Kerr Answers Your Questions

Posted By: Steve Kerr
May 26, 2008 8:30 PM

Hi Suns fans. Thanks for the many emails you've sent this month, and for your intense passion for our team. Obviously things didn't go as planned in the playoffs this season, but we're hard at work preparing for next year.

We're in the midst of looking for a new coach, preparing for free agency and scouting for the draft, so obviously there's a lot of work to be done. But we're confident that when all is said and done, we're going to come away with a better ballclub next season. Sorry I couldn't get to everyone, but here's a sampling of some of the questions that came my way this month...

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Signing Grant Hill as a free agent and trading for Shaq were just two of the experiences Steve Kerr had in his first year as Suns GM.
(NBAE Photos)

You've obviously experienced a lot as a first-year GM... signing free-agents (Hill), trade demands (Marion), blockbuster trade (Shaq), playoff disappointment (Spurs), controversy (Coach D) and now a coaching search. What's the last year been like for you?
-- Andrew D, Phoenix

Hi Andrew,
Yes, I'll admit - I didn't expect my first year to be anything like this. I knew we had a great situation and I figured we'd let it ride and see what happened. But in the NBA, things change quickly. Between making the Shaq deal and Mike moving onto New York, I've been much more active than I anticipated. But I've enjoyed the work and the process, and I'm excited about the opportunity to make the team better.

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Why don't you coach the Suns? I really can't think of a better choice out there. You were always a winner and a champion. You played for 3 of the best coaches ever. It would be a lot like the situation in San Antonio when Brian Hill left and Popovich took over. He has done a pretty fair job. I really believe you have what it takes to make the suns world champions.
-- Gary B, Phoenix

Gary, Thanks for the compliment - I really appreciate it. But there are two reasons I wouldn't coach this team. One, I don't have the experience. I really believe coaching in the NBA is a job that requires training, and I haven't coached at any level. Two, it's an incredibly difficult job that would make balancing my family life and my career very difficult. In short, I'm not ready. Maybe down the road it's something I'll consider, but not now.

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If you could rewind a month, would you do anything differently as it relates to the situation with D'Antoni? Where do you think the relationship soured?
-- Joseph, Glendale

Hi Joseph,
There's really not much I would do differently. If Tim Duncan doesn't make the three pointer to send Game 1 into a second overtime, we might not even be looking for a new coach. But the stress of the series loss combined with the changes I thought we needed for next year made it an uncomfortable situation for Mike, and he decided to move on. In the NBA, the reality is that 4 years is a long run for a coach, and perhaps it was just time for a transition.

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Any chance you can give some insights as to what tangibles you are looking for in the future head coach of the Suns? I personally would like to see the future head coach be someone who has a solid reputation in developing an athletic big man. I think we need someone who can challenge Amare and help make him a complete player, since he is transitioning into the role as the "face of the franchise".
-- Curt, Marshall, Missouri

Hi Curt,
Yes, the need to reach Amare is one of the major themes of this coaching search. Whether it's a head coach or an assistant, I think it is critical we find someone who can help Amare improve at both ends of the floor. I think Amare has just scratched the surface and that he can learn to be a more complete player. That will be one of the challenges for the new coach.

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When is the latest you think a coach will be announced? By the draft or earlier? Also, how much stock do you put in the fact someone was a player and how good they were?
-- Bryan Likins, New Albany, IN

Hi Bryan,
I would anticipate we'll have a new coach in place in the next few weeks - by mid June at the latest and possibly earlier. As far as how important it is to have a coach who played in the NBA, I think it is a factor, but not a requirement. If there's a great coach out there who didn't play in the league, we may hire him.

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I'd love to see Paul Westphal and Paul Silas back with the Suns. Maybe even bring Dan Majerle on to show Barbosa what it means to be a great guard and play defense. What do you think of bringing in people who already have a connection with the team?
-- Gordon Green, Orange, CA via Phoenix

Hi Gordon,
We have a lot of people affiliated with our organization who are really talented and possible candidates for our staff in some capacity. I've
already spoken with a number of them, and there is interest on both sides. The dynamics of the staff is critical, so the pieces have to fit. We'll see what happens.

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I'm pleased to hear u will take ur time to find the new coach. Why not take a "hard look" at Michael Budenholzer? He works hard and gets the job done (4 rings). He has earned respect and the trust of players, coaches, and owners of a terrific and winning organization. As you know, he is born and raised in AZ, so he grew up a Suns and Wildcats fan! Will you consider interviewing
him?
-- Christian Palacios, Chandler

Hi Christian,
Yes, Mike Budenholzer is a candidate, because he is someone I have an awful lot of respect for. He's done a great job with the Spurs for the past decade or so, and I think he has a lot to offer.

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I have seen Coach K from Duke in the stands at Suns home games. Have you considered offering him the coaching position? He's coached the US team and is revered as one of the greatest coaches of all time. Let's give him a shot
at coaching the Suns!
-- Adam, Newport Beach

Hi Adam,
Great thought. If there's one college coach who could make the transition to the NBA, it would be Coach K. But he's not going anywhere. He belongs to Duke, and I think he'll finish his career there.

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Charles Barkley has found his calling in life - entertaining basketball fans with his commentary on TNT.
(NBAE Photos)

Steve, as a huge Suns fan, let me start out by saying that you will have my support on whoever you hire for our next head coach and whatever offseason moves are made. I was just wondering if Charles Barkley is a potential candidate for the coaching position? He may not have much experience, but I think he could bring a lot to this team, and hopefully get us over the hump.
-- Chris, Pocatello, Idaho

Hi Chris,
I love Charles - he's smart, funny, outspoken, and fun to be around. But I don't think he's cut out to be a coach. He's meant to be doing what he's doing right now - entertaining all of us with his hilarious commentary on TNT. Plus, if he really wanted to coach the Suns, he would have called me by now!

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Steve, would you consider only having a defensive minded coach and then have Steve Nash run the offensive side? Because, we all know nobody in the league runs offense better then Steve Nash right?
-- Darren, Perth, Australia

Hi Darren,
There's no question Steve could run the offense, and that our focus with the next coach will more than likely be at the defensive end of the floor. But the days of the 'player-coach' are long gone. I think we'll let Steve be our point guard and get him some help on the sidelines.

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I don't know if he has any coaching aspirations, but one of your former teammates who I think would make a great coach someday is David Robinson. He's highly intelligent, knows the game, seems down-to-earth, yet could get firey and animated when needed, and I would think his presence would command respect. Oh, and he also knows defense. What do you think?
-- Sammy, Peoria

Sammy,
David is a great guy, but anybody without an ounce of coaching experience will have a very difficult job on his hands. You're right, David has all the qualities to be a great coach, but he would need to hone his craft a bit before I could consider hiring him for the Suns.

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Do you expect Mike D'Antoni to take any of the current assistant coaches with him? Could any of them be back with the Suns next year, or do you expect to have a completely new coaching staff?
- James, Mesa

Hi James,
Mike is definitely going to take some of his staff with him to NY, but at this point nothing is set in stone. We're going to continue on with our
process in finding a head coach, and at that point we'll begin to build a staff around that person. It's not inconceivable that someone from the current staff could remain with us next season.

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There is only one true choice for head coach of the Phoenix Suns. He is the only player/coach that has been part of both NBA Finals appearances in Suns History. He was also unceremoniously fired in 1996, after they traded Dan Majerle and had 5 players on the injured list. He is a true blue (purple/orange) Phoenix Sun. And he has a chip on his shoulder to finish the job in Phoenix. He can relate to millionaire ball players, like Chuck then, now Shaq. Offense won't suffer. He has learned defense from Avery. Please hire Paul Westphal!
-- Steve, Glendale

Hi Steve,
That's a great thought. I'm a big Paul Westphal fan - I played for him in Phoenix my rookie season in 1988, when he was an assistant for Cotton. Again, we'll see where this process takes us.

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I want the Suns to win a title, no doubt about that, but I want the Suns to still be exciting to watch while being a tile contender. Do you feel that you should still take some of what D'Antoni had built with the Suns and try to incorporate that into the new Suns of the coming future or start completely over? Also on a side note I do hope defense becomes a more important role in the future Suns.
-- Leon B, Bristol, TN

Hi Leon,
My vision is for this team to continue to run and be up tempo, but to be better defensively as well. We're not going to do a 180 degree turn here and become something we're not. But I do believe we can be more balanced, and for that to happen we have to have a stronger defensive foundation. I believe it's possible to be exciting to watch and good at the defensive end.

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You were a member of 5 championship teams. Is there any unique ingredient that our current Suns roster lack that each of your championship teams possessed?
-- Brooks Etheredge, Birmingham, AL

Hi Brooks,
Yes, there are two ingredients we had that this Suns team lacks: Michael Jordan and Tim Duncan. Those guys are the main reasons I have any rings at all. But our Suns team has a lot of talent, and I think the combination of players we have and their continued growth will make us a championship contender.

