Ryan McDonough wants to select a coach who commands respect and will teach effectively to maximize player talent.

"The most important thing to find in our head coach is someone who is a leader," McDonough said. "We need someone who commands the respect of the players, commands the respect of the entire organization. We also need someone who is a teacher, who can help our young players develop and get better and maximize their individual talent."

McDonough intends to fill his front office with people who can compare players across Europe, colleges, the D-League and free agency.

"I don't want specialists, meaning I don't want guys who just scout college, just scout the pros, just scout the D-league, the international," McDonough said. "What I generally prefer is a smaller model with guys who are master evaluators who know all the players, who can compare a guy who just got bought out in Europe to a guy who developed in the D-league to an NBA free agent. I want all my top guys to be able to do that and tell me who is the best player."

Michael Beasly is under investigation by the Scottsdale Police Department for an alleged sexual assault.

The incident reportedly occurred on January 13.

“At this point we can only say the investigation is ongoing,” said David Pubins, Scottsdale police spokesman. “We are interviewing those involved and processing any physical evidence we may have to try and determine if criminal charges are appropriate.”

The Phoenix Suns have hired Ryan McDonough as general manager.

McDonough will replace Lance Blanks and will report to Lon Babby.

McDonough most recently was assistant general manager of the Boston Celtics.

McDonough joined the Celtics in 2003 as a 23-year-old special assistant to basketball operations.

McDonough is the son of the late renowned Boston Globe columnist Will McDonough, and the brother of ESPN broadcaster Sean and NFL player personnel executive Terry.

The Phoenix Suns are interested in hiring Grant Hill to become general manager of the franchise.

The Suns fired Lance Blanks at the beginning of their offseason and have narrowed their other candidates down to Ryan McDonough and Jeff Weltman.

Hill has yet to decide if he wants to continue his playing career.

Hill played five seasons for the Suns before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers last offseason.

Boston assistant general manager Ryan McDonough, Milwaukee assistant GM Jeff Weltman and San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Scott Layden have emerged as the three finalists for the Phoenix Suns' GM opening and will interview soon, according to league sources.

McDonough interviewed with Suns president Lon Babby and owner Robert Sarver on Tuesday.

Weltman is expected to meet with the Suns on Thursday.

The Suns recently fired Lance Blanks.

Jermaine O'Neal openly talked about returning to the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason as a free agent.

O'Neal was a first round pick by the Blazers in the 1996 NBA Draft straight out of high school.

“I'm very open to Portland. They're definitely a team I'm looking forward to having talks with this summer,” O'Neal said. “LaMarcus [Aldridge] and Damian [Lillard] along with [Nicolas] Batum are some great pieces to build around. All they need to do is shore up the bench and add a paint presence on defense and they'll be right there. It's hard to put that type of stress on your starting five and I know I can help ease some of that stress.”

O'Neal played for the Phoenix Suns this past season.

“Portland is a team I have to look at this summer. That city has always been in my heart because one: Mr. [Paul] Allen gave me my opportunity, and two: that city took me in as their second child,” he explained. “I didn't play for two or three years but you couldn't tell. The organization and the fans really allowed me to grow at my own pace. It's a special place to me. I met my wife in Portland. At this point for me, it's all about competing and winning and the Blazers are doing those things.”

Lindsey Hunter will interview for the Detroit Pistons’ vacant head coaching job.

“It’s just an interview, like any other,” said Hunter, who interviewed for the Orlando Magic’s head coaching job last summer. “They (the Pistons) have a coaching opening and I was fortunate that they’d consider me. Hopefully, I’ll continue to gain interest from other people.”

Hunter, 42, served as the Suns’ interim coach this season.

Suns president of basketball operations Lon Babby said Hunter remains a strong candidate for the full-time job.

“From talking to him, I do feel that way,” Hunter said of Babby’s statement. “I think he still feels I’m a strong candidate. Although Lance and I were really close, I felt like I was equally respected in the organization by all parts. I was hurt for my friend  but I wasn’t concerned about anything.”

Jeff Weltman is considered by many around the NBA to be the frontrunner to replace Lance Blanks as general manager of the Phoenix Suns.

Weltman is currently assistant general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lon Babby remains president of the Suns.

Lindsey Hunter has asked the Phoenix Suns to allow him to interview for the Detroit Pistons' head coaching vacancy and will likely be granted permission soon, according to a source.

Hunter was named interim coach of the Suns in January, replacing Alvin Gentry.

As an NBA player, Hunter spent 12 of his 17 seasons with the Pistons.

The Pistons fired Lawrence Frank last week.

Lance Blanks will no longer serve as general manager of the Phoenix Suns.

“Lance has been a trusted friend and colleague,” said Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby. “I thank him personally and professionally for his hard work on behalf of the Suns. We will continue to prepare for the offseason even as we look for his replacement.”

Blanks was originally named to the post on Aug. 5, 2010, after serving in the front offices of the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs.