Mike D’Antoni of Los Angeles Lakers intent on retaining his coaching staff - NBA Update
Since the Los Angeles Lakers started this season, they have played under three different coaches, Bernie Bickerstaff being interim. The latest of them is Mike D’Antoni and he has put an end to further changes in the coaching department, at least for this season.
Before the game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, D’Antoni confirmed that Bernie Bickerstaff, Chuck Person, Steve Clifford and Eddie Jordan, who were alongside ex-head coach Mike Brown will stay put until the end of the season.
"They're good coaches. I know almost all of them anyway. They work extremely hard. We are in a lot. I just felt like, 'They're here, they're good, why change it?'" D'Antoni told ESPN LosAngeles.com."I've known all of them and I've seen 'em work. They're coaches. They're very valuable in what they add. Their insights. The more insights you have, I think the better you are."
The only change Mike has made to the coaching staff is the addition of his elder brother and long time assistant Dan D’Antoni.
D’Antoni’s remarks have pretty much put an end to the speculation about the hiring of former Seattle Supersonics and Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan as a defensive specialist. D’Antoni is probably one of the best offensive coaches in the league, but has in the past, struggled when it comes to defensive tactics. For now it seems that he will have to rely on the resources at hand.
"During the year? No, I think we're good. We don't need anybody," Mike D'Antoni added. "These guys are good. I'm not going to say that because it makes me feel good. These guys are good, they deserve to be here."
The Lakers started the season with a 1-4 record, but then went 4-1 under Bickerstaff. D’Antoni took charge for the first time last night against the Brooklyn Nets, which ended in a close win. The team however looked clueless tonight against the Kings, and will have to pick up their game pretty quickly if they are to establish themselves as genuine contenders up West. For that to happen, D’Antoni and his staff need to be on the same plane and without any doubts about their future. Hence, the decision.
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