The Los Angeles Lakers have named Mike D’Antoni as their head coach, and he is already trying to put together his coaching staff. Every successful team has a group of talented assistant coaches, and D’Antoni understands the importance of their help.
At this point, it seems as though D’Antoni will add Dan D’Antoni and Phil Weber, and he may keep Darvin Ham and Phil Handy on the team, two coaches that came in with Mike Brown.
However, Ken Berger of CBS Sports reports that D’Antoni may reach out to Nate McMillan about joining the Lakers.
Mike D’Antoni expected to reach out to fellow USA assistant Nate McMillan as potential defensive assistant, league source tells @cbssports.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) November 12, 2012
At first, McMillan was considered as a possible replacement for Brown as head coach, but now that D’Antoni has the job, McMillan could become an assistant coach. McMillan is a proven coach and he made his mark on the league with the Portland Trailblazers. He has the respect of the players and has plenty of experience with some of the NBA’s elite.
D’Antoni has been criticized for his sub-par defensive schemes, so adding someone like McMillan would help him on that end of the court.