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The Houston Rockets are out of the playoffs courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers. In addition, the Lakers blew the Rockets in Game 5 for the victory by 23 points. After the loss, the Rockets’ organization’s biggest concern was convincing head coach Mike D’Antoni to stay. Unfortunately, he has decided to leave the organization.
D’Antoni’s current contract expires at the end of the season and he has decided to leave the Rockets. The two-time coach of the year has guided the Rockets to a playoff spot four years in a row.
Still, the postseason has been a big issue for D’Antoni’s team. They have failed to advance to the NBA Finals every year. According to various reports, the franchise wants to continue with Mike, but the latter has other plans.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski gave a clearer view of the situation, as reported:
“Houston coach Mike D’Antoni informs the franchise owners today that he is becoming a free agent and will not return to the Rockets next season.”
ESPN Sources: Houston coach Mike D’Antoni informs franchise owners today that he is becoming a free agent and will not return to the Rockets next season.
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2020
This is the end of the road for Mike with the Rockets. The team now needs to start looking at other options to fill their shoes. As for D’Antoni’s next destination, he could head to the Indiana Pacers or the Philadelphia 76ers.
Read more: Rockets head coach reaches embarrassing milestone after disappointing NBA playoff loss
The Pacers recently fired head coach Nate McMillan after another early playoff exit. The team is on the hunt for a new coach and D’Antoni could bring to the team the offensive mindset they are lacking at the moment.
Jeff Van Gundy to the Houston Rockets?
While D’Antoni’s season ended with the Rockets, reports suggest the franchise could bring Jeff Van Gundy back. JVG coached the Rockets in the 2000s for four years. However, his first step through the franchise was unforgettable.
In its four years, JVG guided the team to one playoff appearance for 3 out of 4 years. But the team couldn’t achieve anything and was eliminated in the first round every time. Regardless of the past, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Rockets are interested in signing JVG.
“There have been rumors in coaching circles for weeks that the Rockets will seriously consider Jeff Van Gundy to replace Mike D’Antoni if they make a coaching change. General manager Daryl Morey, he recalls, had an interest in rehire Van Gundy when Houston hired D’Antoni in his place. May 2016 ” he said.
There have been rumors in coaching circles for weeks that the Rockets will seriously consider Jeff Van Gundy to replace Mike D’Antoni if they make a coaching change.
Remember GM Daryl Morey had an interest in rehire Van Gundy when Houston hired D’Antoni in May 2016 https://t.co/CJXIul5WgY
– Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 13, 2020
JVG is 430-318 in his 748 games as head coach. Additionally, he also has a 44-44 record in the NBA playoffs. So JVG has already shown that it can win matches if it is provided with a good team. But will that be the case for the Houston Rockets?
The offseason will be busy for Rockets general manager Daryl Morey. Whether he decides to bring back JVG or another candidate, one thing is for sure, the Rockets need to make a deep run in the playoffs next year as franchise superstar James Harden isn’t getting any younger.
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