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5 reasons why the Houston Rockets should not hire Mike D’Antoni

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers associate head coach Mike D'Antoni prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The 76ers defeated the Suns 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers associate head coach Mike D'Antoni prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The 76ers defeated the Suns 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patrick Beverley, Houston Rockets
Jan 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) catches a pass against the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

No point guard…

The Phoenix Suns of the mid-2000s rose to power because D’Antoni installed an offense that took supreme advantage of one of the great players of that era. His system accentuated Steve Nash and turned a great player into a two-time MVP.

It revolutionized the NBA.

Wherever D’Antoni has gone, point guard play and distribution from the point guard position has been absolutely critical. He has made some mediocre point guards look good because of his system. He has made some good point guards like Jeremy Lin look downright amazing with the freedom he gives them.

The kind of point guard he likes are guards who can probe into the offense in the half court and push the pace and shoot in transition. He wants the pace up and constant movement with the ball, either by the pass or the dribble. The point guard has to be adept at running the pick and roll.

That is decidedly not Patrick Beverley. Frankly, that is decidedly not any player on the Rockets roster right now.

Beverley averaged 3.4 assists per game last year, tying his career high. Beverley is a career 41.2 percent field goal shooter, although he is a solid catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter, breaking 40 percent from beyond the arc.

D’Antoni does not want a catch-and-shoot guard though. He wants someone who can create his own shot. Beverley is not that kind of player and would be a bad fit in the offense-only style D’Antoni favors. Especially considering Beverley just completed the first year of a four-year contract.

Next: Harden does not count

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