TORONTO, ON - APRIL 09: Mike Budenholzer, head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks during a timeout in the second half of the NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the Milwaukee Bucks at Scotiabank Arena on April 9, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer is expanding his coaching staff by reportedly adding Chaisson Allen, the head coach of the Wisconsin Herd, as an assistant, as per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype.
Allen’s expertise lies in player development, having begun his coaching journey as a player development coach at the University of Miami. He later took the helm of the Herd, the G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks. Allen, a former All-CAA guard during his collegiate years at Northeastern from 2007-2011, also boasts a professional playing career across European leagues.
After his stint at Miami, Allen spent a season with the Capital City Go-Go, affiliated with the Washington Wizards. Subsequently, he joined the Wisconsin Herd, contributing to their impressive 33-10 record, which included a perfect 2-0 record when he temporarily assumed the head coaching role.
Following a season assisting the Long Island Nets, affiliated with the Brooklyn Nets, Allen returned to the Herd, where he has served as head coach for the past three seasons. Notable players under his tutelage include Drew Timme, formerly of Gonzaga, and TyTy Washington Jr., a former standout from Phoenix.
What assistant coaches have the Suns already hired?
Phoenix reportedly filled three additional positions on Budenholzer’s coaching staff, primarily comprised of individuals who previously worked with him. The first addition was Vince Legarza, who had previous collaborations with Budenholzer in Atlanta and Milwaukee.
Chad Forcier, formerly on Budenholzer’s staff with the Bucks and more recently an assistant with the Utah Jazz, also joined. David Fizdale, a member of Frank Vogel’s coaching team, was the only one retained from Vogel’s staff, despite not having prior experience working directly with Budenholzer. Shams Charania from The Athletic reported that after Phoenix dismissed Vogel, they intended to offer Fizdale a position in the front office to retain him, although there were uncertainties regarding whether Fizdale would accept the offer.
