ESPN Sportscenter: D'Antoni to talk with Bulls and Knicks

[shazaam6]

If Dantoni' d'oesnt want to coach defense, fine then d'ont. But the Suns should be allowed to practice it with another assistant. I don't see what the problem is for D'antoni. Let Kerr bring in an assistant or something for the good of the team.

It looks to me like D'antoni is lazy. His philosophy is convenient for taking time off.

No rookies are worth his time to develop or coach during the season. He would rather have vets like Pike, Marks, Rose etc who dont need anything from him so he doesn't have to do extra coaching.

Plays 7 or 8 guys so he can say they can't practice because they need to rest.
then he defends his short rotation by saying our starters play just the same as other teams starters, it's the bench guys that play starter minutes that is different....So, if that is true, they can practice like other teams ....Well that bs double talk is just another justification for him taking time off.

Not taking time to improve defense, when it seems to be what we do for more than half of a game because we tend to score quickly and other teams run longer set plays, is just lazy. If a player doesn't play defense he is labeled lazy (only Boris can be labeled lazy on offense) no matter how good he is offensively(Amare). What is a coach, who doesn't want to improve his defense called.....FIRED.... Not so fast, it will cost 8.5 million plus another coaches salary.

Prove us wrong D'antoni, you're NOT a lazy Euro'pean no defense playin', rookie hatin' moustache.

 

[Griffin]

You make absolutely ZERO sense. You think blowing 8 million dollars when you don't need to proves money is more important than a championship? That is rediculous. It is smart. Why blow the 8 mill when you don't need to when you get the same desired result? It's funny how entitled some fans think they are. If it was your 8 million bucks I'm sure you would just toss it in the toilet to pump your chest.

So if D'Antoni doesn't take another offer and chooses to stay, do you really think he will be fired then, at the cost of 8 million? You make the assumption that "you don't need to", but that only applies if D'Antoni leaves on his own. Should he choose to stay, it would cost 8 million to fire him and the team would not do that.

 

[Treesquid PhD]

I don't understand how this is Sarver "toying" with D'antoni. It is extremely clear that D'antoni doesn't believe in coaching defense, and is for some reason offended that management expects this team to play defense. To help, management will probably hire a defensive minded assistance and require D'antoni to dedicate practice to more than just offense.

There is no reason to fire him at all. Simply hire a defensive minded assistant and require D'antoni to mix it up a little. He clearly doesn't want to do this, so Phoenix - instead of flushing 8 million dollars down the toilet - is letting him look at other options. If he chooses to leave, fine. They won't be required to pay his salary. If he stays, then he'll have to live with a few changes.

Personally I see this as the Suns wanting to keep D'antoni, because honestly he is "safer" than anything out there right now. They just want him to accept the "meddling" and bring in someone who can help make this team at least try on the other end of the court. If he is too stubborn for this, then he walks.

It's a win win for both sides. But most posters on here love spinning everything they can to make "$arver" look cheap.

Like I said in another post: Sarver is probably just dumb. Cheap? No. Dumb, yeah.

Sorry Sarver is not dumb not by a mile, for one he has already made a genius move in making it look like they wanted to keep D'Antoni, when they do not. D'Antoni staying and accepting to remain here on Kerr's terms is humiliating at best and at worst he misses out on really good jobs like Chicago to come back and be a lame duck.
The Suns also know if they keep D'Antoni at best he will be a coach that doesn't have support of the whole locker room.
Of Course Most fans will accept it for face value when Sarver's marketing machine tells you "We wanted to keep our coach, and he refused not to accept Kerr's knowledge and championship experience on how to win!"
Suns fans eat this up like cake. Next we'll here how Vinny gives the Suns the youth and perspective the Suns need! Some fans here will lobby everyone to give him a chance and he will be the next "Westphal" and rally around the title run in 2008.

 

[Treesquid PhD]

Gambo saying JVG will not be considered when earlier he said he would be....I am assuming someone on the inside called him, that's a quick 180.

 

[nowagimp]

Gambo saying JVG will not be considered when earlier he said he would be....I am assuming someone on the inside called him, that's a quick 180.

JVG is probably not interest in trying to create a defensive team with nash, amare, LB and shaq. that would take a magician.

