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The Phoenix Suns have fired Igor Kokoskov. The news was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski, and I confirmed the report directly with the Suns.
Kokoskov was the Suns coach for just one season, marking a coaching change in each of young star Devin Booker’s first four seasons of his career. Four years, four coaches.
Maybe this means the Suns have a great, incredible, proven coach in the pipeline ready to work for them? Or maybe it just means they’re still trying to find some direction.
Per Woj, the Suns might actually have a plan this time.
Suns had planned to bring Kokoskov back for a second season, especially after the team's stronger play in late stages of the season. Kokoskov has been a well-respected tactician who becomes another victim of the constant turnover in Phoenix. https://t.co/OgHCTGCTH7
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 23, 2019
Here's a factor in the timing of Kokoskov's dismissal: The Suns are planning to target Philadelphia 76ers assistant Monty Williams, league sources tell ESPN. Lakers are planning a second interview with Williams soon, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 23, 2019
After the Suns hired Jeff Bower, they had plenty of chances to commit to Kokoskov but declined to talk to any media once the season was over.
Monty Williams actually took over the coaching job in New Orleans after Bower was fired and Dell Demps got the General Manager job there. Williams coached several seasons in NOLA, only leaving the position when he faced a terrible tragedy in his life with the loss of his wife. He’s lately been an assistant in Philadelphia and is considered a major candidate for another head coach job.
This or something like it better be true, because I feel bad for Igor. And if the Suns are going to replace him, they’d damn well better bring in someone clearly better at coaching in the NBA.
Kokoskov even knew his job was unsafe after an up and mostly down year as a first year head coach of a roster that did not even have a starting caliber point guard, or even a backup caliber point guard, for most of the season.
I can’t imagine any rookie coach succeeding with this roster, and it’s quite clear the young players all improved this season. Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Dragan Bender all noticeably improved throughout the season in ways that none of the prior coaches have succeeded since the latest rebuild began.
There were in-game communication issues, though, given Igor’s heavy accent and low register.
And now Devin Booker will have his fifth coach in less than four years since being taken with the 13th overall pick in 2015.
And Josh Jackson will have his fourth coach in less than two years since being taken 4th overall in 2017.
Good job, Suns.