Lindsey Hunter had the title of Phoenix Suns’ interim coach for three months in 2013 but the actual job was done more often than not by assistant coach Igor Kokoskov.
“Lindsey wasn’t ready for that role,” said Phoenix forward Jared Dudley, who was in his fourth season with the Suns in 2013. “During timeouts Igor was the one drawing up plays.”
Dudley was impressed by Kokoskov’s acumen and temperament but didn’t think about Kokoskov as a head coach. At that point, following the contentious firing of Alvin Gentry and the acrimonious departures of popular assistants like Dan Majerle and Elston Turner, Dudley was just happy Kokoskov had remained with the team.