PHOENIX -- NBA insider Chris Haynes is reporting the Phoenix Suns have narrowed down their coaching search to eight candidates:
More from Haynes:
"What I can report is the second round [of interviews] is about to start. The Suns have interviewed tons of candidates, but now the list has shrinked down to the second round field of eight," Haynes said before listing the various coaches:
Haynes: "He's somebody who is well respected across the league. Spent time with multiple stars. He understands the relationship dynamic that takes, so Sean Sweeney has advanced to the second round."
Haynes: "Again, long-time assistant coach. He's had some head coaching stints as well. He's somebody who a few years back turned down the Suns' head coaching job when the previous owner was there, Robert Sarver. ... Has a great relationship with star players."
Haynes: "He's a guy who has head coaching experience as well. Long-time assistant. He's done a phenomenal job. Well respected guy."
Haynes: "He's somebody who we've always known someday would be a head coach in the NBA. Done a phenomenal job with New York, Cleveland Cavaliers, he is definitely somebody who is knocking at the door. Sooner or later that door's going to open wide open for him to take a head coaching seat. It could be in Phoenix."
Haynes: "Again, long-time assistant coach. Well respected. Great at player development. He's expanded his role since as he was elevated."
Haynes: "He's with the Nets right now but prior to that he was with the Portland Trail Blazers. I know from talking to Damian Lillard when Damian Lillard was in Portland he raved about Steve. So this is another long-time assistant coach who is again knocking at the door.
Haynes: "Micah, he's right now working for the Minnesota Timberwolves - they're waiting on their opponent right now for the Western Conference Finals. Micah Nori, he's a really good - right now his role in Minnesota, he pretty much does it all. He does game management, substitution patterns and things like that. He's a really bright guy and he's really great and funny interview. ... He's going to be a prize for sure."
Haynes: "Again, somebody who is well respected, worked his way up from the bottom to be in a position to be a prime candidate for a coaching job. All of these guys are very qualified, very ready and very eager to take that next step."