Phoenix Suns: 5 reasons Igor Kokoskov was a great hire

The Phoenix Suns have found their new head coach in former assistant coach Igor Kokoskov. Here are five reasons he’s a great hire for a rebuilding franchise.

Heading into the most important offseason in franchise history, the Phoenix Suns had a laundry list of tasks to accomplish. With a top-four pick in the draft, a vacant head coaching position, a potential max extension for Devin Booker and gaping needs at both point guard and center, general manager Ryan McDonough was facing more pressure than ever before.

However, the most pressing matter was installing a full-time head coach before diving into the NBA Draft Lottery and pre-draft workouts. McDonough said the team would dive into the search right after exit interviews in order to have a new head coach before the draft lottery, and he delivered after a thorough interview process.

After meeting with everyone from Mike Budenholzer, David Fizdale and Steve Clifford to Jason Kidd and Vinny Del Negro, the Suns got their guy Tuesday afternoon.

As first reported by ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, current Utah Jazz assistant Igor Kokoskov will be taking over the reins as soon as the Jazz are done with their current playoff run. Per Woj, he will be signed to a three-year deal.

At 46 years old, the Serbian-born Kokoskov will become the 19th head coach in franchise history. In a statement, McDonough said, “Igor has been a pioneer throughout his basketball career and he brings a wealth of high level coaching experience to our club.”

He added, “Igor’s teams have always had a player development focus, a creative style of play and a track record of success.”

The Suns have filled in the first box on their summer to-do list with an emphatic checkmark, but for those unfamiliar with Igor Kokoskov and what he brings to the table, here’s why he represents such a promising hire for this franchise.