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 The Divorce is Final
Posted By: Joe Gilmartin |
 Coach Mike D'Antoni will spend next season in New York after he couldn't help bring a title to Phoenix over the past several seasons. (NBAE Photos) |
So the bottom line here is that, given the circumstances, D’Antoni to the Knicks for a bundle and Kerr getting to select a coach more compatible with his philosophy is a win-win situation for the parties of all parts. Really the only way to go, in fact.
The operative words there, of course, are “given the circumstances.” And while one is shedding no tears over the result one can and does very much regret the “circumstances.”
In other words, whereas D’Antoni and this Suns roster were a perfect match for each other, and he and his MVP point guard were attached at the basketball hip, and whereas Kerr is widely recognized as a sharp basketball mind and universally acclaimed as genuine great guy, it’s a shame things they couldn’t resolve their differences.
Simply put, although they fell short of a title, both D’Antoni and Kerr had it very good together, and the immediate prospects for them apart are not all that promising for either.
D’Antoni is walking into the mother of all messes. And the best Kerr can hope for is that he gets as good a coach as he had, that Nash has at least one more great year in him, and that Shaq stays focused if neither of the above turns out to be true (see his track record in Miami).
The thing here is that, whatever your thoughts on the coaching upheaval, the Suns’ prospects for next year are clearly not nearly as bright as they were at this time last year - partly because of their own turmoil/question marks and partly because of the rising young powers in New Orleans and Portland and a possible return of the Lakers to their dynastic ways.
On the plus side it is possible that both Kerr and Coach Mike will learn something from the split.
Maybe a more experienced Kerr, who is after all a rookie general manager, won’t be so quick to take subtle public digs at his coach next time around. And maybe Coach Mike will develop a little thicker skin (heaven help him if he doesn’t in New York, which has been known to pierce the skin of a rhinoceros).
Also, a less defensive and more secure Coach Mike may come to realize there was nothing wrong with suggesting he needed to pay a little more attention to defensive detail, and a more experienced Kerr will understand that a more realistic key to good defense is good defenders, not better coaching.
With the personnel he had at his disposal, D’Antoni gave Phoenix fans the most entertaining and competitive team possible - a team that not only reenergized the Valley but the entire NBA.
So he owes nobody any apologies as he heads East, neither for his body of work nor for seeking a lot more money and security.
One of the Van Gundy’s, I forget which one, had it right when he said, “The Suns didn’t keep coming up just short because of Mike’s philosophy but because they kept getting nosed out by slightly better teams.”
Amen.
The bottom line: Best of luck in your new post and thanks for the memories, Coach Mike.
Comments
Steve Kopp - Paradise Valley Az
The window of opportunity started to close when Joe Johnson left and now is shut with Coach Mike gone. A sad commentary after so much potential.
Patrick - Maricopa, AZ.
I don't know if God himself can get this team to play defense, so it's not all Mike's fault. We need major roster changes along with a new coaching staff. Kerr better realize that next because if he puts the same old tired team out there next season, it's going to get ugly.
DanielMD - Manila, Philippines
We'll surely miss Coach Mike... Who could ever replace him?
brendajo - phoenix arizona
yeah yeah its always the coaches fault huh? that is BS. our guys need to learn the killer instinct, to go for the jugular!! we get up by say 18 points an we sit back on our heels and wait for the other team to catch up or pass us up. why is this??? this is not just coaching this is players too. i blame every coaching staff member and every player for not putting a banner in our arena this season, the spurs are not a better team than the suns (they do play dirty) but they do have the killer instinct and will put a team away if given the chance. im hoping our next coach will instill this in them and that our players will reflect over the summer what should have been. i will remain as always a loyal true fan of the suns but i will admit at times it is hard to watch the players we have not use the talent they are blessed with. come on guys if not for yourself win it all next season for us your true fans!!!!!!!!!!!!!
luciano - pnx
thanks mike...
Chris - San Diego
I have always believed that Steve Nash made Mike D'Antoni. I like Mike and think he's a good guy but so am I and that doesn't mean I should be the head coach. I think the Suns should have made a change over a year or two ago. He has let too much talent pass by and there should be a Larry O'Brien trophy in the trophy case by now.. I hope that Mike sends Steve a check for making him look better than he is. Mike is a good regular season coach because he figures out adjustments within three - four days. Figuring out adjustments within three - fours days during the postseason equals an early exit. Luckily the talent made up for his stubbornness and mistakes at times but it killed the team in the end. Mike was always a day late. Anytime somebody leaves a situation it's sad but it also opens the door to growth and I believe the Suns will have a better chance at winning a title without Mike D'Antoni.
Royce Sabaduquia - Bacolod City,Phillipines
god speed coach mike,,
mr.kerr wid all due respect sir,please find a good coach,pls find a non opposite of mike d'antoni,,pls help strengthen the team,,
go suns
Lori Ann - Sedona Superfan
GREAT summation and clarity in your article, Sir Joe --- Thank you! Many thanks for all you've brought to the Suns and to Phoenix, Coach D'Antoni. We'll NEVER forget you. Best wishes in The Big Apple.
The Suns WILL rise again and again in Phoenix.
In Great Hope -
GO SUNS !!!
Jim - PHX SUNS LAND
Good Job Joe G. This is about as bad as all of the playoff losses. I hope there is going to be a silver lining here. I think Westphal is the man for this team. Go get him Mr. Sarver and Mr. Kerr
Betty - Dallas
I really liked D'Antoni a lot and wish him the very best in NYC. He's going to have his work cut out for him there!
Two words for Steve Kerr now - FLIP SAUNDERS!
Dave - Bella Vista ,Arkansas
I personally feel Kerr should become the Coach and stay GM. Popovich did it with great success,add Avery as assistant for a year and Go for it as the New Coach for next year. Kerr is a Champion as knows what it takes to win Championships. What is your opinion of this Idea Joe???
Joe - chandler
Im glad I dont have to wacth dantoni pouting on the sidelines anymore. Good coach!!?? My god, figure out when to call a time out!! Thats pretty basic! The suns have had thier shot and its passed them buy. The reality is its going to be a while. Shaq is not only old, hes terrible! Im sorry, im not impressed with someone who cant make a FREE THROW!! Hes never been anything more than just a big guy that had to be 2 feet from the basket to score. Please dont think that hes the answer. Marion was a way better player and fit.
bailezz - scottsdale az
I agree with Chris from San Diego. D'Antoni should have been gone a long time ago. Steve Nash did make him look better than he is and he would not make a move without the consent of Nash. I am so excited we are getting a new coach. We have the talent, we just need the leadership. Adios d'antoni.
