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What the next Phoenix Suns’ head coach should be able to do

By Lucas Johnson

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 3: Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns coaches against the Denver Nuggets on January 3, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 3: Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns coaches against the Denver Nuggets on January 3, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The next Phoenix Suns’ head coach needs to have three essential skills and the  ability to implement them if the franchise wants to see a turn around next season.

In the past, I have wrote about how interim head coach Jay Triano should the Phoenix Suns head coach beyond this season. However, do to how the Suns are most likely finishing the season with the worst record or at least one of the worst records, my position has changed. While there are plenty of options for the head coaching position going into the offseason, there are three abilities the next head coach needs to possess. The next Suns’ head coach should be able to effectively develop players, implement an effective defensive system and an offense that has solid ball movement.

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

Players like Devin Booker, T.J. Warren and Josh Jackson have been outliers for the Suns in regards to player development. Most players have experienced little to any development while on the Suns. Granted some of that was former head coach Earl Watson‘s fault, the Suns’ still haven’t seen much if any development from players like Dragan Bender, Alex Len, Tyler Ulis and Marquese Chriss. Unless something drastic happens, it’s all but assured that the Suns are going to get another top lottery pick and whoever is the Suns’ next coach, they will need to start to develop this club’s young core more effectively.

It’s been hard for Suns’ fans to watch the team’s struggle’s on the defensive side of the ball. The Suns’ are dead last in points given up per game, while the club is ranked 27th in the league in opponents field goal percentage and 22nd in opponents 3-point percent. The Suns have done a terrible job in forcing turnovers, they’re ranked 27th in the NBA in steals per game. Shot blocking is the Suns best defensive stat, yet they are only ranked 19th in the league. Those stats need to drastically improve if the Suns are going to contend for a playoff spot next season.

The Suns’ offense has been lack luster to say the least. Phoenix is ranked 19th in points per game this season, 28th in field goal percentage and 30th in 3-point percentage. Their poor shooting and low point total can be linked to their 26th ranked assists per game average. The lack of a dynamic offense and ball movement has produced an inefficient offense. Even if the Suns were average on defense this season, it wouldn’t produce a playoff run based on the poor offensive scheme. Granted some of that is on the players, but the coach should be putting the players into situations so that they can produce their best numbers and it’s clear that it hasn’t happened yet. Having an effective offensive scheme will be crucial for the next Suns’ head coach.

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Phoenix Suns’ owner Robert Sarver needs to make sure that whoever will be the next head coach for the franchise has a strong background in player development, implementing solid defense and an offense with good ball movement. If the next coach doesn’t possess these three skills, then fans should expect the Suns to struggle again next season.

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