5 candidates to be next Phoenix Suns head coach

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 18: Head coach Earl Watson of the Phoenix Suns reacts as he walks off the court following the NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 18, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 124-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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2. Mark Jackson

Jackson has a pretty comfortable gig as an analyst for ESPN/ABC, without the pressure and stress that comes with coaching. But the current success of the Golden State Warriors makes it easy to forget his results as head coach there, with a .526 regular season winning percentage over three seasons while bringing the franchise’s first back-to-back playoff appearances in a long time.

Personality conflicts may have led to Jackson’s firing in Golden State, and his abrasiveness occasionally comes through when he is calling games beyond simply being a good analyst. So how he would co-exist with a meddling owner like Suns owner Robert Sarver, and perhaps being issued direction on his player rotation from the front office (as Watson alluded to) would be big questions attached to Jackson landing in Phoenix.

But Jackson was there for the start of Golden State’s rise, and while the Suns aren’t in that exact position right now they could easily see themselves in that light. Jackson may or may not want to coach again, and Phoenix’s situation may not appeal to him at all. But the Suns have to have some interest, and at least give Jackson the chance to decline an interview without assuming anything.

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