In the month of May 2019, Monty Williams was hired as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns. In the year 2021, Williams led the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993.
The Suns Coaching Staff also includes Bryan Gates, Steve Scalzi, Michael Ruffin, and Jarrett Jack. All of them are very familiar and blend in really well with head coach Williams.
“Every time we’ve been in here these last couple of weeks, every day, every hour we’ve been in here, you see them in these windows having meetings,” said Cam Johnson.
Cam Johnson said these things when asked about the bond of Williams with other staff. He also revealed that this bond is developed because they are very familiar with Williams.
Recently, during Monday's media day Williams was also seen making some joke about the number of children Ruffin and said “Ruff has like 26 kids, man.”
Talking about Ruffin, he has spent six years of his life in New Orleans. He joined the franchise in the year 2014 and left in 2020.
In the year 2014, Ruffin made the decision to join the franchise in order to work in player development for Monty Williams.
Before joining Williams, Ruffin played nine seasons in the NBA. He played his final season in Portland in 2008-09.
At the time of Ruffin's final match, Monty Williams was beleived to be working with Trail Blazers under Nate McMillan as an assistant.