Royce Sabaduquia - Bacolod City,Phillipines
mr.steve kerr,
pls try to contact Paul Silas...its sad to see mike d'antoni leave...but lets hope for all the best, suns will rise agen...
shaq
stat
hill
bell
nash
diaw
barbosa
tucker
strawberry
do good next year,,go for the title
go suns
James - deep south
This team needs heart. This teams needs scrappers like Thunder Dan, KJ and Danny Ainge. Someone who would throw the ball at the head of a celebrating R. Horry. (remember that? that was awesome)I read somewhere this week that reffered to the Suns as a country club atmosphere. Thats whats wrong with this team. We need muscle and attitude and defenders.
Marc - Scottsdale
It's too bad the rift between our GM and our coach cost us our coach. His style of basketball was perfect for the team we had. As a non basketball fan I got caught up in the excitement of the games! I believe Mike was gone the day Marion was traded for Shaq! That trade not only took our best defender but also totally upset the chemistry of the team. Good luck Mike, you certainly have taken on a challenge. It will be fun to watch you turn NY upside down!
David Ewers - Mesa AZ
The Suns need a coach or an assistant coach that can teach better team defense. Also we need to use the bench more during the regular season. Tucker and Strawberry should have been ready for the playoffs as they are two good defenders. Amar'e is a terrible defender, he needs to learn how to play defense in order for the Suns to get to the 'next level.
Pat - Chandler
We will miss Mike - I think he should of stayed one more year. With the team playing all season long we could of went for it all!! Good luck Mike!
Sad Fan - phoenix
We will miss Coach D'Antoni - he made the Suns exciting again, brought great energy to the game and he will be sorely missed.
Any other Coaches of the Year looking for jobs? Any other coaches who helped to create a 2 time MVP looking for a job? Any other coach who helped to create the best 6th man looking for a new team?
Scott - Gilbert
I don't understand how a group of guys who make millions of $ can play with such a low level of passion as they did in game three. If went to work with that low degree of passion, I wouldn't have a job and work for about 5% of what most of them make!
Bill - PHX
Let's have the first player-coach; Steve Nash!
Shawn - Orlando
First JJ, then the Matrix, now D'Antoni. Does anyone get along with the most likable team anymore? It's been sad to see good opportunities come up short and then the team slowly falls apart as the rest of the league caught up to the style of play.
Antoinette Silago - Phoenix, AZ
Good luck Coach D-Antoni. You will be missed here in Phoenix. Wow, this is what we said to Marion too huh? I wonder if Avery Johnson will end up here??? Or who I wonder???? hmmmm... I guess we will see...
Peter - England
Mike D'Antoni's Suns created my passion for the NBA. I had the pleasure of seeing them at the US Airways Center once. Whenever there was a live game on in the UK if Phoenix were playing that was it .. you knew you were going to be entertained.
Best of luck with the Knicks, Mike. Lets hope the Suns get a coach to take them onto the next level. I willbe watchibg
Ron - Arizona
I agree 100% with everything in this article. Thank you Phoenix SUNS and Mike D'Antonio for putting an exciting team on the floor. The SUNS, without a doubt was the most fun team to watch over the past couple seasons.
With that said, how far would we have ever gotten, with a lot of luck maybe out of the first round of the playoffs.
The SUNS need to be more defensive minded and develop a deep bench.
Everyone has their suggestions for a coach... how about No. 9, Thunder Dan...
Should be interesting.... We're all going to be watching the newspapers for the latest updates.
Ann - Phoenix
This team has had a fairytale run that just happened to fall short. Best of luck to Coach D, he will be missed. It will be weird seeing him in the Knicks arena, but if anyone can turn that sorry mess around, he can. I'll also miss his wife, Laurel. She did so much for kids and environmentalism here in Phoenix.
It's just a hard pill to swallow but like Lori Ann said, the Suns WILL rise again!
GO SUNS! I believe in you!
Steve - Los Angeles
I believe Suns should make this adjustment a year ago when Kurt Tomas was kept on the bench for most of the season and game 1 and then all of a sudden he was given big minuates in game 2-6. It just doesn't make sense.
abby f. - Iowa
Thanks for the blog. It cheered me up a little.
Coach Mike good luck in New York I will be voting for them to win some games. And the suns are going to win next year!!!!
GO SUNS!!!!!
Iliana - Phoenix
I would like to start by saying, "Thank you Mike for all the good memories and may God continue to bless you. I will miss you!"
It is sad to see our coach leave the Suns. I hope that we may be able to overcome this and not regret this tremendous loss!
Go Suns! Good luck next year!
I will be praying...
:(
DMC - AZ
Bring back Paul Westphal!!!!!
Laura - Kill Devil Hills, NC
As a real Suns fan who lives about as east as you can get and would try and stay awake for the few games that were aired this new news of Mike is distressing. It was bad enough when the trades happened (God Shaq, shoot with your knees), but I will give it a shot next season because I love to watch Steve and everyone else play. Best of luck Mike.
AJEM - Phoenix
Just remember you we often don't miss our water until the well runs dry! I hope both men can grow from this experience to become better leaders in their profession. While, there was no ring, it was exciting and winning basketball. D's act and success will be tough to recreate.
RISHI - AFRICA
i like the suns
Penny - Long time Phx fan
Please please please dont go the cheap route and hire a Dan Majerle, Eddie Johnson or Vinnie Del Negro. While nice guys and loved in the Phx community, they are not what we need to win. Hire a COACH, not a project. If you dont you will lose Amare down the road. And to Coach D'Antoni- THANKS for the Memories! It has been a great fun ride!
Tim - Toronto
Well - Mike D'Antoni was a great coach - but small things really killed PHX - was it last year or in Game 1 against SAS this year.
I think - whoever will be the next coach - the window of opportunity for PHX is closed and will be closed for many years necessary to rebuild the team.
