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Walsh also courts D'Antoni for Knicks' job

BY ALAN HAHN | alan.hahn@newsday.com

May 6, 2008

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Mike D'Antoni essentially can name his destination - and likely his price - after spending the past 24 hours talking with the Knicks and Bulls about their head-coaching vacancies.

A discussion with Suns owner Robert Sarver and president Steve Kerr over the weekend resulted in Suns coach D'Antoni's decision to weigh his options elsewhere rather than go forward under the meddlesome Sarver-Kerr regime that frustrated him this season.

Kerr released a statement yesterday afternoon that said the Suns preferred that D'Antoni "continue leading this basketball team," but "because he requested to speak with other teams about their head-coaching vacancies, we have granted him permission."

Bulls executive John Paxson was the first to meet with D'Antoni in Phoenix on Sunday night. Knicks president Donnie Walsh arrived yesterday afternoon and, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, was scheduled to meet with D'Antoni last night.

Walsh did not return a message for comment. A Knicks spokesman would neither confirm nor deny that Walsh was in Phoenix.

Walsh was there only 10 days ago to meet with another candidate, Mark Jackson, who still is believed to be high on his list. Walsh has taken his time, however, in an attempt to see if any high-end coaches would shake free after the first round of the playoffs ended. His hunch was correct, as D'Antoni and former Mavericks coach Avery Johnson became available.

Walsh has been contacted by Johnson's representation and will give him an interview this week. But if Walsh is thrilled with D'Antoni and the thought of bringing his entertaining, high-octane offensive system to the Garden, he might need to act fast.

The Bulls were thought to be high on Rick Carlisle to fill their opening, but they also waited. Paxson is believed to have a strong interest in Johnson, but he also made a quick beeline to Phoenix to meet with D'Antoni.

Carlisle is closing in on replacing Johnson in Dallas.

The Bulls and Knicks are lottery teams, but it is believed that Chicago would be more attractive for D'Antoni because the Bulls' roster has more talent conducive to the up-tempo style he likes. But if this is about money, people rarely outbid Garden chairman James Dolan.

D'Antoni has two years and $8.5 million left on his contract with the Suns, who have no interest in firing him because they would be liable for the balance of the contract.

There were rumors of unrest within the Suns' hierarchy this season, especially after the blockbuster trade that Kerr pulled off that brought in Shaquille O'Neal from Miami in exchange for Shawn Marion. The trade did not work out as planned, as the Suns were dumped in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs.

In the previous two seasons, however, the Suns reached the Western Conference finals under D'Antoni. His style, though wildly entertaining, often is criticized for not being disciplined enough for the playoffs.

And some wonder if D'Antoni - known as a players' coach and not a disciplinarian - is the right guy for New York.

"He's a great offensive coach and his demeanor is noncombative as it relates to players," one NBA general manager said. "If they are looking for a defensive-minded drill sergeant, they better look elsewhere."

The search could be ending soon because Walsh has said he wants a coach in place to be part of the draft process. The lottery will take place May 20 and the pre-draft camp will be held May 27-30 in Orlando; after the camp, teams are allowed to bring in potential draftees for individual workouts. Walsh will want to have a coach there to be part of that.

D'Antastic?

PROS

D'Antoni is considered one of the more innovative offensive coaches in basketball and employs an up-tempo style that is exciting and effective. The Garden would be a great stage for this wildly entertaining style.

Does not micromanage or overcoach, but instead gives his players the freedom to use their talents to be creative within the system. Versatile players such as David Lee, Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, Renaldo Balkman and Wilson Chandler would thrive.

Won at least 54 games in four straight seasons, including twice eclipsing the 60-win mark. Has a 253-136 record (.650) and twice reached conference finals.

Was named Coach of the Year in 2004-05 with a 62-20 record.

CONS

Has been referred to as "Antoni" because there is no "D" in his system. The focus is on scoring quickly and getting more shot attempts than the opponent. But if you have a bad shooting night - or a bad shooting team - the lack of defensive focus will bury you.

Criticized for being too soft on his players and not demanding enough of them, which is similar to the Isiah Thomas era. A non-confrontational coach who is best suited for a veteran team with locker-room leaders.

As demonstrated by Shaquille O'Neal's ineffectiveness in Phoenix, the D'Antoni system has no use for slow, plodding big men such as Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph. It also requires a talented, pass-first point guard who can run the fast break, which the Knicks don't currently possess.

Only 26-25 (.510) in the postseason.