 

[nashman]

Who is willing to nowagimp, thats the whole problem. We are gonna end up with a worse coach than Dantoni mark it down right now.

 

[shazaam6]

Vinny,.... Vinny...... Vinny.

Nobody really knows what Vinny can do as a coach. But the usual path is to be an assistant first.

From the Suns 2007-2008 Media Guide:

VFinny Del Negro​

Assistant General Manager​

Vinny Del Negro, a 14-year professional basketball veteran, will assume more day-today
responsibilities this season primarily focusing on NBA personnel. The former Suns
player successfully made the transition from his broadcast and scouting duties to the
front office last season as the team’s director of player personnel.
Prior to joining the club’s front office, Del Negro served three seasons (2003-06) as
a color analyst for the Suns, including the final two alongside the “Voice of the Suns”
Al McCoy on flagship station KTAR 620 AM. Del Negro, who retired in 2001, began his post-playing career in the
broadcast booth for ESPN’s NBA Matchup program and the San Antonio Spurs.
Del Negro played for five NBA teams (Sacramento, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Golden State, Phoenix),
averaging 9.1 points and 3.2 assists in 771 regular season games over 12 seasons and appeared in 54 playoff
games. Originally selected by the Kings in the second round (29th overall) of the 1988 NBA Draft after playing
four seasons at North Carolina State under legendary coach Jim Valvano, Del Negro played his first two seasons
with the Kings. He turned down an NBA contract offer to play for Italian club Benetton Treviso, where he led
the team to their first Italian league championship and won MVP honors in 1992. He returned to the States in
1992 to play for the Spurs, where he was selected to the 25th Anniversary Team as one of the top 25 players in
club history after he was an integral part of a Spurs team that won two Midwest Division titles from 1992-98.
Del Negro concluded his NBA career appearing in 38 games with the Suns from 2000-01 before being traded to
the L.A. Clippers in a three-team deal, but never played for the Clippers.
Born in Springfield, Mass, the birthplace of basketball and the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame,
Del Negro was awarded his own locker at the HOF in 2001. He is married to his wife Lynn, whom he met at​

North Carolina State.

 

[da_suns_fan]

Paul Silas? Born and raised in Prescott. Played for the Suns. Older.

Anyone?

You must be registered for see images

 

[nashman]

Yeah great a first time Head Coach just what this team needs. If we get a first timer you had better just blow this team up and trade some guys while they have value.

 

[Cheesebeef]

this team is just flat out embarrassing in so many way now. i'm with Gad. Management has ZERO credibility to me and i'm guessing to a lot of others.

just sad.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Yeah great a first time Head Coach just what this team needs. If we get a first timer you had better just blow this team up and trade some guys while they have value.

they should do that anyway. we built a team specifically put together to take out the 4th best in the conference (the Spurs) and got our asses kicked by them anyway. it's a new era, the Spurs are done and we blew it when we had the chance. the sooner we start rebuilding, the better. anything else is delaying the inevitable.

 

[nashman]

Well Cheese I don't know if the Spurs are done just yet. But I do think new head coach means just blow it up, because the players we have that have some value will go down in a new system with first year coach.

 

[azsouthendzone]

So if D'Antoni doesn't take another offer and chooses to stay, do you really think he will be fired then, at the cost of 8 million? You make the assumption that "you don't need to", but that only applies if D'Antoni leaves on his own. Should he choose to stay, it would cost 8 million to fire him and the team would not do that.

So IF he doesn't take another offer???? Are you serious? Isn't it obvious what has happened? Are you guys really this blind? In addition to the Suns wanting D'Antoni gone, D'antoni wants out. Who do you think gave the leak to SI.com about D'Antoni's future just hours after elimination?? I mean come on, are you really this naive? This is a divorce. Both sides are unhappy and they are both willing to end it in a way that will benefit both sides. You guys are thinking way too hard about this.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Well Cheese I don't know if the Spurs are done just yet. But I do think new head coach means just blow it up, because the players we have that have some value will go down in a new system with first year coach.

they may make it past the hornets, but the Lakers will kick their asses. and I'm pretty sure the Hornets are going to continue to beat their asses, just like they have for four straight games. that's the difference between them and us, the Hornets actually came out in Game 1 and continued to dominance over the spurs that they had in the regular season while we played a great game and still found a way to lose.

keeping DA is just delaying the inevitable. i'd trader Nash for whatever you can get for him. not because i don't love nash, but just because you can probably at least get some cap relief/pikcs for him and i want to see him try and win it with someone else, like a Bron or Howard.