Keil - Denton, TX
I'm afraid we will miss the playoffs next season and be one of the worst, slowest, oldest teams in the league. The trades were worth a try, but we're gonna have to pay the consequences of them for a few years. No draft picks, 4 starters in their late 30's,and Amare being the only dependable guy to score will put us in a bad place for awhile.
bella - phoennix
thank for everything d'antoni
u did a great job here
it sucks that we lost u
but its time for a new beginning
hopefully the suns will rise this season
n finally win
although it would have bn great to win a championship with u you
marcia - phoenix
two more words for you steve k- PAT RILEY
craig - 29 palms
DEFENSE DEFENSE these are the words we need to be saying to our team next yaer. hopefully the coach of the team and the players will back up our words.I've been a suns fan for 13 years so I was there when westphal led the team and he would be a good fit.we will win with any coach though, who will lay down the law and make our players defend.
Frank Bachoura - Sydney, Australia
Great report Joe G.
God speed to you coad D'Antoni. I wish you all the success in New York.
I think the best possible coach for the Suns would be Jeff Van Gundy. With the already great offence of the Suns and Van Gundys' defensive philosophy, it is clear to me that this is the way to go.
PauL - Mesa, AZ
FLIP SAUNDERS?? seriously, no disrespecet but Id rather assign a 3 toed sloth as head coach over Flip Saunders. It's very sad what has happened to this team. in 04-05 they caputred the imagination of not just american fans but international ones as well. If Dantoni would just use guys on his bench that had specific skills they could easily have 2 titles already. They have another defensive specialist in Strawberry that sat the bench the entire spurs series while Parker torched Nash...and a PROVEN 3pt specialist in Piatkowski that rode the pine when they really could have used him to spread the floor. Where was Skinner?? bring him in and use up all 6 of his fouls to put tony parker on his backside everytime he entered the lane untouched...I wish Dantoni the best...hopefully he learns from his stubborn ways in Phx
bigg L - san antonio tx
the suns need avery johnson... and maybe the could play some D!!!! or maybe flip sanders would be a good fit Amarie stoudemire is the MAN keep up the good work s.t.a.t.!!!
Jeno - LA
Always liked D'antoni until he started to make smart remarks and talk down to the Laker when the Lakers played them in the playoff two years ago. That's when the Lakers were not a very good team as right now. Ever since then, I lost respect. But, nobody's perfect, I forgive him and wish him luck.
Ian L. - Philippines
I hope that this team doesn't get any worse. I kept on hearing bad news after bad news. It's disappointing time after time. The players lineup is broken and now the coaching staffs are borken. Whoever coach is going to replace Mike, it should make the team more effective on the defensive end while keeping the team on a run and gun offense. Shaq, improve your free-throw shooting. If they foul you, make them pay! The team should choose carefully in the rookie drafts to bring in players the will run and shoot with Nash and Amare like Shawn Marion did. Again I am looking forward to my second season as a Suns fan. I'm not going to let go until Phoenix got a championship. For now I will just watch Amare and the rest of the squad in the Oplympics. By the way coach D'Anthony is also a part of the coaching staff so I think they will still have communications. Hopefully Amare will get better. So see you guys next season.
Go Phoenix!!! I bleed orange.
jeff - phoenix
D'Antoni is smart for leaving the Suns. They are getting painfully old, while the rest of the West gets youthful and that means quicker and faster.
The Suns must find a way to get younger or they will be luckey to make the playoffs next year. Mr. Kerr, you have your hands full. Good luck because you will need much more then just a good coach.
LARRY - PHOENIX AZ
THANKS COACH D GOOD LUCK IN DA BIG APPLE THANKS 4 DA RUN N GUN OFFENSE U SHOWED US WE HAD WISH U WOULD OF STOULD 1 MORE YEAR 2 SHOW US WHY U BRANG SHAQ OVER BUT HEY --IT HAPPENS WITH THAT I SAY GOOD LUCK UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ( GO SUNS FOREVER )
Dennis - Bluefield, WV
If you dont coach defense your players won't play defense...D'antoni didn't coach defense so they didn't play it...the players clearly have talent on the offensive end, they just need someone to force them to play defense...go get jeff van gundy
Matt - Sacramento
Avery Johnson will bring strong rapport with Steve Nash and with Stoudemire due to his experience. He can also help drive a tougher mentality with the team.
The Suns are weak. They are so much fun to watch but I cannot watch the 4th quarter. I cannot sit there and watch another double digit lead get blown because we do not have the strength to hold teams off, because we cannot finish a team, because we keep launching threes even when we just need a bucket, because Nash is our only clutch player. Stoudemire is awesome, until it matters. When is he going to quit making errors in crunch time? When is going to start hitting free throws in the 4th quarter? He hits most of them in the first 3 quarters.
Ugh....so exciting and so frustrating.
Zach - Salt Lake
I always liked the Suns. They were (whether they still are next season is to be decided)my second favorite team after the Jazz. I will miss Mike, but come on, New York. Now there's a team I don't like. Especially with that idiot Zach Randolph on their team. I fear the Suns' chance is gone, with the team aging so much and without Mike D'Antoni. Good luck Mike, good luck Suns.
Bill V - Seattle, Washington
I think that it's ironic that Phoenix had to trade Stephon Marbury to New York to get a winning team in Phoenix. I think that it's funny that "Mike" is now stuck with the same problem he thought he got rid of years ago.
Sardp - Chandler
They have the Talent, they couldn't win it. It's rather simple. They were exciting but couldn't finish.We were out coached every year in the playoffs. Greg Popovich wins titles because he gets his talent to perform on both ends of the court. Yes we had fun watching them with Coach Mike's Style, but every Sun's fan can't deny that the title would mean more. He had his shot, now let someone else take this team over the hump
GO SUNS!!!
Steve - Tucson, AZ
I never watched NBA games and much less the Phoenix Suns until Mike D'Antoni took over. It was just so entertaining to watch the Phoenix Suns play. I don't blame D'Antoni at all for not winning a championship. He was a good coach. The other teams were just better than us, played better than us, and had more heart than us. If anything, our players let us down not the coach. Game three of the first round of the 2008 playoffs is a perfect example. I will keep an eye out on the Knicks while hoping that the Suns can harness all the talent that they have and channel it towards playing like the championship team they can be.
