Jeremy Lin (Photo : Getty Images)
With the reports of Houston Rockets' hiring of Mike D'Antoni as its next head coach, the possibility of Jeremy Lin jumping back to Texas has increased significantly largely because of his close ties with D'Antoni, according to a source close to situation. On the other hand, all directions are pointing towards Dwight Howard's departure.
The Rockets officially ended their search for a head coach after locking up D'Antoni, who previously coached the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers. D'Antoni will reportedly sign a three-year contract and more importantly assume the head coaching duties for the Rockets after a mediocre run this season.
The 65-year-old D'Antoni has built a reputation for popularizing the 7-second offense, the very same offensive system that catapulted the Suns to become a legit NBA contender during the 2000s. However, despite being touted as an offensive genius, D'Antoni teams weren't known much for defense. That's why the Rockets are hoping to hire defensive-oriented minds likes of Memphis Grizzlies assistant Jeff Bzdelik and Washington Wizards assistant Roy Rogers.
"Thus, as part of D'Antoni's staff, team officials are hoping to hire Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Jeff Bzdelik as his "defensive coordinator," as well as Washington Wizards assistant Roy Rogers," according to ESPN.
Aftermath of D'Antoni Hiring:
Many NBA analysts believe Dwight Howard is a goner upon the Rockets' decision to hire D'Antoni. Howard, who played under D'Antoni for one season with the Los Angeles Lakers before bolting to the Rockets in 2013, made it known that he's not comfortable playing the past-paced offense of D'Antoni.
Having the option to exercise his early termination contract, Howard can become an unrestricted free-agent this summer, where the Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets and even the Atlanta Hawks emerge as potential destinations.
As for the 26-year old Lin, there's now a strong chance he will follow D'Antoni in Houston. Lin played under D'Antoni during his brief yet memorable time in New York. He then spent two seasons with the Rockets before the team traded him to the Lakers in 2014.
The former Harvard standout is coming off a strong season in which he became one of the league's finest point guards coming off the bench for the Charlotte Hornets.
Although he has expressed his desire to stay in Charlotte, the inability of the Hornets to give him a significant paycheck could prompt him to join a team that could give him fatter paychecks and an opportunity to play extended minutes. The Rockets apparently possess all of that, having the significant salary cap and D'Antoni to woe a solid playmaker like Lin.
