Tell us about your role within the organization.

As the Manager of Basketball Administration and Salary Cap for the Suns, my job is to essentially serve as the information hub for the front office. Specifically, I support the studies, projects, and ideation of our executive group by analyzing the salary cap landscape for Phoenix and the other 29 teams in the league. One of my main responsibilities is to ensure that all player transactions, such as contract signings or trades, are executed in compliance with the NBA’s rules and procedures. I have been in the basketball operations group for over seven years, and it has been the most fulfilling time of my professional life.&nbsp;

Tell us about the journey and path that led you to this position.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I knew from an early age that I wanted to work in the business of sports. I always tell people that I was that kid who would play the NBA Live and Madden video games to focus on building the best teams through drafts, free agency, and trades instead of playing the actual four-quarter games. I dedicated my academic life in college to studying sports management and law, while interning with teams, agencies, and non-profit organizations in the industry. After working full-time for a couple of years at a sports and entertainment agency, I was fortunate enough to secure a Basketball Operations internship with Phoenix. Eight seasons and a few job title changes later, I still cannot believe the position I am in. I give myself a little credit for working hard in a competitive world, but I attribute most of my success to those who supported me – and to having a whole lot of luck!&nbsp;

In your role as the Manager of Basketball Administration and Salary Cap, what are the primary challenges you encounter in your daily tasks, and conversely, what do you find most fulfilling and rewarding about your responsibilities?&nbsp;

The biggest challenge that comes with my job is the extreme pressure to provide the correct information in any situation. No matter how many years I have been in this position, I will always be a little nervous before pressing 'send’ – especially when it comes to dollars for a player’s salary or summarizing tricky Collective Bargaining Agreement rules. Also, there is a lot of misinformation out there in today’s world, so it is of utmost importance to only disseminate what is factual. As cliché as it may sound, the most fulfilling part about my job is not necessarily the work itself, but instead the relationships with coworkers and league-wide peers that I have developed along the way. Specifically, I am privileged to work alongside the brilliant (and hilarious) Trevor Bukstein, one of our Assistant General Managers. Under his tutelage, I have learned how to navigate the chaotic life of being in the front office. I am fortunate to be able to call him both my mentor and my friend.&nbsp;

Are there any hobbies or activities that you're particularly passionate about outside of your busy work life?&nbsp;

If I’m not looking at a work-related PDF or Excel spreadsheet, you will most likely find me investing all my remaining time, energy, and bandwidth in the relationships with my loved ones. I would rather be hanging out with my amazingly supportive girlfriend, Chuti, and sassy but adorable dog, Icy, than doing anything else. My immediate family is also spread all over the place, so video calls on FaceTime help with the hurt of not physically being with them. Lastly, I love exploring different parks and the food scene around the Phoenix area.&nbsp;

Can you share a little about your Korean-American heritage, and what you do to celebrate your culture?&nbsp;

Although I was born and raised in San Francisco, I very much lived in a household that mirrored my parents’ respective upbringings in South Korea. My incredible and loving appa (dad), umma (mom), and noona (older sister) instilled traditional Korean values in me such as honoring those that came before us, showing unwavering resolve, prioritizing education, and displaying humility. As a kid who attended elementary school with very few classmates who looked like me, I found it difficult to embrace and appreciate who I was. As I gained maturity and experience in navigating life as a minority, I eventually learned that the best way to celebrate my culture was to follow those aforementioned core tenets, appreciate the arts, and enjoy the food that Koreans and Korean-Americans are extremely proud of.&nbsp;

What advice would you give to aspiring professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, who aspire to work in sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Networking is not natural or comfortable for everyone, so do not be discouraged if you fall into that category. Instead of focusing on name recognition or requesting to connect with everyone possible, I would recommend making diligent efforts to create genuine relationships with people who reciprocate interest in your career development. You don’t always have to look to connect upwards; get to know peers who are in a similar position as you and help each other out. Also, look into internships and fellowships as soon as you possibly can, even if it’s not in the field you want to work in long-term – you never know what you might fall in love with doing! Once you have your foot in the door, strike that delicate balance of showing a strong presence in the workplace without initiating or instigating drama. For my fellow minorities, do not view being different as a hindrance; we should instead embrace our uniqueness and continue to break barriers in the industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Yale Kim Team Member Spotlight  

Radio: 98.7 Arizona's Sports Radio Station & KSUN La Mejor 1400 AM/106.5 FM

Grayson Allen - QUESTIONABLE (Right Ankle Sprain)

Damion Lee - OUT (Right Meniscus Surgery)

