D Day is a term the military uses for, "the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated." -Wikipedia
April 16, 2014 is the last day of the regular season and I believe exit interviews will commence the next day on April 17, 2014. I contend that there will be a mutually parting of the ways. Mike D'Antoni's D-Day (#MikeDDay) is set for April 18, 2014.
AS much as I have championed #firedantoni for most of the season I sincerely have empathy and compassion for Mr. D'Antoni. It has been a very difficult and trying season for everyone. Coaching is a difficult job. Coaching in the NBA has to be one of the most stressful jobs you can have, and coaching the most prestigious sports franchise (arguably, but not by me) EVER... I can't imagine.
AS much as I have championed #firedantoni for most of the season I sincerely have empathy and compassion for Mr. D'Antoni. It has been a very difficult and trying season for everyone. Coaching is a difficult job. Coaching in the NBA has to be one of the most stressful jobs you can have, and coaching the most prestigious sports franchise (arguably, but not by me) EVER... I can't imagine.
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| REMEMBER ME? I RESIGNED IN NY |
That being said, I strongly believe that because it has been so frustrating and so difficult, Mike D'Antoni will want to walk away. Now, it has been reported that his final year is "guaranteed," which means he may not have an NBA buyout clause built in. However, EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE.
IF THIS IS TRUE (NO BUYOUT CLAUSE) THEN THE NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN AND THE LAKERS MAY HAVE TO PAY UPWARDS OF THE TOTAL APPROX $4 MIL FOR D'ANTONI TO NOT COACH. THIS IS WHY PEOPLE LIKE BLEACHER REPORT WRITER, KEVIN DING, AND AM570 KLAC RADIO HOST, PETROS PAPADAKIS, HAVE SAID THAT D'ANTONI WILL STILL BE EMPLOYED BY THE LAKERS.
I GO INTO THE BREAKDOWN OF MIKE BROWN'S CONTRACT AND THE MDA STATUS HERE, FYI
THE LAKERS MAY ALSO HAVE TO PAY THAT AMOUNT OUT IMMEDIATELY AS OPPOSED TO THE MIKE BROWN BUYOUT THAT WAS SPREAD OUT OVER TWO YEARS (UNTIL HE WAS HIRED BY THE CAVS).
| MITCH IS THE MAN AND THE LAKERS TOOK CARE OF HIM |
THESE ARE THE REASONS WHY D'ANTONI SHOULD GO:
1) CHANGE THE QI (chee): There is so MUCH Negative energy associated with the Lakers right now for a variety of reasons. 1 of those reasons is that they will now have their worst record in Los Angeles Lakers History. PJ, the Zen Master knows a little bit about Qi, and, right now the Knicks energy has surged and they are currently battling to remain in the playoff hunt. New Energy-New Direction-New Focus
2) PLAYER RETENTION and ACQUISITION: If the Franchise CARES, AT ALL, about retaining players like Jordan Hill, Pau Gasol, or Chris Kaman, I believe there is no chance at retention if D'Antoni is still coach. WOULD YOU COME BACK? The LAKERS did NOT trade Pau at the deadline so there must be some great consideration at re-signing him, wouldn't you think? And, there ARE plenty of Free Agents that WILL NOT PLAY FOR MDA.
3) The D'Antoni Express: Sporadic minutes for players, misuse of talent, poor game management. A roller coaster ride, of the worst kind, for NBA players, see: Xavier Henry, Chris Kaman, Jordan Hill, Robert Sacre, Ryan Kelly, Shawne Williams, Marshon Brooks. Poor assembly of talent and improperly identifying successful lineup/ best players / PT (playing time) assessment and putting players in POSITIONS TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
4) SYSTEM BEFORE PERSONNEL: It has been my experience, as a coach, that Coaches adapt a plan/ system to their given personnel and strengths. D'Antoni, and his stubborn ways, forces "HIS SYSTEM" onto a group where it does NOT FIT 100%
5) DEFENSE AND REBOUNDING: This should need NO EXPLANATION. At the time I am writing this, the Lakers are ranked 29th of 30 teams in defense AND
24th in REBOUNDING. If you aren't rebounding the ball and you're not playing defense, you're NOT WINNING ANYTHING, AND THESE ATTRIBUTES ARE ABOUT EFFORT, ENERGY AND HUSTLE. WHERE IS THE "COACH" MOTIVATING HIS GUYS AND PLAYING THE RIGHT PLAYERS FOR THIS TO OCCUR?
6) DE-MOTIVATOR: A COACH, ESPECIALLY AN NBA COACH, REALLY NEEDS TO MOTIVATE AND INSPIRE. There are 4-5 OTHER Coaches on the bench that can worry about specialties, Xs and Os. D'Antoni has gone on record calling his "Bigs (kaman and Pau)," "BIG and SLOW," He has also referred to them as "CLYDESDALES," and after losses said things like, "they were taller, bigger, stronger, just better than us." This, after games where he LIMITED AND DID NOT PLAY HIS BIGGER PLAYERS (KAMAN).
7) Communication/Discipline: UNTIL GREGG POPOVICH RETIRES I URGE THAT ALL COACHES REPLICATE WHAT HE DOES. THAT TEAM IS HIGHLY ORGANIZED, DISCIPLINED, STRUCTURED AND COMMUNICATES EXTREMELY WELL, AS ANY SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OPERATION DOES. THE LAKERS TEAM...DOES NOT. AND, SEE ITEMS 1-6 THAT RELATE AND WRAP INTO #7.
Perhaps it is fitting that this ends in 7 (REASONS OR LESS)
Based on the definition of "D-DAY," some might argue that Mr. D'Antoni has already been under attack, thus D-Day has been implemented and the severance might just be a part in the overall plan going forward. Of Course, there IS that possibility that Mike D does stay.
D Day may NOT be the official date of severance, but the Day where the wheels will be put into motion. There is a mutual understanding and appreciation of one another because both parties deserve it and are too professional and classy. There will be the allowance and understanding while the Lakers interview their next COACH: Someone with LakerLore, History, and Tradition. Someone rooted in Showtime and someone who bleeds the Purple and Gold...
WE SHALL SEE HOW IT ALL UNFOLDS AS THE FIRST OF
THE PURPLE AND GOLD DOMINOES
FELL WITH THE MULTI YEAR EXTENSION OF GM MITCH KUPCHAK. WHAT DOMINO
COMES NEXT? [DOMINOES TRICKS]
--the faux GM
@CBigUpps