In 2018 Igor Kokoskov was the head coach of the Phoenix Suns. That hire, on May 2nd made Kokoskov the first head coach born and raised outside of North America in NBA history.
He’d be the coach of the Suns for just one NBA Draft. In ‘18, with Phoenix holding the top overall pick, the Suns selected Deandre Ayton out of the University of Arizona. They passed on Luka Doncic, and Kokoskov says that’s why he’s coaching in Turkey.
“I wouldn’t be sitting here with you today,” Kokoskov told SocractesDergi before a recent Fenerbahce game.