The heated tension between Devin Booker and Mike Budenholzer has been building throughout the season. Reports reveal that Coach Budenholzer reportedly held a meeting with Booker, urging him to “tone it down vocally” on the court. This advice shocked Booker, as he has been known for being vocal as a leader for the Suns. His reaction to this request is telling, as it hints at a deeper rift between the star player and the first-year head coach.
This tension has become more visible in recent games, particularly following the Suns’ loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. After the game, Booker expressed his frustration with the team’s lack of accountability, saying, “At some point, you gotta draw a line, and it should’ve been drawn a long time ago.” Many believe Booker is subtly challenging Budenholzer’s leadership, urging him to step up and take responsibility for the team’s struggles.
This situation has raised concerns about the future of both the coach and the team. If Booker, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, has already lost trust in Budenholzer, it could lead to a change in leadership by the end of the season.
