In the end, not even Jeremy Lin could save Mike D’Antoni.
Wednesday the embattled coach stepped down from the New York Knicks which was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
Funny how D’Antoni’s job was looking safe with Carmelo out of the lineup but as soon as he comes back the Knicks go 2-8 in their last 10 with both D’Antoni and Anthony in the fold.
The Knicks did end up beating the Trail Blazers 121-79 despite D’Antoni’s departure who according to reports attempted to trade Carmelo Anthony to the New Jersey Nets for Deron Williams.
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.
Ref: Yahoo! Sports, Hang Time