Michael Scotto: With Mike D’Antoni leaving his role as an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets, former Thunder assistant coach Brian Keefe is a name to monitor as a potential replacement. Keefe coached Kevin Durant, James Harden, Jeff Green, and Nets assistant coach Royal Ivey in Oklahoma City.
Mike D’Antoni Rumors
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.”
Kristian Winfield: Woj on The Jump on Mike D’Antoni: “He came in and helped Steve Nash through that first season as a head coach. He’d like to be a head coach’s again but I don’t think he wants to do the day-to-day grind of being an assistant.” Says D’Antoni might be more open to hands-off work.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Brooklyn Nets assistant Mike D’Antoni is stepping away from a full-time coaching role on Steve Nash’s staff, sources tell ESPN. D’Antoni is expected to pursue head coaching jobs again in the future. He was a finalist for the Portland opening this year.
