PHOENIX SUNS

Igor Kokoskov won only 19 games but people are heated the Suns fired him

Apr 22, 2019, 11:05 PM | Updated: Apr 23, 2019, 3:28 pm
Phoenix Suns head coach Igor Kokoskov gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game aga...
Phoenix Suns head coach Igor Kokoskov gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)


Igor Kokoskov won just 19 games in his first season as head coach.

The head coach’s biggest mistakes included a baffling miscommunication that cost the Phoenix Suns a game against the Boston Celtics because players heard “no foul” when he called for an intentional foul.

He also once, walked on the court against the Pelicans … in the middle of a play. Like the Boston debacle, it also cost the Suns a regulation victory.

Still, it says a lot that basketball folks in Phoenix and elsewhere were baffled by the Suns firing Kokoskov on Monday.

Phoenix will begin to look for its fifth coach in five seasons.

First, let’s see how the latest firing sat with the last head coach who was fired at an odd time, Earl Watson, who got the axe just three games into the 2017-18 season.

It’s hard to disagree with that guttural reaction.

What about Charles Barkley, who addressed Kokoskov’s firing — and the unlikelihood of Barkley joining the Suns in a front office position — on Inside the NBA?

The Suns continue to be impatient at the oddest of times. Regardless of what Kokoskov proved or didn’t, could he really do much with a team of sub-25-year-olds? Could he be expected to win without, you know, a point guard?

Former Suns forward Matt Barnes doesn’t think so. Few disagreed.

Phoenix Suns

Follow @AZSports...
Character Counts

Michael Rubin helps Devin Booker surprise card-collecting superfan

Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin called Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker to surprise a superfan at a card shop. And Booker picked up.
10 hours ago
Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns high fives Torrey Craig #0 after scoring against the Utah Jaz...
Arizona Sports

Suns’ Deandre Ayton probable to return Monday vs. Jazz, Markkanen questionable

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton was ruled probable to return to the lineup Monday night against the Utah Jazz.
1 day ago
Photo by Phoenix Suns....
Character Counts

Phoenix Suns Charities awards $275,000 in grants to 19 Valley nonprofits

Phoenix Suns Charities recently awarded $275,000 in grants to 19 Arizona nonprofits as part of its latest funding cycle during the 2022-23 NBA season.
1 day ago
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against De'Anthony Melton #8 of the Philadelph...
Kellan Olson

Suns find winning breakthrough vs. 76ers, Devin Booker stays hot

The Phoenix Suns finally found their breakthrough on Saturday to return to winning ways and avoid a collapse in the second half.
1 day ago
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a three-point shot against the Philadelphia 76ers ...
Jake Anderson

Devin Booker puts up MVP-esque performance in Suns’ win over 76ers, Joel Embiid

Suns' Devin Booker put up a MVP-esque performance in Phoenix's 125-105 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night at Footprint Center.
2 days ago
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives on Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton during the f...
Wills Rice

76ers’ James Harden out, Joel Embiid starts vs. Suns; Deandre Ayton out

The 76ers listed guard James Harden (left Achilles) as out, while MVP contender Joel Embiid (right calf) will start Saturday vs. the Suns.
2 days ago
Igor Kokoskov won only 19 games but people are heated the Suns fired him