Was the Lakers’ hiring of Mike D’Antoni a good or bad move? [Poll]
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To the surprise of many, the Lakers hired former Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni to be their new coach, passing up a chance to be led once again by Phil Jackson. But was it the right move?
As Times columnist Bill Plaschke wrote earlier on Monday,
“I’m not going to require that long to list the reasons that hiring Mike D’Antoni was yet another Buss blunder.
He’s never taken a team to an NBA Finals. He has a losing record in the playoffs. He doesn’t coach defense. His sprinting offense will be tested on a team led by aging guys who no longer sprint.
And, oh yeah, he’s not Phil Jackson.”
“We signed Mike D’Antoni to a multi-year deal,” Lakers spokesman John Black said, mentioning the team’s owner and top two executives.
“Dr. [Jerry] Buss, Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak were unanimous that Mike D’Antoni was the best coach for the team at this time.”
D’Antoni, 61, will begin his new job in a week or two, depending on how quickly he recovers from knee-replacement surgery.
What do you think of the hiring? A good move or a bad move?
Vote in our poll and let us know.
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Mike D’Antoni to be next coach of the Lakers
New Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni’s basketball history
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