Around the League: Coach Talks
May 12, 2008
D’Antoni Agrees to Coach Knicks
After leading the Phoenix Suns to three division titles and two trips to the Western Conference Finals, Mike D’Antoni will now head to the Big Apple for a change of scenery.
D’Antoni made an agreement with the New York Knicks to become the head coach of the team next season. The completion of the contract is still on the prcoess.
D’Antoni will replace Isiah Thomas at the helm of the Knicks. Thomas was fired after the Knicks went 23-59 this season and tied the franchise record for losses in a season.
D’Antoni will have a tough time transforming the Knicks into a contender. His new roster is obviously unfit for his small-ball up-tempo style.
Carlisle Replaces Johnson as Mavs Head Coach
The Dallas Mavericks named Rick Carlisle as the replacement for their former head coach Avery Johnson. Carlisle was the only candidate for the head coach post when the Mavs fired Johnson after their second straight round 1 playoff exit.
Carlisle went 281-211 in two seasons in Detroit and four in Indiana. This is Carlisle’s third stint as a head coach and his skills will be put to test as he is now in the tough Western Conference.
-fouledout
Nuggets In, Warriors Out
April 15, 2008
The Golden State Warriors won’t be going to the playoffs after all. The roller coaster ride of the Warriors in the jam packed Western Conference officially ended after the Phoenix Suns defeated them 122-116. The Denver Nuggets clinched the final spot in the West as a result of Warriors‘ loss.
The Warriors needed to win their last two games and hope for the Nuggets to lose in their season finale in Seattle if they are to qualify for playoffs.
Is this the end of small ball?
-fouledout



