My Phoenix Suns made it official: They hired Jeff Hornacek to be the team's new head coach.
I admit, it wasn't a name that I had sought after when rumors of a Suns' head coaching search got underway after their season ended. Names like Vinny Del Negro, Stan Van Gundy, Mike Brown, and Byron Scott jumped out at me before Hornacek's name came into the discussion.
Over the weekend, I got wind of Hornacek's impending hire to the team through the AP wires, social media, and sports reports from the internet.
It took a few minutes for the phrase "Suns Head Coach Jeff Hornacek" to sink in. Thankfully, they are imbedded into my brain.
The hiring of Jeff Hornacek gives Suns fans something that the Interim Coach Lindsey Hunter didn't: hope. I didn't get the sense that the Suns were going to be any better after they dismissed Alvin Gentry as Head Coach after a 13-28 start to this past season.
In some way, bringing in Hornacek makes sense. Hornacek was part of the Suns' turnaround in 1988 after the Suns suffered through three straight non-playoff seasons (as well as the infamous 'drug years). Hornacek can be part of the turnaround at the top after the Suns have gone three straight years without making the playoffs.
Hornacek was part of the 4 player trade in 1992 that brought Charles Barkley to the Valley. Barkley and the Suns made a historical run through the 1993 playoffs before losing out to the Chicago Bulls in Game six of the 1993 NBA Finals. Hornacek's arrival to Phoenix brings him full circle.
The difference between October/November 1988 and today is the talent level on this team. The Suns brought over Tom Chambers via free agency and the team had a good core group of young talent for a bright future. Today's team doesn't have as much talent at this time. The Suns will have to build through the draft with the many picks they have and hope to supplement that with the addition of quality free agents.
It would be a stretch to bring in the high-caliber players like Chris Paul and Dwight Howard to come to the Valley of the Sun. An NBA team is one (or two) players away from instant contention. Just look at the Suns from 2003-04 and 2004-05 with the Addition of Steve Nash. The Phoenix Suns rose from the ashes, rising from 29 wins to 62 wins.
The Suns have a ways to go before they can run to the playoffs again. At least they have a coach that has paid his dues, has played the game, and has a winning history with the Phoenix Suns.
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