 

[TJ]

Paul Silas? Born and raised in Prescott. Played for the Suns. Older.

Anyone?

You must be registered for see images

"Jesus, am I speaking Chinese!!"

 

[Treesquid PhD]

So IF he doesn't take another offer???? Are you serious? Isn't it obvious what has happened? Are you guys really this blind? In addition to the Suns wanting D'Antoni gone, D'antoni wants out. Who do you think gave the leak to SI.com about D'Antoni's future just hours after elimination?? I mean come on, are you really this naive? This is a divorce. Both sides are unhappy and they are both willing to end it in a way that will benefit both sides. You guys are thinking way too hard about this.

I think it's rather obvious D'Antoni wanted out, but make no mistake the Saturday meeting was a face saving calculated move on Kerr's part. Sarver isn't going to just blow him out like Cuban would, why do that?When you could make him an offer he has to refuse.

The only blindness here is being experienced by fans who are holding on to the belief/hope that this team and this ownership group really cares about winning first. The Suns are not an elite organization anymore, it's time to come to grips with that.

 

[Treesquid PhD]

After reading this, I can't believe any of you are unhappy with Sarver and Kerr, seriously. Read the article, your coach does not want to practice defense!! That's absolutely insane.

You would be better off with Gentry or Del'Negro, or better yet, just having Kerr coach the team. Kerr has won titles, Kerr knows that it takes to play championship basketball, and it all revolves around team defense. Any coach that thinks otherwise is an idiot. You guys have the stupidest coach in the league, you should be thrilled that Sarver has found a way to dump off his contract on some other unlucky bastard. Granting permission for D'Antoni to talk to other teams is a brilliant move and one that helps your team tremendously. I cannot stress this enough.. no team coached by Mike D'Antoni will EVER win an NBA title. He is an idiot of epic proportions. His formula works great in the regular season, but it doesn't work in the playoffs. All D'Antoni is, is a watered down version of Rick Adleman who also sucks ass will never sniff a title as long as he lives. This is a brilliant move by Sarver, and doesn't make him cheap at all. He could just stand pat and let D'Antoni run up the score board for 82 games again, then exit the playoffs early, but he wants to be better then that.

You guys need to give your ownership/GM a break here, they are doing the right thing for your team.

Man this sure sounds like a Cardinals fan every third year....blame the coach, always blame the coach.

 

[Mainstreet]

this team is just flat out embarrassing in so many way now. i'm with Gad. Management has ZERO credibility to me and i'm guessing to a lot of others.

just sad.

If the Suns do not have a legitimate HC coach lined to fill D'Antoni's position, this team is headed south. Sarver and Kerr is no match for the past combination of JC and BC. I worry hard times are ahead. Kerr does not instill confidence for me as he seems to be a yes man in regard to the money saving moves he has made. It would not shock me if the Suns go with an interim coach this coming season to save money.... again. This seems to be the mode of operation.

 

[azsouthendzone]

I think it's rather obvious D'Antoni wanted out, but make no mistake the Saturday meeting was a face saving calculated move on Kerr's part. Sarver isn't going to just blow him out like Cuban would, why do that?When you could make him an offer he has to refuse.

The only blindness here is being experienced by fans who are holding on to the belief/hope that this team and this ownership group really cares about winning first. The Suns are not an elite organization anymore, it's time to come to grips with that.

An offer he had to refuse? They say play some defense and develop a bench, and that is unacceptable? Get real. As far as your accusation that Sarver doesn't care about winning, please give me a list of model franchises that are able to lose money and win. Again, the Suns payroll is more than the Spurs. You have zero basis for that opinion, other than blind hatred of Sarver and love for Colangelo. It would be moronic to write D'Antoni a check for $8 million to prove a point when you do not have to. That is so beyond idiotic I can't even believe it is being discussed.

