Report: Former Suns interim HC Jay Triano hired as top Charlotte assistant

May 20, 2018, 3:02 PM

Phoenix Suns interim coach Jay Triano argues a call during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

BY ZACH ALVIRA

Arizona Sports

Former Phoenix Suns interim head coach Jay Triano has reportedly agreed to become the top assistant for new Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Triano interviewed for the Suns’ head coach position on April 19, but was later informed he was not in the running for the job.

He served as interim coach for the Suns in 2017-18 after previous head coach Earl Watson got fired three games into the season.

Triano posted a record of 21-58 as the replacement.

Though the Suns struggled to win games, Triano has been credited in helping the development of young players, particularly guard Josh Jackson.

He helped the team implement a system as it tried to figure out a play style and a secondary scorer to Devin Booker.

Triano served as a Suns associate head coach in 2016-17 and was the Canadian national team head coach from 1999-04 and 2012-present.

He will now join newly appointed Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego in Charlotte as a top assistant.

Borrego was linked to the Suns in their search for a coach that eventually led to the hiring of former Utah Jazz and Phoenix assistant Igor Kokoskov.

Follow @ZachAlvira

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