Utah Jazz notes: Kokoskov introduced by Suns, Elite Mini Camp
By Ryan Aston
Former Utah Jazz assistant Igor Kokoskov was introduced as the Phoenix Suns’ head coach. Also — players with ties to the Jazz via the Salt Lake City Stars are at the G-League Elite Mini Camp.
Monday was landmark day for a member of the Utah Jazz family, if a bittersweet one for the team and its fans.
At a press conference in the Valley of the Sun, former Jazz assistant coach Igor Kokoskov was officially introduced as head coach of the Phoenix Suns. He replaces Jay Triano, who took over when former Jazzman Earl Watson was fired in October.
Kokoskov is making history as the league’s first head coach born and raised in Europe. However, he wasn’t focused on his ethnic background or point of origin at the presser.
”I don’t consider myself as a European coach,” Kokoskov told the assembled media. ”I’m an NBA coach.”
He went on to praise Suns owner Robert Sarver and GM Ryan McDonough for having the courage to hire a foreign-born coach. Kokoskov also called the Suns “one of the most prestigious teams in the basketball world.”
Kokoskov previously spent five years with the Suns from 2008-13 and logged nearly two decades in total as an assistant coach with the LA Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, as well as the Jazz.
Without a doubt, the loss of Coach Igor will be felt in Utah. He was Quin Snyder’s right-hand man for three years and a key cog in the Jazz’s developmental program.
There’s also the chance that he could take other members of Snyder’s staff with him to Phoenix. Stay tuned on that one.
Stars players at the G-League Elite Mini Camp
The two-day G-League Elite Mini Camp officially tipped off on Monday, bringing 40 of the developmental league’s standouts from last season together for a chance to showcase their skills for NBA decision-makers.
Among the 40 are three players from the Jazz’s affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars. Namely, former Jazzman Naz Mitrou-Long, combo guard Isaiah Cousins and former Clippers big man Diamond Stone.
Long was the only one to see action with the Jazz last season, playing just 31 seconds in a December loss to the Denver Nuggets. He was productive in his brief appearance though, knocking down a 3-point shot. Stone played in seven games with the Clips during the 2016-17 campaign.
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In total, 13 of this year’s expected participants have NBA experience.