John Allen - Malabon,Philippines
thanks coach mike for giving us entertainment.
John Allen - Malabon,Philippines
Mr.Kerr please sign a good defensive coach so phoenix will be the 2009 NBA Champions!
monty - usa
I have been a Suns fan For about 20 years and next year I hope we get the spurs in the First round again and taer them apart we had them this year and they had this searies but after the heart breaker in games 1&2 Im not suprised there head wasnt in it in game 3 but Thank You My Suns Team for not getting swept. As for next year we still have a promsing seson coming up We may have lost Marion But we have Grant Hill We may have lost our Coach but we still have our team and there passion for the game I was dissapointed but hay I hated the fact we lost to Jordan and The Bulls and we lost to the Celtics just imagine next year with the celtics on the rise we go to the finals I can see the head lines now the Suns defeated the celtics to win there first championship that would be great anyway Im only 26 years old and plan on being around for at least another 20 or so years we sould win a championship in that time GO SUNS this past year Iv watched about95% of all your games thanks for the gaood season and playoffs PEACE!!!!!!!!!
Andrea - Paris, France
I was a teenager living in Milan, Italy when Mike was the star point guard. He was the smartest player, the fans loved him. When he started coaching the Suns, I started following the team, and after watching a few games here in Europe, my passion for basketball suddenly was born again, and I kept checkin in on the internet every day to see the latest results and news, including your own commentary Joe. I even flew to Phoenix for the 2005 playoffs!
I fear this last change will be no good for the team, already the second part of this season the games were slower and slower. I will carefully keep the videos of a few of the best Suns games of these past few years, I am sure we will not have the same fun for a while. Next year by this time we will not be able to say we didnt win but we had a lot of fun as in the last years...we will be left without wins and without fun...
I have mixed feelings now, I have become a real Suns fan, but I feel like my fan contract has been broken too. I will start following the Knicks closer and see what happens there. I will keep an eye on the Suns, even if Steve Kerr does not deserve success still I would like a guy like Steve Nash win before the end of his career.
Good luck Suns, good luck Joe, I will miss you too, except when NY will play in Phoenix next year...
javsky - hong kong
goodluck mike D!
get COACH K of DUKE U!!!
GO SUNS!!!
Mark - AZ
Anyone for Tom Chambers?? How bout Sir Charles?? That would make for an interesting season.
Alex - Phoenix
Hey, if you really want a championship in Phoenix I've heard Pat Riley is available. This is no time for being cheap, look back and you'll know why.
marcia - phoenix
even two more words for you stevie....tom thibodeau
don - phoenix
well the end of an era always triggers talk about restarting a new one. Questions like, continue down the path that D'antoni started? do we put a team together for one more run for the championship? do we just scrap and start to rebuild around Stoudemire and barbosa (as a 2-guard)?
Many questions with lots of possibilities. One thing's for sure, the suns were probably the most talented team in the league for 3 of the last 4 years, I truly mean that. But talent doesn't win championships, well coached, disciplined teams do.
Folks may not like San Antonio's style, they may state they are a bunch of dirty players who flop, call them what you will, but is there another team in the league that gets the most out of it's talent? is there another team in the league that executes as well as these guys when it counts?
Moral of the story, we don't always need the most talented team to win...just the most committed team and it starts with leadership.
Darren - Australia
Come on Susn fans! Don't give up yet! Think of it as a rebirth of the team. And so what for the old guys in our team. Look at Grant Hill, everyone thought he was out and not gonna play again. Now look at him, he is playing like he is a couple of years older. Thanks to the best trainers in the NBA. They worked wonders with Grant and Shaq. Even though Steve is one of the oldest players, he is still playing like he is 25 giving 110% every game. They just need a coach who can coach defense, then they could have Nash running them through offense cause no one can play offense better then the Suns right? 2 Time MVP running the point and a future MVP at Power foward.
As Shaq has stated when he got here;
"Don't make me angry, when I get angry, I'm known for doing things like - Winning championships"
DK - Little Rock, AR
I became a Suns fan because of Joe being from the Rock but I stayed due to loyalty of a team that has not one star (Kobe-Lakers) or even two stars (Duncan, Parker Spurs) BUT 11 great guys who know
how to shine when it is their time you never know where the star will fall on any given night. I love Phoenix even more so I have always followed Shaq and him coming on board will definitely get the Suns a ring. I's sorry D'Antoni felt the need to leave but I don't believe he was the downfall of the team nor was he the lift the team needed. Good luck with NY because it wasn't on the coach that Knicks had a bad team maybe D'Antoni can team them teamwork.
Rose - Scottsdale
Even though the Suns fell short, us diehard fans will be back again next year! With all the critizism towards Coach Mike I feel that the blame should be spread equally among staff, management and players. A coach is only as good as his players let him be by getting their job done. They are paid very well and should be giving their all at every game. Whoever comes in as the next coach will have some big shoes to fill and will need our backing as fans. So, to Coach Mike--- Thanks and God Bless.
Pat - Chino Valley
Thank you Mike D'Antoni. I am sorry to see you leave. Even though NY is not one of my favorite teams, I will watch the games because of you. I just hope the the powers that be know what they are doing and our Suns will be okay but ......
It has been a great ride. God bless you and your family
Jeff - Prescott
I don't think this team needs to make any big changes concerning our starting five. We do need to concentrate a bit more on staying competitive in the west. The hornets,blazers,sonics and lakers will be stronger and more experienced.Having said that, I would like to see if we are capable of something big on draft day. Mr. Kerr said "we are old at every position" and we are also considering taking the best player possible. Are we bold enough to pull off a deal for Jerryd Bayless as steve's apprentice or Javale McGee to study under shaq? I also like Ricky Rubio from Spain as Nash's replacement if we can't get bayless. What do you think suns fans?
Greg - Ct
Long time Suns fan for many years, and will continue to be for a long, long time. I just wish people would stop looking for the quick fix and making such radical moves in such a short time. Winning as does everything else in life takes time(Don't happen over night even though that is the way it's treated now in the league). You need time to come together as one, you need time to adjust to the positives and negatives of the players, coach's, management, etc.. Mike and the Suns needed one more season to put it together with the addition of the Big Cactus. Without any other changes the Suns are behind already mainly because now they need to mesh with new coach and a new philosophy, which again takes time. The only way this might be an easy transition is if one of the assist. coach's takes over, then your still looking at some kind of a change maybe not as drastic as looking at outsiders coming to the valley. I wish the Suns the best and look forward to next year, can't wait guys.
