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Phoenix Suns: A wishlist for Igor Kokoskov

By Dan Volpone

Los Angeles, CA - December 5, 2016: Coach Igor Kokoskov of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 5, 2016 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California USA. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles, CA - December 5, 2016: Coach Igor Kokoskov of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 5, 2016 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California USA. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Phoenix Suns have a new head coach in Igor Kokoskov. Here are the things we’d love to see from him when he takes over the team.

In a season in which the Phoenix Suns fired their head coach three games in, the team unsurprisingly left a lot to be desired in many areas directly traceable to the coaching staff.

Earl Watson started the season 0-3 before getting canned, leading to Associate Head Coach Jay Triano taking over the job for the remainder of the year and finishing 21-58. It was clear the Suns were often lacking direction in key areas, making it much harder to win games with a roster that was already primed to finish at the bottom of the league.

The Suns had both the worst offense and defense in the NBA. The team may have lacked talent, but a better coaching staff could have lead to a better performance on at least on side of the ball. They were near the bottom of the league in turnovers. Players made the same mistakes throughout the season, making it seem as if they weren’t being properly corrected.

Luckily, last season’s now in the rearview mirror. The Phoenix Suns have hired a new, permanent head coach in Igor Kokoskov, and he should bring something fresh to this young group. Continuity in leadership is important for developing players, but finding a better coach was essential this offseason. Hopefully Kokoskov will be sticking around long term.

To have success in Phoenix, Kokoskov should put into place real offensive and defensive systems. This will benefit the defensive end especially, as there is no reason this Suns defense can’t finish in the top 20 with all the improvements they’ve made. Better discipline and rotations would be a great start.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Suns would be smart to continue to play at a high pace. It’ll result in more giveaways, but having the athletes to turn defense immediately into offense is a huge advantage. A better offensive system in the half court, focused around his players’ strengths, is the best way for Kokoskov to improve the turnover problem when the team isn’t running.

Finally, it would be great to see Kokoskov place a more obvious emphasis on developing players. Even if it’s not in a point guard role, it would be great to see Devin Booker be put in a position to make decisions with the ball in his hands rather than being strictly a scorer. He’s proven to be a capable passer.

As for Josh Jackson, Kokoskov will hopefully be able to control his energy. Jackson is often overeager, leading to forced shots and turnovers. A good coach will be able to take that same energy and turn it into a disciplined but deadly transition game.

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Kokoskov has a good reputation, especially when it comes to player development. Hopefully he’ll be able to make Phoenix Suns basketball much more fun to watch and help the young players make the changes they need to improve.

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