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Is it just me, or did the Phoenix Suns not use Shaq properly? The playoff game they lost in OT was a great example. Shaq was open under the basket at the end of regulation.
-- James Johnson, Kea'au, Hawaii

Hi James,
I thought Mike did a really good job of incorporating Shaq into the offense as the season went on. Perhaps we just didn't have enough time together on the court before the playoffs started. But there's no doubt that Shaq will be more comfortable next season, and that we'll have more cohesion by the time the playoffs roll around.

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Now that we're essentially married to Shaq for what will probably overlap Steve Nash's remaining two years, what is the plan offensively with Shaq on the court? Dumping it in the post gave questionable results with him at best, but he is a good passer. How about some high/low sets with he and Amare?
-- Nick, Scottsdale

Hi Nick,
I think in order for Shaq to be effective, he has to be on the move more and not just posting up on the block where it's easy for the defense to load up on him. I also think we can use Amare more in post up situations and put Shaq on the weakside for offensive rebounds. But all of that will be up to the new coach.

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Why doesn't Amare Stoudemire get held accountable for all the defensive lapses he seems to suffer from? I can understand Steve Nash not playing great defense. being 34 years old but Amare is a beast when his defense is on. Does Amare not realize that?
-- Jon Kim, Seattle

Hi Jon,
Amare needs to be more consistent with his defensive effort, and he knows it. I've talked to him about it several times this season. One of the tasks for our new coach will be to get more out of Amare defensively. Amare has to want to get better, and he has to accept coaching. I know that Amare has great passion for the game, and I know he wants to be great. I think he's going to respond and get better.

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Why doesn't Shaq shoot free throws underhanded ? You know the ole granny shot? If his hands are too big to do it the conventional way.
- Ted, San Diego

Ted,
From what I understand, Shaq has had several coaches ask him to shoot the 'potty shot' from the foul line. But let's face it, it's a bit embarrassing to shoot it that way. Plus, it's not that easy. Have you ever tried shooting that way? I don't think it's as easy as people think.

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This past season, DJ Strawberry got the most minutes of any Suns rookie since Zarko Cabarkapa a few years back. Will he and Alando Tucker get more of a chance to showcase and develop their skills in 2008-09?
-- Josh, Albany, NY

Josh,
It's imperative for those two to continue to develop their games, and it's important for us to give them more opportunities to play next season. We're an aging team, and we need young talent. I've always felt the greatest improvement in a player's career comes in year 2. That's because there's a year of confidence under one's belt, and a sense that it's time to begin building a career. I think both Alando and DJ can play, but they have to prove it.

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Unlike the NFL, NBA teams do not seem to make many blockbuster trades during the draft. It seems to me that the Suns need to get one more real stud tocomplement Nash and Stoudemire. What do you think the chances are of moving up in the draft from the 15th overall pick to a top 10 pick? Is there any particular player(s) in the draft that would be worth moving up for this year?
-- Darrill Batte, Los Angeles

Hi Darrill,
Moving up in the draft is always a possibility, and it's something we're going to explore. But we also think that we're going to get a very good player at 15. The two players at the top of the draft are obvious, but after that there appears to be a group of 15 or so players who are all pretty evenly matched. We're in a good spot.

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With this year's 15th pick, do you believe that the player drafted will be able to contribute right away? Is this draft deep enough?
-- Ernie Lau, Durango, CO

Ernie,
I see some players who are good enough to play right away, and I see some who are maybe a year or two removed from being rotation players. It all depends on what you end up with. I think the best thing to do for us is to take the best player available, and then add to our roster accordingly through free agency in July.

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What do you think of the Arizona players in this draft? And are the Suns interested in either of them?
-- Brad, Phoenix

Hi Brad,
Due to the fact that both Arizona players are underclassmen, I'm not allowed to comment on them publicly. Talk to me in a month or so.

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There are rumors that Steve Nash could potentially be traded, is there any truth to those rumors? (I'm crossing my fingers that he doesn't!) Thank you for your time Mr. Kerr, and I'm sure the 08-09 season will have a better outcome!
-- Jacob, Tucson

Hi Jacob,
Listen, if Kareem could be traded, then everyone is expendable. With that said, I doubt Mr. Nash is going anywhere.

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I was wondering if you are looking at any of the high profile free-agents?
-- Tyler B, Paradise Valley

Hi Tyler,
There are a lot of free agents this season and not very many teams with cap room. That bodes well for us, because players want to come to Phoenix and play for the Suns. I think we'll be able to find a bargain or two and add some depth to our roster.

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Please tell me you are not going to entertain the idea of trading Boris and LB for Marbury. I don't believe either showed their potential under Coach D'Antoni, but could become the players we know they can be under the right coach. As a season ticket holder (2008/2009 is my 4th year) I think this would be a huge mistake. Thanks for listening.
-- Eileen Heaberle, Phoenix

Hi Eileen,
Ain't gonna happen!

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Do you expect to resign any of the bench players? Gordan Giricek? SeanMarks? Brian Skinner? Eric Piatkowski?
- Dan, Gilbert

Hi Dan,
We'll have to wait and see how the draft and free agency plays out. I like all those guys and thought each brought something to our team last season. Eric and Sean were incredibly professional and added to the character and culture of our team. Gordan came in and played well for us late in the season, and Brian is an excellent shot blocker who can help us. We'll see what happens.

Comments

George - Phoenix
The Miami Heat are talking about trading their #2 pick, which could very likely be Michael Beasley. Would you consider trading a player or players for him?

Jamie Neese - Los Angeles
Steve, I realize that yours is a difficult postion and I wouldn't pretend to know all the behind the scenes issues that never make public record in regards to team management. I speak as a fan (over 30 years--damn I'm old), now removed (due to profession) to Los Angeles, but still a Suns Fan (which is becoming close to being a Cubs Fan in regards to receding expectations). I've watched this team for years be built up, come close, and never win the title so many times, it actually pains me to relate it. Suffice it to say, I still hold hope that regardless of the dismanlting (to a certain extent) that took place this season, a decent team with a new, worthy (still reeling from Mike leaving, making me suspect of other issues) head coach. I've never voiced my concern, nor feel venting to you means anything really, but feel that I have to find a forum for my dissapointment. Steve, you played for UofA. At one time you were an Arizona guy. Do us all a HUGE FAVOR and please place the right coach with the right team on the floor to do the valley proud. I think I can safely say this for certain, WE ALL WOULD LOVE and HAVE EARNED A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM after all these years. That's my rant. I hope it posts. I knwo you are a consimate professional. Please do us proud...it's hard to be a Suns Fan in Laker Town Steve...please give me something to cheer about!

Stewart, Brown - Australia
I'm a large suns fan and do you think the suns will win a championship when the legend steve nash is around

John - Wichita, Kansas
I just want to add, I think Paul Westphal would be the perfect candidate. He's been to the finals and he is just a great experienced coach.

jeffrey chua - Plaridel, Bulacan Philippines
i think steve kerr is a good GM of the suns......i think the phoenix suns will win the next championship.....but first they must get a good coach for the team......^_^ good luck next season

Nick -
are you looking at anyone in particular as a backup Point guard. also what position are you looking to draft. PG, F, or C

Seb - London, UK
Im pleased ot hear to the LB and 3D trade aint happening and im hoping those bench players will stay.

lookin forward to the dratf :D

Brad Allen-Bean - Raleigh, North Carolina
Yo Steve What are you guys going to do about this Coach Thing I know you were interviewing Turner But what I mean I feel like D' antoni Betrayed you guys and he still had a year left on his contract. Just Wondering and um i'm a real Suns Fan So If you get into some Season Tickets and some V.I.P backstage passes and Free Airline Tickets I would really aprieciate It. The Suns Biggest Fan Brad

Chino kwatro - Philippines
Hi. mr. Kerr!

Do you think it is possible that we can get charles barkley to be a part of our coaching staff. i mean he would be a big help for amare and other guys. also do you think the team needs a strong guard or SF who can defend? is there any possible way we can get Ron Artest or Richard Jefferson in trade or even Stephen jackson. or even a PG who can help steve in defending other PG. thnks sir.

Ranny - BVI
why not trade Gordan Giricek, SeanMarks, Brian Skinner, Eric Piatkowski, for better bench players that can come off the bench and help us with scoring and better defense, to go around, bell, chaq, amare, boris and nash, what you think about that situation?

diego - phoenix
I think you should hire avery johnson as a head coach and trade somebody to get a better draft pick.

King, Howell Jr. - Manila, Philippines
Hi Steve! I'm a big fan of Steve Nash, Shaq and the Suns! I think using more minutes for the bench players will help the team to get over the hump or should I say win the "championship". Because Nash, Shaq and Hill aren't as good as they were before. They should rest more so they can play better when they are in the court. The team should have a back-up lineup. Barbosa, Diaw, Giricek, Skinner, Marks, Piatowski, A.T., DJ Strawberry should play more and work harder on defense and offense. The way I see it, the team could be the most defensive and offensive team in the NBA if they work harder on both sides. Because you already have the best defensive players (Shaq, Bell and Hill) and the best offensive players (Nash, Stoudemire, Shaq).

