Who is most responsible for the Phoenix Suns’ culture shift?

1. Monty Williams is most responsible for the Phoenix Suns’ culture shift

From the moment he stepped foot at what used to be Talking Stick Resort Arena, Monty Williams has set a tone for the Phoenix Suns organization. Though Jones was the one who hired him, Monty instantly left his imprint on every executive, player and staff member in Phoenix.

A kind man with a wealth of basketball knowledge, Williams took the components that Jones acquired and helped them figure out what to do with it. He quickly instilled an uptempo brand of offensive basketball that forced his roster to trust in their teammates. By doing this, Williams instilled confidence in the young players and got the best out of his veterans.

Though each player deserves credit for their own success, every player has discovered something unique about their game while under Monty. Even veterans like Aron Bayes and Ricky Rubio with established skillsets and defined roles flourished under his guidance.

Beyond that, Williams knows what it takes to win in the NBA and implemented strategies that forced his team to be competitive. He’s journeyed through locker rooms in Portland, New Orleans, OKC, Philly and San Antonio before finding his way to Phoenix.

All of his experience prepared him for another head coaching opportunity after a five-year hiatus that included a traumatizing family tragedy. Williams’ perseverance made him the inaugural recipient of the NBA’s Sager Strong Award — Not because of his wife’s passing, but because of the way he overcame it.

Williams commands respect without having to bark at his players to gain their attention. His wisdom attracts attention and his words connect with players. He believes in his players and buys into their success, forcing them to do the same. When he took over, the tone of the Suns’ locker room shifted and boys became men.

Between his leadership, basketball intellect, veteran experience and kind spirit, Monty Williams changed the way that the Phoenix Suns looked at themselves. Now that this has settled in and the Suns understand their own potential, they can finally take steps toward making the postseason and fighting for the right to be there.

The right coach can shift a franchise’s outlook and it seems like Williams has done that in Phoenix.