PHOENIX (AP) -The Phoenix Suns have introduced Terry Porter as their new coach.

The 45-year-old Porter comes to the Suns from the Detroit Pistons, where he served as an assistant coach. His hiring ends a monthlong search for a successor to Mike D'Antoni, who left last month to coach the New York Knicks.

Suns general manager Steve Kerr, who was a teammate of Porter on the San Antonio Spurs, said the former point guard is a strong leader and communicator.

Porter played guard in the NBA for 17 seasons, retiring after the 2001-02 season.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.