Chris - Litchfield Park
Later, Mike. OK, now that the stubborn leader has left, the time to shine is upon us.
Let's get somebody with experience in here who knows how to win (Van Gundy? Avery?) and knows how to caoch big guys, (Van Gundy & Avery), and knows how to get to the finals...
OK, so you know my two votes...
PAUL WILSON - TWIN FALLS IDAHO
the suns are not to old. we have a great team we need a coach coaches defense.
Thompson_97 - Tucson
You wrote the following...
* a more experienced Kerr will understand that a more realistic key to good defense is good defenders, not better coaching. *
... and it is very misguided. I mean, yes, it's true that you have to get good defenders if you want to put forth a good defense. But what your statement refuses to recognize is that BOTH are necessary to field a strong defense. Your statement makes it seem like one is more of a key than the other. You need both keys, which is something that (possibly until now) NOBODY in the Phoenix organization has ever understood. They have tried the former key (e.g. acquiring Kurt Thomas, Raja Bell, Shaq) but they have NEVER properly adjusted their game plan to improve.
The good defensive teams in the NBA go through hours and hours of individual and team drills to cover different possible rotations on defense. And they constantly talked about making "adjustments", especially after losses. All that you heard after Suns losses were either comments to the effect "we don't need a different plan, we just need to execute our current plan better", or they were excuses about officiating or the tactics of the other team (Hack-a-Shaq, etc). That is not the way to become champions, and it is bad coaching. Adjustments and a "no excuses" off-the-court attitude are the way.
Mike D'Antoni had ONE game plan for all circumstances: full-steam ahead offense. This attitude works well for the Suns in the regular season, because they have the most athletic and talented team on the floor, but in a play-off series students of the game (like Popovich, as much as it pains me to say) will eventually find your holes and exploit them incessantly. Mike D'Antoni looked great because of his players, not because of any great things he did.
Here's my prediction: joining the Knicks will expose D'Antoni as the lame coach that he is, and the Suns will continue to be strong contenders without him. And if they manage to get a true coach in place, they may go on to be champions. Time
G.JONES - NS,CANADA
The 2008/9 SUNS team has enormous challenges ahead of them. And right now...at this very moment...the players do not have any idea of what their style/agenda/formula is going to be. They do not have a coach. They have siginficant weaknesses starting with a lack of fusion amoung any 5 guys on the floor at one time.
The west is getting younger and stronger. The time to pick a coach and develop a system/philosophy was yesterday. Each day matters.
When they hire a coach, fly all the guys in, sit for an entire day, brainstorm, figure the heck out what this team is and needs.
It's a short off season and Kerr will simply sink or swim with nest year's results. It'snot a time to panic. But it is time to start the engine, play upon the strengths that exist, solidfy any of the many holes with prudent trades, continue to work on a system and hope that the age works to the SUNS advantage.
Sometimes...not often anymore, but sometimes smarts wins over youth.
Now SUNS organization...GO TO WORK !
mike - phx
They are going to have to blow up this team to play a defensive game. Avery Johnson is the only prospect out there even close to a fit for this team, and he doesn't exactly preach "D"
mzjames - Flagstaff
I have to agree with Marc in Scottsdale. Who didn't see this coming after the trade (Marion for Shaq)? You can't fine tune an engine and then decide one day to replace a new part with an older part....doesn't work. Why was this concept not grasped?!? The Suns were so much better last season, we didn't need Shaq!
On a lighter note....Thank you D'Antoni. We will miss you. Good luck in NY.
Stef - Phx,Az
Coach Dantoni was amazing and who ever thinks differently is stupid! He did wonders for this team and now it's time for him to move on! Coach, i will always respect you and the decisions you made w/our team. Now as for our current situation...Steve has one goal in mind, and thats to win a championship! And if there is anyone who knows about winning it is Mr.Kerr! i'm excited to see what the future holds!!!
I'm still keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that (my future husband) SHAWN MARION returns when he's a free agent!! I love you, Shawn!!!!
!!!!
Tom - Phoenix
im glad coach mike is gone.this past series against the spurs yeah we were out played a little.but we were out coached in that series.phoenix needs to get a greg popavich type of coach to feed the players the rebound defense.rather then the run n gun.the suns cant play great defense because they were feed the run n gun out score to win.rather then half court offense/defense which wins champion chips.i would rather have team that does decent in the regular season then a 62 winning team and choke in the playoffs.Good luck kerr you got a whole lot to work out!
Sean - Rio de Janeiro
Mike is pretty good, but not one of the best. Hopefully it will be possible to get a great coach for a great team, although I haven't seen any available right now...
marcia - phoenix
I think Eddie Johnson would make an excellent new head coach just by listening to him commentate
Daryl - St. Joseph, MO
im originaly from australia n hav been a suns fan since the barkley years. its sad to c mike go, it would b great to c thunder dan on the bench as an assistant even, i think paul silas could b a good fit for the suns, or bring bac paul westphal.
Roberto - Mammoth AZ
hey gm have you considered mr PAT RILEY, remember that him and shaq won a title together...
Mike - Ohio
I totally agree with Greg from Ct. Time is what was needed. Time to get Shaq totally accustomed to the team. I didn't really like the trade, but it was made and you need to jell as a team. Going into another sport, even the Yankees and all their money didn't win until they kept the "team" together for a while
henry - phoenix
it was time for him to go thnks for the memories and go on brig avery johnson please
Eric Kokomo - Laguna, Philippines
The league is looking at the Hack a Shaq strategy. This will benefit the Suns if the Commissioner will approve to give penalty for fouling somebody who is not even part of the play. Shaq can play defense at the other end. Stoudemire and Nash should play pick and roll almost all the plays. Surround them with good shooters. Anybody who will coach the Suns will have success if these things are given consideration. Mike D' Antoni should be forgiven for leaving the team. With the condition of our economy, it is not a sin if you think about your financial future. He feels the need for control over the team. But don't worry Suns fans Kerr will hire a defensive minded coach. My suggestion, MICHAEL COOPER.
