Suns Fire Monty Williams
The new owner syndrome in Phoenix is real! After losing in six games to the Nuggets in the 2022-23 Western Conference Semi Finals, the Suns have fired head coach Monty Williams. The coach that won the head coach of the year award just one year ago has been fired.
The news was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic:
“Monty has been foundational to our success over the past four seasons,” Suns general manager James Jones said in a news release. “We are filled with gratitude for everything Monty has contributed to the Suns and to the Valley community.
“While it was difficult for me to make this decision, I look forward to continuing the work to build a championship team.”
The Suns have found their fall guy. It’s a matter of what else changes this offseason. It’s a shocking move considering that Phoenix has won more regular season games than any other franchise in the league since the 2020 NBA Season. Interestingly enough, Milwaukee is second on that list who just fired Mike Budenholtzer last week.
It’s already been reported that the Suns plan to shop Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton. Given the fact that Phoenix doesn’t have any picks from the Durant deal, I’m not sure how they’re going to be able to pull off the trades that get them to where they need to be.
Marc Stein says the Suns will try to pursue Ty Lue who is still with the Clippers. Isiah Thomas was also sitting courtside with new owner Matt Ishbia so let’s not discount that being a possibility for as dumb as it would be.
