GMs voted Suns’ Monty Williams as most likely coach to make the biggest impact on new team

The Phoenix Suns hiring Monty Williams to be their new head coach was arguably their biggest move of the offseason. Securing a veteran coach with previous experience is a foreign feeling for Phoenix, but one that’s pivotal to overall team success. Williams received a five-year contract from Suns owner Robert Sarver, which is a first under his ownership.

Plenty of trust has been put into the hands of Williams guiding this promising young core forward, and it’s drawing solid praise around the Association.

In the 2019-20 NBA GM Survey, which happens every year, Williams was voted by executives as the newest coach who will make the biggest impact. There should be no arguing that either, because the Suns desperately need a strong voice to lead them out of the irrelevancy abyss.

After Williams landed the top spot, here’s who was listed behind the Suns’ head coach:

Monty Williams, Suns = 43%

Frank Vogel, Lakers = 21%

Luke Walton, Kings = 18%

John Beilein, Cavaliers = 11%

Taylor Jenkins, Grizzlies = 7%

If the Lakers start out slow, Vogel’s hot seat will be burning instantly. So, the one who finished in second-place could be out of a job by February if LA falters at all with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Behind Vogel, Walton stands out as a coach who could keep Sacramento afloat after their surprising 2018-19 campaign.

When you see all of the talent on Phoenix’s roster, Williams has all the ingredients necessary to craft a turnaround for basketball in the Valley. A strong history of sustained success has laid dormant since Steve Nash’s exit.

Will Williams be able to help guide players like Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton down a similar path eventually? Don’t rule it out, because this is the most talented team Booker has had throughout his career thus far. Same goes for Ayton entering his sophomore season.

The buzz is obvious right now with Williams patrolling the sidelines in Phoenix. If he’s able to inspire a turnaround, Williams’ name will soar up top coaching lists people put together.

Wondering what rotation Williams will be working with during his first year in Phoenix? Here’s the projected rotation:

Starters = Ricky Rubio, Devin Booker, Kelly Oubre Jr., Dario Saric, Aron Baynes

Second Unit = Ty Jerome / Jevon Carter, Tyler Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Frank Kaminsky / Cameron Johnson, Aron Baynes