D.H. - Peoria
I am glad to see a change in the coaching,the team just didnt have the same spark.
Coach Dantoni had four years to try & make it work & he just couldnt get over that hump.
It is time for a change,someone new who can brings something new & some defense.
This team has been missing this role in a coach.
I hope next year will be a new begining for this great team.
Gerald - Philippines
Good luck to Coach Mike!
Hi Steve Kerr
I hope we can find a coach as best as Mike or better. Maybe we can ask Coach K of Duke University to consider. Ive been following his coaching ever since and I think hes the best.
Luis - Puerto Rico
We need some new guys here. We dont have a decent replecement to Nash like Jason Terry or Baron Davis. We need a better regular shooting guard like Carmelo Anthony. And somebody the teach our guys some defense like Avery.
Why dont Van Gundy loock Houston.
Why dont Pat Riley lock Miami yeah he win a Champ. but the other Van Gundy started the season and they have Wade.
Maybe Wespall he doit great jobin Phoenix.
Please Mister Kerr put a Coach not a Clow.
Thanks
Rihanna - Phoenix
It's sad to see Mike go, but I believe that Phoenix would have to fix their defense to be able to win a championship.
HAw - Manila
Get Avery Johnson!!!
Hannah - Cottonwood
As Suns fans, our family was sad to see Coach "Our Coach" go. I thought he did a great job. Is all I hope is that we keep all our great players, and that we get a good coach similar to Coach Mike (maybe be Avery Johnson). We will surely miss Coach Mike, but wish him & his family well, and hopefully he helps the Knicks. It is so sad to see members from our team go to other teams (Shawn, JJ, Tim Thomas, and Kurt Thomas among some), and now our coach. Oh well, happen has happened, and now life must go on, and is all we need to do is to keep being supportive of one great team, the Phoenix SUNS!
albert da beast - avondale
we need to want the championship i always liked the suns and always will but im tired of not havin achampionship and threw out years we been the team but all matters how bad we want it
carl - england
if u wna hav a coach wiv both offensive and defensive mind hu do u call??
"AVERY JOHNSON"
and plz dont even fink of trading barbosa,bell,diaw,strawberry,nash or tucker
GO SUNS!!
Angela P. - Tolleson
I wish Mike nothing but the best and thanks for the past memorable years. I need to add that I've noticed that other teams have fans that help motivate their team by cheering and going crazy. Maybe us fans can step it up a notch and be more supportive even when our team is doing bad. Other arenas are insanely loud and motivating and the games I have attended here in Phoenix are nothing like the that.
Go Suns! I can't wait to see you play again!
Kenny - Phoenix
Fan-Tastic. Like all other popular phoenix profession sports teams - we get to go through a 10 year rebuilding process...again. Usually when the 10 year rebuilding process starts its after you have won a few championships. Not a few devision titles.
john -
avery johnson
Adam - Mesa, AZ
Go after Coach K from Duke!!!
STEVE SANA RISHI - CALIFORNIA
SUNS 2009 2010 WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dev - HK/Singapore
I have supported the suns for 20 years now and it has been one elimination after another....we always have the stars but we dont play hard enough...we need the gangsta detroit attitude...stop building big leads and giving dem up...we are just too nice...everyone loves us!!!
Will - Flagstaff, AZ
Sometimes it is so frustrating being a Suns fan! Whenever we have a good team, within a few years, a lot of the good players are gone. Just look at who has gone away in the last few years, some good players, and some good role players. It was the same when we went to the finals with Sir Charles. Losing D'Antoni feels like the latest step which will lead to a drought for us suns fans. I hope my gut feelings are wrong!
John S. - Surprise AZ
Joe, you don't get replaced after winning 50+ unless your vision doesn't match the owners. Mike DiAntoni is a nice guy, but he let a very talented team get away with dogging it. Lets be truthful, our Suns wouldn't put forth the effort to get by an old, slow, Spurs team. To get out hustled by San Antonio this year was pathetic. It's one thing to not have the horses, but to squander this years potential leaves me with alot of questions about the Suns level of commitment, not only to themselves, but the fans, and community who support them. I got more enjoyment watching an overmatched Atlanta team make the Celtics sweat, than our Suns flounder and take a dive. If Spurs, Suns would have been a prize fight there would have been an inquiry.
Jamon Freeman - Richmond,Va
Yea, it isn't Mike's fault but the Suns need some major changes to keep up with the wild west. The teams in the west are getting stronger year after year, and I'm sure my man from the 3 peat champions chicago bulls sees that. So here Steve calling up Avery Johnson wouldn't be such a bad idea since you got the defense mind set like he does ya'll be a great match and by the way don't forget Shaq he stiill have some fire power left in him when he's completely focus he'll shut people up cause when he says something like winning a championship u better believe he'll help get the suns over the hump so don't count them out yet. Best of luck Kerr I got faith in you like Jordan did when you hit the game winning shot in '95, serious consider giving Johnson a ring and see what's up he could be the missing piece u r looking for.
Matt - England
Mike D'antoni did the best he could for this team, i think now we need a defensive coach that can help nash maybe do some defense, hopefully we can get a title this season but i think we made this move too late
Ian L. - Philippines
One simple logic:
The Suns can score big time. That's a given. But they have to prevent the other teams from scoring too.
As simple as that.
Carlos - Oregon
The Suns had and always will have the roster to win a championship. It is the game chemistry and knowledge that will take them to the next level in basketball. Sure phx gave up 25 point Marion for Shaq but they have the big cactus who in time and with the right coach, and maybe the whole offseason to work on his free throws. A team that will be a contender for the west. Sure they say the East is dominant now and look at the Celtics and how they bragged them up now that they got 4 all stars aboard and they are 2-2 with Clevland. Le Bron and his team are giving them a run for the title and Detroit has bounced back to the spotlight. I have hope for my Blazers in the next couple years but am a Devoted Suns Fan Forever!
Mike left on his own and I gotta say good luck to him in New York. A coach aint gonna make changes overnight and I hope the new coach will benefit the players and create the perfect team phx already has. Bring an all time winning coach Like Bobby Knight into the picture or even one of the previous great players like Dan Majerle back as a coach.
G.JONES - NS,CANADA
Avery...and get the SUNS ball rolling with some positiveness.
