Valley of the Suns
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Mike Budenholzer is the man for the Phoenix Suns

By Chad Boyles

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the first quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 22, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the first quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 22, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Arizona native Mike Budenholzer was recently granted permission to interview for the head coaching job in Phoenix. The Suns are prioritizing NBA success, so for them, Budenholzer would be a home run.

To snag Head Coach Mike Budenholzer, with 2 years and $14 million left on his contract with the Atlanta Hawks, the Suns would likely have to surrender a pick to get the deal done. All in all, it may be worth it for the desperate Suns. A pick to the Hawks may also benefit them, in there eyes making the deal more attractive – especially knowing the chances Mike would be out at the end of his term anyway.

Phoenix Suns
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Phoenix Suns

Budenholzer spent 16 years with the Spurs under Gregg Popovich, eventually leaving for Atlanta.  In his second season as Head Coach, Budenholzer made his name, leading the Hawks to a 60-22 season and the first overall seed in the East over LeBron James and the Miami Heat. On a team that had Pero Antic getting quality minutes off the bench, it was clear that Budenholzer was a man made for the job, and his schemes have proven successful thus far.

Can he bring a Spurs-esque success to Phoenix?

Last season, under new management, Budenholzer watched a playoff team dwindle into possibly the worst roster in the NBA. This may be one of many reasons Budenholzer wants to disconnect from Atlanta and reconnect with his roots in Arizona.

Budenholzer wants to compete, it’s obvious, and even the Suns’ roster is closer to a playoff appearance than the Hawks. With an offseason full of potential roster-shifting moves, and Devin Booker voicing his frustration about not competing in the playoffs, Budenholzer may see a shining light in Phoenix. I do not find it a coincidence that Booker wants to make the playoffs, and Bud jumps on the opportunity for an interview.

Budenholzer quickly accepted the interview offer making it feel as if he is ready to lead the team into the top eight in the Western Conference. It is almost like he has a plan, and if he does, the Suns need to hire him as soon as possible.

With successful systems on both ends and history as the Hawks’ GM before new management arrived, the Suns should recognize that he could bring out the best of this offseason, and turn a helpless roster into a playoff one, much like he did in Atlanta.

Next: The Phoenix Suns should be willing to trade for Mike Budenholzer

Budenholzer is from Arizona, and is clearly eager to lead a team like the Suns, similar to the 2013 Hawks into the playoffs.  A couple moves later following the hire of Budenholzer, one of the NBA’s best young coaches with playoff aspirations, and we may just have ourselves a new era in Phoenix.

GIVE MIKE BUDENHOLZER THIS JOB. HE WANTS IT, AND THAT SHOULD SCREAM  SOMETHING.

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