Kobe Impressed with D’Antoni; Lebron Talks NY

by Tommy Dee on July 24th, 2008 at 9:06 am

Dan Bickley has a great piece on azcentral.com about D’Antoni’s run in Phoenix, one that the Knicks coach cherishes. He also notes that Kobe Bryant has learned a bunch about D’Antoni’s coaching style while preparing for the Olympic games next month.

We all know that isn’t going to happen, but at least D’Antoni won’t be hampered by salary-cap restrictions or luxury-tax concerns in New York. There also are growing rumors that he’ll be able to attract LeBron James and/or Dwyane Wade when both become free agents in 2010.

Don’t laugh. It could happen.

“You know what? He’s actually more detailed than people think,” Kobe Bryant said. “I used to think playing against Phoenix that the players are just freelancing, but he draws all that stuff up, and he can have 10 options on one play. I’ve never seen an offensive mind like his. And I don’t know any player on this team that doesn’t think (he) wouldn’t be fun to play for.”

James, who’s hounded by these questions every time he lands in New York, remains coy on the subject.

“(Fans in New York) have a right to dream about it. I can’t take that away from them,” James said. “I loved the Garden way before I got to the NBA, and for some reason, when I get to the Garden, I always play well. So (the fans) want me to do it 41 games a year instead of two games a year. And it’s been great (working with D’Antoni). He’s one of the best coaches we have in the league. He’s going to bring that style to the East Coast, and I’m very excited for him, very happy for him. Best of luck to him.”

Andrew Smith, our legal expert, is filtering through the papers regarding the Nets move to Brooklyn. Should the move be held up, and there is every reason to think it will,  it appears the Nets will be forced to play in Newark. It is our understanding that the State may object to a short-term move and may force the team to sign a several year lease. Lots of legalities to sort through and Andrew will post when his research is completed. This process has a powerful impact on the future of King James.
  • http://www.theknicksblog.com/2008/07/30/walsh-knew-olympic-experience-was-critical-to-dantoni-hiring/ The Knicks Blog » Walsh Knew Olympic Experience Was Critical to D’Antoni Hiring

    [...] heard the quotes from Kobe, which gives credence to the fact that from a system standpoint, the D’Antoni hire just made [...]