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.
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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.
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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