Brian Keefe's inaugural season as head coach of the Washington Wizards was marked by disappointing results, culminating in a ranking as the worst coach in the NBA according to an anonymous poll of players. With the Wizards finishing with an abysmal 18-64 record, players pointed to Keefe's inability to improve a porous defense and an inefficient offense, as evidenced by two dramatic losing streaks of 16 games each.

Despite leading the team to a slight improvement from the previous season's 15-67 finish, the Wizards still ended the year as one of the league's bottom feeders. Only the Utah Jazz recorded more losses. Many players abstained from ranking coaches, suggesting that external factors, such as injuries and player performance, heavily influence a coach's effectiveness.

Mike Budenholzer's tenure as head coach of the Phoenix Suns has ended after just one season, following a disappointing 36-46 campaign that culminated in a missed playoff berth. Owner Mat Ishbia labeled his hiring as a mistake, acknowledging that Budenholzer's hard-nosed coaching style did not resonate well with the team. This was particularly evident in his relationships with players like Jusuf Nurkic, who expressed a lack of communication with the coach during the season.

Analysts, including Eddie Johnson, noted that Budenholzer's old-school approach might work for some players, but it requires a balance of assertiveness and empathy that he seemingly failed to provide. His demanding style did not sit well with seasoned veterans like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, leading to a lack of trust in the locker room. The friction between Budenholzer and the team's stars, highlighted by reported disagreements, ultimately sealed his fate in Phoenix.

The Phoenix Suns are in search of a new head coach after parting ways with Mike Budenholzer, marking another year of instability for the franchise. Recent trends suggest the team's focus is shifting towards finding a coach capable of revamping their locker room dynamics, which have reportedly deteriorated under previous leadership. With talent like Devin Booker, who many believe should be prioritized for retention, the Suns must consider a coach who can create a cohesive and productive environment.

Candidates like Willie Green, Kevin Young, and Royal Ivey have emerged as potential fits due to their prior connections with the franchise and their offensive coaching capabilities. Green's familiarity with the Suns' peak era and Young's previous role as an offensive assistant under Monty Williams enhance their qualifications. The Suns' coaching search is becoming urgent as they look to rebuild a competitive culture while navigating trade talks involving star players like Kevin Durant.

Tommy Helms, the former Cincinnati Reds infielder and 1966 National League Rookie of the Year, has passed away at the age of 83. He was a two-time All-Star and a significant figure in Reds history, celebrated for his contributions on the field.

The Phoenix Suns have made a major change, parting ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer after a single season. Under his leadership, the team finished with a disappointing 36-46 record, raising questions about the future direction of the franchise.

In MLB news, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has been selected to make his Team USA debut in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, a promising development for fans eager to see him compete on the international stage.

In an emotional turn, Kyren Lacy, a former LSU wide receiver, tragically passed away. His father, Kenny Lacy, has reached out to other parents to emphasize the importance of checking in on their children.

As the NBA play-in tournament approaches, the Atlanta Hawks will face the Orlando Magic, while the Memphis Grizzlies will challenge the Golden State Warriors, setting the stage for an exciting postseason.

Rory McIlroy overcame familiar challenges to secure his first Masters title, edging out competitors like Justin Rose, who had a strong showing early in the tournament.