And, it enhances the already heated competition with the MAVS.
jon - philippines
i tnink its a good move for the suns to get rid of coach mike, he does'nt have a championship caliber like spurs coach....no deffense, no strategy! how can you win the title? and suns need a back up point guard, barbosa is a no brainer pointguard.. sori mr. blur!next tym try to use the "HEAD" more than a "SPEED".. accept it or not steve nash is the one who carry the team not mike D.
brian - L.A
good luck to suns! Im a SUNS fan since time of sir charles, and for better or worse i'll support you!
Caron - Arizona
This article was right on, but I agree with Steve Kerr. It was time for coach Mike D. to move on. In fact, I think he should have moved on a year ago. I haven't liked him since he came on, but I was willing to give him a chance. I think Steve Nash did more coaching than he did, especially during the games.
But as far as a new coach, forget Pat Riley, although he is a great coach, I think most people here don't like him because of the teams he previously coached. Forget Van Gundy or Flip Sanders, they don't know how to coach a run and gun team. I like Avery Johnson and Isiah Thomas. I think our team is more familiar with Avery Johnson and I like his attitude and style.
Jason-Phoenix -
Mark jackson for coach!!
Jonathan - Arizona
Coach Mike was good for the time and I wish him the best, but this is the same circumstance as the Shawn Marion fiasco. It isn't good or bad, but is something that had to happen!
As far as Suns defense-
We need a coach who will focus more on it, but the PLAYERS have to step up as well! Some people think that our current players won't play defense... I think it is something that hasn't been instilled in them (minus Raja), but definently can be. Find someone who won't try to change our individual and team personality, but will adapt and add to it. Defense needs to just be a new trait of Phoenix Suns basketball, not become it!
For example, I think that Paul Silas as an assistant would be a great fit to do this very thing with the Bigs.
So will the Suns be "The Suns"?
Well, getting us to play defense is like getting a kid to eat green beans...
Make them realize if they do it, then dessert can follow!
There is a time for slowing the ball down, and a time for defense, but there is also a time for running. I think we can still run and gun for stretches... but there has to be BALANCE!
Suns basketball shouldn't be defined by the run and gun, but instead by WINNING!
GO SUNS!!!!
jamon freeman - richmond,va
i meant 1 meant 97 my bad typo but u know what i meant
chino kwatro - pilipinas
d'antoni is gone. bring silas or barkley to the team. trade barbosa and giricek for a vince carter or richard jefferson or ron artest. we need a shooting guard who can defend and contribute with the offense. bring a backup point guard who ca defend. (devin harris). we need to strong guards who can defend other shooting guards. sign veterans like walker. they are old but they can bring something during playoffs. keep bell for defensive purposes. keep diaw even if i dont really understand if he is SF or PF. too small for PF and too slow for a SF. we need a slasher. keep the future amare and the key SHAQ. keep steve for leadership but he needs a back up who can defend.
tonton - philippines
hey suns what's happening on your team??.. im always betting on you because since 2004 you are my team but you let the oppurtunity pass by.. you have a big lead during the game but suddenly you'll fall asleep and let your opponent catch up?.. you have a terrible big three than the celtics but you couldn't bring home a title?.. i thought with shaq on the line up you could bring home the first NBA trophie??. please i still love phoenix i you are still my team next season.. please beat san antonio for me and all of your fans we believe in you..
GO SUNS!!!!!!
Neto - Yuma AZ
Thanks Mike 4 all the memories n 4 making the sport exciting once again. . .now 4 who 2 choose as new head coach?? I can only think of 1 man. . .some1 with coaching experience. . .some1 who knows the game from both ends of the court. . .n some1 who can pick up from where d'antonie has left off. . .some1 by the name of. . . Paul Westpaul! Lets do it n bring him back! GO SUNS!!!
ROCKY - Idaho
The suns will always be the best and good team no matter what.yeah were going to miss coach Mike D'Antoni and Shwan Marion. Have faith in your selfs we will win the the championship next season.there the BEST!!!! GO SUNS!!!!
spond - Phoenix
I liked Mike too, but I am also not heart broken that he is leaving. Too many times I sat there scratching my head, as I watched a 20 point lead evaporate, and often with no timeouts, no change to the lineup...nothing.
I would love to see Paul Westhead or Paul Westphal back in Phoenix. Paul Westhead is a proven winner with the fast break, two championships, both NBA and WNBA.
marlon c. - pilipinas
A SIMPLE MESSAGE FOR THE PHOENIX SUNS...COACH MIKE DANTONI OR D'ANTONI WHATEVER . . . WAS NOT A GOOD COACH FOR THE SUNS. . . AND THANK YOU THAT HE'S GONE. . . MAYBE HE IS FIT RIGHT WITH THE NEW YORK LOSSERS. . .IM SORRY BUT THATS WHAT WE FEEL, AND JUST WANT OUR VOICE TO BE HEARD. . . FROM: "ILOILO CITY PHILLIPINES" . . . MABUHAY SUNS FANS!
Mike N - Richmond B.C. Canada
Like any divorce the kids get hurt the most. I would argue that in this case the "kids" are the fans and owner Robert Sarver.
First Robert Sarver, for the $ 400 + million he paid he once had the "talk of the town" nba team and now it will be transferred into a slow boring team that gets "hacked a Shaqed" . "Middle of the road" in the tough Western Conference is the future for the Suns. I understand he is a CPA. I guess he just couldn't stand paying the cap tax to keep Kurt Thomas (and he could have kept the Suns intact and then at the end of the year he now has to pay the "Shaq tax").
For the fans we will see a team in turmoil the next few years with all the mistakes of a rookie gm (nice guy I heard and good intentions but mistakes regardless) before anything good starts happening. And then they are now looking at only rookie coaches? (go figure!).
What has happened this year and the current status has now really sunk in. I don't feel good about it.
