Devin Booker has addressed rumors suggesting that Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer feels he is “too vocal.” Budenholzer has also weighed in on the matter.
As reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes, Budenholzer recently advised Booker that he was being “too vocal on the court and during timeout huddles,” encouraging him to “tone it down” to allow the coaches’ voices to stand out more effectively.
Haynes noted that Booker was “shocked” by this feedback.
After the morning shootaround on Sunday, Booker was asked about the incident.
“No, Coach mentioned it as well,” Booker replied, as quoted by AZ Central. “We’ve had numerous discussions. I can’t specifically highlight one that stands out more than the rest. It’s a typical player-coach dynamic. When things start to go wrong, people look for someone to fault. Various theories emerge. Our relationship is solid. We share a commitment to our objectives and a focus on winning, which is what truly matters.”
Budenholzer also addressed the report before the team’s home game against the Pelicans, which marked the end of a three-game losing streak for the Suns.
“Devin and I engage in many conversations,” Budenholzer said when asked about the interaction. “I find it very productive. Some of this has been conveyed to me. Often, I might be unaware or in a bubble, but Devin’s dedication is remarkable.”
In his tenth season in the NBA, Booker has certainly become more vocal within the Suns organization over the years.
“Just experience,” he explained. “It’s about understanding what works and what doesn’t. I’m not implying there’s only one effective method. Several teams at the top of the NBA employ a variety of styles. There’s no single path to success, but it’s vital that everyone is on the same page.”
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