Valley of the Suns
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Experience should be a key factor in Phoenix Suns coaching search

By Kyle Manthe

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 10: Igor Kokoskov head coach of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the side line during the game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on March 10, 2019 in Oakland, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 10: Igor Kokoskov head coach of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the side line during the game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on March 10, 2019 in Oakland, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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While the Phoenix Suns search for yet another head coach they need to consider that experience matters and hire someone with prior head coaching experience.

As Phoenix Suns fans, we have witnessed first hand for an extended period of time that young NBA players have a learning curve when they first enter the league. It takes a while for the vast majority to become quality NBA players, if they do.

Although it might sound obvious, the same is true for NBA coaches. It is their first time being in charge of a coaching staff, running a training camp, and creating game-plans and plays for a game. Just like anything else in life all these new responsibilities will take time and repetition to improve.

This is not meant to be a critic of the hire of Igor Kokoskov. It would have been better for the Suns not to have fired him since he has now gained the head coaching experience that is vital. The Suns simply do not have time to be patient with a young head coach and a young roster as they have been rebuilding for too long for that.

That is why it is good news that the Suns have been connected to someone like Monty Williams. This is not to say that Williams is definitely the best candidate for the job, but hiring a top assistant on another team would essentially mean starting completely over.

Hiring someone like Williams with head coaching experience also gives the team more respect and credibility around the league which unfortunately is something the Suns need right now.

The last time the Suns hired a head coach that already had head coaching experience was Alvin Gentry, in 2008. They did have Jay Triano for 78 games in 2017-18 but he was thrust into the role without having any preparation or control. Although neither of these two are Gregg Popovich they certainly stack up better than most other Suns coaches over that time.

If Robert Sarver and the Phoenix Suns can not give this young team any continuity from year to year the next best thing is to make sure someone experienced is coaching the team.

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A coach that is still learning to coach with a young inexperienced roster is a recipe for another 55 plus loss season.

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