Five bold predictions for Igor Kokoskov in his first year

PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 22: Head coach Igor Kokoskov of the Pheonix Suns speaks during a press conference at Talking Stick Resort Arena on June 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 - JUNE 22: Head coach Igor Kokoskov of the Pheonix Suns speaks during a press conference at Talking Stick Resort Arena on June 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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)
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Georgia’s Head coach Igor Kokoskov gestures to his team during their EuroBasket 2011 2round group F match between Georgia and Macedonia at Arena on September 8, 2011 in Vilnius. AFP PHOTO / PETRAS MALUKAS (Photo credit should read PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP/Getty Images)
Georgia’s Head coach Igor Kokoskov gestures to his team during their EuroBasket 2011 2round group F match between Georgia and Macedonia at Arena on September 8, 2011 in Vilnius. AFP PHOTO / PETRAS MALUKAS (Photo credit should read PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP/Getty Images)

Igor will lead Phoenix to a five-game win streak

The Suns haven’t had a five-game winning streak since winning six in a row from December 20-28, 2014. That was over 1,330 days ago (as of the week of August 25, 2018).

As difficult as that might seem though, there are several opportunities to pull such a feat off this season.

The Suns have three extended home stands, one in the beginning of the season (October 31 – November 8), one in the middle (December 28 – January 8), and one near the end (March 27 – May 8).

Not only are there these particular home stands of at least five consecutive home games, but there are also several stretches near the end of the season when some of the better teams will be resting their players as they get ready for the playoffs that Phoenix can take advantage of – especially if the Suns are continually playing hard both for pride, and competitively in an attempt to try and knock some of the opponents out of the playoffs, or at least to shift playoff positioning.

That will also be a time when Kokoskov can have the young players running on all cylinders and grooving together, playing well and proving to Suns fans and the league at large that they truly are a team on the rise.

If they do not find a way to win five in a row during any of those home stands, I would predict that they will have that streak from February 10 – 25, ironically all on the road, but also all against weaker teams in the league: the Sacramento Kings, L.A. Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat.