Suns Pay Tribute to Former Coach Monty Williams

Former Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams was applauded prior to tonight's matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

PHOENIX -- It's the first time since former Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams has stepped back on the court of Footprint Center since his departure at the end of the 2023 postseason. 

Williams - leading the Detroit Pistons into town - helped guide the Suns to new heights after taking over some short years to go, and his efforts were indeed not forgotten. 

Phoenix gave their former head man in charge quite the recognition with a video tribute prior to the game:

#Suns welcome Monty Williams back to the Valley! @InsideTheSunsFN @DonnieDruin pic.twitter.com/O2NTwgvWpA

— Kev (@khicks_21) February 15, 2024

When speaking with reporters before tonight, Williams was emotional in reminscing on his time with the organization:

“I don’t know man, it is just a different deal because of the relationships here, the people I got to work with and coach, where I was at the time, getting an opportunity to come here and coach, the partnership I had with the players here, in particular Devin (Booker). Then the stuff that happened off the floor with my family, I thought about it last night when we were going to the hotel," said Williams. 

"You see the hospital where your child was treated, then when we left my wife had a situation, all that stuff was a part of the journey. I just think about how blessed I was to coach here in this city, coach this team, and all that stuff that happened here was a huge treat for me and my family. I just have a great sense of gratitude, then there is the competitiveness that comes out. I woke up and did my study time, then got right to work. 

"It is just the range of emotions, I was blessed to be here and just thankful for the opportunity that I and the staff with me got here in this city with this organization.”