Well we still have your columns they are still "right on" and entertaining. Thanks. Til next year.
kristel velasquez - philippines
Mike has done great things.
helping Nash for being two time mvp, helping diaw to be most improved player, and helping barbosa to be sixth man of the year...
we will be missing him... but i knw he still the coach we've known... =]
just keep doing ur best suns! u rock!
ymerj - cagayan de oro philippines
ahm gud day guys..
we cant do anything but to continue supporting on our Team.. Its not our Loss but its on d' antoni for leaving the team. we still have shaQ,amare, nash, bell and diaw...i think suns should pick another guy that can help the suns to go on championship title.. its on the coach...
better choose a good coaching ability..
better Luck next time..
shellie ethridge - houston,tx
i love the sun what about avrie johnson as head coach who ever get the job is luck. keep your head up this is a winning team good luck !
crystian - texas
what the suns need is a big shooting guard like kobe bryant or tracy mcgrady cuzz they had johnson but then they lost him they need another guy that can make plays and create them they also need some draft help but i atill got love 4 da suns
go suns
jerome - Jarratt
The suns have what it takes to win a championship. I personally didn't think some of the players, not pointing fingers, didn't have that hunger, that we going to win this game hunger. That drive makes a good player, great. The suns are going to win a championship within the next two years. I'm sure they are going to be hungry next year. Shaq, who I think still has it,is going to be better and the chemisty within the team is going to be great. I BELIEVE ....CHAMPIONSHIPS.
f$$$ - bladel
it was fun mike, you made the game fun and exciting again!
Fat Bob - US
I've been watching the Suns play for a few years now. This recent overhaul is a lot bigger than what most people make it to be. In fact, this is a make or break situation for the Suns. Years before Nash and D antoni came to the Suns, this franchise was nothing but a punching bag of NBA teams till things got turned around.
This overhaul will define whether the Suns stay in the ELITE of the NBA or whether they will sink back to oblivion. Let's hope for the best.
p.s. - phoenix
Enough is enough, when will this organization stop being their own enemy, its back to the drawing board again this year, but why, where is the problem truly. The fans, sponsors and the City will continue to hope and support this team, but we need a team that is really DRIVEN and management that really has a VISION. Not a "I do but I really don't attitude" or a "Oh well, as long as I get paid" mentality, this is not fair to the fans who pay to see their team play like like they care.
Madhouse Bill - Colorado Springs
As a long time Suns fan I too look forward to the day they take the championship away from the dynasty teams.
The run and gun play is great, regardless if it was Nash or D'Antoni that designed it. What an exciting game to watch when all turn overs led to fast breaks.
Sorry to say, the Suns lack the instinc to crush their opponent. They need someone to change that attitude. They have some great talent but their spirit is hot and cold. I am not a Spurs fan but my gosh, that team is consistant. Regardless the oppisition, you can bet on them working their way through.
Sports is as much a mental game as it is athletic and the Suns need to get the winning mental attitude.
I live in Colorado now but I will remain a Suns fan- Semper Fi.
Is the old Madhouse on McDowell still standing? I remember when that place was being built.
GO SUNS
chino kwatro - Pilipinas
Get involved on the carmelo anthony trade rumors. we can trade barbosa and diaw for anthony and camby or we can involve in the trade with nets & nuggets and get carter and devin harris.. again we will only trade diaw and barbosa if we can get anthony & camby or carter & harris or get jefferson. we can also trade barbosa and giricek for stephen jackson or ron artest. we need guards who can defend and score. we have shaq and amare at the paint. get veterans like antoine walker. guys. we cant win if we dont have this type of players.
Alisha - St. Louis, MO
OH MY GOODNESS, GET OVER IT. D'ANTONI'S GONE. HE GAVE UP AND MOVED ON AND SO SHOULD EVER PHOENIX FAN. I'M NOT FOCUSED ON THE PAST, I'M LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE AND SEEING PHOENIX WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP. NOT EVERYTHING NEW IS A BAD THING OR YOU WOULD'VE BEEN SAYING THAT WHEN STEVE NASH FIRST JOINED THE SUNS.
PHOENIX SUNS 2008-2009 NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Scott - LV
I think they should look at Avery Johnson or Silas as coach, also I don't think the window is closed on the Suns yet, if Shaq can drop about 20 lbs and become a bit more leaner so his legs don't wear down carrying that load for a full year, they'll be ok. He looked horribly out of shape for his brief stint.
As for defense, Nash has never been a good defender, the problem is they only got a few guys that can play defense at all. You can cover one or two guys but when the majority of the team cant play D, then well, you get the results the Suns had. Barbosa should be a much better defender with his speed and agility but he is brutal, worse than Nash, seeing him get owned by guys hes supposedly faster than was the real wake up. Why don't they see if they can somehow get a key defensive stopper, the guy doesnt have to be a full time player but bring him in on key situations and in the fourth quarter. A key like Camby or Ron Artest, lord knows the Nuggets and Kings are going nowhere.
Gabriele - Italy
I know D'Antoni for his good job in Italy as coatch. He's been a good coatch for the Suns too.The defense? I think Suns needs some good players for defense.
Alex - Phoenix
Amen, Scott in Gilbert, you said it well. The Suns should have won game 3, and went back to San Antonio with the series tied at 2-2, instead we go back with a 3-1 deficit. These guys get payed millions of dollars like Scott said, and they looked like minimum wage employees in some of those games. Come on Suns, you guys are professionals. The players and the coaching staff alike, act like proffessionals, not like a bunch of amatures. Best of luck Next year. I am a True Fan. Go SUNS!!!
Alfonso Roggiero - Anthem,AZ
I am excited to see what this group of overpay basketball players will do if there is a defensive minded coach at the reigns, I hope that they are mature enough and proud enough to take the challenge and start playing some freaking defense... After all is said and done what we want and I know all parties involved want .. is a championship!!! and the only WAY you can win championships!! if you play defense. Defense starts Offense which turns into points... also I hope this new coach decides that he has 12 players in the roster or 15 what ever the number is ... please use them!! you will never know how a player will play until he is placed into a real game situation, D'a had only room in his mind for at the most 6 maybe 7 players and only when they were so far ahead would he play 10.. Soooo I am glad he is gone I never thought he was such a great coach.. Hell if I had this talented group of athletes I would be a great coach....who is the right coach? who knows but Kerr better find him or he is next in the list of unemployed GM's or whatever his title is, as for Shaq... he better start to work out this summer.. maybe running after criminals instead of driving after them..and lastly to our beloved MVP will you please practice what you preach on your training tapes, and play harder defense.. thans to all for reading my crap, But I am tired of losing to those cry babies SPURS
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