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Rockets: Mike D’Antoni very deservingly gets his contract picked up

By Michael Knight

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Head coach Mike D'Antoni of the Houston Rockets speaks to the media after their 92 to 101 loss to Golden State Warriors in Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 28, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Head coach Mike D'Antoni of the Houston Rockets speaks to the media after their 92 to 101 loss to Golden State Warriors in Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 28, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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The Rockets have decided to keep the former 2x Coach of the Year for another two seasons, at least.

Mike D’Antoni, the coach for the Houston Rockets, has officially had his contract for the 2019-20 season picked up today. It comes as no surprise, as the team has had much success in his two years as the head coach.

Coach D’Antoni was the recipient of the Coach of the Year award last year after transforming the offense of Houston and leading to the third seed in the West in a year they were expected to possibly miss the playoffs.

This year was arguably an even better coaching job, in this writer’s opinion. He was able to lead the Rockets to 65 wins and perfectly find a way to mesh two Hall of Fame playmakers in James Harden and Chris Paul. Houston finished first in the West, even ahead of the dynasty that is the Warriors.

In his two years with the Rockets, MDA has a coaching record of 120-44. He has completely accepted the Morey-ball philosophy and meshed it with his own style of coaching. That’s what makes him the perfect skipper in Houston.

NBA sources: The Rockets have picked up the option year on head coach Mike D'Antoni's contract. He originally signed a three year-deal with a team option for a fourth year. So he's now tied to the Rockets through the 2019-2020 season.

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) June 27, 2018

Free agency

This announcement comes just a few days before the start of free agency. This was the perfect time for the Rockets to pick up the option for Coach D’Antoni.

Now, players who are pursued by Houston know for sure that there will be consistency in the head coaching. D’Antoni will be able to a part of the recruiting process even more, now.

Guards particularly excel in the MDA system, so free agents at that position should be ready and willing to join the Rockets and have career years.

Next: Should the Rockets pursue Seth Curry?

Congrats to Coach Mike D’Antoni on having his fourth year picked up by the Rockets! It is very much well-deserved and I hope to have him in Houston for many more seasons!

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