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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
May 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 106-91. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Tom Thibodeau

Whether the Suns commit to a full-scale rebuild through the draft or simply try to retool the roster for another run at a playoff spot next year, Tom Thibodeau is the best coach available on the NBA coaching market right now. Period.

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There are plenty of caveats that would come with a hire like this. Thibs is notorious for running his players into the ground, for not using his bench enough and for not getting enough out of his team’s offense. As a top-tier candidate, it’s unknown whether or not he’d even be interested in committing to a dumpster fire situation like the one in Phoenix, especially since the front office’s reputation hasn’t been great over the last few years.

With players demanding trades and McDonough treating players like Pokemon cards, the Suns haven’t appeared to be the most functional organization in the world. Considering the way Thibodeau left his last job due to an uncomfortable relationship with the front office, jumping back into another tumultuous situation might not be his top choice.

But for a Suns team that wants to commit to the defensive end and re-establish a winning culture again, Thibs is the best solution. He and Tyson Chandler could mold Alex Len into a bonafide defensive anchor. He could improve Booker, Warren, Goodwin and maybe even Knight’s flaws on that end, and you can be guaranteed he wouldn’t put up with 99 percent of whatever crap Hornacek may or may not have tolerated during his tenure.

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Whether the Suns are looking for a win-now move or whether they’re looking to take the longer road back to NBA relevance and establish a more lasting identity, Tom Thibodeau is the guy that should be at the top of their wish list.

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