Phoenix Suns: 5 candidates to replace Ryan McDonough as GM
2. Mike Zarren
Another less known name who would probably be a great hire, Mike Zarren currently serves as an assistant GM for the Boston Celtics. While Suns fans might be wary of another Danny Ainge disciple following up McDonough, Zarren is more than ready for a full-time GM job.
He turned down an offer from the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2013 before they hired Sam Hinkie, according to the Boston Herald, and he was in the running for the Sixers’ recent vacancy before they ultimately settled on Elton Brand.
Mike Zarren is really, really good at his job.
— Sam Hinkie (@samhinkie) January 4, 2017
Wouldn't underestimate him in his next one. https://t.co/EXCHRYYJ2v pic.twitter.com/2h9SheaAUD
Zarren is an analytics guy with an established reputation and would be a great fit with the Suns, who need to get Igor Kokoskov the right pieces to make his offensive system work. If the word “analytics” scares some people off, just keep in mind, not every GM has to be distant and bad at building player relationships.
Boston has a terrific track record in the draft and with player transactions over the last few years. Phoenix would be a much harder sell after working for his favorite childhood team for so long, but if he’s ready to make the leap as a GM, the Suns have a very clear vacancy.