PHOENIX –&nbsp;The Suns (0-3) dropped a third playoff game, falling to the Timberwolves (3-0), 126-109, on April 26 in Footprint Center. The Timberwolves won the battle of the boards in Game 3, outrebounding the Suns 50-28 on the night. 15 of Minnesota’s 50 rebounds were on the offensive glass, leading to 19 second chance points. Phoenix finished with 5 offensive rebounds, leading to eight second-chance points. Already up by five (62-58) with 8:46 remaining in the third quarter, the Timberwolves used a 23-8 run in just over five minutes to build their lead up to 20 (86-66) with 3:39 to go in the third. Minnesota’s lead extended up to as many as 22, as the Suns were unable to cut the lead to single digits the rest of the way. Bradley Beal netted a team-high 28 points, while notching 4 rebounds and 4 assists, while Devin Booker tallied 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting for the Suns. He added a game-high 8 assists and 2 steals and with his 16th point of the night, Booker surpassed Amar’e Stoudemire for fifth on the Suns all-time postseason scoring list. Kevin Durant notched 25 points, to go along with 4 rebounds and 5 assists. His 20+ point game marked the 155th of his career, moving him into sole possession of fifth for the most 20+ point games in NBA postseason history. Eric Gordon added 11 points in 34 minutes off the bench tonight to lead all Suns reserves.

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Suns vs Timberwolves Game 4 Preview

MINNEAPOLIS – The Suns (0-1) opened up their 2024 postseason campaign with a 120-95 loss to the Timberwolves (1-0) in Game 1 on April 20. Phoenix led at the end of the first quarter, 28-27, before being outscored 34-23 in the second to trail by 10 (61-51) at halftime. Phoenix was unable to answer Minnesota’s second quarter, as the Timberwolves outscored the Suns 31-21 in the third quarter and 28-23 in the fourth. Minnesota finished with 13 more shot attempts, finishing 50% (44-of-88) on the night, while limiting Phoenix to 44% shooting (33-of-75). The Timberwolves won the battle of the boards, out-rebounding the Suns 52-28, and totaled 13 offensive rebounds, leading to 20 second-chance points. Kevin Durant led the Suns offense with 31 points on 11-of-27 shooting to go along with 7 rebounds and a block. The game marked Durant’s 127th-career 25+ point game, moving him into sole possession of third for the post such performances in NBA postseason history. Devin Booker added 18 points and 5 assists, while Bradley Beal tallied 15 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. Royce O’Neale led all Suns reserves with 14 points and 4 rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench.

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Suns at Timberwolves Game 2 Preview

PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation today announced the 2023-24 Devin Booker Starting Five grants which will fund two basketball court renovations and three learning centers. The grants complete Booker’s $2.5 million pledge announced in 2019 which has funded 25 grants to support the local community and positively impact children and families in need across Arizona.

“Devin is passionate about giving back to the Phoenix community and his Starting Five program demonstrates his commitment to support nonprofits here in Arizona and continues to make a difference in the lives of thousands of children and families throughout the Valley,” said Sarah Krahenbuhl, executive director of Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation.

Two Phoenix parks, including Central Park and Palomino Park, managed by City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, will each receive funds to renovate a basketball court featuring a Devin Booker Starting Five mural painted by local artists.

The grants will extend into the classroom with the creation of learning centers at three nonprofits in the Valley.

Court renovations and development of the learning centers will begin in the fall.

To commemorate the 2023-24 Devin Booker Starting Five grant recipients, Booker and Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation will team up with an artist to create a limited-edition apparel line available in the 2024-25 NBA season. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This year’s Devin Booker Starting Five grant follows the recent announcement of Booker’s role as a Jr. Mercury Legacy League All-Star Ambassador to expand scholarships to young female athletes participating in YMCA youth basketball leagues across the Valley.

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PHOENIX SUNS/PHOENIX MERCURY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2023-24 DEVIN BOOKER STARTING FIVE GRANT RECIPIENTS

PHOENIX – Player 15 Group, Mat Ishbia’s sports, entertainment and real estate operating and investment company, celebrated the grand opening of the new team member campus that now serves as the business headquarters for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix G League team and arena operations.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“We are a people-first organization, and our new headquarters will be a place where team members can collaborate, create, work and have fun together,” said Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia.&nbsp; “Our goal is to be the best organization in sports – on and off the floor – and this investment is about our team members and ensuring they have the resources they need to grow, succeed and win.”

Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia and Suns and Mercury Chief Executive Officer Josh Bartelstein celebrated the grand opening today alongside local dignitaries and Suns, Mercury and arena team members.

Strategically located in Phoenix’s downtown Warehouse District, the 76,000+ square foot office is one of the largest developments for a professional sports team and features an open-office environment with world-class amenities to foster collaboration, teamwork and a positive work culture.

The business campus features world-class amenities and resources including indoor and outdoor basketball courts, pickleball court, a golf simulator room, outdoor putting green, fitness center, arcade games, cafeteria, grab-and-go pantries with food and beverages, and meeting rooms and lounge areas.

The business office is the first phase of a larger, $100+ million investment and 123,000-square-foot development which will include a dedicated state-of-the-art practice facility for the Phoenix Mercury set to open this summer.

