Why Mike D'Antoni Should Remain Head Coach of the New York Knicks
After reading this headline, some in the Knick fan community might think I’m as bright as a burnt out light bulb.
Yes, Mike D’Antoni—who’s entering the last season on his current contract with the Knicks—doesn’t get his team to play defense and may not know what the word means, but he does have some positive attributes as a coach.
D’Antoni’s teams have always had success scoring the ball. Many of his players like playing for him—at least those who get playing time. Finally, he’s done a pretty solid job handling the New York City media—unlike Randy Johnson.
He even has some acting ability.
It’s true the 2004-2005 NBA Coach of the Year doesn’t have a good record as the Knicks coach (103-143), but the first two seasons, his teams weren’t really stockpiled with talent—to put it nicely. Last season was his first in New York with an All-Star-caliber player on the roster, Amar’e Stoudemire—who signed in part because of D’Antoni—and they made the postseason.
Some critics argue that D’Antoni didn’t merit the label of skilled offensive coach, because he had Steve Nash. However, Phoenix’s offense in 2008-2009, D’Antoni’s first season coaching the Knicks, struggled. Nash acknowledged that his game declined after his coach of the previous four seasons left.
Many Knicks fans, frustrated with D’Antoni, want him fired so that another coach can take over, teach the players defense and bring a title to Madison Square Garden.
There’s a problem with that though.
Who’s going to come in and be that messiah-like figure?
Phil Jackson?
Rick Adelman?
Brian Shaw?
It’s irrational to assume a new coach—one who’s realistically available—would make the Knicks instantly better. Fans constantly label D’Antoni as the proprietor of the team’s defensive woes, but shouldn’t.
Players should be initiating the commitment to defense. It doesn’t matter if the coach is Red Auerbach, Vince Lombardi or even Barack Obama. If the guys on the floor don’t put in a good effort to prevent opponents from scoring—especially in a league notorious for apathetic defense—it’s not going to happen.
Amid all the speculation about his future, D’Antoni wants to remain as the Knicks' head coach. Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony share his sentiment and believe their oft-criticized coach gives them the best chance to win now.
Rifts between a superstar and coach can have franchise destroying potential—just ask the Utah Jazz. The Knicks are not far from ascending into serious championship contenders, so it’d be wise not to shake things up, ruin the team's progress or risk alienating two superstars.
If owner James Dolan’s serious about bringing an NBA championship to New York City in the near future—which is debatable—he’ll sign Mike D’Antoni to a contract extension.
