Breaking News: D’Antoni has Made His Decision on His Future

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1818 days ago

After the Houston Rockets were knocked out of the playoffs last night rumors begin to swirl about Mike D’Antoni’s job security. According to reports, the decision has already been made.

ESPN Sources: Houston coach Mike D’Antoni is informing the franchise’s ownership today that he’s becoming a free agent and won’t return to the Rockets next season.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2020

The Houston Rockets and D’Antoni negotiations before the season started were messy and public. Talks broke down after the Rockets according to sources gave D’Antoni a low ball offer. Even as the year started most thought if the Rockets don’t at least make the NBA Finals that D’Antoni time was running out.

The Houston Rockets went all-in on small ball and for years had adopted no midrange shots mostly 3-pointers and layups. This style got them to within one game of the NBA Finals in 2017-18 before Chris Paul’s hamstring injury kept him out for Game 6 and Game 7 of the Conference Finals. Suprisingly the decision came quickly for D’Antoni.

Only surprise might be that Mike D'Antoni has so quickly decided to make it clear that he will move on. Has seemed headed this direction all along. D'Antoni will be a coveted free agent. Tilman Fertitta will make his first head coaching hire. https://t.co/qIdr8GXnNc

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) September 13, 2020

Here is a statement from the former Rockets coach.

Mike and Laurel D’Antoni statement to ESPN on departure from Rockets pic.twitter.com/XypyT8bgC0

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2020

D’Antoni is the second-most winningest coach in Houston Rockets history only behind Rudy Tomjanovich. The Rockets will now begin their search for their next head coach to lead them into the 2020-21 season.