Robert Sarver is an American businessman and the owner of the Phoenix Suns, a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Sarver purchased the Suns in 2004 and has been actively involved in the team's operations ever since.
Under Sarver's ownership, the Suns have had their ups and downs. In the early years, the team was successful, making it to the Western Conference Finals in 2005 and 2006. However, the team struggled in the following years, missing the playoffs for several seasons in a row.
Sarver has been known for his hands-on approach to team management. He has been involved in player personnel decisions and has been criticized for some of his choices. In 2008, he fired head coach Mike D'Antoni, who had led the team to its previous success, and replaced him with Terry Porter. The move was unpopular with fans and players alike, and Porter was fired mid-season.
In recent years, the Suns have seen a resurgence under Sarver's ownership. In 2018, the team hired head coach Monty Williams, who has helped lead the team to success. In the 2020-2021 season, the Suns made it to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993, ultimately losing to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Off the court, Sarver has been involved in several controversies. In 2018, he was accused of making racist and sexist comments to team employees. He denied the allegations, but the NBA launched an investigation into the matter. In 2020, Sarver was also criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some employees alleging that he put profits over safety.
Despite these controversies, Sarver remains a prominent figure in the NBA. He has been involved in several league-wide initiatives, including the NBA's social justice efforts. He has also been a vocal advocate for small-market teams, pushing for changes to the league's revenue-sharing model.
Overall, Sarver's tenure as owner of the Phoenix Suns has been marked by both success and controversy. While he has been criticized for some of his decisions, he has also helped lead the team to new heights in recent years. As the NBA continues to evolve, it remains to be seen what role Sarver will play in the league's future.
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