P.S. Don't change players because it messes up your plays. The original team was winning more than 50 games already for the past four years, why change? All you need to do is concentrate more on the team. Like Mark Jackson said " You'll be lucky if you have a team that likes to run and win championship." Hopefully it will be our year next season and many more until Nash retires.

Thank you!

Riad Darwiche - Montreal
Hi steve, who would you say is your top coach candidate so far? Also do you plan on making other big offseason trades?

Josh Horne - Fort Wayne
Is your new coach going to build a deeper bench or is he going to stick to the seven to eight man rotation.

calvin.brown - newport news
is there any chance of vince carter being in a suns jersey he would be a good compliment to steve nash and amare (my two fav players and nash my fav ever but vince would fit in on breaks and defence and with kobe bryant in are division he would be a good shooting guard to put some defence on him

derrick zelonis - milford N.H 03055
hi steve will you get any freeagents this summer. and a big player to back up shaq if he gets hurt.

Rusty Servant -
There is only one coach for the suns and that my friend is Eddie Johnson..thx..

James - Gilbert
First, I've heard that Doug Collins has said he does not want to leave TNT to coach. I think if you offer your good buddy the right amount, he would change his mind. Have you considered this, and whats your thoughts on it?

Second, have you thought about putting a nice little package together with Diaw and Barbosa (possibly another player or $) for someone like Camby (Den), Jefferson (NJ), Anthony (Den)?

mike - phoenix
why don't you hir someone like dan marjle or eddie johnson.

Simon - Phoenix
I hear alot of teams are already talking about the summer of 2010 due to all the big name free agents. That's also when Nash/Shaq/Bell's contracts are all off the books and the Suns are most likely going to be rebuilding. I just wanted to know if the Suns are going to be active in the free agency market in the summer of 2010.

Aaron - Gilbert
Steve,

Have you considered having an offensive head coach (to keep the exciting basketball we all love, and since the suns are set up as an offensive team). Then a head Defensive coach to teach the entire team defensive techniques and drill them into them and make the calls when it comes to defense? To me it make more sense than a coach that knows defense and just the basics to offense or visa versa.

Casey Leno - Orlando
Steve, what about Jeff Van Gundy? He has the experience as a head coach in playoff situations and the passion to work well with the players. He is offensively minded and defensively minded. He seems like he would be a good fit in Phoenix.

D. Sheldon - Bellmore, NY
What position in the draft are you going to concentrate on and is Ron Artest on the radar screen as far as free agents?

Chris - Chandler
What type of point guard are we looking for to give more time for steve to rest? a rookie or veteran?

Erik young - Coeur d'Alene,ID
What do you expect out of the players in the 08-09 season. Do you think We will go all the way next year.

e.t. -
Mr.Kerr, I'm a big suns fan , steve nash and stoudemire fan. I've really wanted a big player ( I've heard rumors about melo ) to support those two and another point guard because steve nash is 34 and I don't know who can be a great playmaker like steve nash is.I've believed to the championship this year.

Maybe next year. Is shaq going to stop his career? And Hill? Well, let's go suns !

John Alford - Tucson
Everyone in the media keeps talking about how the suns "window" for winning a champtionship is closing. As a huge suns fan, I would love to see the suns be as good as they are now even after Nash, Hill and O'Neal are gone. What are you doing now to make sure the suns don't fall in a few years.

Joey - Mesa
Lets get someone who can win it for us this year. All of are players are aging and we should go out and get it wile we can!

D. Federspiel - Costa Rica
Steve...As a 30 plus year Suns fan & former resident of metro Phoenix I believe there are two priorities in your head coach search. One, a shared offense and defense philosophy and two, to assemble a great asst coaching staff from all the people you and your new head coach have met over each of your careers. Concurrently, the new, revised Suns organization should focus on the players in the draft, free agency and trade market.

Go Suns!!

Hi! - phoenix
Well, its the anticipation of what might be but I sure hope its worth it especially for suns fans, the organization and this city just to see what off season moves there will be. I have enjoyed watching this team when they were on fire and it felt pretty good, but when the same things keep occuring, it may be time for a change. Now, hope we can keep our players and just add some good free agents, draft picks but who knows what opportunities there will be. I applaud Mr. Kerr, simply because it seems as though we have the finest. A GM from the Bulls and the Spurs who has won titles. So really there is the belief that he will be led to make the right decisions for this team.

Erik Roberts - Landing, NJ
Hey Mr. Kerr, I am a big fan of you and what are your doing for the Phoenix Suns, IM one of those rare Suns fans on the east coast. I love the shaq trade, thought it was the right thing. Where are you looking in the draft? potential back up point guard, a center and coaching, how about Tom Thiabedau up in Boston?

aj - scottsdale, az
we should trade barbosa and diaw for chicago for the overall first pick. then, we could draft derrick rose. nash needs a back-up and we'd be getting the best in the business.

Will Greene - Bethlehem New Hamphire
I've been a suns fan for almost all my life, living in new hampshire in an area of all celtics fans isn't easy, especialy now that the celtics are one of the best teams in the NBA and are contending for a title. I really would love to see the suns win a championship before potential hall-of-famer steve nash leaves the team so i can finaly prove to my friends that the suns are the better team. It's painful to watch the suns get so close every year but then fail to achive a ring. I'd love to see the suns beat the spurs for once in the playoffs.

Ray Antonio - Manila, Philippines
Why not consider Phil Webber as head coach?

seth brown - santaquin, utah
Hey Mr Kerr, I'm a HUGE fan of the suns and you, would you consider ( if you were coach) trading to a nother team, brian skinner and see what they can offer????

Oh and were you on the Bulls?, with micheal jordan?

Jim - Phoenix
Steve, WHew!! where will it end?? I am putting Paul Wetphal's name in the ring again!! I am curious as to if we will go after anf UFA's? I see that James Jones is available!! Shawn Marion too JK!! Thansk for the time!

Jim

Kyle - CA
what offseason movement (besides a new coach) would you consider doing?

Douglas Nelson - Jackson, MS
Hey Steve what do you think of bringing Shawn Marion back as a free agent. I'm not sure but I think he is a free agent this off season. I think he would come back home to win a championship.

jimbeam - nasugbu philippines
mr kerr, i hope you find the right coach to phx.

also find a free agent who can score and can defend bigman like duncan. more power

Sneha - Los Angeles
I completely understand Jamie Neese when he says it's hard to be a Suns fan in Laker Town but I LOVEEEE MY PHX SUNS and I'll weather the ridicule cuz I know my suns are worth it and are true champions! WHOOO GO SUNS!

Gerard - Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
hey Steve

Has Avrey Johnson approched you about the coaching position, or have you concidered talking with him about it?

Kyle - Ahwatukee, AZ
Dear Steve: As a LIFELONG fan I've watched and rooted for the Suns since I was 6 and they were at the madhouse on McDowell. I see that EJ and Majerle have the winning history to be great assistants and maybe even one of them could be a successful head coach someday. In my mind, though, Jeff Hornacek would seem like a great choice for the next Suns coach. He has had some experience as an assistant under the great Jerry Sloan, so you know he understands the half court game. At the same time he played along side John Stockton and KJ. What better choice could you have to work with Steve Nash? He also played with the Mailman so I'm sure that history would do nothing but benefit Amare. He's a name you can hang your hat on with the Sun's fan base as well. Has he interviewed for the position yet and what are your thoughts of bringing him in? The Suns are my FAVORITE team and I support them win or lose. I know everyone is reeling still with the departure of Mike D'Antoni (part of me still can't believe it), but life goes on. Thanks and GO SUNS 08-09!!!

jovic balatero - Baguio city, Philippines
hi steve...i really like the outcome of the trade of shaq even though suns lost in the 1st round of the playoffs im pretty sure these guys will bounce back next season im just wondering there are a lot greAT COACHES out there i know its hard to choose from but for me and maybe u can consider why dont you pick chuck daily? or paul westphal? this guys are tested both went to the nba finals and bothe are excellent defensive coaches. Anyways i wish you guys goodluck to next season hope this time its the suns turn to go the nba finals

Daniel Garcia Jr - Phoenix, Arizona
This Is what I have to say. I think it's good that D'Antoni is gone. He is a hell of a coach but just couldn't get the job done. He didn't coach "Defense". The Suns need a "Defensive Minded" coach. Our new coach needs to draft a "Back up" point guard to relieve Steve Nash, not a back up forward. Depth is a must. I would love to see more players involved like Tucker, Strawberry, and Skinner. Nash, Amare, and O'Neal or The Shaq Diesel need to dominate on the weak side of defensive end and in the post. All in all, the whoever the new Suns coach is has to develop the players and the big men in order for the Phoenix Suns to be a Championship caliber team and just a really good and entertaining team.

jeff - Prescott valley
I think JaVale McGee would be a very wise pick if he were still on the board at 15,and ty lawson would also fit in with what we are trying to do. My darkhorse candidates for the 15th pick would be Kosta koufos,donte green, and nicholas batum. Any of these players can contend for rookie of the year,but ultimately our best option is to find real backups for nash and o'neal. On the other hand,brandon rush might be a steal for the suns even though he doesn't fill our needs at center or point guard. Then again we could draft a center this year and do everything in our power to aquire ricky rubio in next years draft. Championship teams are usually built around an elite point guard and center.

markell - markelldachosen1@yahoo.com
Since steve nash getting old what yall gone do for his back up so our offense want start to suffer

Derek Rodriguez - Phoenix
i think most the players whose contracts are finished should be given a new contract. Also, i think a would rotation for the next season would be: 1st 5 Shaq, amare, boris, gordon, and d.j., then off the bench: steve, raja, grant, LB, and sean.(twicking it a bit to include alando and the draft pick)

Chris Valentine - Tempe
Steve!

