Mike D'Antoni Cites Reason for Leaving Phoenix

During his interview on PTI this afternoon Mike D'Antoni, under heavy duty scrutiny from both Kornheiser and Wilbon, eventually caved under the pressure and admitted that he quit because of differences with Suns' GM Steve Kerr. 

Basically, Shaq came between them. 

D'Antoni stated over and over again that he felt that trust was lost.  He seemed to be referring to something that happened during the playoffs, but upon closer inspection it became obvious that he felt his run-and-gun coaching philosophy was undermined by the trade for Shaq.  

Whether there was an argument or a power play remains to be seen.  Steve Kerr either went head to head with D'Antoni and won the battle to trade for Shaq, or he made the trade without D'Antoni's knowledge or blessing.  In both cases we see that the GM, and ,by extension, the ownership felt that the coach's style could not deliver a championship. 

While D'Antoni repeatedly cited a lack of confidence in the organization, it is becoming quite clear that it was the organization that lost confidence in him.

The Suns pushed D'Antoni out by getting a big man with a bad contract—be careful, the Knicks will do the same thing if they get the chance.