Johnson replaced by Suns

The Suns promoted lead assistant Mike D'Antoni, a star player and successful coach in Italy who coached the Denver Nuggets in the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season.

"There's been something amiss all year, in my opinion," Suns owner Jerry Colangelo said. "The more I saw on the floor, the more I disliked what I saw as it related to body language, communication or lack of same."

D'Antoni, under contract through next season, promised to immediately try to boost the tempo, beginning with tonight's game at home against New Orleans.

"It should be exciting the first couple of nights. Balls should be flying around. We'll try not to hurt anybody," D'Antoni said. "But hopefully it will make it exciting."

Johnson spent 10 years in the Suns organization as a player, community relations official, and coach. Known as "Fourth-Quarter Frank" for his shooting ability, he was a key reserve on the 1993 team that reached the NBA Finals. Johnson replaced Scott Skiles as the Suns' head coach late in the 2001-02 season, going 11-20 the rest of the way.

Last season, Johnson guided the team to a 44-38 record and a surprising playoff berth.