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Utah Jazz: Igor Kokoskov to interview for Suns head-coaching job

By Zachary Padmore

HELSINKI, FINLAND - SEPTEMBER 5: Igor Kokoskov Coach of Slovenia during the FIBA Eurobasket 2017 Group A match between Iceland and Slovenia on September 5, 2017 in Helsinki, Finland. (Photo by Norbert Barczyk/Press Focus/MB Media/Getty Images)
HELSINKI, FINLAND - SEPTEMBER 5: Igor Kokoskov Coach of Slovenia during the FIBA Eurobasket 2017 Group A match between Iceland and Slovenia on September 5, 2017 in Helsinki, Finland. (Photo by Norbert Barczyk/Press Focus/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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It appears that Utah Jazz assistant coach Igor Kokoskov has joined the fold as a candidate for the Phoenix Suns head-coaching job as he is set to interview with the team.

When current Utah Jazz assistant coach Igor Kokoskov led Slovenia to the Eurobasket championship back in September, people around the league took note. Ever since then, Kokoskov has been a name to watch on the future head-coaching list.

Kokoskov has 18 years of NBA experience. He also has a history with the Phoenix Suns organization as an assistant coach there from 2008-2013. He has established himself as one of the top assistants in the league and is destined to become a head coach sooner rather than later.

The Suns fired former Head Coach Earl Watson just three games into the 2017-18 season. Jay Triano, who is still being considered for the job, served as the Interim Head Coach. David Fizdale, James Borrego, Kevin McHale and others along with Kokoskov are also being considered.

About four weeks ago, Kokoskov was rumored to be in play for the Suns job. Now, he seems to have a legit chance at landing the position.

Atlanta Hawks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer had interviewed with the Suns, but has since removed himself from consideration.

The Suns won just 21 games this year, which was the lowest number in the entire NBA. They have the best chance at landing the number one overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, and they could be in play to land Luka Doncic, who played for Kokoskov during Slovenia’s underdog run to the Eurobasket title.

When Kokoskov finally gets the head-coaching job he deserves, it will be a big blow for the Jazz. Kokoskov has played an important role with the team over the years. He and fellow assistant coach Johnnie Bryant have done a great job with player development.

Next: Utah Jazz: What went right/wrong in Game 2 vs. OKC

At this point, Kokoskov landing a head-coaching gig seems inevitable.

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