The moment the Suns fired Igor Kokoskov, a clear line of thinking flooded out: This was a misplay when it came to value and timing, but could present an opportunity to pivot fully to a James Jones regime.
While it remains unclear how we can separate the hiring of Kokoskov from Jones’ purview considering he was second in command at the time, initial reports suggested Monty Williams was the top target this summer. Understanding the connection Williams created with his Pelicans players during his first head coaching gig as well as his relationship with new Vice President of Basketball Operations Jeff Bower, the whole thing looked reasonable at first glance -- if Robert Sarver could pull it off.