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Phoenix Suns: 5 Long-Term Replacements For Jeff Hornacek

By Gerald Bourguet

Jan 8, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek in the second half against the Miami Heat at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Heat defeated the Suns 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek in the second half against the Miami Heat at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Heat defeated the Suns 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phoenix Suns
Apr 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks stands on the sidelines in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Scott Brooks

Say what you want about Scott Brooks and his lack of X’s and O’s knowledge with the game on the line, but the man played an important part in developing Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Serge Ibaka and Reggie Jackson into the monsters they are now.

The Suns are at something of a crossroads. Heading into the season, the team had playoff aspirations, but the team’s recent 2-19 skid has obviously put an end to those dreams. With Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight injured, the lion’s share of the backcourt minutes has gone to Archie Goodwin and Devin Booker, with the development of Alex Len and T.J. Warren being of the utmost importance as well.

Why is this relevant? Well, because McDonough could very easily surrender to this lost season, accept that his roster isn’t built to win games and blow it up with trades that push the Suns closer to the top-five pick that’s destined to come their way. In that scenario, and with the Suns all in on a long-term rebuild, having a cultivator of young talent like Brooks might not be the worst idea.

To be fair, Devin Booker is not Kevin Durant. Alex Len is not Serge Ibaka and T.J. Warren is not Russell Westbrook. But with so many young players thriving under his tutelage, Brooks would be a positive presence and a useful head coach to help the team transition into new, brighter era in the event of a full-scale rebuild.

Next: No. 1

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