A beloved former Suns head coach (2013–2016), Hornacek earned respect for dramatically improving the team’s record and style .
In this scenario, Hornacek returns not as coach, but as General Manager, bringing stability and a culture-first rebuild philosophy, focusing on chemistry and player development.
👟 Kevin Durant as Head Coach
Next-up: Kevin Durant, the franchise superstar, transitions into the role of head coach.
With Hornacek overseeing roster construction and front office strategy, Durant—known for high basketball IQ and leadership—could guide practice, schemes, and on-court adjustments, while still having a voice on roster needs.
Mike Budenholzer in Strategic Oversight Role
Meanwhile, veteran Mike Budenholzer, the two-time Coach of the Year and 2021 champion coach with Milwaukee, becomes a senior basketball consultant or head of coaching strategy.
His role: mentor Durant, advise Hornacek, and oversee system continuity across player and staff development. His Arizona roots and past success would add legitimacy and experience .
How This Dream Team Could Work
Hornacek sets long-term vision: prioritize drafting and developing versatile wings, adding a true point guard, and building a defensive identity to complement stars.
On-Court Direction:
Durant leads as coach: installs offensive sets tailored to maximize players like Booker and Beal, teaches by example, and fosters player buy-in through credibility and shared experience.
Coaching Support:
Budenholzer builds practice plans, oversees systems (defense, spacing), handles in-game adjustments, and provides mentorship as Durant grows in the coaching seat.
Revisits strategies to add depth at point guard and big man—two glaring weaknesses last season .
Operates within cap constraints imposed by Durant, Booker, Beal, Nurkic, and Allen’s contracts totaling over $180M last year .
✅ Why This Might Be the Best-Case Outcome
Stability becomes possible: Hornacek sets direction, replacing Phoenix’s conveyor belt of four coaches in four years .
Stars feel ownership: Durant invested as coach could unify the locker room and reduce conflict inherent with rotating head coaches under internal pressure .
Coaching pedigree ensures execution: Budenholzer’s championship experience adds structure and accountability to Durant’s leadership.
Long-term identity emerges: blending Hornacek’s culture-building, Durant’s star-led accountability, and Bud’s system structure could gradually reshape Phoenix into a contender.
Transition Strain Durant lacks head-coaching experience; Hornacek lacks recent front-office resume. Integration may be rocky.
Cap Limitations With maxed-out salary, roster improvement is difficult—even with ideal leadership.
Media & Fan Pressure Anything less than playoff success could still trigger turnover under owner Mat Ishbia’s impatience .
Summary: Phoenix’s Best-Case Blueprint
1. Jeff Hornacek returns as GM to instill culture and smart roster management.
2. Kevin Durant shifts into head coach to guide on-court execution and leadership.
3. Mike Budenholzer serves as senior strategist, providing system building and veteran oversight.
This unique alignment balances star-led energy, coaching acumen, and front-office stability—a compelling if fantastical setup that maximizes existing strengths while addressing past failures.
Let me know if you’d like me to explore how this team might tackle future draft picks, trades, or strategic milestones under this structure.
