According to a report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Phoenix Suns are set to hire Brent Barry as an assistant coach. Barry, known for his NBA career as a sharpshooter with six different teams and as the son of Hall of Famer Rick Barry, transitions from his role as an executive in the San Antonio Spurs’ front office to the sidelines.
While it is relatively uncommon for individuals to move from front office positions to coaching roles, the Spurs’ organization has a history of such transitions. Notable examples include Sean Marks, who served as an assistant coach for the Spurs before becoming the Brooklyn Nets’ general manager, and Steve Kerr, who went from playing for the Spurs to being the general manager of the Suns, and then head coach of the Golden State Warriors without prior coaching experience.
Barry’s transition to coaching is further eased by his connection with Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer. Budenholzer, who spent many years on Gregg Popovich’s coaching staff with the Spurs, coached Barry during his playing days in San Antonio. This pre-existing relationship likely played a significant role in facilitating Barry’s hire.
The addition of Brent Barry is expected to complete Budenholzer’s coaching staff in Phoenix. The staff already includes former Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale as a prominent assistant. The Suns aim to improve their performance after a disappointing first-round sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. Hiring Budenholzer as the head coach was the most significant move in their offseason efforts to bounce back.
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