Igor Kokoškov - 1st European head coach in the NBA

[Androslav]

It took America 526 years to hire a European basketball head coach, but today Igor Kokoškov became the first to have the honor. This 46 years old Serbian continues a great tradition of winning Serbian coaches on a high note. Since the 2000/2001 season, he worked in the league, starting with the L.A.Clippers. He worked as a Utah Jazz assistant coach past 3 years. Past summer he took a dual role, he also coached Slovenian national team and unlikely won the European championship in a convincing fashion. Dragić led the way, Dončić followed. The latter might be leading the break for him next year.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igor_Koko%C5%A1kov

I believe that he is a great choice for the young and struggling Suns. He will bring a new breeze of fresh air in the valley, new principles, good communication, contemporary approach and he is still young, innovative and hungry.

[ederson]

I always thought that Mesina would be the first

[Celtics4ever]

It took America 526 years to hire a European basketball head coach

Basketball has not been around that long.

The game was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball


127 years?

[Bucketgetter]

It took America 526 years to hire a European basketball head coach

Basketball has not been around that long.

The game was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball


127 years?

526 years ago puts us in year 1492, which is when Columbus reached land in the Western Hemispehere (Caribbean Islands). So I'm guessing the OP is hung up on the fact that Columbus didn't hire any European head coaches to coach the colonies.

[Androslav]

It took America 526 years to hire a European basketball head coach

Basketball has not been around that long.

The game was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball

127 years?

526 years ago puts us in year 1492, which is when Columbus reached land in the Western Hemispehere (Caribbean Islands). So I'm guessing the OP is hung up on the fact that Columbus didn't hire any European head coaches to coach the colonies.

Guys, I was simply exaggerating to make a point. 
I truly doubt the logic there was a need to hire 356 (per bas. ref.) Non-European head coaches before "trusting" the one from the old continent. It's not nuclear/rocket science. And even if it was USA would hire/kidnap the European scientists for the job, as they did, at the time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Paperclip

There is no language barrier, they know how to coach grown men, something many American college coaches didn't know but still got way more and earlier chances to coach (Pitino, sorry I'd rather try a Euro). I believe that Kokoškov is well respected within the coaching circles and that fans and players will feel the same very soon.

[Androslav]

I always thought that Mesina would be the first

If Pop delivered on his "I'll retire when TD does." he probably would have been the first.

[kozlodoev]

I've always considered Blatt (and to a lesser extent D'Antoni) practically European...

[Androslav]

I've always considered Blatt (and to a lesser extent D'Antoni) practically European...

Europeanised, influenced by the Euro hoops, but not truly European.

Mike D'Antoni - Virginia
Blatt - Massachusetts

I define European coach as the one that was born in Europe and learned the trade there.

Similar how many here (on the other side of the pond) don't even consider a guy like Detlef Schrempf as a true Euro, since he went to college there.
Dražen Petrović, Šarūnas Marčiulionis, Nowitzki those are "true" Euros.

[footey]

TP Androslav for bringing this to my attention and wondering why it took so long.

[Tr1boy]

Kokoskov has alot of work to do...

I think he is banking on the fact they will draft Doncic.  If it doesn't happen ...that will be big

Suns have hole to fill at the center spot. That will need to be addressed as well

?
TJ Warren
Josh Jackson
Booker
Doncic

[gouki88]

Kokoskov has alot of work to do...

I think he is banking on the fact they will draft Doncic.  If it doesn't happen ...that will be big

Suns have hole to fill at the center spot. That will need to be addressed as well

?
TJ Warren
Josh Jackson
Booker
Doncic

Might snag Ayton instead.

Ayton
Warren
Jackson
Booker
Payton

And then tank for another year or 2

[Androslav]

Kokoskov has alot of work to do...

I think he is banking on the fact they will draft Doncic.  If it doesn't happen ...that will be big

Suns have hole to fill at the center spot. That will need to be addressed as well

?
TJ Warren
Josh Jackson
Booker
Doncic

Might snag Ayton instead.

Ayton
Warren
Jackson
Booker
Payton

And then tank for another year or 2

If they are picking 1st, it is hard to envision they would pass on Dončić. They are pretty weak in the playmaking department. The basic stuff, bouncing the ball off the floor and dispersing it where it's most needed.

[kozlodoev]

I've always considered Blatt (and to a lesser extent D'Antoni) practically European...

Europeanised, influenced by the Euro hoops, but not truly European.

Mike D'Antoni - Vriginia
Blatt - Massachusetts

I define European coach as the one that was born in Europe and learned the trade there.

Similar how many here (on the other side of the pond) don't even consider a guy like Detlef Schrempf as a true Euro, since he went to college there.
Dražen Petrović, Šarūnas Marčiulionis, Nowitzki those are "true" Euros.

No, I'm aware they're not really European. It's just a weird perception thing

[gouki88]

Kokoskov has alot of work to do...

I think he is banking on the fact they will draft Doncic.  If it doesn't happen ...that will be big

Suns have hole to fill at the center spot. That will need to be addressed as well

?
TJ Warren
Josh Jackson
Booker
Doncic

Might snag Ayton instead.

Ayton
Warren
Jackson
Booker
Payton

And then tank for another year or 2

If they are picking 1st, it is hard to envision they would pass on Dončić. They are pretty weak in the playmaking department. The basic stuff, bouncing the ball off the floor and dispersing it where it's most needed.

That is true. Having a coach who knows him from Slovenian coaching too adds a whole new reason in favour of drafting Doncic too. Will be interesting

[Tr1boy]

Kokoskov has alot of work to do...

I think he is banking on the fact they will draft Doncic.  If it doesn't happen ...that will be big

Suns have hole to fill at the center spot. That will need to be addressed as well

?
TJ Warren
Josh Jackson
Booker
Doncic

Might snag Ayton instead.

Ayton
Warren
Jackson
Booker
Payton

And then tank for another year or 2

If they are picking 1st, it is hard to envision they would pass on Dončić. They are pretty weak in the playmaking department. The basic stuff, bouncing the ball off the floor and dispersing it where it's most needed.

That is true. Having a coach who knows him from Slovenian coaching too adds a whole new reason in favour of drafting Doncic too. Will be interesting

yup

they are going with Doncic, regardless where they pick.  Or trade down a spot or two if someone really wants Ayton and they can milk another player/prospect/pick in return