5 reasons Mike D’Antoni fits with the Houston Rockets
By John Buhler
2. Could get the best out of James Harden.
In 2014-15, Harden finished second in MVP voting behind only the Warriors’ Stephen Curry. Harden actually earned the nod from his players in their own awards show. Though he came into 2015-16 out of shape thanks to a Kardashian fling, Harden has proven that he is a top six offensive player in the league even in a down year.
Going forward, Morey and whomever ends up being the next head coach of the Rockets have to fully understand that this franchise starts and ends with Harden as their preeminent offensive go-to scoring force.
Harden plays with the flare of a jazzman, magnificently chalking up the stats with an impromptu scoring style. Now imagine if he’s playing in an up-tempo, high-octane D’Antoni offense. Harden loves offense and hates defense, just like D’Antoni. They may not be player/coach soul mates, but they do have more in common than they differ.
The best way for the Rockets to contend for an NBA Championship is to get the most out of Harden. While he is able to elevate his own play, frankly out of necessity now, if he can harness what it takes to be the face of a franchise type of on-court leader, Houston could be back in the 2017 Western Conference Finals with Harden as an MVP candidate under D’Antoni’s tutelage. Nash was a two-time MVP playing for D’Antoni, so why can’t Harden be his next protegé?
Next: 1. Houston needs an active veteran head coach.