1. He’s an experienced, modern coach too
If it sounds like Igor Kokoskov is just another babysitter for the Suns, or simply intended for a union with Luka Doncic, make no mistake about it: The guy has all the traits of a modern NBA coach as well.
Quality hire by the Suns. Not because Igor Kokoskov breaks ground as the first coach raised in Europe to get the big chair in the NBA, but because everyone he's work with praises him as a coach. He deserved a shot.
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) May 2, 2018
Kokoskov has been an assistant in the NBA since 2000, spending time with the Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz. He’s also served as an assistant for Serbia and Montenegro’s national team, the head coach of Georgia’s national team and the head coach of Slovenia’s national team.
With Georgia, he helped them qualify for EuroBasket three times, which had never happened before in the nation’s history. With Slovenia, he helped them win their first European championship in team history at EuroBasket, posting a perfect 9-0 record in the process.
He was an assistant with the Pistons during their championship run in 2004, with the Suns for Steve Nash‘s final years and has been an assistant on seven NBA teams that reached the conference finals, including two that reached the Finals. Suffice it to say he’s deserving of the respect he’s earned throughout his coaching career.
A big moment for Igor Kokoskov was the gold medal he won coaching Slovenia at EuroBasket last summer. Lot of NBA-types took notice. He’s as respected as they get in the assistant ranks.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) May 3, 2018
It’s rare that a Suns personnel decision is almost unanimously endorsed around the league, but hiring Igor Kokoskov seems to fit the bill.
Historic day in the NBA and an admirable hire by the Suns, who get an on-the-rise coach rated highly by virtually everyone who has worked with him https://t.co/nkjYvAabra
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 2, 2018
Putting a quality coaching staff around him will be key, and a widely praised coaching hire won’t turn the franchise around overnight.
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However, step one for the offseason was finding a head coach who could implement a successful system to help a young core get better. From all the positive buzz to the Team Slovenia connection to a more modern offense to his developmental skills, Igor Kokoskov accomplishes exactly that for the Phoenix Suns.