San Antonio Spurs vice president of basketball operations Brent Barry has left the front office to join Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer’s staff, per ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski.
Brent Barry — who spent the past six seasons in the Spurs’ front office — is joining the Phoenix Suns as an assistant coach, sources tell ESPN. Barry was part of two NBA titles in a 14-year playing career. pic.twitter.com/efIe2RRE6e
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 23, 2024
Spurs Lose Former NBA Sharpshooter Brent Barry to Suns
Barry is the first person to make the move from the front office to the bench since Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Adding another layer to the move is that Barry, like Kerr, is a former NBA sharpshooter who has won multiple championships. Perhaps inspired by Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick following his passion to the sidelines, the 14-year NBA veteran is embarking on a brand new journey for the first time in six years.
His experience playing with the Spurs is a boon for Phoenix. San Antonio is team that’s focused on the same principles under Gregg Popovich. As a result, Barry’s addition could lead to an increased emphasis on ball-movement and quick decision-making. That not only raises their offensive ceiling by generating more and higher quality shots, it benefits a team that needs to feed three stars.
It’s worth noting that Budenholzer is sure to home in on the 3-ball. This is because Barry would be a coach who can also help players thrive off-ball with hands-on development. A career 40.5 percent 3-point shooter and the 2003 3-Point Contest winner, he’d likely help defensive ace Josh Okogie the most.
Internal Hires On The Way?
The Spurs will have big shoes to fill considering the authority that Barry possessed. An educated guess places general manager Brian Wright, who has been with San Antonio since 2016, at the top of the pile as they look for his replacement. Beginning his career as a scouting coordinator for the Orlando Magic in 2006, the former D3 star has a wealth of experience and knowledge about the game.
In hiring a general manager in place of Wright, San Antonio could go in several directions. Former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager and Atlanta Hawks president Danny Ferry, now a basketball operations consultant for the Spurs, could be in the mix. Of note, Ferry was San Antonio’s vice president of basketball operations in the 2010-111 and 2011-12 seasons. With his background and success with the Spurs, Cavs, and Hawks, he’s shown he can man the post.
In fact, he could also be in consideration for the vice president vacancy, though Wright has more familiarity with the franchise.
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