http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/17796962/report-dantoni-wanted-to-trade-carmelo-anthony-for-deron-williamsAbout 2 years old. I don't agree with some of the stuff he's saying about Carmelo, but the last paragraph was spot on (though a "great" defensive coach is debatable).
NBA.com's David Aldridge reports that what lead to Mike D'Antoni's departure from New York was a disagreement with owner James Dolan involving a trade. D'Antoni wanted to move Carmelo Anthony, who struggled inside D'Antoni's system, for the Nets' Deron Williams. That trade would have given the Nets the star they wanted last year when he forced his way out of Denver in a contract year to New York. The Nets tried furiously to convince Anthony to force a trade to New Jersey instead, but were rebuffed, at which point they acquired Williams. From NBA.com:'Antoni, the source said, had been advocating that the Knicks attempt to trade Anthony to the New Jersey Nets for guard Deron Williams, a deal D'Antoni believed would be beneficial for both franchises. But Dolan categorically declined that request, and the “conflicting visions” between the owner and head coach about Anthony meant there was no way forward.
D'Antoni had hoped the Knicks' inspired and winning play with Lin as the centerpiece — while Anthony and Stoudemire were injured — would convince Dolan the Knicks could win without Anthony. Bringing Williams from the Nets would also have eases the burden on Lin, D'Antoni believed, allowing Lin to settle into a three-guard rotation.
viaNBA.com | Hang Time Blog.
It makes sense why Dolan would kill this deal and then essentially force D'Antoni out. Pairing one of the top five point guards in the league with the best point guard and pick and roll coach in the league and a devastating power forward (when healthy) along with the best alley-oop center in the league who defends would never work. It's much better to focus on an isolation-heavy wing who struggles with passing the ball along with Stoudemire. Wait, no it doesn't. That doesn't make sense at all.
D'Antoni was expected to make this work. To magically force a player who ball-stops and struggles with working without the ball into a player who thrived in such a situation. Else he was to completely change his system. But why are you paying a guy to do something that is diametrically against what he has been successful with. Essentially, the Knicks set him up to fail and when he didn't succeed, the relationship ended.
Deron Williams could have been incredible in New York. It's the kind of franchise everyone wants to play for, despite its ownership. He could have conceivably reinvigorated Stoudemire, involved Chandler, played defense, and helped Lin adjust. But instead, the Knicks have Melo and a bunch of guys brought in to do other things.
Maybe the Nets would have said no. But given the perceived value of Anthony (for bizarre reason), and their desperation to cement a star in Brooklyn for a long time facing Deron Williams' prospective free agency, there's a good chance they would have gone for it.
Mike Woodson will probably be successful, because he lends himself more to Melo's play and is a great defensive coach. But don't be confused, eventually this will end, and it will end badly. Because in New York, coaches aren't expected to be coaches, as much as Kindergarten teachers.
Wishing everyone well. I enjoyed posting here for a while, but as I matured I realized this forum isn't for me. We all evolve. Thanks for the memories everyone.
6/4/2014 12:32 AM LAST EDITED: 6/4/2014 12:33 AM