In a sudden turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers have named Mike D’Antoni as their new head coach. Many were expecting the Lakers to end up signing Phil Jackson, but it seems as though his demands were just too high.
D’Antoni last coached for the New York Knicks in the 2011-12 season; he spent four seasons in the Big Apple. However, D’Antoni had the most success as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns, where he arguably coached one of the best teams in the NBA back then.
However, with the Lakers D’Antoni will experience a great deal of pressure. There is nothing like coaching the Lakers; the franchise is one that demands championships every year. Still, D’Antoni will be a nice fit for this team as he has proven that he can lead a team to an elite level of success.
D’Antoni has managed some impressive teams; here are the five best teams he has coached.
5. 2010-11 New York Knicks, 42-40
In February of 2011, the New York Knicks pulled a blockbuster trade that landed them their much needed superstar, Carmelo Anthony. The Knicks gave up many talented players for Anthony, but at the end of the day, New York finally got a much needed leader. D’Antoni had not brought the Knicks to the postseason yet in his career, but the addition of Anthony almost assured an appearance.
Still, even with Anthony in the lineup, it took some time for all the Knicks players to get adjusted. Anthony and Stoudemire had trouble working together and there was some friction between Melo and D’Antoni. However, the Knicks pulled it together and landed in the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.
New York faced off against the Boston Celtics in the opening round, but ended up getting swept out of the postseason. D’Antoni did not win a playoff game with the Knicks, but 2010-11 was arguably his most successful roster.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD_HTlgj81w
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