New York Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni has resigned from the team, with Mike Woodson taking over as interim coach. The Knicks have been on a losing skid since forward Carmelo Anthony rejoined the team, wiping away all the good vibes that Jeremy Lin had generated over the past month.
Sekou Smith of NBA.com and David Adridge of TNT report that D'Antoni and Knicks chairman James Dolan met on Wednesday morning and mutually agreed to part ways due to "conflicting visions." Aldridge goes on:
D'Antoni, the source said, had been advocating that the Knicks attempt to trade Anthony to the New Jersey Nets for guard Deron Williams, a deal D'Antoni believed would be beneficial for both franchises. But Dolan categorically declined that request, and the "conflicting visions" between the owner and head coach about Anthony meant there was no way forward.
D'Antoni had hoped the Knicks' inspired and winning play with Lin as the centerpiece - while Anthony and Stoudemire were injured - would convince Dolan the Knicks could win without Anthony. Bringing Williams from the Nets would also have eases the burden on Lin, D'Antoni believed, allowing Lin to settle into a three-guard rotation.
D'Antoni had reportedly fallen far out of favor with Anthony upon the star player's return to the team and hearing about the proposed new direction for the Knicks and for himself.
For more on D'Antoni and the Knicks, head over to the SB Nation blog Posting and Toasting. Be sure to stay tuned to our NBA hub as well.
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