Mike D’Antoni Rumors

Kristian Winfield: Nets head coach Steve Nash has issued a statement after Mike D’Antoni stepped down as assistant coach: “Having Mike next to me was invaluable… I will forever be grateful for his guidance.”

When D’Antoni applied for but didn’t get several open NBA jobs last summer, Nash offered him a job as his top assistant. D’Antoni took it, and NBA fans were treated to the rare sight of a former star player now the boss of his former coach. “Mike was a huge help to me this year,” Nash said. “It’s one thing to play for an NBA team. It’s a very different thing to coach an NBA team. Mike had all the coaching wisdom and experience that I lacked. He helped me create an environment where everyone feels challenged and rewarded.”