So it has come to this. Two years removed from an appearance in the Western Conference Finals, the Suns are now examining Lakers and mustache/glass combo legend Kurt Rambis (first reported here and then by ESPN.com) and former Bucks coach and current Pistons assistant coach Terry Porter for their now vacant head coaching position. Not Avery Johnson, not Rick Carlisle, not Larry Brown. Two assistant coaches who were replaced in their last head coaching jobs. This is the future of the Phoenix Suns. And this after trying so hard to "make an impact" with the trade for Shaquille O'Neal. My how the mighty have fallen.
Now, getting past the obvious lack of star power, these choices actually aren't that bad. They're pretty solid, actually. Rambis is well liked by players, and had some success in the strike-shortened 1999 season. Porter is the much more interesting choice, having coached a severely undermanned Bucks team to the playoffs, and having worked extensively in Detroit. There's been a lot of talk about the Suns trying to become more "Spus-like"(maybe without the elder power forward eliminating key players) with defense and poise. But taking a more "Pistons-like" approach may be the wiser option. Teaching consistent defense mixed with an efficient offense may be a winning combination if a coach like Porter can keep their egos in check.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. why would you ever say mustached when you could say mustachioed?
Posted at 3:36AM on May 16th 2008 by dmahlburg
2. "Not Avery Johnson, not Rick Carlisle, not Larry Brown. Two assistant coaches who were replaced in their last head coaching jobs. This is the future of the Phoenix Suns. And this after trying so hard to "make an impact" with the trade for Shaquille O'Neal. My how the mighty have fallen. "
Just checking but didn't Avery Johnson, Rick Carlisle and Larry Brown all get replaced in their last head coaching jobs as well?
Posted at 2:19PM on May 16th 2008 by Dan
3. For one year only...Let's have Steve Nash coach the team, with a couple of new assistants, and see what happens. I do not see anyone on the horizon to step into that job right now. If the Steves (Nash and Kerr) are ok with it, Let's do it!! I know this is unique, but it has been done before, just not recently...mo
Posted at 2:55PM on May 16th 2008 by mo russell
4. Rick Carlisle was shafted in his last job the guy was the only available option worth anything. Dallas actually got the best one by far. I do like Mo's idea. Put Nash in the Coach seat. The other options would suck. I can't remember was it Bill Russell or Wilt Chamberlain that was a player/coach? If it was feasable then it can work now.
Posted at 7:45AM on May 18th 2008 by steve