Hire Tom Thibodeau along with Paul Westphal as the head assistant.

...Please!

John S. - Surprise AZ
Steve, whatever you do with the coaching dilema I'm confident it will be positive. Shaq was the only move you could have made, if he stays healthy it will pay dividends. Of course we need defense to compete, but a coach who promotes consistency, toughness, and pride would be refreshing. Suns need that one player who can motivate. Spurs have Parker, Hornets have Paul, Celtics have Garnett. Amare can't fit that role, and Nash doesn't seem to want it anymore. Diaw has to go, and as talented as Barbossa is he will never be great. Good luck!!!

Bruce Bray - Phoenix
steve,

i'm glad you're going in the direction you are. having been here since 1982, i have witnessed all of the transformations which resulted in entertaining basketball, yet no championship.

i would like to know if management is willing to think outside of the box a bit. i think rick mahorn would make an excellent assistant coach. a guy who understands defense, and being undersized for his position, he could really help Amare develop with some one on one coaching. or even Bill Lambier for instance.

ever give any thought to doing something like that?

thanks

Pete - Mesa
Any chance to get Chris Paul or Darren Williams?.

Steve can't play forever.

CHUCK - GALLUP , NEW MEXICO
HEY STEVE,

WHO EVER YOU PICK TO BE THE NEXT COACH IS FINE. THE SUNS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE . THANK YOU

Eddie - Phoenix
Kerr, you should consider getting Jeff Van Gundy or Hubie Brown to be the Suns coaches.

Bosco Lovato - Glendale,Az
Hey Steve I hear so many sports radio guys, saying the Suns are done blow up the team which is frustrating to hear. We will have the same roster next year and now we can add a player at 15! If not for Grant being hurt maybe we would still be in the hunt. What do you think about what the critics say can my Suns team win it all still? Go Suns!

Vladymir Licudine - Philippines
I'm a huge Suns fan from the Philippines. I was quite frustrated to see my Suns get eliminated by the Spurs. I saw it coming. I hope you can find the right coach and role players to complement Steve and make Amare work harder. I think Amare should be more consistent all season long. He should be more effective now that Shaq is around. I also think Paul Westphal would make a good coach for the Suns.

Habib - Phoenix
Do you think you need to get a legit back-up guard for Nash? I think it would allow him to rest and be fresh for the playoffs.

Ron - Chandler
There have to be changes (every SUNS player is tradible) for the SUNS to go anywhere next year. (Think Defense and a Full Productive Bench)

Nash, Stoudemire, Shaq, Hill and Bell are a great starting group.

Leandro Barbosa: Great offensive player, has got to learn and be made to play defense.

Boris Diaw: Showed everyone what he CAN DO during the playoffs, he just has to play at that level all the time.

Gordan Giricek: He is a keeper, he played good for the Suns. Has potential.

Brian Skinner: Played good all season and was benched for all the playoffs...What a waste, WHY?

Andre Tucker & DJ Strawberry: great potential and need to be developed. We had 83 games to develop them and the coaches just let them sit at the end of the bench all year or go to the "D" league.

The Maverick's and the SUNS are going in the same direction...down.. both need major changes.

Lakers and Hornets are rising.. Spurs and Jazz continue to be solid. These will be the teams to beat in the West next year. PS: Portland will be a lot better next year.

I would welcome Dan Majerle and Eddie Johnson as assistant coaches and develop them as a future SUNS head coach.

Wolver - Barcelona, Spain
The Suns are a great team to watch. I still feel sorry about losing Mike D'Antoni but I am anxious to see how the Suns will look under a new coaching staff. Amare is a very good ball player and I think if he's held accountable for all the early foul troubles he'll develop into a much improved NBA star eventually. I do want to see more involved the bench players especially the young ones. I agree that we should play more and better Diaw and Barbosa because there is a lot of unexplored potential and we need taller players.

Jason - Phoenix
Avery Johnson would be the best fit for this team. He coaches defense and has experience being in the Finals. Please consider him as well, as I'm sure you already have.

Steve - PHX
DOUG COLLINS... perfect fit if you can talk him into it.

Cameron & Calvin - Pittsburgh, PA
My son Calvin disagrees with my theory that the Suns should give their #1 draft pick and Shaq to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Dirk Nowitski. I think Dirk would complement the Suns playing style and boost morale for Steve Nash. However, Calvin feels that Shaq is too valuable to trade because of his experience that he could impart to younger players. What do you think, should Shaq stay or should he go?

Bob - Phoenix
Paul Westphal, like many have mentioned would be a good pick. Pretty sure the man got screwed when he was here so there must have been something else that created that departure. Business is business but his team had hurt players. Coaches in this league are fired so many times it drives the fans crazy. This team would have done about the same with Marion staying but understand he wanted to go. All the fans know that if Nash goes down, this team is 500 at best. Bring Paul back, bring Marion back and get a back up for Nash. Trade most of the bench and get some strong back ups. Keep Skinner, Boris, Strawberry and LB.

jeff - Prescott valley
What about the possibility of drafting nicholas batum with the our pick,then leaving him in europe for a season or two so he can develop? That should save us some money for free-agents this coming season, and hopefully in the 2009 draft we will have the option of drafting ricky rubio or buying out his contract. Meaning we don't change the teams chemistry during this title run and have elite level talent coming to our team when their games are more polished and nba ready. Does anyone else like this idea?

Tyler B. - Paradise Valley, AZ
Thank you so much for answering my question Mr. Kerr

I was also wondering how is it coming on the search for the new head coach?

Tyler B.

julius espina - philippines
good day mr. kerr,

i just would like to ask regarding your coaching search.

you have many prospects in the table after d antoni left..,

i just would like to ask...

is mr. jeff van gundy considered in your list...?

i think he is a good pick.:>

ryan - phoenix
hello i am a huge suns fan and i think the suns did not play well in the playoffs against san antonio spurs do you think that their needs to be changes for the next season. is there going to be any trades in the off season

Ernie Lau - Durango, Colorado
Hi, Steve,

What type of role players and how many players do you perceive are needed next year in the rotation with an aging starting lineup? I am always concern with Nash wearing down for the playoffs after playing all those minutes during the regular season.

Paul Rosier - Phoenix, AZ
Unfortunately, it doesn't surprise me that so many fans don't realize the value of Boris Diaw with all the negative - and ignorant - press. Diaw is the only player on the team that can score, rebound, play defense and distribute the ball - and yet D'Antoni kept him on the bench - the seventh player in the rotation, probably because he could get away with it, since Diaw isn't a whiner and complainer.

Hopefully you can find a coach with the gravitas to have the respect of the older players, who understands TEAM defense, and who recognizes that, on offense, Diaw at small forward and Hill (not Bell) at the 2 guard (a nightmare matchup for any other 2 guard in the league except Kobe), gives the team 2 other ball distributors besides Nash and relieves the pressure on Nash, leaving him free for uncontested shots,and presenting an insoluble problem for opposing defenses.

william - los angeles.
These are some of the worst written and most nonsensical comments I've ever seen on a sports blog.

Show Steve Kerr some respect, and check your spelling, people.

Steve - my opinion, which along with $4.50 will get you a blended mocha frap at Starbucks, is that in pinching pennies the last few seasons, the team neglected to build up the depth necessary to ration minutes properly with an aging roster. In particular, selling Rajon Rondo and Sergio Rodriguez were terrible moves, as either one could have taken the burden off Nash as a true 1. Also, Grant Hill simply played too many minutes all season, and when the playoffs came he simply couldn't go. And once Marion was traded, Grant became truly indispensable. Once he incurred that groin strain, that pretty much sealed the team's fate right there.

Not to mention - by giving away Kurt Thomas along with picks to stay under the cap, the franchise limited it's ability to draft more young players.

So - here's the question/problem... You have a few guys with maybe a year or two of good ball left in them. Nash is aging. Grant Hill is reaching the end of his career. Shaq is a shadow of his former self. Even Raja Bell is getting to the back-side of his peak. With the money all of those dudes are making, and with how strictly the Suns have approached the cap in recent years, how are you going to find and develop the talent that can supplement the young core of Amare, Leandro and Boris, and build a team that can compete in the west not only next year but in the years to come?

