Rumor: Suns coach Terry Porter fired?

¹²³ · Feb 13, 2009

Lots of rumors circulating about the future of Suns coach Terry Porter with many saying Porter has already been fired.

Suns owner Robert Sarver, a guest on the Gambo and Ash show on Thursday, February 12, 2009, did not confirm or deny those rumors, simply saying that Porter has had a tough time so far this year and there is lots of room for improvement.

Porter has led the Suns to a 28 and 23 record at the All-Star break, with the team sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference. Not a great start with so many All-Stars on the roster and such a big payroll.

It's clear that Sarver's patience could be nearing an end when it comes to the "less-than-stellar" performance he's getting from his team.

But is it time to cut the coach, or is there another problem inside the Suns organization?

And does firing Porter so early in his tenure leave Steve Kerr with egg on his face?

Stay tuned.
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Also, S2 Blazers fans are talking about it and saying that some "inside" sources are reporting it as well.

¹²³ · Feb 13, 2009

Terry Porter Fired as Suns Head Coach; Kerr/Gentry Take Over?

According to multiple outlets, Terry Porter has been fired as Suns head coach. Depending on who you read or listen to, either GM Steve Kerr will take over or assistant coach Alvin Gentry will take over.

Peter Vescey of the New York Post reported that Kerr will take over, and Sports 620 KTAR reported that Gentry will take the reins.

Either way, looks like Porter is out despite signing a 3 year, $7 million dollar contract this past summer.

Details not immediately available. Stay tuned for updates.
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¹²³ · Feb 13, 2009

Suns Deny Rumor in New York Post About Steve Kerr Replacing Head Coach Terry Porter

Phoenix Suns head coach Terry Porter was "visibly annoyed" today at questions related to a column in the New York Post this morning that speculated Porter was about to be replaced by Suns general manager Steve Kerr.

According to the latest media reports, both Porter and Kerr deny they've heard anything about the rumor, which came about in a column by sports writer Peter Vecsey entitled Bad Karma in Phoenix:

Meanwhile, according to a Phoenix source, Porter will be replaced by Kerr, who recently completed a crash correspondence coaching course taught by McHale and Tony DiLeo.

Vecsey's a longtime sports journalist and former analyst for NBA and TBS "known for his bitter, cynical. acidic, spiteful, sarcastic style," according to his Wikipedia entry, (which, for all we know, he may have written himself). Apparently, he's a big enough deal that his critics take the time to write columns about him instead of basketball, and his visit to Phoenix last year was covered by a local blogger.

In any case, the Suns denials have a wisp of "doth protest too much," don't you think? The team is rife with trade rumors and clearly moving toward major changes -- Vecsey's "source" probably isn't the water boy.

Also, as we've said in this blog, if the Suns don't make the playoffs this year under Porter, he should be toast -- with Kerr not that far behind.
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Shapecity · Feb 13, 2009

They mentioned this on the Herd this morning. The win over Detroit right before the break saved Porter's job ... for now. I think they'll wait until the Amare deal is done and see what Porter can do with the new acquisitions. If Suns continue to lose he'll be done.

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Rumor: Suns coach Terry Porter fired?

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