The Houston Rockets were eliminated from the NBA playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers and now, that means head coach Mike D’Antoni is a free agent. The New Orleans Pelicans are now a team to watch in regards to where the long-time NBA coach might land next.
It’s unclear if the Rockets will end up bringing back D’Antoni on a contract extension. Houston has had ample opportunity to do so, but after their latest shortcomings in the playoffs, will they look to make a change? D’Antoni will have no shortage of options if that ends up being the case.
According to Jonathan Feigen of Houston Chronicle, D’Antoni is expected to ‘draw interest’ from the Pelicans in addition to being linked to the Pacers’ head coach search.
D’Antoni said he wants to keep coaching. He has been linked to the open position with the Pacers and is expected to draw interest from the Pelicans.
The Pelicans should be considered one of the most intriguing head coaching vacancies for potential candidates when compared to the rest of the NBA. The foundation of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson is intriguing along with Jrue Holiday among other talents.
It’s difficult to envision the Pelicans not managing to emerge as a perennial playoff team as Williamson develops. New Orleans will have the opportunity to add some additional talent to their supporting cast to position themselves for greater success, too.
Being able to add a head coach like Mike D’Antoni would be a fascinating possibility for the Pelicans. While no head coach hire would automatically make New Orleans an unstoppable force, it would certainly help their continued development as a franchise.
NBA Analysis Network brings you up-to-date information, news, and analysis about the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets and all 30 teams in the league. Make sure to give us a follow on Twitter and like our Facebook page.
