Mike D’Antoni talks defence; Says he would welcome Nate McMillan in his team – NBA Update
Mike D’Antoni, the new head coach at the Los Angeles Lakers, might be one of the best coaches in NBA when it comes down to laying down offensive strategies. But, on the other end of the spectrum, defence is something for which
he is not considered an authority to say the least. D’Antoni’s previous stint with the New York Knicks was a classic example of his struggles, where despite having a decent enough roster, he just couldn’t enforce hustle and energy on the D.
That stigma still haunts the coach and on Tuesday afternoon while at the "Mason and Ireland" show on ESPNLA 710, D’Antoni, when asked about the issue, he looked at the lighter side of it;
"Some people say, with my name, they call me Antoni and no D," D'Antoni joked. "I tell you what, I'm taking the D out of Dwight (Howard's) name and putting it into mine. That seems to cure a lot of mistakes."
In Howard, D’Antoni has indeed got one of the best defenders in the league. Howard had been the recipient of three consecutive Defensive Player of the year award, before Tyson Chandler surprisingly took the honours last season.
That however does not overshadow the fact that Dwight is a beast on the D, and has a hustler like Metta World Peace to accompany him. On top of that, LAL has always been a team that prides itself on defence and that will make D’Antoni’s life much easier.
Knowing the Lakers though, they will not take a chance. Ever since D’Antoni’s hiring there have been reports that the franchise is pursuing Nate McMillan to join in as an assistant coach, basically to soothe the defensive fears.
When asked about the development, D’Antoni admitted that he would more than happy if the rumours materialize into something concrete;
"I think we'd be lucky to be able to have someone like him," D'Antoni said of McMillan. "Are you kidding me? He's great. If I would get him, he wouldn't be here long because he's a head coach in this league."
McMillan has been a head coach in NBA for more than a decade and it will be big splash if he agrees to a role of assistant. He is considered as a defensive specialist and if the Lakers get him, they will effectively become perfect
on the coaching front.
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