Triano got a three-year deal to coach his native Raptors.
Jay Triano and Alvin Gentry had the interim tag removed from their names and will now coach the Raptors and Suns respectively for the next three seasons – maybe.
Triano, a Canadian native, piloted the Raptors to a 25-40 record after taking over for the fired Sam Mitchell.
He has some talent on his roster, but will almost certainly lose Chris Bosh following next season.
The future doesn’t look very bright in Toronto.
Gentry did a good job after taking over for Terry Porter in Phoenix. He guided the Suns to an 18-13 record despite playing without Amar’e Stoudemire.
Gentry faces the difficult task of phasing out Shaq and Steve Nash while trying to develop what little young talent Phoenix has.
I don’t expect either coach to make it all three years. The NBA is generally a win-now League, and the odds are stacked high against both Gentry and Triano.
I love Canada.
I love Canada too.