Feeling The Heat: Suns' Owner Says Franchise Still On Right Path

Suns' Sarver Discusses Coaching Search, Ownership Plan

Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver “acknowledges disappointment in the past season but defends where the team is headed,” according to Paul Coro or the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. With coach Mike D’Antoni leaving the club to join the Knicks, Sarver said that he was leaving the coaching search to GM Steve Kerr, “with the priority to bring Phoenix a title.” Sarver “would like someone who communicated with fans, sponsors and partners as well as D’Antoni did.” Sarver: “In a relatively small market like Phoenix, we rely heavily on our sponsors and partners. Maintaining that relationship with a coach who interacts with those folks in a positive way is important.” Meanwhile, Coro wrote Sarver “bristles at the frequent accusations that he is a cheap owner, citing that Phoenix has spent more money on contracts in the past four years [$320M] than any team.” Sarver: “It does kind of bother me, because it’s not true. … To think it’s about money and that we’re not competitive and we don’t have a strong desire to win is completely inaccurate.” Sarver said that a consulting firm put the Suns “in the league’s bottom third for expected revenue based on various demographics,” but the team actually ranks in the top third. Coro noted Sarver “defines his ownership plans as long term, lasting at least five to 10 more years” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 5/18).