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Big Red Slugs
Captain Hook
Seems apparent that Dwight Howard would not pick Mike D'Antoni as his coach, if it were up to him. Just two weeks ago, Chris Broussard reported during a game that the main factor in Howard's decision this summer would be playing for a team that suited his style of play, i.e. inside-out. Just last week, Howard's girlfriend was tweeting how she "officially can't stand D'Antoni." So, while Howard has not come out directly and said, "I will not sign with the Lakers if Mike D'Antoni is here," I don't think it's too hard to figure out where Howard stands on the issue.
But is it up to him?
During Mitch Kupchak's exit interview the other day, he was asked whether or not he got the sense that Howard liked Mike D'Antoni as the Lakers coach. Kupchak's response was essentially that it didn't matter whether Howard liked D'Antoni or not.
Then a reporter asked, hypothetically, whether a free agent would have any say in the Lakers coaching staff, and his response was:
Add on top of all this, there are reports coming out today that Mike D'Antoni is already hunting for an assistant coach for his staff with the Lakers next season, which would not be congruent with the Lakers retaining any sort of flexibility in the that department.
Report: D'Antoni wants to add McMillan or Gentry to staff
Note: I like how the above author pointed out that both McMillan and Gentry are overrated in the defensive coaching department anyway.
Which leads me to wonder several things:
(1) Would/Should the Lakers actually allow Howard to walk if he says he simply does not want to play for Mike D'Antoni?
(2) What is this precedent Mitch is referring to? Magic ousted a coach and Dr. B covered for him. Before the Lakers selected Mike Brown, Mitch made it known that Kobe would be consulted.
(3) Is it possible that the Lakers simply aren't sold on building around Howard, that they have a take-it-or-leave-it approach with him this summer? And, again, is that a wise game of chicken?
But is it up to him?
During Mitch Kupchak's exit interview the other day, he was asked whether or not he got the sense that Howard liked Mike D'Antoni as the Lakers coach. Kupchak's response was essentially that it didn't matter whether Howard liked D'Antoni or not.
“I think Dwight likes winning and he likes performing at a high level. I think he’s fine with Mike D’Antoni, but I’m not really concerned if a player likes a coach. So I don’t ask that question. Our coaches are evaluated on wins and losses. That’s how we evaluate the team so I’ve never came out and asked a player, ‘Do you like this guy?’ That’s really not relevant to me.”
Then a reporter asked, hypothetically, whether a free agent would have any say in the Lakers coaching staff, and his response was:
“This organization has a precedent with that kind of a situation and I think we learned our lesson.”
Add on top of all this, there are reports coming out today that Mike D'Antoni is already hunting for an assistant coach for his staff with the Lakers next season, which would not be congruent with the Lakers retaining any sort of flexibility in the that department.
"With the Lakers in full-on evaluation mode after getting swept in the first round by the Spurs, coach Mike D’Antoni is actively exploring his long-standing desire to add a defensive-minded assistant. D’Antoni’s first choice is believed to be McMillan. But with the fellow Team USA assistant expected to land a head coaching job, coaching sources believe D’Antoni will get the green light to add former Suns coach Alvin Gentry to his staff for next season."
Report: D'Antoni wants to add McMillan or Gentry to staff
Note: I like how the above author pointed out that both McMillan and Gentry are overrated in the defensive coaching department anyway.
Which leads me to wonder several things:
(1) Would/Should the Lakers actually allow Howard to walk if he says he simply does not want to play for Mike D'Antoni?
(2) What is this precedent Mitch is referring to? Magic ousted a coach and Dr. B covered for him. Before the Lakers selected Mike Brown, Mitch made it known that Kobe would be consulted.
(3) Is it possible that the Lakers simply aren't sold on building around Howard, that they have a take-it-or-leave-it approach with him this summer? And, again, is that a wise game of chicken?