The campus was designed by von Staden Architects and construction was led by Okland Construction. Transwestern’s Sports & Entertainment Advisory Group led the real estate transaction and assisted with the design, construction and fit-out process.

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PLAYER 15 GROUP OFFICIALLY OPENS TEAM MEMBER CAMPUS IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

PHOENIX, March 7, 2024 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that Phoenix has been selected to host NBA All-Star 2027.  The 76th NBA All-Star Game will take place at Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns, on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2027.  NBA All-Star 2027 will mark the city’s fourth NBA All-Star, having hosted the event in 1975, 1995 and 2009.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement today during a press conference at Footprint Center, where he was joined by Suns Chairman Mat Ishbia and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, with a recorded message from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

“Our NBA All-Star festivities in 2027 will showcase Phoenix’s love of everything basketball,” said Silver. “And we couldn’t be more excited to work with Mat Ishbia and the entire Suns organization for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of our sport.”

“Phoenix is the ultimate basketball destination and we are excited for fans from around the world to experience our amazing city,” said Ishbia. “We will provide an NBA All-Star Weekend unlike any other, showcasing the passion of our fans, our city, and everything that we’re building here. Thank you to the NBA and the entire Phoenix community for rallying together to bring this marquee event to Phoenix and show the world what we are all about.”

“We are excited to welcome the NBA and basketball fans to the great state of Arizona for NBA All-Star 2027.  Arizona is a premier destination for sports and entertainment, and we look forward to showing fans everything that our state has to offer,” said Governor Hobbs. “Mat Ishbia and the Phoenix Suns have elevated Phoenix as one of the greatest basketball cities in the world and we are so proud to host this iconic event together.” 

“The City of Phoenix is thrilled to host NBA All-Star 2027.  Our city is no stranger to hosting major sports and entertainment events and this is another opportunity to put Phoenix on the global stage,” said Mayor Gallego. “NBA All-Star will bring excitement and energy to the city along with significant economic impact.  Thank you to the NBA and the Phoenix Suns for the opportunity to welcome fans from around the world to our incredible city for what will be a memorable All-Star weekend.”

NBA All-Star on-court events will tip off on Friday, Feb. 19 at Footprint Center with NBA Rising Stars, an annual showcase for top rookies and second-year NBA players.  On Feb. 20, State Farm All-Star Saturday Night will feature the Kia Skills Challenge, the STARRY 3-Point Challenge and AT&T Slam Dunk.  NBA All-Star 2027 will culminate with the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 21.

The NBA will also host several events for fans of all ages at venues throughout Phoenix, including NBA All-Star Practice presented by AT&T, the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and an NBA All-Star fan fest, featuring basketball programming and entertainment as well as up-close access to NBA players, legends and celebrities. 

The league will also continue to celebrate its commitment to social responsibility with a full schedule of NBA Cares events during NBA All-Star 2027.  Through partnerships with schools, local and national nonprofit organizations, the league will reach thousands of children and families in Phoenix and the surrounding areas and provide critical resources to community-based programs.

Phoenix will additionally serve as host to WNBA All-Star festivities in 2024.

Phoenix most recently hosted NBA All-Star in 2009, when the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (27 points) and the Suns’ Shaquille O’Neal (17 points in 11 minutes) shared All-Star Game MVP honors after leading the Western Conference to a 146-119 victory over the Eastern Conference.  In Rising Stars, Kevin Durant scored an event-record 46 points as a second-year NBA player with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

When NBA All-Star 1995 was held in Phoenix, the Sacramento Kings’ Mitch Richmond scored 23 points off the bench to earn the MVP award and help the Western Conference defeat the Eastern Conference 139-112 in the NBA All-Star Game.  In addition, Miami Heat players won both the Slam Dunk competition (Harold Miner) and the 3-Point Contest (Glen Rice). 

The 25th NBA All-Star Game took place in 1975 in Phoenix, where the New York Knicks’ Walt Frazier scored 30 points in an MVP-winning performance to lift the Eastern Conference past the Western Conference 108-102.

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PHOENIX TO HOST NBA ALL-STAR 2027

As part of the season-long El Valle program, the Suns have launched a five-piece El Valle merchandise collection designed by local Chicano artists. The t-shirt collection, presented by Hornitos Tequila, will be available online and at the Team Shop throughout the season. Chicana artist La Jefa designed the debut apparel item, available now while supplies last.

"I'm honored and very humbled to be chosen by the Phoenix Suns for this project and to really just show our community, Phoenicians and basketball fans that Chicanos represent a good part of Phoenix culture and Suns culture as well," said La Jefa.

The limited-edition shirt depicts a calavera basketball player wearing the Suns' El Valle City Edition uniform, surrounded by cacti and Camelback Mountain.

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El Valle Local Artist Merchandise Collection: La Jefa

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