Suns Give D’Antoni Permission to Interview w/ Knicks, Bulls
In a sign of the times, the Phoenix Suns have reportedly allowed Head Coach Mike D’Antoni to interview for the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls.
GM Steve Kerr and owner Robert Sarver have given Suns’ coach Mike D’Antoni permission to seek interviews w/ other teams. The three met on Friday to determine if Mike would be able to continue coaching the team and apparently he cannot.
Fresh off a first round playoff exit, thinks are looking bleak for the Suns, who will be 1 year older and have a bulging payroll as the 2008-2009 season starts.
There aren’t many “good” options for the Suns either, as only a handful of former head coaches would fit the bill:
Avery Johnson is available, and he has experience leading a mostly offensive team to the promised land (the Finals). The knocks against him – he couldn’t win the championship and his team has been bounced in the 1st round of the playoffs each of the past 2 years. If he could even improve the Suns defense (good luck), then he might be a 1 year solution as a last ditch attempt at a title.
Also available are: Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson (rumored to by high on Knicks list), Doug Collins and a slew of other “ok” coaches.
In other coaching news, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly in serious discussions with former Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, who the Suns would likely snatch up if the Mavs hesitate. Carlisle would be a great fit on either team, since he would have the cajones to put each team’s star players in their place if they aren’t doing what he asks of them.
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Shortly after it was reported that Mike D’Antoni was given permission to speak w/ the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks, it was confirmed that Mike had accepted the head coaching job with New York.
D’Antoni was swayed by new GM Donnie Walsh, as well as the $24 million dangling in his face. The pairing is not exactly what you’d expect, but you never know what can happen when you get players who like their coach and enjoy playing basketball.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are in search of a new head coach for their team. Suspects include Terry Porter, one of the Rockets assistant coaches and few other less well-known candidates.