After a 4-1 stretch following the firing of Earl Watson and hiring of Jay Triano, Suns fans were extatic: it seemed that Phoenix had found it’s new head coach.
But then reality brought the Suns back down and the team looks nearly as hapless as before the coaching change, with very little in the win column to show for it.
There is no doubt that Triano is a far suprerior head coach to Earl Watson. From everything that has been seen regarding the changes that Triano has brought, there is no reason to ever doubt the hfiring of Watson and hiring of Triano. Everything from better organized practices, movement on offense and a loss of isolation, energy from the players, the loss of ridiculously over-philosophical answers to simple basketball questions, certain young players not being given free passes for terrible on court play and attitude, and the growth of both Dragan Bender and Alex Len who now each look much better than at any point in their careers, there are a large number of improvements for the team that makes Earl Watson look that much worse and Jay Triano look that much better.
Phoenix Suns
However, even with all of that, and another recent stretch of victories but this time without Devin Booker, there is still a certain level of improvement and change that makes many fans look longingly around the league for the next head coach, this one for the long-term.
The most glaring example of a lack of improvement, the area that under Watson seemed like it would have been the easiest aspect to fix, comes on the defensive end.
While it’s taken some time to diminish somewhat, the Suns had been allowing the third most points per game in franchise history, a number that even spiked under Triano when not counting Watson’s first three games. Currently sitting at 113.3ppg allowed, that ties the scoring allowed from last season, a dismal number for a team who cannot outscore anyone on any given night, and still the fourth worst mark in the team’s 50-year history.
In fact, the Suns are only scoring 106.0ppg themselves, 1.7 points below their season average of last season – and this include Devin Booker, T.J. Warren, Dragan Bender, and Alex Len’s best statistical seasons of their careers.
That all being said, there is enough evidence for someone to make the argument that the Suns should retain Triano and extend him beyond this season especially with the idea that there is a chance that the Suns will add another young star in either the trade, through trade, or free agency.
And yet, there just doesn’t seem to be the emotional connection to Triano that many fan bases have with their head coaches, something that is not necessarily important, yet palpable.
As many improvements as there has been seen on the court with Triano, the idea that newer is always better might be what is most permeating throughout the Valley of the Suns. Triano himself doesn’t have the fire, the edge, or a specific genius about him that would drive the fanbase to fall in love with, and defend, to the bitter end. His personality is so calm and professional, and he is not known as either a specific offensive or defensive genius, his ability to mentor and right the ship just doesn’t seem to be enough to give confidence that he can take the Suns to the next level.
To me, as subjective and superficial as that is, it is what it is. Triano just doesn’t look the part of a head coach who can be the future of a franchise, with at least one budding superstar on the roster, and lead them to the promised land.
This is unfair, but when you think about it, you know it’s true.
Next: Dan Majerle should be the Suns’ next Head Coach
Whether or not Triano has any interest in returning should be moot. General Manager Ryan McDonough already be working on a list – and checking it twice – with the goal of finding not only the next great head coach, but one who will be the face of the sideline that excites fans and the team alike.
Whoever that guy might be remains to be seen. Jay Triano, though, should not be retained beyond this season.