The Rockets and head coach Mike D’Antoni have held preliminary discussions on a contract extension that would keep D’Antoni from entering the final season of his deal, according to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
“I’ve let (GM) Daryl (Morey) and (owner) Tilman (Fertitta) know that I’m energized to keep coaching — and believe that I can continue to do this at a high-level for at least another three years,” D’Antoni told ESPN. “I want be part of a championship here.”
D’Antoni is entering the fourth and final year of a $16MM contract he signed with the team back in the summer of 2016. He’s guided the Rockets to deep runs in each of his three seasons as coach, accruing a 173-73 record over that span.
For Houston, it’s unclear how much of a commitment the team would make to D’Antoni in a potential extension, Wojnarowski notes. He is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year.
D’Antoni has held head coaching stints with Denver, Phoenix, New York, the L.A. Lakers and Houston across 15 seasons. The Rockets made it to the Western Conference Semifinals earlier this month but lost to the Warriors in six games, a disappointing end to the campaign.
Only way I give the Rockets a chance next season is if they sign Trevor Ariza and Mike D’Antoni finds some way to have Chris Paul direct the offense because with Harden controlling the ball for over 10 seconds they’ll have no chance next season.
Houston was outscored a grand total of 10 points across six games. They came very, very close to beating the Warriors. 2 possessions a game close.
The idea that they need massive changes or made some major errors is just silly.
Just saying you can’t get better by losing your best defender who was Ariza. They were not a better team this year period, they lacked the same grit and physical defense from last season’s playoff runs. Part of me thinks Iguodala’s presence on the court made a difference but judging from what I saw the Rockets were much better with Paul running the offense.
Ariza may not be their best choice anymore. Covington might be available from the Wolves, if Wiggins plays the 3 next year. They might be interested in Gordon and they also have Tyus Jones & Bates-Diop.
If it’s not Ariza just forget it. The Wolves will likely draft Rui Hachimura.
It doesn’t matter how much you lose by but you didn’t win. Kerr out coached him with a team of 2 all stars injured. Rockets had a stronger bench than GS but GS was more prepared and won.
And they still had 3 all stars…. Terrible point.
That was a joke right? GS has 5 All Stars.
Semi
If you’re not first you’re last.
Definition of insanity.
D’antoni will sign an extension, coach the Rockets to one more titleless season, then quit
He better do a better job on the defensive end of the ball when it comes to coaching, but offensively he’s a genius! Rockets just need more defense that’s it