Mike D'Antoni in the News Again

Just One More Chance

What year is it? Who knew that Mike D'Antoni was still alive? Not me! D'Antoni has apparently accepted the position of head coach of the Houston Rockets. Yeah, Houston. For those of you who are too young to remember, or too old that you have forgotten, let's remind you of who he is.

D'Antoni began his NBA coaching career in Denver with the Nuggets. He was the head coach during the lockout season of 1998 and was fired shortly after due to poor performance. One year in Denver with a record of 14-36. Not too bad for a first time head coach with a joke of a team. He wouldn't coach again until 2003.

In 2003, he was hired as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns in the middle of the season. He coached 61 games and led the Suns to a 21-40 record. Despite the low win total, he was given the benefit of a doubt due to the multiple injuries his team had encountered and was brought back for the next season.

In 2004, Phoenix acquired then free agent Steve Nash. This is where it gets fun. The Suns would post a record of 62-20 en route to a division title. "Seven Seconds or Less" was born. The Suns ran an offense quite similar to that of Loyola Marymount did in the late 80's-early 90's. It was a ton of fun to watch. 

The first two of four consecutive trips to the playoffs, Phoenix lost in the conference finals. In 2007, they fell in the conference semifinals. 2008, the first round. After that season, D'Antoni would bolt for the New York Knicks. That is where things fell apart.

After posting a 253-136 record in the desert, the Big Apple came calling. The bright lights seem to attract every moth that can see them. D'Antoni's first two seasons were losing seasons. Missing the playoffs both seasons with a combined record of 61-103, it was time for a change. Amar'e Stoudemire reunited with his old coach as a free agent signing, and in February, Carmelo Anthony was acquired via trade. The team would make the playoffs only to swept in the first round. The following season, D'Antoni would resign midway through the season due to his ongoing conflict with Carmelo Anthony. His total record in New York was 121-167.

The following season, D'Antoni was pinned to lead the Los Angeles Lakers. He joined the team 10 games into the season while recovering from knee surgery. Former coach Phil Jackson was reported to be the Lakers first call, but before they did, D'Antoni was hired. (This is why the Lakers suck today.) D'Antoni was reunited with Steve Nash. He also inherited a roster that consisted of Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard. Halfway through the season, D'Antoni benched Gasol for Earl Clark because he thought that Clark was better fit for the style of play he ran. Shortly after, he abandoned any offensive strategy and just told his team to do their own thing. After starting the season 17-24, the Lakers went on to make the playoffs with a record of 40-32. However, they would be swept in the first round. 

In his second season, the Lakers would finish with their second worst (at the time) record. Howard had left and Kobe was riddled with injury. Steve Nash was also frequently missing. After the season, D'Antoni would resign. His record for LA was 67-87.

Flash forward to now. Houston thinks that D'Antoni is the best man for the job. With stars like James Harden and the before mentioned Dwight Howard, how can he control the locker room? In Phoenix, he turned players into household names. In New York and LA, he turned household names against him. He doesn't have a good track record with big name players. For the past few seasons, D'Antoni has been an assistant head coach for The Philadelphia 76ers. What does it tell you that even their ownership didn't want him as their head coach? 

I really hope that he does well. I really enjoyed his run with the Suns nearly a decade ago. However, I do not think that Mike D'Antoni will have much success in Houston considering both the star power on the team and the other teams that he must compete with inside of his conference. 10 years ago: Slam Dunk Hire. Present Time; What the Hell??

-Dug

@chansm1th

What to Watch on Saturday

Good morning, Friends! It's bright and early here on the home front, but that doesn't mean that we can't look ahead to see what is on tap for another sports-filled Saturday. Let's take a look at what is on the schedule today.

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox

1:05 PM

David Price looks to rebound against the Yankees after his last attempt didn't go too well for him. Price gave up six runs on seven hits while working six innings. Inconsistency has been a common problem for Price ever since he came to Boston. Price sports a 4-0 record, but has given up at least 5 runs in half of his starts this season.

The Yankees are off to their worst start in the last 25 years (10-17). They have only won two in their last eight, and hold down the cellar of the AL East. Nathan Eovaldi (1-2, 5.46) was on the other end of the previous match-up with Boston and David Price. Eovaldi took the worst of the exchange by surrendering 10 hits and six runs over five innings of work.

NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3

Toronto at Miami (Series tied 1-1)

5:00 PM

With Chris Bosh being declared out for the playoffs, the Heat are in a tight spot in this second round match-up with the Raptors. The first two games saw overtime battles in which Miami took one on the road from Toronto. With home court advantage in their favor, Miami looks to take the series back home and set up the potential match-up that Lebron has wanted.

142nd Kentucky Derby

Post Time 6:34PM

The main event on the slate today is without a doubt the Kentucky Derby. The first Saturday in May is where everyone realizes that they love horse racing again. Last year, American Pharoah pulled off the Triple Crown; something I have never witnessed in my life. American Pharoah became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years (Affirmed was the last in 1978). The last time back-to-back Triple Crown winners? Seattle Slew in 1977 and Affirmed. Can history repeat itself? Well you have to win the first one. Nyquist is currently the favorite at 2-1, but I'm thinking that Gun Runner (9-1) is where you should put your money,

NBA Western Conference Semifinals Game 3

Golden State at Portland (Golden State leads 2-0)

8:30 PM

The Warriors have been business as usual while Steph Curry has missed time in the playoffs with a knee injury. Curry, who before he became Superman, was plagued by ankle injuries that cost him a lot of time early in his career. Now with a bum knee, he is looking at returning to the lineup soon. He is "probable" for Saturday, but Steve Kerr says the reigning MVP is unlikely to play. The Warriors haven't seemed to need Curry, but for a deep run, they will need him healthy in order to repeat as champs.

NHL Western Conference Semifinals Game 5

Nashville at San Jose (Series tied at 2-2)

10:00 PM

Nashville took two clutch wins against San Jose at home to tie the series up before they head west. The Predators are looking to do something that they haven't been able to do in franchise history: Win a road playoff game in San Jose. After a thrilling 3 OT victory late Thursday night, it appears that the momentum has swung into Nashville's favor.

There is nothing like playoff hockey. Even if you do not like hockey, hold your judgement until you watch it in the playoffs. It's on the level of both NBA and MLB playoffs. If you have the time, and you are up that late, you won't regret it.


We'll be back for a recap later, but from me, enjoy this great sports Saturday!

-Dug
@chansm1th