MVN - Most Valuable Network

Phoenix East

D’Antoni on his coaching style:

Mike D’Antoni says he’s more than just a high-tempo offensive genius. He feels pigeon-holed by his success and that he’s never been given his just credit, especially from Suns GM Steve Kerr. D’Antoni hasn’t talked to Kerr since well before the mutual split.

“Every coach can sit, talk basketball and X’s and O’s,” D’Antoni said. “You have to be able to develop chemistry with the players, get them to buy into what you’re doing. That’s the most important factor — having trust on both sides”

D’Antoni on why the Knicks have struggled and what he wants to see from Marbury and Curry when they play for him:

“There was a lot of talent that wasn’t meshed together. You can’t get over bad chemistry, when players sag their shoulders and point fingers, step on each other’s toes. It’s tough to turn that around.”

D’Antoni says he’s committed to Stephon Marbury, who is in the last year of his contract, to play point guard next season. He’s also one of the few sane people who like Eddy Curry.

“If he’s upbeat, you’ll see him flourish. I think now he’s one of the more talented big guys in the league. It’s important we get him rolling and in shape.”

D’Antoni also confirmed that Herb Williams would indeed remain as an assistant coach. “I really like him, I thought he did a good job as head coach.

D’Antoni says the playoffs aren’t far off:

Mike D’Antoni has averaged 58 wins over the past four seasons with Phoenix. The Knicks have averages 28 wins during the same time period. Still, D’Antoni claims he’ll be “very upset” if the Knicks don’t make the playoffs in his first season.

The goal is to dip under the salary cap in the next two years to be ready for the 2010 free-agent class. D’Antoni says he wants no part of the lottery next year. Though lofty, the playoff goal is very attainable since 39 wins would probably get the Knicks in the playoffs in the East.

“We have to compete for the playoffs. Hopefully the East stays that way and it doesn’t go where teams are winning games all over the place. We need to try to get in. If it doesn’t happen, I’d be disappointed. There’s no guarantees, but me personally, I would be very upset.”

D’Antoni on free-agents and the draft:

“What I’m impressed about is this organization is first class. They leave nothing unturned to be a winner. All ownership can do is give resources. At that point it’s up to us. With the Knicks, money won’t come up when signing a player if it’s within the rules.”

D’Antoni has told confidants he believes Memphis point guard Derrick Rose could be the next Steve Nash. D’Antoni called Rose, “Jason Kidd with a shot.”

“He can play. He’s a heck of a point guard. He’s strong. We’re hoping to get No. 1, but there’s a lot of good players between 2 and 8. It would speed the process.”

This entry was posted on Monday, May 19th, 2008 at 11:25 pm and is filed under Steve Kerr, nba playoffs, Mike D'Antoni, NBA Draft Lottery, 2008 NBA Draft, Derrick Rose, Knicks, Steve Nash, Eddy Curry, Stephon Marbury, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Knicks Coaches, New York Knickerbockers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.