#2 – The Gregg Popovich tree of the San Antonio Spurs
Literally any of Popovich’s assistants coming to Phoenix as the Suns next head coach would be a win to me. He is one of the best coaches of all time and has spread a wealth of knowledge to his staff.
The assistants that he’s had that have become head coaches elsewhere have gone on to do pretty well for themselves and the Suns would be lucky to get a chance at the next one.
Becky Hammon, as a fellow writer mentioned, would become the first female head coach in the NBA and would offer a lot for the Suns. She is well respected around the league and players love to have her as a coach.
Ettore Messina is regarded as one of the best European basketball coaches of all time. He’s a four-time EuroLeague Champion, four-time Italian League Champion, five-time Russian League Champion, two-time EuroLeague Coach of the Year, three-time Italian League Best Coach and four-time Russian League Coach of the Year.
Ime Udoka has been an assistant for the Spurs for the last 6 seasons, is well respected and is a big reason why LaMarcus Aldridge ended up signing there in free agency over the Suns.
All of these assistants have a wealth of knowledge, are good with X’s and O’s and are solid with player development. Phoenix would be truly lucky to land any of these three as their next head coach.