PHOENIX — 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.