Phoenix Suns: 5 reasons Igor Kokoskov was a great hire
2. A developmental coach
The potential Doncic-Dragic connection isn’t the only reason Kokoskov is such a good hire for the Suns, but it does tie in with one of the biggest reasons this was such a good personnel move: Kokoskov is well known for his abilities as a developmental coach.
With Devin Booker (21), Josh Jackson (20), Marquese Chriss (20), Dragan Bender (20) and another top-four rookie representing Phoenix’s core, that’s exactly the kind of coach this team needs.
Kokoskov is simply a terrific hire by the Suns....Great coach, expert at development and fits so well with a young roster.....
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) May 2, 2018
Watson was a “player’s coach,” but all that means these days is someone young who the players like but don’t really respect or learn anything from. The lack of basketball knowledge quickly left the Suns wanting.
Jay Triano did about as good a job as could be expected given the injuries he had to work with, but he never really jumped off the page in terms of implementing a system either. That’s difficult to do without a training camp with such a young group, but even with the progress Booker and Jackson made, Chriss and Bender only showed flashes.
As I said on the pod a while back, my favorite thing about Kokoskov is he's going to know exactly what he wants to do with each player right away. Indecision has really hurt the development of some of the younger guys.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) May 2, 2018
Bringing in a basketball mind with an emphasis on development will put these young players in positions to succeed. Bender’s ability to make plays and turn rebounds into fast breaks will be encouraged now. Chriss’ athleticism and rim-running will be properly utilized.
Jackson’s intelligence as a slasher will get even more dangerous, and all of this will help make Booker’s life easier. This is an intelligent X’s and O’x coach who will make ball movement and floor-spacing the focal points of his team’s offense.
Suns are in the developmental stage of rebuild—with another top pick on the way—and they just hired a guy known for being a great developmental coach. Smart hire by Ryan McDonough.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) May 3, 2018
After sophomore slumps for Chriss, Bender and Tyler Ulis, bringing in a guy who can help them reach their potential and put Booker and Jackson in positions to be even better represents a savvy move for the Suns.