D’Antoni vs Jackson: a Contrast in Coaching Styles

Los Angeles Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said he chose to hire Mike D’Antoni over fan-favorite and 11-time champion Phil Jackson because he felt D’Antoni’s system would be a better fit for the Lakers current roster. Only time will tell though if he made the right decision.

Now no one doubts that D’Antoni’s system can be implemented on the fly much quicker than the triangle system that Jackson prefers, but Jackson’s coaching style and familiarity with the team’s core players may have ultimately led to more team success.

5 players besides Amar’e Stoudemire who should train with Olajuwon

New York Knicks power forward Amar’e Stoudemire has been one of the league’s most explosive players since being drafted out of high school in 2002. Numerous injuries have taken a toll on Stoudemire though who was noticeably slower and far less explosive last season.

But Stoudemire isn’t accepting that he is past his prime although he will turn 30 this season. Instead he enlisted the aid of former Houston Rockets’ center Hakeem Olajuwon to help him further develop his post game in hopes of getting his scoring average back above 20 points-per-game.

Woodson wants Knicks to remove interim label

The New York Knicks have won three straight games since Mike D’Antoni resigned and assistant coach Mike Woodson was elevated to the interim head coaching position. Before Woodson took over the Knicks had lost six straight games and eight of their last ten.

Lin, Anthony provide puzzling pieces in New York

Things have gotten really interesting in New York lately. The New York Knicks were looking really foolish for waiving Chauncey Billups before the season started but are now looking like geniuses with the emergence of Jeremy Lin.

Stoudemire for Howard revisted: Would Howard want to join the Linsanity?

Trading Dwight Howard to the New York Knicks for Amar’e Stoudemire is an option that many in the media felt would benefit both the Knicks and the Orlando Magic. Stoudemire grew up in Florida and would give the Magic a post player comparable to what they have in Howard (at least offensively) while Howard’s game would mesh more with Carmelo Anthony’s half-court game.

Post Man Cometh: Is Dwight Howard the Last Dominant Big Man?

I wonder if Dwight Howard feels lonely. With the retirement of Shaquille O’Neal and Yao Ming over the past year it seems like the era of the dominant 20-and-10 big man has come to an end. Once a staple of the NBA, teams are now happy to get a serviceable defender to play the post. For those of us who remember the glory days, it’s frightening to see skinny offensively-challenged centers like Joakim Noah and Tyson Chandler become coveted names in free agency.