Following a two-season stint as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Darvin Ham found himself ousted by the Western Conference franchise. Despite an opportunity to remain in the West, specifically within the same division as the Lakers, Ham declined an offer to join Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer’s staff, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Sources reveal that Budenholzer made a concerted effort to persuade Darvin Ham to join him in Phoenix, where the latter ultimately declined the offer. Ham, who was relieved of his duties with the Lakers on May 3, reportedly opted out after enduring two demanding seasons in Los Angeles. Consequently, the Suns extended an offer to David Fizdale, a member of Frank Vogel’s Lakers staff, to serve as an assistant coach on Budenholzer’s new staff, initially offering him a front-office role.
Budenholzer and Ham share a significant coaching history, having collaborated closely during their time together with the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 to 2018, where Ham served as an assistant head coach under Budenholzer’s leadership. Their partnership continued when Budenholzer transitioned to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018, with Ham following suit. Their collaboration culminated in coaching success as they guided the Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, triumphing over the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals.
Despite being under contract with the Lakers for two more years at the time of his dismissal, Ham may be eyeing opportunities to continue his career as a head coach elsewhere in the NBA. This potential ambition could explain his decision to decline Budenholzer’s offer to join the Suns coaching staff. Alternatively, Ham might also be seeking some respite following the pressures of leading the Lakers, where he steered the team to the Western Conference finals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs and secured victory in the inaugural In-Season Tournament. However, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the 2023-24 NBA playoffs under Ham’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Budenholzer and the Suns are eager to capitalize on their potential after a disappointing season under Frank Vogel’s tenure. Following Phoenix’s first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Suns parted ways with Vogel, a former Lakers head coach. Despite winning 49 games under Vogel’s leadership, the Suns aimed for greater success, particularly given their star-studded roster featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
With Budenholzer’s track record as a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, the Suns have placed their trust in him to lead them to championship glory. Budenholzer’s quest to transform Phoenix into an NBA champion, however, faces challenges. Nevertheless, such an accomplishment would hold poetic significance, considering that Budenholzer’s sole NBA championship came at the expense of the Suns. With or without Ham, Budenholzer is determined to guide the Suns to success, supported by additions to the coaching staff including Chaisson Allen of the Utah Jazz and Chad Forcier of the Wisconsin Herd.
Throughout his NBA coaching career, Budenholzer has amassed 484 wins against 317 losses, boasting a commendable win rate of 60.4 percent across 801 games.
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