Now that Mike D’Antoni is installed as the head coach of the Lakers, he’s putting together the rest of his staff. He starts with his old mates. Mike Bresnahan from the Los Angeles Times thinks this will be his first move:
D’Antoni’s coaching staff will likely start with two long-time assistants — his brother, Dan D’Antoni, and Phil Weber. #Lakers
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) November 12, 2012
Dan D’Antoni and Phil Weber are longtime loyal assistants to Mike D’Antoni. Dan, his older brother, was with him through most of Mike’s tenure in Phoenix (2005-08) and his entire stay in New York (2008-12). Phil Weber, known for developing young players, was an assistant in Phoenix that predated D’Antoni (1999-2008) and was also with D’Antoni throughout his stint in New York (2008-12). When D’Antoni resigned from the Knicks, the two also left the Big Apple as well.
And our man, Dave McMenamin from ESPN L.A. had this bit of information.
Part of Brown’s leftover staff is expected to be retained by D’Antoni. D.Ham & P.Handy – player development guys – would be logical to keep
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 12, 2012
Darvin Ham and Phil Handy came in with Mike Brown as Laker assistants. Ham, who played in the league for eight seasons, was mostly known for shattering the backboard in an NCAA tournament game while playing for Texas Tech, competing against Kobe Bryant in the 1997 Slam Dunk contest, and winning a ring with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. Handy is a player development specialist who says that the two primary things he works with on players are footwork and balance.
No word yet on what will happen to the rest of former Laker coach Mike Brown’s staff.