Monty Williams reflects on joining Suns, finds COY award ’embarrassing’

Known for his steadiness that’s reflected in his Phoenix Suns’ own consistency and unwavering confidence, head coach Monty Williams found it hard to talk about any emotions felt after receiving the National Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year honor Tuesday.

Feeling “humbled” was one, because the NBCA award is voted upon by NBA head coaches, Williams’ peers.

“Overwhelmed” was another.

But because Williams is only one man in an organization who last year ended a four-year stretch in which the team failed to win 25 games and this season saw the team go 51-21, the head coach said he also felt embarrassment.

“It really reflects a number of efforts and sacrifices by so many people: the players being No. 1; our staff that grind every single day; the people who work in this building and downtown,” Williams said from the team’s practice facility Tuesday.

“This is a residual effect of a lot of effort. That part of it is a bit embarrassing that you get to have your name out there like that. It certainly is a team effort.”

Williams might be up for more embarrassment as he’s a favorite to also win the NBA Coach of the Year honor, a separate award voted on by a panel of NBA sportswriters.

That will be left for another day.

Tuesday, it was back to work for the Suns as they ramp up preparation for the playoffs that begin at Phoenix Suns Arena this Sunday.

Williams said the team helped celebrate his honor around a film session Tuesday. Afterward, point guard Chris Paul said Williams’ attention to detail, values and discipline act as everyday reminders for the team to find success.

“Hate to say I told you so but … that had a lot to do with why I wanted to come play here, because I knew the attention to detail and the discipline that he requires,” Paul said.

Torrey Craig, a midseason trade acqusition who was thrust into the rotation on the very first night he was available, said Williams’ trust in his players stands out.

“Once you’re out there, it gives you the confidence to play freely, and I think that’s a huge part of why we’ve had the season we’ve had,” the forward said.

But the NBCA Coach of the Year announcement also gave Williams the chance to show his appreciation for his players and staffers, who worked together to give the franchise its first playoff berth since 2010 and first Pacific Division win since 2007.

“When I wasn’t a head coach, when I got fired in New Orleans (in 2015), I had basically one prayer,” Williams said. “If I ever got a chance to be a head coach again, I wanted to have a job that I enjoyed and be in a city I enjoyed living in and have a chance to compete at a high level. All of those things have been answered, and I thank God for that.”

Two summers ago, the Suns pegged Williams to take over a franchise that had won 19 games the year prior.

While it had young talents like Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges on the roster, general manager James Jones had yet to prove himself as a capable roster builder. Owner Robert Sarver likewise was at a crossroads with the team floundering through roster, coaching and executive turnover for the better part of a decade.

Williams, like he’s done in the past, on Tuesday tried to tamp down the rumor that the Los Angeles Lakers had also heavily pursued him as a head coaching candidate back in 2019.

Williams said Sarver and Jones gave him his only offer — and he’s thankful for taking it.

“I was OK with being an assistant if the right situation didn’t come up,” Williams said. “I had overwhelming peace about coming here to Phoenix because it fit a number of things I was looking for, especially for my family and the opportunity to build something that we thought potentially could be special.

“We’re still striving for that.”

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