Igor Kokoskov takes aim at resurrecting Suns franchise

PHOENIX -- Igor Kokoskov is the first NBA head coach born and raised outside North America, but he reminded everyone at his introductory news conference with the Phoenix Suns on Monday that he didn't exactly just get off the plane.

"I don't consider myself as a European coach," he said. "I'm an NBA coach."

Kokoskov, 46, just finished his 18th season as an NBA assistant coach. He's been with six different teams. Some played slow. Some played fast. He has been on the staffs of seven squads to reach the conference finals. This game is not new to him.

"As a coach, I'm not spoiled," he said. "I think your job is to build and create from what you have in front of you. I'm the kind of guy who loves…