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The Phoenix Suns have identified the head coach that will guide the team to its first championship in franchise history, but the offseason drama is far from over.
Wednesday it was revealed that Igor Kokoskov would be named the 19th head coach in Suns history. So far we know it will be a 3-year deal for the 46-year-old who has 18 years of experience in the NBA but will be a head coach for the first time.
Thursday we were treated to a report that David Fizdale, formerly of the Memphis Grizzlies. had inked a 4-year deal to become the head coach of the New York Knicks. He has 101 games of head coaching experience on his resume, all in Memphis, and was fired after starting last season 7-12.
Then we got this fun bit of information:
David Fizdale passed on a 4-year offer from the Phoenix Suns before eventually accepting a 4-year offer from the New York Knicks to become head coach, league sources told The Athletic. https://t.co/lcWeTHjUpZ
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 3, 2018
If true it’s a bad look for Phoenix.
Particularly after free agent coaching commodity Mike Budenholzer dismissed himself from the Suns’ search. Ultimately, did Phoenix get their guy? Sure, after their guy and their guy after their guy said ‘thanks but no thanks.’
Of course that should not in any way deter you from backing Kokoskov 100%. He absolutely could be the best of the bunch. Or the worst.
Personally, I’m going to choose not to celebrate a damn thing until the Suns manage to not get beat by 40 with regularity. So I’m going to reserve praise until October. New coach? Number one pick? Big deal. Win some effing games.
If I’m bumming you out and you’re all about Igor, read Evan’s article on how Ryan McDonough finally did a good thing.