I hope you can make some brilliant rabbit out of a hat moves, or things might get ugly in a year or so.

jackson - anaheim,california
steve you were a great player with the bulls and the spurs. in my opinion i think u and the suns made a big mistake losing marion for shaq. i am a huge laker fan and shaq fan he was a great center with the magic, tlakers, heat and ur suns but i think its time for him to throw in the towel and retire. i think u need younger legs on ur roster steve nash is goni to run up and dow the court to make plays u need a center that can run the floor

Thomas - Germany
Hi Steve,

please take a look or a second at STROMILE SWIFT!!! I think he is a good fit and would deliver some extra power of the bench. He has a player option in NJ, but an offer from phoenix will surely attract him. I am sure the Suns would benefit, if they have an aggresiv, big player on both ends of the floor!!!

What do you think??

Daniel - Puerto Rico
I think u guys should hire avery johnson as head coach i really feel he is the guy that can make the suns nba champs, and get good defensive players like artest that bring energy on the defensive end.

nicholas Abuid - phoenix
why don't you talk to pat riley he is a good coach has experience and winning history with the lakers.

Charles - Phoenix
If we could trade up to secure kevin love...

Steve - Warren, NJ
a veteran team needs a veteran coach they will respect and run through a wall for.

Steve, have you considered Hubie Brown? Very knowlegable and might want one more run at a title with a team on the verge. Just a thought!

Terry Wheaton - Santa Fe, NM
Hey Steve,

Thanks for all of your candid comments on this blog. You are a true winner. Good luck on your coach search. You will continue to have great fan support whomever you choose.

Lance Allred - Surprise AZ
Hi I wish you the best on finding the coach for the suns next year I was hoping that you can bring Paul Westphal because he did a great job for the suns he had a great team in 1993 and also he lead the suns into the NBA Finals against the bulls and if you don't interview him. The next choice was bring Don Nelson's Son into Phoenix Donn Nelson Jr cause he was a good Assissant coach for us for a while. I would like to see Tom Chambers or Eddie Johnson. Have a great day!

Ian lee - Vista Ca.
I'll make it simple...you need to get head coach and the people you need is the former mavaricks head coach because, he been to the nba finals and you should think and hurry before he coach's a different team.

Dennis - Boise-ID
Steve

I think the Suns need to find a Ginobli type player who can start or come off the bench to takeover a game, not that LB isnt still needed but are there any free agents out there that you think can do that fot the suns

mario español - españa
hi

yo soy fan de phoenix suns desde españa y aunque phoenix suns no ganara nada , yo de todas formas os doy las gracias por vuestro espectaculo muchas gracias phoenix suns ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡

tengo una pregunta ¿ que hareis con los derechos de rudy ? ¿ habra algun fijate importante este año ?

gracias thank steve nash MVP .

Dakota Beck - Sicklerville NJ
Why don;t you play DJ strawberry more than Alando tucker he was your first round draft pick. Also who else did you try to get besides shaq because you could have tried to get Elton brand , Yoa Ming ,pau galsuo,chris bosh and so many other players for shawn marion he good.

Bryan - Vancouver
Hi Steve:

what about Pat Riley or Avery Johnson!!

Michael - Ridgecrest, CA
Steve, I also would like to see Westphal come back to our bench. He was an excellent coach who could do wonders for us. He was able to coach Chuck to a MVP, think of what STAT would do in his system!

Also, are we looking for a Nash backup?

Dan V. - Peoria, AZ
Hey Steve,

We need to add to the team and not take away from it. When the Suns went on their run for the title in 1993, (but someone closed us out with their 3 pointer, Sorry old wounds and all), the first thing that came to mind in the head offices where to disassemble the team. There is no need to tear down a house to renovate. Use what's here. We have talent oozing out everywhere. We just need a solid bench! As per our head coach position, we need someone the refs favor. He will need to have a strong work ethic and the backbone to stand up to the very poor officiating that has been the standard for the past 3 years. We could also use that old fire that was under the entire state back in '93.

Josh C - Phoenix
I've been a lifelong suns fan, and my father was watching them before i was born, although i agree we need somekind of Defensive edge, the suns have never focused on Defense...Could this possibly disintigrate the High-Tempo Suns? Or do you believe this will make them more of an 50-50 Defense/Offense team?

Kody - Chandler AZ
As a Utah Jazz fan i was very impressed with Gordan as he made the transfer to the suns. He didn't seem to fit well with the Jazz but he did with the Suns. However, i was wondering if you're still thinking of Jeff Hornecek and Tyrone Corbin for coaches? I know Hornecek played for the suns however, he is a jazz man. Plus i dont see him as a head coach. However, Tyrone is a different story. What do you think of him for becoming the potential head coach of the suns?

Rob - Hagerstown,Maryland
Hi Steve,

Big Suns fan(grew up in Phoenix) since 80`s.I watch almost every game. One thing that has always concerned me about the Suns is that they have a run in making the playoffs comparable to the Lakers(as far as I know no other teams have accomplished that)but with the exception that the Suns have no championships(Lakers have many).Hopefully you can change that.

I am sure you will address the need for a young center since Shaq is declining.I love the dedication of the Suns players but to be honest as a sports fan I have noticed that some players have been very inconsistant in recent years that have been with the team for a while.I understand you cant state your plans but hopefully you will address some of the other areas. As an avid dedicated sports fan in general I cant see the team as it is having any chance off winning it all.

On the flip side I commend you on the job you are doing and keep up the good work.

Gary S. - Columbus Ohio Via Phoenix
Paul Westphal was 191-88 as a Phoenix Suns head coach. I know with Westphal & (Paul Silas) running the defense ,we can get it done

I have been a Suns fan since

Connie Hawkins and Dick VanArsdale ran the floor.

Frustated about never winning a ring yes, but if

you start playing slow down ball (like the Spur's)

true the defense will look better because you give

the other team less chances to score, I'll fall asleep watching..And I do watch the Sun's games from Ohio... Oh Yeah Chase Budinger for #15..

And just in case you did read this, thanks for your hard work!!

Rod Larrabee - Prescott AZ.
STEVE,you know how to win,same with Paul Westphal and the Matrix.Suns fans love them both,that will get them over the hump!

Rose -Speng - Beijing,China
Mr. Kerr,

I am a Steve Nash Fan. I think he is the best, whatever happen. I don't think you have to trade him. You know, many Chinese people love Suns just because Steve Nash. So wherever Steve go,we go with him. We believe Suns can win a champion led by Nash . We are with Steve Nash all the time. Good luck! Thank you.

Rod Larrabee - Prescott AZ.
Steve,for a very long time all AZ. had was the suns!alot of fans live for the suns to go all the way. you know how to get it done, thats why you are the GM. You can bring back the feel of 1993 to AZ.GO SUNS! GO STEVE!

Jopet - Iraq
Mr. Kerr

Avery Johnson is a former coach of the year and led Dallas to it's 1st NBA Finals stint during the 2005-2006 season. On the other hand Jeff Van Gundy also led the underdog Knicks to the Finals 9 years ago. Both of these coaches preach DEFENSE. so my question now, Is it possible that you would interview them??

mark - mesa
Mr. Kerr, You've been in this league a long time and have logged some serious experience. I think if theres anyone that could choose a coach it would be you and your staff. The problem with picking the right one is personalities. Everyone has to work together and have FUN doing it. there are alot of good canidates. But picking the one thats going to work in this mix will be STEVE KERR's biggest challange. And only time will tell if he made the right one. GOOD LUCK STEVE. P.S. I'm a long time suns fan and those bulls games still haunt me.

justin bartlema - el paso texas
hi mr kerr do you think that you can convince Gilbert Arenas in coming to the suns next year? and in the draft what do you think of kevin love and brandon rush would then be a good pick for us

Sertan - Turkey
Yea. Miami talks about trading the pick. If we get beasley with a trade we will be the champs..:D

Paulee - Las Vegas
First off Steve, I am absolutely 100% confident that you made the right move bringing in Shaq & that your guidance will bring a championship to this organization with this core group. Being originally from Tucson I support Cats and Suns Basketball to the fullest here in Vegas. Now all that being said these are just some of my humble observations and opinions about the Suns in no particular order. We need Paul Westphal back. Amare's help D and overall defensive positioning needs to drastically improve. Nash needs to cut down on his turnovers and be more aggressive with his penetration dribble like he has been in the past. Nash needs to be more vocal instead of passive in leading this team and not be afraid of holding himself and his teammates defensively accountable. Shaq and Amare need to establish a consistent high-low game. We need to establish a princeton-style offense in our half-court play to maximize Shaq and now Diaw's post play on the block. We need to stop settling for jumpers the majority of the time, even in the rythym of the offense. We need to give Tucker and Strawberry significant minutes and groom them to be the lockdown defenders they are very capable of becoming. On defense we need to stop being passive and pressure the ball consistently, rotate faster to the front of the restricted area on penetration help defense, consistently block out on opponent's shots, pressure lateral backcourt passing lanes, and just play defense with more intensity and urgency on a consistent basis. We need to add one or two more solid players to the roster who are as hungry for a ring as the rest of the suns via free agency(Artest, Carter, O'Neal) or draft (pipe dream Budinger or Bayless). We need a slim, conditioned, running Shaq. Bottom line to win a championship next season, from the players to the staff to the fans.....................we need to will it to happen.

