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Milwaukee Bucks fire coach Stotts

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NEW YORK -- The Milwaukee Bucks fired coach Terry Stotts with just 18 games remaining of a disappointing campaign on Wednesday, handing the job to his assistant Larry Krystkowiak.

The 42-year-old Krystkowiak, who had been an aide to Stotts since June 2006, faced a tough start to his reported multi-year deal with a home game against the San Antonio Spurs.

The loss of several key players to injuries, including leading scorer Michael Redd, have left the Bucks (23-41) in last place in the Central Division, six and a half games behind the New York Knicks for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot.

"Terry has done the best he could in a difficult situation, especially with all of our injuries," Bucks general manager Larry Harris said on the team's Web site.

"I felt it was in the best interest of our organization to make the decision now and move forward, rather than wait until the end of the regular season."

In less than two seasons in Milwaukee, Stotts compiled a modest record of 63-83 but he did guide the Bucks to the playoffs last year, where they lost in the first round to the Detroit Pistons.

Krystkowiak played nine seasons in the NBA, including four with the Bucks between 1987-92.

"Larry Krystkowiak brings the same competitive fire from his days as a player to his work on the sidelines and on the practice court as a coach," Harris added.

"His knowledge of the game and his ability to work well with players is a tremendous asset to our organization." REUTERS

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