Quin Snyder sees great things for Igor Kokoskov.
The Utah Jazz head coach has always told his longtime friend that his life of an NBA assistant will eventually lead him to bigger and better. For Kokoskov, that process may have just started.
League sources tell The Tribune that Kokoskov — Utah’s top assistant who was once a Phoenix assistant — has interviewed for the vacant Suns head coaching job. Sources say Kokoskov’s conversation with Phoenix was a preliminary phone interview. According to a source, the Suns are at the beginning of their process.
Still, whether Kokoskov secures an offer or not, other organizations are noticing the work he’s done with the Jazz.
“It’s a credit to him,” Snyder said. “I’ve told him for a number of years that I think he’s a head coach in the NBA. It’s taken some time to see himself that way because he’s just been focused on doing his job. I think he always knew he was talented, but he’s very humble.”
If Phoenix were to hire Kokoskov, there would be a number of storylines going with him to the Suns. He’d be the second Jazz assistant — after Jeff Hornacek — in recent years to coach Phoenix. He has previous experience in the Suns organization.
Maybe most importantly, Kokoskov coached the Slovenia men’s national team to the 2017 EuroBasket title. Luka Doncic — who will be coveted in June’s upcoming NBA draft lottery — was Kokoskov’s best player on that team, along with Miami Heat All-Star Goran Dragic. Kokoskov and Doncic have formed a close relationship.
With the Jazz, Kokoskov has been lauded for his ability to prepare for an opponent. He’s also been a major factor in starting point guard Ricky Rubio’s development over the course of the season.
“He’s someone I rely on, and our whole staff does,” Snyder said. “This is obviously deserving and something we’re excited about him having that opportunity.”
Showing resilience
The Jazz feel a significant key to the series will be their ability to weather OKC runs, which are sure to come at least once a game.
Utah didn’t do this in Game 1, which contributed to a loss. The Jazz did this in Game 2, fighting off a 19-0 Thunder spurt that gave OKC a double-digit lead.
“The first game, we were grinding out possessions just to stay in the game,” Snyder said. “The second game is just a credit to our players. When they did go on that run, I don’t think anyone knew that it was 19-0.”
Making changes
Before Game 3, Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan hinted at tweaking his rotation a bit. Not a full-on change, mind you. But, maybe including a player, or two, who hasn’t played much in the first two games.
“Even though a guy like Josh Huestis has been kind of out of the rotation, I do trust him defensively,” Donovan said. “Terrance (Ferguson) has kind of been in the rotation and has done a good job there as well. So, I think we have a couple more players we could certainly go to.”
