Mike D’Antoni is the Backbone of the Rockets

By Jean Louise Webb

The Houston Rockets are praised for their offensive excellence and their growing defense. The are known for James “the beard” Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela. But the person that flies under the radar with limited recognition is head coach Mike D’Antoni.

D’Antoni grew up in West Virginia and eventually pursued his basketball career at Marshall University. Post-graduation he was a second-round draft pick for the Kansas City-Omaha Kings, now the Sacramento Kings. While D’Antoni had a 17-year career in the NBA his coaching career has been especially exciting.

He has coached in the NBA since 1997 but never has he had such success as he has had with the Houston Rockets. He has coached the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and now the Houston Rockets.

21 years coaching and two of his best seasons have been 2016–17 and 2017–18 with the Rockets. D’Antoni went 55–27 last season with a .671 win-loss percentage. He is currently on track to have his best season as a coach with a 65–16 record currently.

Not only do D’Antoni’s statistics show his impact on the Rockets but so do his trade decisions. When Chris Paul was brought on to the team critics were skeptical of how the offense would work with two all-stars on the same team. But this season has been one of the most successful in franchise history.

Mike D’Antoni has made a statement as head coach of the Rockets and has proven to be a large impact on the way this team plays. D’Antoni is predicted to win NBA coach of the year alongside Harden who is predicted to win MVP.