Phoenix Suns: 5 reasons Igor Kokoskov was a great hire
3. The Team Slovenia connection
First, we need to acknowledge one important disclaimer: Hiring Igor Kokoskov does not mean the Suns will take Luka Doncic in the 2018 NBA Draft, nor does it mean their new head coach will have any say in the matter.
However, given their relationship between these two Serbians from their time together with Team Slovenia, it’s impossible to avoid connecting the dots here.
For starters, yes: Kokoskov is intimately familiar with Doncic’s game. He was his head coach at EuroBasket 2017, where he, Doncic and tournament MVP Goran Dragic led Slovenia to the gold medal. It’s probably not surprising that Kokoskov is very high on Doncic’s NBA potential:
Here’s a quick reminder on what the new Suns head coach thinks of Luka Doncic. pic.twitter.com/qY7SvD1fI1
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 2, 2018
Again, this doesn’t automatically pigeonhole the Suns into selecting Doncic if they earn the No. 1 pick in the draft. They may not even get a chance at Doncic if they fall to No. 2, No. 3 or No. 4 in the NBA Draft Lottery.
However, this hire does signify that the Suns are ready to embrace a more modern, European style of basketball predicated on ball and player movement. In that kind of offensive system, it’s tantalizing to think about how Doncic and Devin Booker might fit together in the backcourt under their new coach.
If the Suns earn the top pick, they’ll take whoever they think is best, regardless of fit — whether that’s Doncic, DeAndre Ayton, Jaren Jackson Jr., Marvin Bagley III or someone else. Still, given how successful Doncic was at EuroBasket, and how much easier Kokoskov made things for him, if that is the outcome on draft night, no Suns fan should be disappointed.
Kokoskov did a great job of putting Doncic in positions to succeed @ Eurobasket. Got the defense moving side to side before bringing Doncic off a ball screen going right w' a spaced floor. He's at his best when he can catch on the move & pick teams apart. https://t.co/FjeHn0rPwU pic.twitter.com/wotl0H5uoN
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) May 2, 2018
There’s also the other member of Team Slovenia to consider, Goran Dragic. The Miami Heat still have him under contract through 2019, with a hefty $19.2 million player option for the 2019-20 season. Dragic would be foolish to opt out of that kind of money next summer when he’ll be 32 years old.
However, the Heat have a bunch of good-to-great players without any bona fide stars, and that could make Pat Riley more willing to deal his first-time All-Star if it helps clear out cap room for a franchise superstar.
Historically, the Suns aren’t averse to bringing back former fan favorites for the right price, and given Dragic’s repaired relationship with McDonough and his affinity for Kokoskov, signing him to a fair deal in 2020 free agency (most likely in a reduced role) might not be a terrible idea either.
I like the Igor Kokoškov signing but will love it if they get the chance to draft Doncic and/or trade for Goran.
— Espo (@Espo) May 2, 2018
Igor is a great hire to develop the young players based on his track record.
An aging Dragic on his currently massive salary doesn’t sound enticing, but his game isn’t dependent on athleticism and Kokoskov would be able to get the most out of him. It’s probably wishful thinking to envision Team Slovenia reunited in Phoenix, especially since Doncic would likely take on most of the ball-handling duties, making the need for Dragic much less convincing.
However, if the Suns miss out on Doncic in the draft and still need a point guard, or if the 6’6″ Doncic plays the wing spot and Dragic can be signed for a more reasonable price down the road, Kokoskov’s connection with both guards could be instrumental to installing a dynamic offense around Booker.