The Houston Rockets’ coaching search may be coming to an end. After an extensive search lasting more than one month, there may finally be a front-runner for the vacant position. According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, that front-runner is Mike D’Antoni.
D’Antoni is currently the associate head coach under Brett Brown in Philadelphia. Known for his revolutionary offensive schemes including the famous “Seven-seconds-or-less” offense, D’Antoni was the lead-man for several Phoenix Suns teams who made deep runs into the playoffs while falling short of the Finals and a title. He last coached the Lakers for two seasons.
This news comes with a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical that Jeff Van Gundy is no longer in consideration for the Rockets’ job although there was mutual interest from both sides. Van Gundy was the presumptive favorite until this point.
D’Antoni is an interesting choice for Houston. His offensive schemes should be able to get the most out of James Harden and fit into what GM Daryl Morey has consistently tried to run in his tenure with the Rockets.
What has been the major criticism of D’Antoni is his defensive acumen. While overblown by many (his Suns teams were consistently in the middle-of-the-pack region in terms of defensive rating), it is fair to wonder how he would revitalize a Rockets defense that was consistently underwhelming last season.
In order to address this particular issue, Feigen reports that Houston would look to add an assistant coach to handle the defensive side of the ball with Grizzlies’ assistant Jeff Bzdelik being among the top candidates.
How D’Antoni would solve chemistry issues within the Rockets’ locker room is another point of concern. This move would all but guarantee that Dwight Howard leaves the franchise (something that is very much possible, if not probable, regardless) as the two did not get along in their one season in LA. D’Antoni has a history of issues with star players especially in big markets, so this may be a valid concern.
Of course, nothing is set in stone, yet. Other coaches may still be interviewed and hired, but at the moment it appears that for the Rockets, it is Mike D’Antoni or bust.
