Rumors: Dallas Mavs to hire former Slovenian NBA player as development coach?
After assistant coach Igor Kokoškov left the Dallas Mavericks for the Brooklyn Nets earlier this summer — a decision he may now regret due to all the drama surrounding the Kevin Durant trade — many wondered if Dallas would re-employ the Slovenian midfielder. Kokoškov was close with Luka Doncic and was often seen helping him warm up before games, so it would make sense that Dallas would want to fill that void.
According to reports SportKlub Martin Pavčnik, the Mavs might be preparing to sign Marko Milić as an assistant coach. They believe that Milić would be a player development coach.
“Exactly a quarter of a century ago, Marko Milić was the first Slovenian to debut in the NBA. The pioneer from Carniola was followed by ten compatriots into the strongest league in the world,” writes Pavčnik.
“Now the legendary Milko (nickname) is also returning to the US. The former national team captain is supposed to strengthen the Dallas Mavericks, where, as everything seems, he is waiting for a job in the coaching staff.”
Interestingly, Milić is also connected with Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. Kidd and Milić were teammates with the Phoenix Suns from 1997-99, Milić’s only seasons in the league.
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Milić was the first Slovenian player selected in the NBA draft 25 years ago, when he was selected 33rd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was a five-time All-Star, twice MVP and four-time champion in the Slovenian league.
As Mavs fans prepare to follow Slovenia at EuroBasket 2022, which begins on September 1st, they may be able to see Dončić in action a little earlier than then. The Slovenian national team will travel to Turkey on Wednesday, where they will play two friendly matches as part of preparations for the EuroBasket.
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