Amar'e Stoudemire: Mike D'Antoni resigns based on frustration
Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks celebrate from the bench. (March 15, 2012) Credit: Jim McIsaac
Amar'e Stoudemire admitted that a division in the Knicks' locker room played a role in Mike D'Antoni's unexpected departure.
"I think he was frustrated with the fact that everyone wasn't buying into his system," Stoudemire said. "It made him look bad. So he thought that, I guess, stepping down was the best way for him. But as players, we have to look forward."
D'Antoni's surprise resignation came after the Knick's had lost six straight games and failed to effectively incorporate Carmelo Anthony back into the offense following his return from injury.
Mike Woodson, who was hired as an assistant coach over the summer to preach defense to a team that thrived on offense, was named interim coach.
The Knicks' transition from D'Antoni's pick and roll, run-and-gun style of play to Woodson's defensive-minded system began Wednesday night with a 121-79 thumping of the Trail Blazers. But Stoudemire, who also played five seasons under D'Antoni in Phoenix, stressed that he was in full support of D'Antoni and his style.
"Me personally, I would never disrespect my coach," he said. "I'm always a guy who's going to listen to my coaches and also try to implement whatever strategy they have for us to play toward their goals . . . With that being said, with him being gone, now Mike Woodson's our coach and we have to have the same respect for him as we did for our previous coach."
Many players expressed disappointment and surprise over D'Antoni's sudden departure, including Jeremy Lin.
"Obviously, I miss him a lot," Lin said. "What he did for me and my career. I'm not going to forget what he did for me personally. I am sad to see him go. I owe him a lot."