JS - Vancouver
I think Shaq should shoot more shots and get more points

Fernando Sanchez - Mohave Valley, AZ
I agree with Habib, I think the suns organization should consider getting a back-up point gaurd. Maybe not an all-star but an expirienced one. Leandro is obviously one of the best, but he is a shooting gaurd and it would help to keep him as that, and that is why a point gaurd would really help out the suns. GO SUNS! #1 BABY!

Trevor - St. Louis
hey i have been a suns fan for all my life and i think that ALL of us suns fans deserve a championship. we need to get a great experienced coach who can get us over the playoff hump, keep the up tempo offense but also develop more defense and better post play.

Also do you think that you might make ma move and land a great free agent or draft pick this year?

AC - Texas
What about signing a good backup C/PF. I think we could use one, just in case Shaq or Stat gets in foul trouble. Someone like Jamison, Okafor, Najera, or Kurt Thomas

Luis - Santo Domingo,Dominican Republic.
Hey steve i think that with avery johnson in the posicion of coach and shawn marion comebacking in the team by S.Marks,A.Tucker,D.Strawberry and money if is necesary Phoenix is Champion the next season.

Jimmy - Tampa Bay
What's up Steve,

Have you considered talking to Jeff Van Gundy or Avery Johnson? They know a lot about defense and I think they would do well in Phoenix.

Cory - Mount Blanchard
Hey what about a coach out there named Avery Johnson i mean people think he hasn't done well in the playoffs and he did take dallas to the finals a couple years ago and that would bring defense to the suns

Parnell - Phoenix
Do you think there is a chance that we (the Suns) could end up with one of the premier free-agents unrestricted or restricted. Any of the following names I would love to see in a Suns uniform next year; Jermaine O'neal, Baron Davis, Monte Ellis, Elton Brand, Gilbert Arenas, Antwain Jamison, Ben Gordan, or even Okafor or Marion. What are the chances of getting any of them?

Also do you think that today's NBA players are more about themselves or the team? Example Grant Hill (about the team) could have gotten more money somewhere other than Phoenix but wanted a better chance at winning than the money.

Out of the players mentioned above, do you think any of them could fall into this catergory. Thank you.

Parnell - Phoenix
My thoughts on the coaching job;

Head Coach

Tom T. first choice Paul W. second

Assistants

Eddie Johnson and/or Dan Marjele

Jeff H. and/or Tom C.

Brian Shaw and/or Kurt Rambis and/or Tyrone Corbin.

I think Chambers and Rambis could help Amaree & Diaw. Jeff H. Eddie J. and Dan M. would do wonders in helping Barbosa, Bell, Tucker, Strawberry. Brian Shaw is somebody Shaq truly respects.

The ideal would be for Tom T. to take the Head Coach position (defense). Paul W. to take the Assistant Head Coach or Head Assistant(offense). Than fill in the gaps with some of the aboved mentioned.

What do you think?

rc - phoenix
Ahh...basketball its just for enjoyment, but Mr. Kerr, planning for next season has got to be tough for you, the right moves can propel this team in the right direction. The wrong moves can spell disappointment again. Personally, I love the idea of someone familiar with this team already such as EJ or Marjerle as an assistant coach, you hear their comments on the radio/TV during game time and what needs to be done, would be interesting to see this in action, why? they have a high basketball IQ. For a coach, my prefrence is you, to me there is just no other match because I believe you know what it really takes and because this team is so familiar with D'antoni, most wonder how they will adjust. We cannot risk making any more bad decisions to save a buck. With all the free agents coming up, our team is going to need extra help and a solid productive bench. All along we heard that eventually Banks, Tucker, Strawberry were going to be good but then they sat on the bench, ill affordable, the West has gotten so much stronger and tougher now, these teams are doing what it takes obviously, we have to bring in smart players who can get it done. Nash just cannot carry it all on himself and burn out, the result is turnovers and fatigue as with anyone. The core players were over played. I have always been pleased with Nash and Stoudemire, they have been consistent for the most, this year was tougher for Nash, maybe Bell too, but Barbosa and Diaw, not impressed, more and more they just did not have a consistent mental edge. As individuals they are awesome intelligent men but in a sport where you get judged on your performance its tough, sometimes it left you just a little frustrated. Shaq does help tremendously, but obviously in addition to him, there has to be some combination or missing piece thats going to complete this ball club.

sunsfan - phoenix
I agree with Cameron and Calvin, maybe Dirk would be a good fit, from what I have seen for a long time Dirk has hit some clutch shots, not all the time though, hes better at the free throw line. I love Shaq, enjoyed watching him play in his earlier years when he was the true power house, it hurts when 36 is like being a granddaddy in the NBA and the critics do what they do best critique what they have left. For the most part, maybe Kerr should check it out, weigh the options, Dirk and Nash again then on the flip side when they were in Dallas where did it take them. Not a bad line up Dirk, Nash, Stat, Hill. In the end, I love Shaq just a much being here and if we get the right talent in combination to step up for him, he can be that true power house again. Regardless of what Shaq says, he may still be the baddest 36 year old out there but he'll have another shot at proving his point on the court next season.

suns place - glendale
Well, i'd like to see these guys finally get a championship in high dramatic fashion. To have been through all these make overs in the last 40 yrs and missing the opportunities its so disappointing. Looks like it will be the Lakers and Celtics again, they already have trophies, this organization doesn't, so no matter what Lakers & Spurs fans say, they really can back it up. We have not one to add to our organization The Barkley era and the Nash era have given us an unbelievable feeling, that feeling was not there most of the time this season, when shaq came most people doubted but then began believing again, we were doubting when Shawn was here and it showed at some moments in the season but we held on to the top spot for as long as we could and collasped in the end. I don't think there has to be any huge changes. Coach D is gone now whether we wanted him to stay or go, he chose to go and I hope the best for him, he felt it was time. So now, Kerr has the opportunity to do it his way, now with Kerrs success in the NBA, i hope it will pay off in his decision making. Wouldn't mind seeing Shawn come back for one more season, he may consider coming back and hopefully Kerr will consider this option to

suns guest - phoenx
Shaw may be a good fit, Porter maybe, Turner and Corbin not sure. Shaw has played with Shaq thats a plus. Like Eddie Johnson as an assitant or Marjele, Horn or Chambers to.

Deven - Indiana
The only way the suns can win a champion ship is if you get a back up center that has a mid range jump shot and can make three throws (Kurt Thomas) and keep Amare and Boris at the power forward. We also need a good point guard that can easily make plays for him and the team. (Devin Harris) We could use a good sf that can strech the defence. James Posey or Sasha vujacic.

Hope i open your eyes to some good people that the suns can use to be a championship team.

MOHAMED - TENNESSEE
IS THEIR A POSSIBILITY THAT SOME OF THE PHOENIX SUNS STARTERS MIGHT LEAVE NEXT SEASON?

Avinash S. - New York
Hey Steve, there has been a lot about getting a new coach. I know how hard it must be for Mike to just leave you guys hanging. I think you should get a coach that has a similar play style like what you guys already have. Elston Turner may be a good choice because he has been working with a team that has a big man, Yao. I personally don't agree with the trade for Shaq. I feel that the Suns could have beaten the Spurs with Marion. Honestly, I think the Suns should get Elston Turner as a coach because he is the defensive coordinator for the Rockets. The Suns offensive is great but there defensive could always have rrom fro improvements. Also, Shaq has to be able to get more active, he just can't stay in the paint, it may for for Mami but it seems not to work for the Suns. I strongly agree with everyone else, the Suns should look into getting a back up point guard. Steve Nash, one of the best point guards ever, is going to retire some day. The Suns should get a back up point guard and allow Steve Nash to rub off some of this talent to the youngster. If the Suns get there defensive up, get Shaq more active, there are a sure win for the championship. LETS GO SUNS!!!!!!!

Matthew Wu - New York, NY
The suns are a great team as a young suns fan my self i fell in love with this team coz of their offense and i dont think it should be taken away..and i certainly doubt that theres any team in the NBA "WHO ACTUALLY" can stop the other team from scoring over 95 and score over 105 themselves but i do believe theres a way the suns can play better defensive i mean seriously u dont need to play defense the whole game u just need to play lock down defense on that one single gaming winning/losing posseseion and i think strawberry and tucker r out standing defenders many times when strawberry played he had couple of steals and tucker just simply has alot of energy so i think the suns gotta take it step by step as long as they can put up 105+ a game and limiting the other team to around 100 thats fine with me...its better than the spurs at least watching the spurs is so boring...GO PHOENIX!!

