A colleague of mine posted the following article, which really made me stop and consider the question:
Mikal Bridges may just have a point. Let’s look at Williams’ record as head coach in his four years as leader of the Suns:
2019-2020: 34-39 – No Playoffs
2020-2021: 51-21 – Playoffs 14-8
2021-2022” 64-18 – Playoffs 7-6
2022-2023 45-37 – Playoffs 6-5
3 playoff appearances sure does look good on any coaching resume, but the 2020-2021 season is especially impactful. Williams, in his time as coach, managed to take the Suns to their 3rd Finals appearance ever.