Majerle leaves Suns; Turner absent after coaching change
Phoenix Suns assistant coach Dan Majerle has left his job and fellow assistant Elston Turner remains away from the team after Lindsey Hunter took over as interim coach last week.
Hunter, the team's player development director, replaced Alvin Gentry as head coach last Friday. The Suns called Gentry's departure a mutual agreement.
Majerle, a popular former Suns player, and Turner were passed over for the job.
"Dan told (Hunter) and me that he wanted to move on," general manager Lance Blanks said, according to The Arizona Republic. "Change is hard for people, and I understand that."
Blanks plans to meet with Turner on Thursday to discuss his future.
"There's been an emotional element for all parts involved," Blanks said. "Because of that, the decision with Elston's situation got lost in all of that. I hope he feels good and wants to be here."
Majerle has indicated that he was offended by the decision to make Hunter the interim coach.
"I understand their situation," Hunter said. "As an aspiring coach this is what you want to do in life and it's disappointing when you don't get an opportunity."
Suns assistant Igor Kokoskov, who interviewed for the head-coaching job, will be Hunter's lead assistant.