Ronald Sykes - Los Angeles, CA
I think the Phoenix Suns should consider Chuck Daily or Avery Johnson as strong canidates for the new Phoenix Suns Head Coaching Job. I'am a shaq fan and the team needs a coach with strong playoff and championship experience.

Chris - Pensacola, FL
I AGREE WE NEED TO RE-HIRE PAUL WESTPHAL. HE WILL KEEP THE OFFENSE INTACT AND CONCENTRATE ON DEFENSE. WE MUST WIN IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS BECAUSE AFTER THE 2009-10 SEASON WE WILL LOSE NASH AND SHAQ AND BE REBUILDING FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG.

Anonymous -
in the draft please consider

John Riek- good backup for Shaq, quick, shot blocker

jeff - Prescott valley
I was looking over the nba.com draft's player profiles and saw that DeAndre Jordan's favorite team just happens to be the suns. It was stated at the bottom of the page in personal comments. Is it a possibility that he is among the 20 players we are bringing in for workouts,and if so Would his talent and athleticism blend well with Amare? I hope he falls to us or we can make a deal to draft him. A center with his explosiveness and overall talent is very,very, rare. What are your thoughts on him Mr.Kerr?

david powell - portage wi
bottom line kerr. hire mickael jorden as head coach for the suns that would be tight.we really need to do some thing this year when it happens then the sun will rise

Aaron Lemaitre - Queen Creek, AZ
My brother mentioned that he was at the Sky Harbor Airport, and while he was there he saw Dwyane Wade there in the terminal. So I guess my question is, might there be talk of Wade joining the Suns for the 2008-2009 season. If not I think we should push to get either Ron Artest, Vince Carter, or Jermaine O'Neal. Last thought, Defense must improve if we want to even make the playoffs next season. I don't care who we bring in or don't bring in, if the team does not play much better defense forget the playoffs alltogether.

Chad Tinsdale - Aztec,NM.
I think the suns made a big mistake trading Marion he was the heart and soul of the suns played defence and could score at will he was way better than Shaq ever will be

wesley - new york
I Think that the suns should trade boris diaw and a draft pick or two and pick up ron artest because he can score and play great defense on players like kobe and mano he can replace the loss of the matrix for sure or maybe trade steve nash for a player like baron davis who is just as good or better because he can play defense on players like tony parker

Daryll Kent - Phoenix, AZ
Hey Steve! Could you consider asking Steve Nash to coach Shaq with his free throw shooting? We could be more potent offensively if this happens.

Seann Bewey - Brighton, UK
Is there any interest in tryin to broker a deal to get the #6 from NY or even the #4 from Seattle? We could definitely get Bayless at 4 but he might slip down to 6. A lot of people aren't too hot on him but i think a year or two studying under Nash would be perfect for him and make a very very good player

with the #15 i'm feeling Kevin Love (ok that's unlikely), Joe Alexander and then Budlinger

I know we can get the best out of Shaq and that the future is bright! keep up the good work

Oh yeah and Brian Shaw gets my vote for new Head Coach!

Jack Devlin - Phoenix
Hey the suns need a defence coach or defence player. Mike D. was allmout offence. that is all i am sayin. anything eles

AT - Bangkok, Thailand
1. I think the suns should be interested in Flip Suanders, especially he is in an insecure position at Detriot. The man can coach at both ends and also emphasize good offense. Hopefully he can be the answer to our coach search.

2. I think the suns should get some youth this off season either from trade or free agency cuz this team is old.

3. Please dont sell the draft pick again@

COREY - KINMOUNT ONTARIO
STEVE

GET MARK JACKSON!!!!!!!!

SO WHAT IF HE HAS NO COACHING EXPERIENCE YOU HAD NO MANAGING EXPERIENCE BUT THEY HIRED YOU DID'T THEY?? I THINK YOUR DOING PRETTY GOOD SO DON'T BE THE MEAN ONE. OR AVERY JHONSON ONE OF THE TOP RECORDS TO ME SO HIRE MARK JACKSON,AVERY JHONSON OR TERRY PORTTER AND GET THESE GUYS FOR ASSTANTS

mp - california
hey i was jsut wonderin how come when the rumors circulated about kwame for gasol you didnt try to make the marion for gasol trade it woudl ahve made alot more sense cause marions good gasols good kwame sucks and they still made teh trade just curious sorry bout the spelling SUNS 08/09 champs

Daniel Bonillas - Douglas, Az
You should think in Allan Houston for Next season...

Tony B - Arizona
Long time fan but starting to lose faith. I don't think we can defend the pick and roll. As such, this team as constituted will not win a ring. So, I think it time to shake things up. Here's my fantasy:

Suns: Trade Diaw, LB, and possibly #15 to Chicago

Bulls: Trade #1 and Hughes

Why for Suns: Derrick Rose, solid (overpaid) 2G, trim $3M off payroll.

Why for Bulls: Low Post scorer (Diaw) with experience, 6th man in LB (don't have to resign Gordon to $$$), and dump a bad contract (Hughes)

Suns: Trade Nash to NY

Knicks: Trade #5 and Curry (or Jefferies and James)

Why for Suns: #5 pick (Randolph or best available)

Why for NY: Nash to entertain NYC and rid themselves of a bad contract.

Sign FA Duhon to 3yr contract

Suns roster:

PG: Duhon, Rose

SG: Hughes, Bell

SF: Hill, Randolph

PF: Amare, ???

C: Shaq, Curry

I think this roster could compete (better defense) as well as our current roster and provide us hope for the future.

We will still be in the market for FAs in 2010, and Amare would be inclined to re-upp having a great young core with Rose and Randolph.

anthony ramirez - phoenix arizona
if everyone returns i think the suns will be in good shape , they need one more guy who can play D n they will be great

also the suns have to have to have to come back next year hungry to win it all

BELIEVE

Jeff - Denver
Always having been a Suns fan I still wonder why we never win the big one. Why are the Suns the most successfull team without a championship ring.

Defense wins championships in every sport there ever was.

Jesse - Cape Girardeau, MO
We can almost smell the finals each yeah but still fall just short every time. It's okay, it will eventually come. I think we need another trade though. I don't know where but something needs to happen because our bench is weak. Also Staudamire needs to play defense all the time! When he tries on defense he is good, blocking shots, making it harder on the opponent. Most of the time he lets Tim Duncan or someone half decent go right by him. We need him to step up on defense especially since Marion is gone.

Jay Holmes - Charleston, SC
Steve, can u tell me what type of player you are looking for in this year's draft. It seems that this year's class has some awesome talent, and goes pretty deep. Please don't pick up another wing, its kinda redundant when you have both DJ and Alando waiting in the winds. Maybe a pure point guard, priming him for Nash-ville's retirement in the next 2 to 3 yrs. And possibly a big in the second round for Shaq's exit... Just a thought.

David Huang - Taiwan
Talk about coaching the suns, why not Avery Johnson,who knows play run and gun so well , got the coach of the year 2006, led the Mavericks to beat the suns before, a true veteran can lead the talent stars in the suns.

derrick zelonis - milford n.h
will you get any big centers if shaq gets hurts.

-
Steve,

I know that you would never look at this candidate, but he truly is the best coach i've ever been around. The relationships he builds with his players is outstanding. His name is Mike Mcconathy and he is the coach at Northwestern State University. You might remember him from the 2005-2006 season when his team beat Iowa with that buzzer beater three in round one of the NCAA tourney. He is an experienced coach and knows the game as well as anyone ive ever been around. His teams are always close. Hes the kind of guy i would go for on any level of coaching.

erik - arizona
ever think about going after jermaine oneal

Tavish - Canberra
I think the suns should go with Shaq's idea and get Brian Shaw as a coach. He is currently the assistant coach for L.A Lakers and their doing pretty well aren't they?

henry romo - phoenix arizona
hey steve

i got a couple questions ??

who are most interested in drafting this year and are you thinking about making another big trade for another fit player for the suns???

Jay - Vancouver
Hi Steve,

I sent a queation and comment re: hack a shaq and question are you going to make shaq practice free throws & will suns be more defensive teams as well as offensive. Are you going to make changes, as you know hornets and lakers are strong teams in the west to beat them i think suns have to better than them..with shaq suns have improved. hack a shaq or any good player can't shoot free throws is very low for a coach like Grag.

Andrew - Santa Clara, California
Hi Steve,

Do you think it was a bad choice to trade Marion for Shaq. Everyone says it was. I can't figure out why the Suns can't win. They have the potential but they don't have the luck.

sunny - manila
Hi steve. Pls consider these points that I want to share to you:

1. Get a veteran coach, someone who will not succumb to pressure when the game is on the line.

2. We need a player who is stable in offense and in defense. Ex: Richard Jefferson, Ron Artest and the like. Michael Redd and a Mike Miller are always a threat in offense. We need players that shoot the way they do.

3. Common, let us stop relying on Diaw and Barbosa. They are checked entity when it comes to crunch time. Diaw is definitely not reliable and so is Barbosa during intense situation . But i must admit Barbosa is definitely better than Diaw, anytime of the day.

