OT: Alvin Gentry Parts ways with Phoenix

[Thugger HBC]

Alvin Gentry is out as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns. The Suns and Gentry have agreed to part ways after four-plus years and a disappointing 13-28 start to the 2012-13 campaign, according to Jude LaCava of a FOX affiliate in Phoenix.


http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/1/18/3891072/alvin-gentry-fired-phoenix-suns-coach

Did not see this coming at all, quite surprised.

[GoodAzzGame_NYK]

that team is a mess, i don't envy any coach that has to take over that flawwed roster. It's not like they have young developing pieces either.

Markieff Morris? and who?

that team is a got damn mess

[swisscheeseD]

Never really minded Gentry, but was never enthralled with him either. That franchise is in need of a change, can't say I'm surprised.

[MaseInYourFace]

He got a lot of hype after he took over from Dantoni but people should realize that's pretty normal in the NBA, a lot of coaches do well right after they get hired. IN the grand scheme the roster was flawed and he didn't really improve the team all that much...

[seren]

He is headed to Lakers as an assistant coach.

[Capn'O]

Just posted this in the "around" thread. I have no idea where they think this team should be this year. But in my view, it's around where they are. That team is terrible and imo they play pretty hard. Real head scratcher here.

[Capn'O]

He is headed to Lakers as an assistant coach.

Is that for real? Is MDA getting WoodSONNED again?

[seren]

He is headed to Lakers as an assistant coach.

Is that for real? Is MDA getting WoodSONNED again?

Nah. There were reports that MDA was interested to bring him in if Phoenix ever lets him go.

[Since89]

Took Phoenix to the WCF

Gentry >>>> Mikey D

[vdfebduderocks]

D'Antoni wanted him here in NY as an assistant when he got hired in 2008, but he rejected the offer. Luckily, for him, he was able to get the Phoenix job shortly after.

[swisscheeseD]

Just posted this in the "around" thread. I have no idea where they think this team should be this year. But in my view, it's around where they are. That team is terrible and imo they play pretty hard. Real head scratcher here.

Head-scratcher?

It was probably mutual. I'm sure Gentry was THRILLED that he would be able to coach the great Micheal Beasley, after Nash and Grant Hill had already bolted to L.A. And I don't know how he couldn't LOVE working for a guy like Sarver.

The team is looking to develop its young talent, yet trades RLopez when his value is at an all-time low, keeps guys like Gortat when his value was at its peak, and adds older guys like Scola/JO'neal/Telfair that take up a good chunk of playing time.

This isn't Gentry's fault here...but he was no world-beater either. This team needs an overhaul, and this was PHASE 1.

[Rasho Brezec]

They need to get rid of Telfair, Brown, Beasley and Gortat. Just have a firesale and let whoever remains play.

[seren]

They have an incompetent GM who used to be a player agent and signed/traded for his previous clients. Gentry is a victim of the situation but I don't think he minded this at all.

[frogfood]

They have an incompetent GM who used to be a player agent and signed/traded for his previous clients. Gentry is a victim of the situation but I don't think he minded this at all.

Yea, that was ridiculous.

[Capn'O]

Just posted this in the "around" thread. I have no idea where they think this team should be this year. But in my view, it's around where they are. That team is terrible and imo they play pretty hard. Real head scratcher here.

Head-scratcher?

It was probably mutual. I'm sure Gentry was THRILLED that he would be able to coach the great Micheal Beasley, after Nash and Grant Hill had already bolted to L.A. And I don't know how he couldn't LOVE working for a guy like Sarver.

The team is looking to develop its young talent, yet trades RLopez when his value is at an all-time low, keeps guys like Gortat when his value was at its peak, and adds older guys like Scola/JO'neal/Telfair that take up a good chunk of playing time.

This isn't Gentry's fault here...but he was no world-beater either. This team needs an overhaul, and this was PHASE 1.

Well, I full well understand why Gentry would want to leave THEM. But I thought he was a solid head coach. Maybe they want somebody with more of a track record with young talent? But who would that be? I would have kept on a guy who is more or less doing a solid job.