The Phoenix Suns are hanging by a thread—with a record of 32-37. Sitting 11th in the West and staring at a playoff dream slipping away. Every game is do-or-die now. But it’s not just the losses turning heads. Trade chaos, locker room heat, and whispers about Mike Budenholzer’s role have only added to the storm. Just when the doubts start creeping in, Kevin Durant steps up to set the record straight. Will it add to the existing worries, or can the men have a sigh of relief amid all the chaos?
KD & Co. will be facing the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday hoping to clinch their 33rd win of the ongoing 2024-25 NBA season as the latter has Pct even worse, the Suns only takeaway now. As a part of the pre-game ritual, the 36YO Slim Reaper appeared before the media after the day’s routine. The reporters wanted to know how Durant got the “we gotta do this this way” and “we gotta do this differently” authority. And guess his answer?
“I don’t do that. I don’t say, coach, we got to do this. It’s his team. I’m there to be a resistance,” Kevin Durant cleared his stance. “If he needs me to do anything, if I have some suggestions on what may happen, I’m coming and asking him, I’m not telling him. I’m asking him, you know, coach, what you think? We should do this right here? If you don’t think so, all right, then I move on.”
“I don’t say, ‘Coach, we’ve got to do this.’ It’s his team. I’m there to be of assistance. If he need me to do anything. If I got some suggestions on what may happen, I’m asking him. I’m not telling him what to do.”
Kevin Durant on interaction with Mike Budenholzer.
“I’m asking… pic.twitter.com/ZrdtaB3MjV
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 19, 2025
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant made it clear that he doesn’t dictate coaching decisions. He respects Budenholzer’s authority, offering input only as a suggestion, not a demand. If Budenholzer disagrees, Durant moves on, reinforcing that the team belongs to the coach. The 15x All-Star forward added: “I’ve been in the league for a long time, and if I see something, the coach will give me the leeway to just come to him.” What more?
Most importantly, KD made it clear—he’s not trying to coach the team, but he’s also not afraid to share his thoughts. He trusts Coach Bud but believes players should have the confidence to speak up if they see something different. At the end of the day, he gives suggestions, but it’s the coach’s call. The message is clear, if Budenholzer takes the advice, great. If not, they move on.
Durant reaffirms his trust in Budenholzer, emphasizing a team dynamic where input is welcomed, but the coach has the final say. However, as the Suns fight for survival, it’s not just coaching strategies under scrutiny. The futures of three key stars, namely Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodar, and Cody Martin, have also been a major talking point, with recent developments shedding light on what’s next for them.
Kevin Durant gives a major hint at the future of the Suns’ rising stars
The Dallas Mavericks are sitting a step ahead of the Phoenix Suns, that is, at the 10th place. Kevin Durant isn’t stressing over the standings, but make no mistake—he’s watching. Every. Single. Game. “I’m scoreboard-watching every game, start to end,” he admitted. But his focus? The Suns. “You can’t control what Dallas is doing… Obviously, you want to pass them up, but I want to focus on us as much as possible.” That’s the mindset. That’s the mission.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant sees a defensive identity-forming, and it could shape the fate of Ryan Dunn, Cody Martin, and Oso Ighodaro. “I feel like that’s the most effective way for us to guard—to be able to switch, go out one-on-one, and force guys to play in a one-on-one situation against us.” That pressure isn’t easy for everyone.
Kevin Durant on the Suns switching more with Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro and Cody Martin: “I feel like that’s the most effective way for us to guard is to be able to switch and guard 1-on-1….You’ve seen something that we maybe can add going forward with those 3” pic.twitter.com/zlTivCu7UK
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 19, 2025
“That’s not always comfortable for a lot of players in the league,” but for the Suns, it’s a weapon. “As much as we can try to get to that brand of defense, it’s always good for us.” Still, versatility matters. “Have different attacks on the defensive side of the ball to make good defensive teams.” With these three, the Suns may have found something to build on.
The Suns are walking a tightrope—fighting for survival, refining their defense, and navigating roster uncertainties. Kevin Durant trusts Budenholzer, but feedback is always on its way. Meanwhile, Ryan Dunn, Cody Martin, and Oso Ighodaro could be key pieces in shaping a new defensive identity. With every game a must-win, the road ahead is anything but easy. But if there’s one thing clear, it’s this—Durant and the Suns aren’t backing down.
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