NBA Rumors: Mike D'Antoni's Unmeshed Knicks Roster Will Cost Him His Job
It's not that Mike D'Antoni is a bad coach. His 375-319 record as a head coach speaks to that. But this team in New York is not one that will mesh with the "seven seconds or less" style that's given D'Antoni his best success.
Justin Terranova of The New York Post seemingly believes that and no doubt feels that the Knicks trading for Carmelo Anthony is what will end the D'Antoni run in New York.
"In Phoenix, D’Antoni had Steve Nash, who was perfect for the speedball offense and did not need motivation to play at an MVP level," Terranova wrote.
"Carmelo Anthony is the antithesis of that. Anthony likes to hold the ball upon getting it, slowing things down instead of speeding them up."
Terranova added something else that impacts more than just the technical aspect of the game. A king's ransom was given up for Anthony last year. More than just weighing his talents against those of the men given up to get him.
"It’s created a sense of entitlement," he wrote. "You get the idea watching Anthony, and to an extent Amar’e Stoudemire, that they are convinced the fact they are superstars will be enough for them to prevail against some of the weaker teams in the NBA."
Objectively, it's hard to argue. Sure, fans need to be patient. Even with the lockout, it is a long season. But to be patient, you need to see something that gives a sign that better days lie ahead. The Knicks don't have that.
The Knicks have a limited backcourt. On any given night, the starting guards would do well to score more than 25 combined points.
But ultimately, it comes down to the superstar combination of Stoudemire and Anthony. They both put up points, but their styles don't fly well with each other. Stoudemire became a star in Phoenix in the fast break system, and Anthony plays at a much slower pace.
Yes, they can both score, but the playoffs come down to more than that. Teams need to not only score, but score at the right times. Players like Carmelo and Amar'e can do that, but they don't have the games to create points with each other in a two-man game. That means that the Knicks would have to open the floor, and they don't have the roster for that.
This season is not going to make progress from last season. They're not going to make any real headway in the Eastern Conference. As a result, D'Antoni will be a casualty.
Terranova wrote that "Mike D’Antoni may not be the right coach to manage these Knicks superstars," It won't be long before the Knicks realize that and try to find another person to lead them.
