Phoenix Suns, Igor Kokoskov finalize 2018-19 coaching staff
Jun 21, 2018, 4:31 PM | Updated: Jun 27, 2018, 12:51 pm
Phoenix Suns head coach Igor Kokoskov, right, speaks as general manager Ryan McDonough listens Monday, May 14, 2018, in Phoenix. Kokoskov will oversee a vastly improved team after they compiled the worst record in the NBA last season. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
The Phoenix Suns have finalized their 2018-19 coaching staff, Arizona Sports’ Craig Grialou reports.
Joining head coach Igor Kokoskov will be Joe Prunty, Corliss Williamson, Jamelle McMillan, Jason Staudt, Cody Toppert and Devin Smith.
Prunty, the Milwaukee Bucks’ interim head coach for 37 games last season, will be the Suns’ lead assistant.
He has an extensive history as an assistant coach in the NBA, serving on the Spurs, Mavericks, Trial Blazers, Cavaliers, Nets and Bucks from 2002 to 2014.
As a coach with the Spurs, he won two championships.
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Williamson was Kokoskov’s first official hire. He was a volunteer coach on the college level before working with the Sacramento Kings and, most recently, the Orlando Magic.
He played 12 seasons in the NBA and won a National Championship with Arkansas in 1995.
At the age of 29, McMillan is one of the youngest assistants in the NBA. As the son of Nate McMillan, head coach of the Indiana Pacers, he has a well-known name throughout the league.
McMillan is also a recognizable name in the Valley. He played for Arizona State and averaged 7.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game in his 2010-11 senior season.
He has spent time as a coaching intern, player development coach, and then served as an assistant coach on the New Orleans Pelicans over the last two seasons.
Staudt has served as a scout in different roles for the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets.
Toppert, who is the director of player development, was the Nothern Arizona Suns head coach last season after spending the two previous ones as an assistant for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
The 34-year-old was also involved with the Houston Rockets scouting team and assisted with their 2016 Summer League team.
This is Smith’s first time being a coach. He played overseas from 2005-2017, including a stint on Maccabi Tel Aviv with Suns forward Dragan Bender.
He will be a player development coach.
