The Phoenix Suns built around three stars, but when all three are used to being first options and share overlapping skill sets, it makes for a tricky fit. Add in their massive contracts, and it’s not exactly shocking they fell short of the playoffs.
For the trio to work, somebody had to adjust, similar to Kevin Love in Cleveland or Chris Bosh in Miami. In Phoenix, that player was supposed to be Bradley Beal. He was the newest of the three, had the least hardware, and hadn’t carried a team the way Kevin Durant and Devin Booker had. But the fit never came together.
Interestingly, part of the reason may have been tied to Beal’s role. According to a recent report, Mike Budenholzer, who was recently dismissed by the Suns, asked Beal to play like Jrue Holiday, but the 31-year-old guard didn’t respond well and reportedly felt disrespected.
“Don’t ever disrespect me like that. Don’t ever tell me to play like another player”
Bradley Beal reportedly had an issue with Mike Budenholzer telling him to play like Jrue Holiday, per @Gambo987 & @ChrisBHaynes
“Don’t ever disrespect me like that. Don’t ever tell me to play like another player”
pic.twitter.com/Bd20yMRmu1
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 15, 2025
