- The Houston Rockets were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.
- Mike D’Antoni has informed the team that he will become a coaching free agent as his contract with the team expired at the end of the season.
- Mike D’Antoni has a 672-527 record as a head coach in the NBA.
HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets season ended in the Western Conference semifinals for the second consecutive year.
This time the Rockets were eliminated at the hands of LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. The Rockets management will be busy this offseason as they try to build around the core of Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
In the wake of being eliminated from the bubble, the Rockets will now have to begin a search for a new head coach and online sportsbooks will certainly release odds on it.
Mike D’Antoni has informed the team that he will become a coach free agent closing the door on a potential reunion between
D’Antoni, whose contract expired with the end of the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday, turned down extension offers prior to the season. https://t.co/MeoUrwWADm
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2020
D’Antoni stepping down shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as the Rockets did try to extend the coach before the season.
D’Antoni spent the past four seasons with the Houston Rockets where he compiled a 318-217 regular-season record.
Advertising Disclosure
USAOnlineSportsbooks.com provides you with the most current information regarding sports betting and fantasy with the help of commissions we receive from links you may click on our site.
The market for D’Antoni’s services won’t have a shortage of potential buyers as currently the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, and New Orleans Pelicans have vacancies at the head coaching position.
D’Antoni immediately becomes the best name on the head coaching market and his offensive experience will help any team whether they’re a young or a playoff contender.
In 16 seasons as an NBA head coach D’Antoni has a 672-527 regular-season record and a 54-56 playoff record.
Mike and Laurel D’Antoni statement to ESPN on departure from Rockets pic.twitter.com/XypyT8bgC0
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2020
The split between D’Antoni and the Rockets seemed imminent as the two sides couldn't agree to terms before the season.
This is just the first of many changes the Rockets will undergo this season as they’ll likely quickly try to build a contending team with limited cap space.
As a professional sports writer, Robert has written for outlets such as the FAMUAN and other sports-centric platforms. He focuses mainly on NFL and NBA betting, though he keeps tabs on every major sport.
