Mike D'Antoni's big day has huge ties to his time in Houston

While we are still a little over two months away from the basketball season, things can seem quiet. This weekend is, however, a big day for a former Houston Rockets icon, Mike D’Antoni, who will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame for his coaching.

D’Antoni coached the Rockets from 2016 to 2020 and compiled a 217-101 regular-season record, including a run to the Western Conference Finals during the 2017-18 season. That series ended up being a rough one with some painful injuries and frigid shooting from three, but D'Antoni did have the Rockets a game away from the Finals.

His accolades in Houston helped land D'Antoni in the HOF

D’Antoni was Coach of the Year in 2017 and was named the Western Conference All-Star Head Coach in 2018. The National Basketball Coaches Association also named him the Co-Coach of the Year in 2017. While not known for his defense, D’Antoni orchestrated some amazing offenses, including James Harden’s MVP season in 2018, as well as some of Harden’s best years in general. The Rockets have sorely missed his offensive genius ever since he left the team in 2020.

Looking back at his overall coaching tenure, it feels easy to forget the years between the Phoenix Suns in 2003-08 and the Rockets. He spent that time in New York, Los Angeles, and even a short associate head coach stint in Philadelphia, but none were memorable. In a way, this makes the gap between 2008 and 2016 - from the "Seven-Seconds-or-Less" Suns offense to James Harden’s prime years so much more impressive; he was able to reignite his methods.

D'Antoni won Coach of the Year with the Suns as well in 2005 with Steve Nash leading his offense. Coming back to win the same award 12 years later with Harden at the helm proved his coaching brilliance and longevity. Rockets fans had some frustrations with him, including his poor usage of the Center position, but I think we can all agree his time here made for some of the most fun seasons in Houston.

Where to watch D'Antoni get inducted

The ceremony is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the Springfield Sympathy Hall in Springfield, MA. D'Antoni will be presented into the Hall by a group of five including his former players Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemaire (Stoudemaire is also an inductee this year), who were key members of his Suns teams. You can watch the whole thing live on NBA TV or on NBA League Pass for viewers outside the United States.

The Rockets may not be the team that D’Antoni sees as his magnum opus, but anytime someone reaches the mountaintop and you get to be a part of it, taking the time to appreciate it is key for both parties. We'll take any chance to celebrate one of the greatest coaches in franchise history. D’Antoni never got his ring, but he definitely earned the respect.

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