Terry Porter takes over at Phoenix

PHOENIX, June 9 (UPI) -- Terry Porter was introduced Monday as the new coach of the NBA's Phoenix Suns.

Porter reportedly signed a three-year contract to take over the Suns from Mike D'Antoni, who left Phoenix to coach the New York Knicks.

Porter, an assistant to Detroit Coach Flip Saunders the past two seasons, has two years of head coaching experience. He guided the Milwaukee Bucks to a 41-41 record and the playoff his first year but a 30-52 mark in 2004-05, after which he was fired.

D'Antoni was 232-96 in the last four regular seasons in Phoenix, including 55-27 this year.

"I can't tell (you) how pleased I am," Porter said. "I am very excited to be taking over this team. I look forward to getting to know the players and helping them get better. There is great tradition here and we have a good mix of veterans and young players on hand."

Porter, 45, played in the NBA for 17 seasons, appearing in 1,274 games. He played his first 10 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. He also played for Minnesota, Miami and San Antonio, where he was a teammate of Suns General Manager Steve Kerr.