4. Shaq is old and we dont want our free throw percentages to go down further. Spurs broke our run and gun offense by fouling shaq.He missed a lot of them to our dismay.

5. Nash and Amare- you deserve a ring, you are the best.

Gio - Philippines
Hi Kerr!Im a fan of the Phoenix Suns. Im a fan of Amare and Nash too.But hey, I heard that the Phoenix Suns have no head coach this time.Flip Saunders is now free. So can you talk to him? I know that the Phoenix Suns have a problem with their defense and Saunders have a very good defense. Now I know that Flip Saunders can really help Phoenix in their defense. So try him. Maybe his defense will make the Phoenix Suns make their first championship trophy. And maybe will defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs. I think you should try him. Thanks. Go Nash and Amaro. Go Suns Go. Eyes on the Prize.

Brady - Oklahoma
Hey Mr. Kerr, I am sure that you have recently seen that Mr. Flip Saunders has been released from coaching the Pistons. Would you be interested in having him coach for the Phoenix Suns.

Kater - US
Flip Sounders,please!!!!

Suns Fan -
Hmm...Saunders next head coach?

Terry Porter next asst. coach?

Phil Weber another asst. coach?

The other asst. coach we had?

MIGUEL - RANCHO MIRAGE CA
HOW ABOUT THE COACH OF THE PISTONS!!!

DAN - SCOTTSDALE, AZ
WOULD YOU CONSIDER FLIP SAUNDERS AS A COACH? HE IS NO LONGER THE PISTONS COACH AND I THINK HE WOULD BE A PERFICT FIT AS THE SUNS COACH HE HAS A DEFENSIVE MIND SET AND HAS A RUN AND GUN OFFENSIVE.

jeff - Prescott valley
I Know we are headed in the right direction with Terry porter as coach,and for that I want to give thanks to steve kerr. Certain coaches and players have those unexplainable qualities that enable them to stand out and be successful. Porter is one of those coaches. I have been thinking for a long time about this draft and where we stand,I really feel this draft is very deep. I have said all along that our strongest needs are at point guard and center,strawberry is a really intriguing talent at the point and I know barbosa is a fan favorite however... neither one seems to be ready to step in and give nash a rest. The same can be said with shaq. While I love Jordan's potential and Javale's as well to be building blocks down the road for phoenix we want a rookie or rookies that can step in right now and play. So this is my latest proposal,We draft kosta koufos with the 15th pick and keep him. Then see where Brandon Rush is and make a trade for him since he will likely be in the mid to late 20's. That could prove to be less costly and give us two very polished players we like to fit our needs and add depth. 2nd round pick should be a backup point or a backup for Amare. Hopefully Dorsey or Ibaka. At point Rodrigo Beaubois or Lawson. Sorry about the long posts.

Mike - Gilbert
I just found out that Flip Saunders isnt coaching the Pistons next season, is there any chance that you will consider him as the next coach for the suns?

JOshua - Spokane
YOU NEED TO GO GET FLIP SAUNDERS MAN! HE IS AMAZING

Lucas Sigurdson - Toledo, OH
I just read that the Detroit Pistons have fired their head coach Flip Saunders.

He has proved to be a good coach, even though the Pistons lost to the Celtics in the Semifinals.

I think that the Phoenix Suns should interview him for the vacant head coach position.

I would think that he would do pretty good with Phoenix.

-Lucas

James - Scottsdale
Any intrest in former Pistons coach Flip Saunders? He really built a dynasty with the Pistons, allowing them to stay strong for 7 years. I think thats what the Suns need. Lets get real. The Suns are on a downfall. Saunders is who we need to pull us out of it and try to rebuild this team as quick as possible, and allow us to stay strong for as long as possible.

chris leonard - scranton,pa
why dont the suns go after a playoff coach like flip saunders?he would do great.if he can coach rasheed,he will do fine in phoenix

Rob Fink - hamilton, nj
Steve,

Why do you nit sign avery johnson as the new head coach? Avery would be a good addition because he knows how the spurs play since he was on the team and he knows how the mavericks play because he coached them. Since the spurs and the mavericks are the teams that we struggle with the most, he would be able to help us get over that hump.

Rebecca - Delta, BC
Have you considered Jay Triano, assistant coach in Toronto as a head coaching possibility. He has worked with Steve Nash as part of the Canadian basketball program and did very well with our program here.

Nick - Maricopa ,az
Mr.Kerr, I have been a suns fan for a long time, and over the years Amare has grown to become something great but as a PF not a center because of his size, thats why we took in shaq which was a wise move to get a big man inside of the post. With the draft coming up and with no coach yet!!!!!! I believe we should take avery or saunders as a coach because both of them do coach D way better . For the draft I believe the suns with their first pick where ever it is with a trade or not shouuld look for a young center or even a PF with the second round pick look for a point gaurd , to rest Steve Nash , butn if there is no center or PF in the first round , the suns should look at D.J augstien from texas becayse he could take a load of nash then LB could start or back up Bell at SF

Jay - Tuscon
Stevieee!!! Flip, Porter, and Silas should be the new coaching staff. whata ya think?

Kyle - ca
now that detroit fired flip saunders, we have an opportunity to get him! he led the pistons to the conference finals like.. 6 years in a row. he is a great coach and emphasises on defense. then hire assistant coaches that focuses on offense. suns would be unstoppable!

Paul Nogueron - Phoenix,Arizona
Hi steve i was looking the news and i see that flip saunders was ejected from detroit its a good opportunity for the suns if the team, managers & the fans including me Want a championship.he is good¡¡ you want terry porter but flip is the one who know more about this job another one can be avery johnson its a good coach.

About the draft Kevin love,Roy hibbert,Dj Augustin are good player.

PS:Carmelo Anthony is Free agent and grat hill to it can be a trade.

Paul Nogueron - Phoenix,Arizona
Get Carmelo Anthony Shaq is old

-
Flip is a veteran coach and thats just what the suns need. Also you should go after another shooter who plays D real well

R. - Mesa, AZ
Hi Mr. Kerr. I just heard today that the Detroit Pistons have fired their head coach Flip Saunders. Is there any chance he could be the Suns coach next season? I think that he has a unique style of play, and I think he would be perfect for the Suns!

R. - Mesa, AZ
Hi Steve,

I was wondering if you were ever going to consider Michael Jordan as our next head coach? I think that he has great experience as a player and I think he would be a great choice for our head coach. Plus the fans (including me) would love having him!

Nick - Navajo Nation
try avery johnson steve?

Gio - Philippines
Hey Kerr try signing Flip Saunders as a head coach of the Phoenix Suns.He's free now.

Jared - Buckeye (born in PHX)
I know I am not a GM, but I would like to plant the seed for a trade(and hope they grow). I dont pretend to know salaries and if they match perfectly enough to work or if the other team would agree but here goes. Barbosa, Diaw and maby a draft pick if need be, to Portland for Travis Outlaw, Jarrett Jack, and Channing Fry. Pros and cons, Travis Outlaw at 6'8 220 is the athletic freak we need at the 3 posistion, defensive help for Steve, rebounding, high wire act the fans miss with the departure of Marion, only this kid has a good and fairly consistent shot. I dont like the fact that with Diaw you either get pretty good or nothing, determined by if his teammates make him shoot (Picture Steve Nash screaming at him to shoot the damn ball). I like Barbosa but I dont think he is consistent enough, he missed a lot of big shots, i know he hit a lot but not much in crunch when they count. In Jack I think he is a downgrade to Barbosa at the backup point but he is more consistent, more of a real pure point and possibly better for the flow of the offense for the rest of the players on the floor while Nash rests, while still possessing a fairly good offensive game himself, not like barbosa with his streaky hot shooting, and one on one game that tends to alter the offensive flow for his team. And why not throw in Fry a6'10 athletic 4/5 with decent skill set and a good shooting touch. Not to mention the prospect of Javale McGee being hopefully drafted 14 by us in the draft(the kid is 7'0 quick, tough, and if you punch in his name and highlights on YouTube, you would see even though he has a good shot and good touch arround the basket, there are times that it seems he decides hey im 7'0, im stronger than you, and my intention is to dunk the damn ball, so stop me if you can, cause here it is (mental toughness).So starting lineup Nash, Bell, Outlaw, Amare, Shaq. Big and athletic small and power fowards, but both can shoot consistently. Bench players who get time/ Hill, Jack, Fry, Gordon Gerchek if resigned, Strawberry, and the kid

Theopolius Thomas-Newkirk - Brooklyn, New York
I was thinking something along the lines of James from Scottsdale, but I was thinking that we could Saunders because let's look at the Pistons gameplan. It was a defensive gameplan, that to me was able to keep the pace the way the team wanted it. Something that I believe we could start doing, and that way we will control the game from start to finish. I mean now that Flip is o

Posted By: Steve KerrMay 26, 2008 8:30 PM

Comments

Posted By: Steve Kerr
May 26, 2008 8:30 PM