ESPN is reporting that GM Steve Kerr has decided on Terry Porter as the new coach of the Phoenix Suns.
Porter coached the Milwaukee Bucks for two seasons and was an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons this season.
The 45-year-old Porter played in the NBA for 17 seasons, mostly with Portland, and was a teammate of Kerr’s in San Antonio.
“He’s got a great combination of leadership skills,” Kerr said in a telephone interview. “He’s a great communicator. And his coaching experience, two years as a head coach, is important to me. The fact that he’s sat in that chair, that was a key factor. He’s very tough-minded.”
Porter was interviewed twice, most recently on Monday. He is expected to sign a three-year deal worth about $7 million, and he likely will be introduced at a news conference early next week.
As a former successful player in the NBA, Porter should have the respect of a veteran Suns team.
