The Short List Of Suns Coaching Candidates
It’s day two in the official coaching search for the Phoenix Suns and the front office is working overtime to figure out a list of candidates for the coaching vacancy. According to Kerr he has been on 25 to 30 phone calls inquiring about the job already (25-30 calls in one day? I didn’t even realize there were that many unemployed NBA coaches. What did he post the job on jobing.com or something?).
Kerr and Sarver are not only working hard to find a new coach but are also working overtime talking to the media about their new job opening. In just one day they have given out criteria that could narrow their list down to a very select few candidates. In an effort to help the Suns front office we’ve taken the time to look through each of Kerr and Sarver’s very specific requirements and pair down their list.
List of Possible Candidates :
- Avery Johnson
- Mark Jackson
- Jeff Hornacek
- Jeff Van Gundy
- Rudy Tomjanovich
- Doug Collins
- Eddie Johnson
- Dan Majerle
- Mike Fratello
- Tom Thibodeau
- Michael Curry
- Paul Westhead
- Alvin Gentry
- Mike Budenholzer
- Paul Westphal
- Paul Silas
- Kurt Rambis
- Vinny Del Negro
- Byron Scott
Criteria Kerr and Sarver Expressed From The Media:
- Will not be someone from within the organization (Sarver)
This eliminates:Eddie JohnsonDan MajerleAlvin GentryVinny Del Negro(Although Kerr says he will speak with him)
- Leaning toward someone who has “been on that bench” as a head coach (Kerr)
This eliminates (in all likelihood): Mark Jackson(Although Kerr says he will speak with him)Jeff Hornacek(Although Kerr says he will speak with him)Tom ThibodeauMichael CurryMike Budenhoizer
- “We want someone who communicates well with our players, our staff, the media and our fans. It takes a special person to not only handle the job but flourish in it.” (Kerr)
This eliminates:- If criteria one didn’t make it clear this pretty much the entire Suns broadcast team especially Dan Majerle “Hol-lla”
- Doug Collins has stated publically staying as a broadcaster with TNT and Jeff Van Gundy also ruled himself out Monday.
This eliminates:Doug CollinsJeff Van Gundy(If you couldn’t figure that out please stop reading here)
- Kerr also said that he doesn’t expect the team to do “a total 180″ in style of play.
This eliminates:Mike Fratello
- No current head coaches will be in the mix (Kerr)
This eliminates:Byron Scott(Sorry Scott Bordow)
- Someone who’s been around a championship-caliber team makes some sense in terms of having seen great teams work, whether it’s coaching with them or playing for them,”
(Kerr).
This eliminates:- None of the remaining candidates. All have championship rings as a player or coach.
Remaining List of Candidates:
By process of elimination and context clues it brings us to one of two conclusions, Suns fans should get ready to have there team led by yet another re-tread from NBA days gone by (probably with the name Paul) or that Robert Sarver and Steve Kerr aren’t on the same page. Either way it should make for an interesting off season. Here’s to hoping that Sarver and Kerr are just trying to create a great smoke screen.
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Posted by Greg Esposito
Co-founder of AzSportsHub.com. Greg provides the sometimes serious, sometimes sarcastic and always interesting takes on Arizona sports (at least we hope). Whether it’s on In The Zona with Matt or in his column Greg reports, rants and raves about whatever is in the news for Arizona Sports.
http://www.azsportshub.com/author/espo
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