Phoenix Suns: 5 candidates to replace Igor Kokoskov as head coach

1. Dave Joerger

If the Suns walk out of this dumpster fire of a decision with Dave Joerger, maybe it’d all be worth it. Monty Williams sounds like Phoenix’s prime target, but we’ve seen this organization misfire all too many times. What if Joerger wound up being the one to fall into the Suns’ laps?

Heading into the 2018-19 campaign, the Suns were supposed to be a young team on the rise that was ready to take a step forward in a more enjoyable season after years of failed rebuilds. They wouldn’t make the playoffs, sure, but ideally, they’d approach 30-35 wins and inspire hope that a return to the postseason was on the horizon in 2020.

That description never wound up applying to Phoenix, but it sure as hell did to the Sacramento Kings under Joerger’s influence. Organizational turmoil (go KANGZ!) led to his firing when Vlade Divac earned an extension, but Joerger had his team playing at a fun, frenetic pace and coaxed real growth out of De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III, Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic and the rest of the young core.

That is exactly what Phoenix needs right now. They need someone with NBA experience (check) who’s an established name (check), can help the youngsters improve (check), make the team more enjoyable to watch (check) and has actually won with established players (check).

Joerger’s overall record in his six seasons as an NBA coach may only be 245-247 (.498), but for the last three years, he’s been in charge of Kings teams still trying to find their way. They got much closer to doing so with a 39-win season this year, far exceeding expectations and putting the franchise back on a winning path.

Joerger also enjoyed three winning seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, including a 55-win season and conference semifinals appearance in 2015. Clashes and discord with the front office in Memphis and Sacramento led to his outing both times, which could be a red flag in Phoenix, but neither instance really seemed like his fault.

If the Suns are trying to establish a foundation with a new front office and give Devin Booker and company some much-needed stability, Dave Joerger feels like the best-case scenario. Here’s hoping the Grizzlies don’t scoop him up first now that they’ve got a vacancy again ….