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Monty Williams’ intangibles will be huge for the Phoenix Suns

By Kyle Manthe

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Assistant coach Monty Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Brooklyn Nets in Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Assistant coach Monty Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Brooklyn Nets in Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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This past week new Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams has been through a ringer of media availability. Some qualities that Williams displays in full during these interviews will be a huge asset for the Suns.

Recently Phoenix Suns fans have had the opportunity to hear a lot from new head coach via his introductory press conference, appearances on podcasts and sports talk shows alike.

When Monty Williams was being interviewed by the Suns and Lakers a lot was made about his character and respect around the league from players and coaches.

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

After all of the recent interviews it is easy to see why that was so, and how it is great for the Suns.

The press conference is supposed to be the easiest part of a coach’s job, a free win, and Monty did not disappoint here

Listening to Williams speak, it is clear why he is so respected around the league and was in such high demand this summer. Williams speaks with a high level of charisma and always sounds serious and engaged with his answers – which is something that should result in better training for the young players and a generally serious atmosphere.

The experiences that Williams has had, on and off the court, far surpass any other candidate that the Phoenix Suns were considering.

Obviously Williams had to deal with the unfortunate death of his wife in 2016, something that he spoke about how it effected him as a person just this last week.

In the world of basketball Williams has qualities, connections, and experiences that other coaches like Igor Kokoškov just simply do not have.

As a player, Williams appeared in 456 NBA games over the course of nine seasons and has coached for five different organizations, the Suns being his 6th, in 12 years on the bench, including working with Team USA, where he cultivated a strong and positive relationship with former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo.

Igor was a perfectly qualified candidate for the head coaching job and probably should have been retained for another season.

However, he never would have been able to relate to players like Williams can through his own playing days, or share any past experiences as an NBA head coach.

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Experience, charisma, and high character do not make a good coach and can only take one so far.

Nonetheless it is a good start, and brings together a set of skills the Suns have not had together in one of their coaches in recent history. If Monty Williams fails as Phoenix’s head coach, it will not be because of failure in any off-court coaching responsibility issues.

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