Suns pick up option on Alvin Gentry, but still playing it tight for the future

Jun 20, 2010, 9:00 AM EDT

Alvin Gentry took the Phoenix Suns to the Western Conference Finals, Game 6 after beating the San Antonio Spurs, who had plagued the franchise for close to a decade. He did so with Jared Dudley and Lou Amundson as his primary bench components. Lou Amundson!

As a reward of faith for that work, Suns managing partner Robert Sarver (while the team searches for a new GM following Steve Kerr’s departure) has picked up the option on Gentry’s contract, keeping him through the 2011-2012 season, according to Arizona Republic super sleuth Paul Coro.

Half of Gentry’s contract will be guaranteed, and half will be subject to the impending lockout. Which pretty much means Gentry’s only getting paid half in 2011-2012 till the lockout gets resolved.

It’s strange, though, that the Suns did not opt to extend Gentry’s deal after the success he’s had. Finding stable coaching in this league is not great, and it’s clear that Gentry gets through, not only to Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire, but the bench mob and younger players like Robin Lopez as well.

Another sign that the Suns’ management is all of a sudden looking at purse strings instead of trying to fit themselves for a ring, finally.

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Sosai X - Jun 20, 2010 at 7:02 PM

Part of me has to wonder if Robert Sarver is trying to position himself to sell the Suns. He’s clearly focused on not saddling himself with long-term deals, and this could be in an attempt to make the franchise more marketable.

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Jimsjam33 - Jun 21, 2010 at 12:39 PM

Until Gentry puts on a Suns uniform and plays power forward , his impact is mininmal . Gentry was a average journeyman coach with several clubs and now he’s had a little success with the Suns . No rings .
I bet if you ask him , he’s happy just the way things are . No complaints. As far as he’s concerned the less publicity the better .

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