Feb

16

Reports Out Of Phoenix State Porter Replaced By Gentry

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Firings, NBA News 

Terry Porter 2.15c

The “Arizona Republic” reported Monday morning that according to “multiple team sources” that the Phoenix Suns have fired first year head coach Terry Porter and replaced him with assistant coach Alvin Gentry. Gentry is believed to be the interim head coach for the balance of the campaign. Porter’s fate was probably sealed as the team had a 6-10 record before the All-Star Break. The Suns currently have a record of 28-23.

Porter was selected by Team President Steve Kerr as coach, after Phoenix dismissed previous head coach Mike D’Antoni at the end of last season. D’Antoni, who now is the coach of the New York Knickerbockers, was said to have philosophical issues with Kerr and Team Owner Robert Sarver leading to the parting.

Porter was brought in to install a slow-down half-court game, which had gained it’s success as a run and gun offensive team. However Kerr traded Shawn Marion last season to the Miami Heat for center Shaquille O’Neal, and to try to utilize his strengths they tried a different style of playing. Kerr is in his second season as Phoenix Team President.

Gentry has been an assistant coach with Phoenix since 2004. The 54 year old former NBA player was the only assistant coach that was retained from former Suns head coach Mike D’Antoni’s coaching staff. Phoenix is expected to try to re-institute their fast-break offense with Gentry at the helm.

© Copyright 2009 thesackattack.net


Updates, Fresh From the Oven, Straight to Your Inbox

Comments

Leave a Reply