Phoenix Suns Fire GM After Disappointing Season

Jan. 6, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns dancers perform during game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Trail Blazers 102-77. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Entering the 2010 season, Lance Blanks was viewed as one of the best executives on the rise. On August 5, 2010, the Phoenix Suns hired Blanks as their general manager. The two sides parted ways on Monday after a 25-57 season.

In the first season without Steve Nash running the point, the Suns struggled to find any kind of consistency from their young players. 2012-2013 was the second-worst season in franchise history, only better than their 16-66 season in 1968-1969.

After Alvin Gentry was fired, Lindsey Hunter took over the Suns on an interim role. Blanks was viewed as Hunter’s biggest supporter, so naturally, Hunter’s future is now the discussion.

Mike Brown was offered the Suns’ coaching job mid-season when the team fired Gentry and declined, but the team has contacted Brown again this month trying to stir up some interest in coming to Phoenix.

Brown is likely to be pursued by most teams with coaching openings this summer, including his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The two sides met yesterday, and according to reports, the meeting went well.

Atlanta is also likely to be interested in the free agent coach if general manager Danny Ferry decides not to extend current coach Larry Drew beyond this season. Ferry is Brown’s old boss in Cleveland, and the two have a great relationship to this day.

Blanks may, however, find a home in a team’s front office by the start of next season. He served in the San Antonio Spurs’ scouting department, where he won two titles, and then moved on to be the Cavaliers’ assistant general manager during LeBron James’ time in Cleveland.