Apr 30, 2008 - 7:35 AM
0 shoutsNEW YORK (Ticker) -- Coach Mike D'Antoni will not return to the Phoenix Suns next season, according to an article posted Wednesday on Sports Illustrated's web site.
D'Antoni, the 2004-05 NBA Coach of the Year, did not discuss his future after the sixth-seeded Suns were eliminated from the playoffs in a 92-87 defeat to the third-seeded San Antonio Spurs in Game Five on Tuesday.
However, Sports Illustrated reports that sources within the organization confirmed on Wednesday that D'Antoni feels he does not have the support of upper management - specifically owner Robert Sarver and general manager Steve Kerr - and cannot continue as coach.
The article states that D'Antoni believes his relationship with Kerr has spiraled downward all season. While D'Antoni is scheduled to meet with Kerr and Sarver to review the season, he reportedly believes a meeting would be pointless.
D'Antoni, who still has two years remaining on his contract, posted a 232-96 record in four full seasons with the Suns, advancing to the Western Conference finals twice. He also helped Steve Nash win a pair of MVP awards by implementing a fast-break offense which allowed the Canadian point guard to flourish.
