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East Valley Tribune: D’Antoni Set to Stay
By Mike Tulumello
East Valley Tribune
April 2, 2004
After a season of upheaval — a coaching change and one of the biggest trades in franchise history — the turbulent sea surrounding the ever-changing Suns seems to be calming a bit.
At least the head coaching spot won't change again as all signs point to Mike D'Antoni, an easy-going sort who is popular with his players, returning to his post.
No announcement is needed because D'Antoni is under contract through next season, club president Bryan Colangelo said.
"He's done an outstanding job as has the entire staff," Colangelo said of D'Antoni, who replaced Frank Johnson on Dec. 10. "We feel the things that needed to be accomplished are being accomplished.
"We are happy with the production of the young players and how the team is coming together.
"He's under contract, and he's doing a great job. He's dealing well with the hand he's been dealt."
That D'Antoni was coming back couldn't be seen as a given, considering that the Suns' coaching position might as well be marked "temporary" based on how often the people filling it are shipped out.
Dating back to January of 1996, when Paul Westphal was about to be replaced, six coaches have occupied the seat. The roll call: Westphal, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Danny Ainge, Scott Skiles, Frank Johnson and D'Antoni.
Only the Denver Nuggets, with seven, have had more over the same time span. But as things stand, D'Antoni has won over players as well as club officials and staff members throughout the organization.
D'Antoni, who has an 18-36 record since taking the reins, said of his status, "All the indications are good. I haven't heard anything to the contrary.
"We're moving in the right direction. I think we'll have a good chance next season."
It certainly doesn't hurt the current coach that the club's three best players all give his return strong endorsements.
Amare Stoudemire said there's "no question" D'Antoni should return, adding, "He's doing a great job.”
"He's a good teacher," said Stoudemire, who believes he's "making progress" on a path the Suns hope will lead him to the highest rank of stardom. D'Antoni's low-key, humorous nature might be compared to Westphal among recent Suns coaches.
Said Stoudemire, "He wants to teach you without being loud about it. But he will get angry."
Said Shawn Marion, "I like D'Antoni."
The Suns small forward said the coach strikes a nice balance of maintaining the distance and respect demanded by the position, while still having excellent personal rapport with players.
"He can coach and be friendly with you, too," Marion said.
In addition, "He puts us in great situations to win games," Marion said. "He and his staff prepare us great. They give us great game plans.
Joe Johnson said there's "no doubt" D'Antoni should return.
"It's been fun working with him even though it's been a tough road.
"Even when we're down, he's always able to say positive things and keep our heads up. He's been great for us throughout the season."
BONUS SHOT: Point guard Howard Eisley looks like he's done for the season. He is struggling with a hernia and figures to be healthy only around the time the season ends, so the Suns are unlikely to use him any more, D'Antoni indicated.
Also, Jake Voskuhl (sore left foot) and Jahidi White (bruised right knee) are along on this two-game trip, but don't figure to play. That means the Suns will have nine players available, and all likely will play, D'Antoni said.
By Mike Tulumello
East Valley Tribune
April 2, 2004
After a season of upheaval — a coaching change and one of the biggest trades in franchise history — the turbulent sea surrounding the ever-changing Suns seems to be calming a bit.
At least the head coaching spot won't change again as all signs point to Mike D'Antoni, an easy-going sort who is popular with his players, returning to his post.
No announcement is needed because D'Antoni is under contract through next season, club president Bryan Colangelo said.
"He's done an outstanding job as has the entire staff," Colangelo said of D'Antoni, who replaced Frank Johnson on Dec. 10. "We feel the things that needed to be accomplished are being accomplished.
"We are happy with the production of the young players and how the team is coming together.
"He's under contract, and he's doing a great job. He's dealing well with the hand he's been dealt."
That D'Antoni was coming back couldn't be seen as a given, considering that the Suns' coaching position might as well be marked "temporary" based on how often the people filling it are shipped out.
Dating back to January of 1996, when Paul Westphal was about to be replaced, six coaches have occupied the seat. The roll call: Westphal, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Danny Ainge, Scott Skiles, Frank Johnson and D'Antoni.
Only the Denver Nuggets, with seven, have had more over the same time span. But as things stand, D'Antoni has won over players as well as club officials and staff members throughout the organization.
D'Antoni, who has an 18-36 record since taking the reins, said of his status, "All the indications are good. I haven't heard anything to the contrary.
"We're moving in the right direction. I think we'll have a good chance next season."
It certainly doesn't hurt the current coach that the club's three best players all give his return strong endorsements.
Amare Stoudemire said there's "no question" D'Antoni should return, adding, "He's doing a great job.”
"He's a good teacher," said Stoudemire, who believes he's "making progress" on a path the Suns hope will lead him to the highest rank of stardom. D'Antoni's low-key, humorous nature might be compared to Westphal among recent Suns coaches.
Said Stoudemire, "He wants to teach you without being loud about it. But he will get angry."
Said Shawn Marion, "I like D'Antoni."
The Suns small forward said the coach strikes a nice balance of maintaining the distance and respect demanded by the position, while still having excellent personal rapport with players.
"He can coach and be friendly with you, too," Marion said.
In addition, "He puts us in great situations to win games," Marion said. "He and his staff prepare us great. They give us great game plans.
Joe Johnson said there's "no doubt" D'Antoni should return.
"It's been fun working with him even though it's been a tough road.
"Even when we're down, he's always able to say positive things and keep our heads up. He's been great for us throughout the season."
BONUS SHOT: Point guard Howard Eisley looks like he's done for the season. He is struggling with a hernia and figures to be healthy only around the time the season ends, so the Suns are unlikely to use him any more, D'Antoni indicated.
Also, Jake Voskuhl (sore left foot) and Jahidi White (bruised right knee) are along on this two-game trip, but don't figure to play. That means the Suns will have nine players available, and all likely will play, D'Antoni said.
