Mike Budenholzer: “Playing fast and playing random, and the ball moving are things that I believe in.”

Newly hired Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer sat down with the team’s media and production staff for an interview that was posted on Monday. In this sit down he spoke on many topics, including Al McCoy’s impact, his father’s coaching impact, the hiring process, and more.

What stood out to me most, however, was tucked away at the end of the interview, where he spoke about what fans can expect from his desired style of play:

“Playing fast and playing random, and the ball moving are things that I believe in.”

Simply reading this quote makes the screen pop. On this team that needed to get their blender blending offensively, I’ve written, produced film sessions, recorded podcasts, and done a ton of other things. Their pick-and-roll attack, isolated touches, and ball movement in unison have always been the hallmarks of their best plays.

They possess all the necessary skills to gain an advantage; but, their methods and ingrained habits have been lacking, particularly during periods of decline. It should be emphasized to have organization in general and, in particular, to have a set of routines that one can rely on when times are tough and the stakes are high, particularly when one is in the clutch.

Not wanting to take away from Booker and Durant from the midrange, but rather adding to what they already do so well, he stressed three-point shooting during his debut press conference. That is proper in evaluating. It was encouraging to learn that coach Budenholzer has made these areas a priority in developing his work-based system and defining his values.

He concluded by addressing the defensive end of things:

“Having a defensive identity is actually, arguably, the most important thing. Be a squad that understands how vital defense is to us and competes fiercely on it.”

Though there is only a mediocre ceiling and expectation on returns in effectiveness that they may achieve, I withhold judgment that the roster as it is currently assembled does not correspond with this specific aim of his.

It’s possible that they’ve already had discussions about how to work around the second tax apron constraints in order to protect the Big Three and maximize their value in the end by adding parts that both fit and support Budenholzer’s beliefs.

It is crucial for them to close the gaps in that area heading into the upcoming season, using their size, athleticism, and defensive adaptability.

Finally, he addressed the team’s image and how he wanted them to be seen.

“I believe that the supporters will observe and value the players’ effort, camaraderie, and selflessness.” We’re going to anticipate that.

As a floor for their caliber of play the next season, the Phoenix Suns should be in the second round of the playoffs, with a championship being the clear goal, provided everything go as coach Budenholzer has intended.

These goals and aspirations must be pursued via regular labor and the development of habits. The ultimate degree of player buy-in his group may achieve will be greatly influenced by his choice of assistant coaches, but there are lots of opportunities.

Seeing how their dominoes all line up over the next month—and how some shift before the draft and even more so come free agency—will be fun to watch.