Top-10 things to watch over the last ten games

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 14: Head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns applauds from the sideline during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Jay Triano is coaching for his future

Jay Triano is a smart guy. I believe that he is a good head coach and deserves the opportunity to come back to helm the Phoenix Suns for the foreseeable future.

I also think that there is a very good chance that he will return because of one specific reason: he’s toeing the company line and following through with the tank. While Earl Watson whined and complained last season, Triano understands what General Manager Ryan McDonough is attempting to build and knows that if DeAndre Ayton remains in Arizona then the Phoenix Suns will be much better team over the next decade.

What to watch for is not if he continues to do this, but if his willingness actually does guarantee him the lead position on the bench next season. It also depends on if Triano wants to be the head coach next year – he said recently that he would, but he started out his tenure as the franchise’s interim by noting that he prefers the behind the scenes role of an assistant coach and not the out-in-front-of-the-camera stuff that a head coach has to do.

McDonough will interview other coaches. He’ll stretch from current assistants, to re-treads, and even down into the college ranks. But will any of them be a guaranteed improvement over Triano? Give Triano better talent and he will be a better head coach. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to extend Triano as a thank you for going through the tanking process without hesitation and complaint.

If Triano wants the position back then he very well be a lock to receieve it. At the same time, if he doesn’t then he will be allowed to gracefully exit. It’ll be interesting to see when this season wraps up what he wants to do.

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