Mike Budenholzer reportedly asked Bradley Beal to play a different role than before, with Beal making that exception.
Many stones are flipping as dust settles during the season of the Phoenix Suns, one of the most disappointing campaigns in NBA history. The Suns said goodbye to head coach Mike Budenholzer, and it was revealed that he was asking players to play a new role.
Budenholzer won his only title in 2021 as the Milwaukee Bucks head coach. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the best player on that team, but Jrue Holiday played a major role on both ends of the floor.
A two-time champion and Olympic gold medalist, Holiday is known as the winner and is plain and simple. Budenholzer wanted his new third option, Bradley Beal, to play a similar role.
According to league insider Chris Haynes, Budenholzer told Beal to play a similar role to that of Jrue Holiday in 2021. Holiday recently revealed his thoughts on comparisons that are currently not popular.
The Suns missed the play-in tournament despite boasting the league’s most expensive roster. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics appear to be poised to repeat themselves as NBA champions.
Holiday played a key role in the two title teams, taking back seats when needed. This is something Beal refused.
“I think I have nothing to say because I think I and Brad are different players because it’s the first time I’ve heard of it,” Holiday said. “I don’t know what he means by saying that, but we’re different players, Brad is an elite scorer and he’s having a somewhat off year, so I feel things are different.
Beal averaged 30 points twice in the season, with a career high of 21.2 points on Holiday. However, Beal has only won 45 or more games three times in his career, but is most famous for playing good basketball on a very bad Washington Wizard team.
“I don’t know why people need to take me there,” complained the weekend. “Make me, win here and try as many rings as possible.”
At this point in each career, it is assumed that the holidays will continue to win, and Beer will likely retire from ringless.
Both the Suns and Celtics have outperformed the luxury tax this season, but both have very different outcomes.
The Suns have already fired their coach, could trade Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker, and may buy beer at the largest village in NBA history.
Meanwhile, the Celtics have gained a core and new ownership that appears to be committed to victory, regardless of cost.
Beal refused to take Budenholzer’s advice, but he probably played a smaller offensive role and was helpful enough to focus on his defense. Certainly, he is not an elite defender with holidays, but he may have tried to make the most of a bad situation.
Instead, Beale is one of Arizona’s most hated athletes.