Official: Utah Jazz adding Fotis Katsikaris to coaching staff
The Utah Jazz made a historic announcement on Monday afternoon, as the team has added Fotis Katsikaris to the staff as an assistant coach.
With Igor Kokoskov landing the Phoenix Suns head coaching gig earlier during the offseason, the Utah Jazz had a major hole to fill on the bench. Luckily, Kokoskov didn’t bring any Utah assistants with him to Phoenix, and now the Jazz will be adding Fotis Katsikaris, the first Greek assistant coach in NBA history.
The Jazz have an international touch across the organization. They have found success with several international players and coaches. Katsikaris joins a coaching tree that continues to branch out and have success.
Katsikaris has over 20 years of coaching experience. He has coached in Spain, Russia, Israel and, of course, Greece. He was later named the 2013 EuroCup Coach of the Year, and served as the Head Coach of the Greek National Team from 2014 to 2016. Katsikaris was also a former player, making his professional debut at 15-years-old.
As a player, he was largely a pass-first point guard. He had a long career, playing from 1982 to 1998.
Now at 51-years-old, Katsikaris will look for prosperity at the NBA level. He’s accomplished so much overseas, and could prove to be a great addition to the Jazz coaching staff.
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It wouldn’t be surprising to see rumors start to surface linking Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Jazz, simply because he hails from Greece, like Katsikaris. However, the Greek Freak won’t be a free agent until 2021, and has stated multiple times he would like to be with the Bucks for his entire career.
I think this is a good addition for the Jazz. Losing Kokoskov certainly hurt, but the Jazz have a large coaching staff that focuses so much on player development. Katsikaris figures to fit right in with the Jazz.