Donnie Walsh got his man. Not only a former NBA coach of the year, but the man. Sports Illustrated and the Boston Globe were the first to report early Saturday evening that the Knicks have agreed in principle with former Phoenix and NBA coach of the year coach Mike D’Antoni. The contract is reported to be a four-year, $24-million deal, which would make him the third highest-paid coach in the league. The agreement comes after the Chicago Bulls were thought to be the front-runners in the D’Antoni sweepstakes.
D’Antoni deserves the money and the essence of New York, one of the league’s high-profile franchises. He’s taken the Suns to the Finals and has won at least 54 games in four of the past five seasons. He’s also the general of one of the most prolific offensive styles this game has seen. But will his style fit the Knicks?
Perhaps D’Antoni can make them run the court, but he won’t win many games. Not with this roster. Whether Stephon Marbury returns or not, D’Antoni’s run-and-gun style won’t work, at least next year.
Certainly, Walsh’s addition and now D’Antoni coming to Manhattan leaves queries about personnel changes. The Knicks are as close to running D’Antoni’s style as Hillary Clinton is to the Oval Office. Then, there are the extravagant contracts. Isiah Thomas was a mastermind at wronging the Knicks, both on and off the court. New York has gotten progressively worse the past two seasons, setting records for losses in a season in both. They’re slow, sluggish and have no passion.
If Michael Beasley should somehow arrive on the 10:12 into Penn Station, the Knicks may have a chance at the playoffs. If not, D’Antoni won’t be the stop-gap presence fans expect. At least for now. Stay tuned.
Recent Comments