Valley of the Suns
Fansided

The Phoenix Suns should have Jay Triano in their long term plans

By Lucas Johnson

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Interim head coach Jay Triano has shown plenty of leadership even before Christmas to warrant serious consideration to remove the interim from his title.

It’s no secret that interim head coach Jay Triano has the Phoenix Suns playing much better basketball since he took charge of the club early this season. He has led the franchise to a 11-19 record since taking over for former head coach Earl Watson. That, along with other more important factors, is why the Suns should retain Triano as their head coach beyond this season.

Now don’t be mistaken, Suns’ general manager Ryan McDonough should still conduct an offseason coaching search that includes interviewing other candidates. It would be irresponsible for McDonough not to go through the process. However at the end of the day, Triano should be the last man standing with the head coach position.

More from Valley of the Suns

According to azcentral, both Devin Booker and Alex Len want Triano to keep his head coach title. Obviously, if the franchise player and arguably the team’s best center, who will be a free agent this summer, want Triano to stay as head coach, it’s an important fact that McDonough should note. As noted by azcentral, it’s good to have the franchise player and the head coach to be in a good place, like Triano and Booker are. Len seemed to imply, that keeping Triano on could definitely help in any contract negotiations the Suns would have with the center.

The team has seen dramatic improvement in points, assists, offensive rating, defensive rating, opponent’s field goal percentage and opponent’s 3-point percentage under Triano, according to azcentral.

There is another aspect to look at with Triano: his impact on player development since his takeover. Len, T.J. Warren and Dragan Bender have had better seasons under Triano than they did under Watson last season. Len’s averaging nearly a double-double, Warren has increased his scoring and Bender has become a much better 3-point shooter compared to his first season.

Next: Phoenix Suns roundtable: Best draft prospect for franchise

Jay Triano has what it takes to be the Phoenix Suns’ head coach beyond this season. With the team’s improved play, player support and player improvement on this resume, there is no reason why McDonough shouldn’t choose Triano at the end of the day. dill

Home/Suns News