The Portland Trail Blazers are in the midst of searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Terry Stotts.
It was recently reported that Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Chauncey Billups is the favorite for the job, but another NBA assistant coach is reportedly seriously interested in the position.
“But as this process begins, and with so many believing the quality of this hire will impact the organization’s future with franchise centerpiece Damian Lillard, there’s a counter-intuitive name to add to the conversation whose coaching profile likely eclipses any of the forthcoming candidates: Brooklyn assistant coach Mike D’Antoni,” wrote Sam Amick of The Athletic. “A source with knowledge of D’Antoni’s situation said he has serious interest in the Portland position, though it remains to be seen if it will be reciprocated.”
D’Antoni is currently in his first season as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets after spending four seasons as the head coach of the Houston Rockets.
The 70-year-old has plenty of head coaching experience in the NBA, amassing a regular season record of 672-527 as well as a playoff record of 54-56.
D’Antoni would be an interesting choice for the Trail Blazers as they look to improve their defense, which was one of the worst in the league this past season.
Although D’Antoni’s teams have historically been known for their high-tempo offenses, his teams have not been all that bad on defense either, something the Trail Blazers would surely be interested in.
Only time will tell if D’Antoni’s interest in the Blazers will be reciprocated.
