The NBA's coaching structure is bound to take a big twist over the summer, and with a bevy of draft picks and young talent to boot, the Phoenix Suns' coaching job is one that has plenty of upside, after registering 23, 24, and 20-win seasons in the past three years.
Jay Triano is expected to get consideration in the hiring process, but according to Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times, the likes of Jason Kidd, David Fizdale, and Villanova Wildcats coach Jay Wright are likely to get strong consideration from general manager Ryan McDonough and company.
“Some NBA executives and coaches claim Fizdale, Kidd and Villanova’s Jay Wright will all draw strong consideration for the job if Jay Triano isn’t retained,” wrote Woelfel.
“Wright, who just guided Villanova to its second NCAA championship in the last three years, and Virginia’s highly respected Tony Bennett will likely be on the short lists of several NBA teams looking for a new head coach, according to some NBA officials.”
Kidd has a direct link to the Suns organization after playing for the franchise for five seasons. He's also experienced with a young team, and while his temperament with the youth wasn't the best during his stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, it could all be a situational matter of fit.
Fizdale was fired as the coach of the Memphis Grizzlies only a year after taking the helm, but he's a well-regarded players coach and one that can instill camaraderie in a locker room.
Wright's resume speaks for itself, bringing a talented Villanova team to the promise land, as well as consistently taking part in the NCAA Tournament. His familiarity with the college game could play a huge factor in relating to young players who are relatively fresh off the college experience.
Whoever ends up with the coaching position, they'll have an anxious superstar-in-the-making waiting in Devin Booker, who's had three different coaches in his three seasons with the team, along with a huge chance to get the No. 1 overall pick of the NBA Draft, currently boasting the worst record in the league.
Follow Us
Subscribe