Suns Narrow Coaching Choices to 4 Candidates
Steve Kerr, GM of the Phoenix Suns, confirmed recently that the full interviewing process has pretty much been completed by the ownership & management group. Kerr pointed out that conversations are still ongoing for the Suns coaching job, but that the formal "in-person" interviews are complete.
"We're getting a lot closer," Kerr told reporters Wednesday. "Our
interview process is probably completed. There may be a few more phone
conversations. But we're really pleased with the candidates that we've
put together."
The list of possible candidates for the Phoenix Suns next coach are (in no particular order);
- Terry Porter - Pistons assistant
- Tyrone Corbin - Jazz assistant
- Elston Turner - Rockets assistant
- Mike Budenholzer - Spurs assistant (god, I'd hate to have to type this all the time)
The Detroit Pistons fired their head coach, Flip Saunders, who might normally be considered a candidate for the position, but Kerr echoed the fact that the interview process is already too far in, and that Saunders would not be interviewed.
"We're pretty far in our process," Kerr said. "I have a lot of respect
for him, but I also think the process we've undertaken is a good one.
We feel really good about it. I don't feel like changing course
altogether and doing something that's just totally out of the blue."
I think Kerr is right about skipping on Saunders... aside from the 7-second shot rule that D'Antoni instilled on the Suns, Flip is basically Mike. They are both non-confrontational w/ their players and are almost lax (to a fault) when it comes to making players accountable. Saunders proved that, even with a top-notch roster of talent in Detroit, he couldn't motivate them to win the big games (Cavs in 2007, Celtics in 2008). Sounds a lot like Mike's resume against the Spurs.
It is estimated that Kerr and the Suns will name a new head coach as early as this weekend, but most likely within the next week and a half. With a 2nd interview this week, it would appear that Terry Porter is the favorite, although Steve could play favorites and go w/ one of his former assistant coaches in Budenholzer. If Kerr does go w/ Mike B., I guess using the theory that it's best to keep friends close, and enemies even closer (a former Spurs' coach).