By Jordan Long
The Phoenix Suns ended 2019 a disappointing 19-63, the worst record in the Western Conference. The only team worse in the NBA was the New York Knicks who were 17-65. The Suns decided it was time to move on from Head Coach Igor Kokoskov after 1 season.
Kokoskov was hired by the Suns on May 2, 2018. This was after serving as the Utah Jazz Assistant Coach for 3 years. The Suns were hoping Kokoskov was the key for them to end their 8 year NBA playoff drought. They hadn’t made the postseason since 2010 nor had they finished above .500 since 2014.
It didn’t happen. The Suns started the season 1-0 but it was all downhill after that, losing 7 straight games. The Suns never recovered.
There were many reasons for the poor season. They weren’t able to score points on the offensive end. They missed too many wide open shots and scored 107.5 points per game, ranking 23rd in the NBA. On the defensive end, teams dictated the play and found easy looks at the basket for points. The Suns allowed 116.8 points per game, tied for 27th in the league. When it came to rebounds, the Suns couldn’t box anybody out and ended with 40.4 rebounds per game, last in the NBA.
Kokoskov never adjusted his game plan during games. It showed as the Suns were one of the worst teams in the league. The Suns felt it was time for him to go.
According to ESPN, Suns general manager James Jones said, “After extensive evaluation, I determined it is best to move in a different direction with our head coaching position. I want to thank Igor for his work this past season and wish him the best with his future endeavors.”
The Suns are now looking for a new Head Coach for the 5th time in 6 years. That is not a track record a franchise wants to have. They don’t allow coaches to stay that long when there is a poor season. A 1 year stint was not fair for Kokoskov. He deserved more time to prove he could turn the team around.
The Suns have a candidate in mind to take over their Head Coaching vacancy, Monty Williams who is currently the Philadelphia 76ers Assistant Coach. Williams has experience in the NBA as a Head Coach with New Orleans. He was there from 2010 to 2015. His record was an unimpressive 173-221 or a winning percentage of .439. New Orleans made the postseason twice under him. The Suns are hoping to interview him and hire him.
If Williams is hired, the Suns must give him more than a year. 1 year isn’t going to be enough for the team to improve in the standings. The Suns are going to do what they feel is best for the franchise moving forward.
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