PHOENIX — The search for a replacement for Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni apparently is down to four candidates.

While Suns general manager Steve Kerr didn't call them finalists, he praised the four individually and said all remained under consideration.

The last of the group, San Antonio Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer, was interviewed Tuesday, one day after Detroit Pistons assistant Terry Porter had his second interview for the job. Two other assistant coaches, Elston Turner of Houston and Tyrone Corbin of Utah, also have had second interviews.

"We're getting a lot closer," Kerr said yesterday. "Our interview process is probably completed. There may be a few more phone conversations. But we're really pleased with the candidates that we've put together."

The methodical search for D'Antoni's replacement might come to an end next week.

Porter said he had not heard from the Suns since a lengthy second interview on Monday.

"I think I'm still in the mix. They haven't told me I wasn't," Porter said. "I'm still working for the Pistons, so I'm just letting the process work itself out."

Another Pistons assistant, Michael Curry, is considered the leading candidate to replace Flip Saunders in Detroit, with Porter a potential alternative.

Porter, who played in the NBA for 17 seasons, is the only one of the four known remaining candidates with head coaching experience, with two seasons at the helm of the Milwaukee Bucks.

"Terry was great. We brought him in a second time for a reason," Kerr said. "I think very highly of Terry going back to when we were teammates together in San Antonio. He got a chance to come in and kind of share some more thoughts and views of our team and a vision for our future, so it was a good meeting."

Budenholzer wasn't available to be interviewed until the Spurs were eliminated in the Western Conference finals.

"Mike was fantastic," Kerr said. "I played for him in San Antonio for four years. He's been there for 12. He came in really, really well-prepared. He had a great vision for our future and our team, and it didn't surprise me. It's the reason we brought him in."