The Suns an elite organization? When were they? They are from Phoenix, not New York. They have zero championship banners. Maybe you are the one that has the distorted perception.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

I have supported D'Antoni as much as anyone but you are off your rocker if you believe your boss isn't going to dictate how you work. Kerr is just that: D'Antoni's boss.

The situation is irrevocably broken right now and the best thing is to part ways and find someone that will work with the GM.

 

[azsouthendzone]

Sarver and Kerr is no match for the past combination of JC and BC.

Someone please list the NBA titles under the JC and BC watch. I do remember hordes of fans calling for BC's head until the Nash signing, but I don't remember any trophies.

 

[Mainstreet]

Someone please list the NBA titles under the JC and BC watch. I do remember hordes of fans calling for BC's head until the Nash signing, but I don't remember any trophies.

Have the moves of Sarver and Kerr shown you more? It's always been about the money with these two. I do hope I'm wrong about Kerr because he is the Suns only chance to move forward. Maybe many fans will start to long for those 50 win seasons instead of hoping the lottery balls come up in favor of the Suns.

 

[Rab]

I have supported D'Antoni as much as anyone but you are off your rocker if you believe your boss isn't going to dictate how you work. Kerr is just that: D'Antoni's boss.

The situation is irrevocably broken right now and the best thing is to part ways and find someone that will work with the GM.

Pretty much dead on here.

This is a situation where both camps are doing and saying the "right things" until this situation is resolved.

There is no way DA is coming back next season. He will not buckle to Kerr's demands, and he will find a place that will let him do what he wants to do just as BC let him do 4+ years ago.

 

[nowagimp]

I have supported D'Antoni as much as anyone but you are off your rocker if you believe your boss isn't going to dictate how you work. Kerr is just that: D'Antoni's boss.

The situation is irrevocably broken right now and the best thing is to part ways and find someone that will work with the GM.

It kind of makes me wonder if some posters have ever had a boss in a driven job, one where you have a different skill set than the boss. When PJ went to LA, you can be sure the GM has less power, got out of his way. With sloan in Utah, same deal. WIth Riley in miami, he is the GM to stop any conflict. With LB in charlotte it will be interesting, certainly LB will not tolerate another Isiah thomas GM. WIth Pops in SA, Im betting Pops has the ownerships ear on all basketball matters. Mostly, top level coaches get to pull the basketball strings within reason. That situation is gone for DA, its Kerrs team now. Im sure the bulls want DA enough to give him more control over basketball matters than savakerr. Frankly sarver has had some issues with his management of senior managers, including this coach. By calling out DA in public, Kerr has undermined DA's authority with the players. No NBA coach can be expected to be successful if the players think he's not the boss of basketball. Finally, these are NBA basketball players, they only listen to coaches for 4-5 years before they lose their influence. DA was just about done already, maybe one more year. Kerr made sure he was done this year by publicly undermining his influence on offensive and defensive decision making.

 

[gdiddy]

I'm puzzled out how Suns fans complain about how boring defensively oriented teams like the Spurs and Pistons play basketball, and yet whine about how the Suns are not playing defense.

D'Antoni is not going to waste his time anymore with an organization that only cares about selling draft picks, signing Kurt Thomas one year and dumping him the next, and trading one of the core players of the SSOL system for an overweight big-mouthed center. I don't even buy the notion that D'Antoni was for the trade, unless it was a motive for sinking this team and finding an excuse to leave.

Why are people complaining about the short rotation? This team had a garbage bench to begin with.

Do you recall those two trips to the WCF? In 2006, this team had a lot of heart to get through two 7-game series, each against LA teams, before running out of gas in 6 games against the Mavs--all without Amare OR Kurt Thomas.

We had THE team last year. We got a string of bad luck in the series against SA however: Nash's bloody nose, Horry's fight night, Diaw's and STAT's suspensions, Bowen's 3-pointer in game 5 that put the Spurs up.

And now we're all piling on D'A.

I hope D'A goes to Chicago because that will give me a team to root for in the east.

Keep complaining about how this coach never got us a championship. Yeah, it's always the coach's fault. Meanwhile, D'Antoni will be stepping into an organization that actually has championship banners hanging in the rafters.

And we'll be watching some no-named goon take over the helm to coach a two-time MVP point guard, a center still stuck in the past, and a headcase of a power forward.

I feel very sorry for Nash.